This weekend I will hopefully film a video that goes over another one of your questions, beginning wood working tools. The skilsaw is one of them. With the right blade you can do alot of cuts with it. This is a video I have been wanting to do as others have asked.
The one thing I would suggest is use oil based paint on your cabinets. It gives a much tougher and smoother finish than water based. It depends on your comfort level with the paint and project.