Sounds like you'll fit in well here. Huge project list, technical background, and a father who knew what he was doing.

These links may help a bit:

Homemade Tools Search: crane - HomemadeTools.net
Homemade Tools Search: backhoe - HomemadeTools.net
Homemade Tools Search: plasma cutter - HomemadeTools.net
Homemade Brakes and Presses - HomemadeTools.net