How Expensive is Turning

[roger wiegand]

I turned for the first five years with a 40's vintage bench top Delta lathe and set of Sears tools that I got for $80 for the lot plus a $10 garage sale bench grinder for sharpening. Learned a lot about holding wood with only one faceplate and one drive center. I did think this was a case where the "starter set" was worth the investment despite lacking quality, though it did have some oddball tools I never really used. Turning with inferior tools beat not turning.

Spent somewhat more since those days even though I use the lathe a lot less now . Hope to get back to it once I shake the day job.

[Marvin Hasenak]

A lot of "rationalizing" on this thread, my grandpa called "rationalizing" lying to yourself to justify something you want but do not need.

[Brian McInturff]

Very few "need" to turn. It's a hobby, so it's a "want".

[Dan Hintz]

A lot of "rationalizing" on this thread, my grandpa called "rationalizing" lying to yourself to justify something you want but do not need.

I rationalize both needs AND wants... if I can't rationalize it in some form or another, then I don't get it. If I didn't spend time trying to do so, I would be "in" to WAY more hobbies than I am now...

[Dan Masshardt]

I don't rationalize anything. When I sell something I turned I take that money and buy more tools or supplies. Guilt and explanation free. :-)

[Rich Riddle]

It would prove very difficult to rationalize woodworking in general. That said, when I can repair what a contractor wants $10K to achieve for $900 because the appropriate tools are already in the shop it seems to justify itself.