A sturdy table is good, but make sure it's FLAT.

Lay a straightedge on it and see if it lays flat or of there is a gap in the middle or on the ends.

Personally, I build directly on the table and use weights instead of pins, but if you want to use pins, lay a ceiling tile on top of the table.

I prefer to use medium CA for 90% of my building, but others prefer carpenter's glue (Like Titebond)

Tools:

Hobby knife, Sandpaper, sanding block, Razor Saw, drill bits and a drill are the most-used, but there are probably others that will chime in with more