I'm a writer for a company called iFixit, which offers free open-source repair manuals for all kinds of electronics. We're doing research on technologies that have been limited by the DMCA, and—with help from some folks law students around the country—we've been specifically looking at farming equipment.
Tool list: Oxy acetylene or Propane (propane may be preferable - since mostly for cutting and heating rather than welding) metal cutting bandsaw (or sawzall or hacksaw) Grinder (4 1/2 inch for starters) Basic stick welder (or Mig, better; mobile stick or mig also acts as backup generator for the farm) Drill Press (Floor model with low RPMs might be better than table-mount) Rod cans to prevent rusty rods Basic mechanic drive set (1/2", 3/8") Auto darkening helmet (can get for roughly $100) Heavy vice Vicegrips all sorts heavy steel clamps Floor fan for ventilation Steel table (can mount with