Tools of the trade
I’ve had a long standing “equation” as a part of my projects related to furniture making / restoring / re-purposing (think Junk Brothers) as well as upgrades to the house.
If I enjoy the work, I don’t count the cost of my time.
If I need a new tool, I buy it.
If the results are of high quality.
If the final cost of the project doesn’t come out more than what would have been the cost of hiring out the job or buying new furniture.
… then I’m happy with the balance!
My dining room table was such a project. Only, by the time I built it, I had done so many projects that I had all of the basic tools. I only needed a simple $36 doweling jig.I realized, my clock project should be no different. I had been debating the need for some tools not already in my shop and given I am not counting the cost of my time (because I am enjoying this project) then investing in a few tools would be OK.
The clock is a different beast. I have no metal working tools and very few finishing tools. So, I’ve added to my shop.
I’d ordered three new tools (two have arrived). I needed a brushing / polishing solution for small parts and to get into small places so I picked up a good quality Dremel with the cable drive extension. I also added a long over due paint spraying setup to my shop. I’ll make a temporary spray booth for now but my next workshop will have a [nearly] dedicated space for spraying. BTW: the three guns represent primer, finish, and touch-up guns with decreasing nozzle size (blue, red, then green respectively).
