When was the last time?

Last night I tried to remember when I bought a new power tool at the store for the last time.

I concluded that it must have been in the mid 1980’s when I bought a Dremel scroll saw for my dad as a birthday gift. He never used it and sold it a few years later.

It wasn’t until about 15 years ago, when I started woodworking, that I needed some hand tools and small machinery. Over time I gathered what I needed buying everything used at garage- and estate sales as well as through websites such as Craigslist.

Some of it I resold because I really didn’t need it or when I could find a better one. My first table saw was a little Ryobi that I bought for $40. I used it for several years and  then sold it for $70.

Some tools I acquire with the sole purpose of selling them for profit so I can invest more money in the equipment that I want to keep. I don’t want any money  for my hobby coming out of the household budget.

My wife and I go to garage sales almost every weekend. Here in Southern Arizona, there are sales all year long. And frequently, amongst another items, we find a usable tool for a great price.

And we also keep an eye out for hardware and consumables such as saw blades, finishing products and sandpaper. I am stacking up on those items because I’m going to need them in the near future. When I see a piece of furniture with good solid wood I may just buy it, take it apart, and save the parts.

A few times I sold a tool that I wish I hadn’t. But sooner or later I will find a good replacement. I’m not an impulse buyer. I can spend time in a tool store and walk out empty handed.

Now I’m looking for a scroll saw. I had a nice one at some point but I never used it and it was in the way. I got rid of it and now I wish I still had it because I have some plans with it. There is no rush, I keep looking and I will find a good one at the right price.