[jlkuester7]

> if it's the first of a particular kind of equipment, buy the cheapest version you can get. Use that, and you'll learn if it's actually helpful to you and, if it is, what qualities are really important. Only then go out and buy the best version you can afford.

I call this the Harbor Freight tool philosophy! If you need a tool that you do not have, buy it from Harbor Freight (the store sells very cheep but still functional tools). If (and only if) you wear out the Harbor Freight tool, then you know that your use-case deserves a higher level of investment and you go and buy the best version of the tool you can afford. This is a very simple and practical measure (for DIY folks) to decide what equipment to invest in.

[capableweb]

Would be nice to have a name to the "philosophy" indeed, but as someone who never heard of Harbor Freight before, maybe something internationally known would be better? :)