Justifying tool purchases for Hobby Work

[Travis Conner]

I buy the best you can buy then consider it an investment that you keep for a lifetime, maybe even pass down to your kids. Keep in mind though the tool has to be an older well built tool like a classic 1980- 1995 delta unisaw. You can buy one of those in good shape for $800 Or go to home depot and buy a jobsite portable dewalt table saw for $599. Why???

[Dominik Dudkiewicz]

I buy the best you can buy then consider it an investment that you keep for a lifetime, maybe even pass down to your kids. Keep in mind though the tool has to be an older well built tool like a classic 1980- 1995 delta unisaw. You can buy one of those in good shape for $800 Or go to home depot and buy a jobsite portable dewalt table saw for $599. Why???

I'm sure there are also well built tools sold new today. Although I agree there is far too much cheap, wastefull junk. Even more true with hand tools - buy high quality hand tools and look after them and they'll almost certainly be able to be passed on.

Cheers, Dom

[Jared Sankovich]

I buy the best you can buy then consider it an investment that you keep for a lifetime, maybe even pass down to your kids. Keep in mind though the tool has to be an older well built tool like a classic 1980- 1995 delta unisaw. You can buy one of those in good shape for $800 Or go to home depot and buy a jobsite portable dewalt table saw for $599. Why???

Its tough to pick up the unisaw and throw it in the back of your truck, or carry up a flight of stairs yourself.

[Andrew More]

Its tough to pick up the unisaw and throw it in the back of your truck, or carry up a flight of stairs yourself.

Takes up more space as well.

[Todd Mason-Darnell]

7 pages so far and I don't think we have even scratched the surface on this one.

As a hobbyist with a family, demanding job and 30 acres to take care of, I understand the OP's struggles.

Not to be too "woo--woo", but for me, the enjoyment of woodworking is more about the process than getting to the end product. So when I look at a big tool purchase, I am always asking myself why I want it and evaluate the purchase in terms why I enjoy woodworking. So, I see a good table saw or track saw as critical to my enjoyment of the process since accurate and repeatable cuts is makes the process much more enjoyable for me. I have held off on a Domino, because forcing myself to layout the mortise and tenons and then cutting them with a router and table saw makes me focus on the process and the craft. Also, for me, if I had a Domino, I think I would have a tendency to rush projects.

That being said, if I was better at making M&Ts or did this as a business, I would be all in on a Domino.

[Ray Newman]

“How do you rationalize a tool purchase?”
--Patrick Irish

Both The Squeeze and I are retired, cars and house paid for, and we have no debt. She has her monthly income, I have mine. If I want or need a tool and can use it for a project or projects, I just buy it.

[Justin Rapp]

Ok - here is some very serious justification. I am not saying to go out and spend every penny you have but you are also alive for so long, and you really never know when life can take a turn. My thought process changed when I got the call from my doctor telling me my biopsy was positive for prostate cancer, and I was 45 at the time. I am very lucky it was caught early, didn't spread and as of right now cancer free, however there is about a 20% chance for re-occurrence that would once again make me putting on the boxing gloves. So while I tend to get concerned spending $$$ on hobbies, I decided I am going to make sure I enjoy the time I have here because you never know when something out of your control is going to take your health away. While I still don't have my SawStop, I did upgrade my jointer, get a bandsaw, built the workbench I always wanted and put the lift on my Jeep since I was diagnosed. Cutting back where needed to save the money to buy what I WANT!