[jimmies]

Alternative way to see it: The author had either a $50 solution, or a $50 solution that comes with a discounted hotair rework station for $150…

I learned it from Superfastmatt. He needed a piece of plastic that retails for $1500 for his van, so he said: “either I have a $1500 solution or I have a $1500 solution but I get a free fancy 3D printer in the end…” that stuck with me.

[stn8188]

Haha yeah, last year I replaced my wheel bearings in my van. I ended up with a frustrating ABS code (long story short: faulty magnetic encoders on both of the new bearings). I ended up spending about the same as the job would have cost at a shop, but with a slew of new tools.

I also did a USB switch project for fun, and ended up spending probably $250 for something I could have just bought for $15, but it was a great experience. (Here if anyone is interested: https://shielddigitaldesign.com/posts/2021/susb/ )

[stronglikedan]

Lol, was that the thing that jutted out the drive's side and let him put the bed sideways? If so, I missed that quip, but it's great regardless!

[bluGill]

When doing any diy I assume I will spend more on tools the first time than I save, but the next time I have the tools and so costs are much less.

[vasco]

There's never a next time though because you just want to do new stuff

[Dr4kn]

More often you use some of the tools you already have, but have to buy additional ones.

[bluGill]

That happens though oftenithe tools work for the project 6 from now.

[m463]

I've come full circle several times.

I have a brake bleeder, an oil change jugs with a cap on top and the side, cellphone tool kits, and more...

Sometimes it takes a while to derive the tenets of labor specialization from first principles.

How many of us can make more making nets for fishermen than making nets AND fishing yourself?

[XorNot]

Sometimes I wonder this and then look up how much it costs to get some job done and realize I'm probably still coming out substantially ahead.

[viraptor]

You still need to account for a fun factor. I've got a nas which cost me probably $400 in parts to save on buying a $300 solution. But it's mine, janky, fun and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[BizarroLand]

I know my local library loans out tools, I wonder if I can gift my use once tools to them so someone else could borrow them instead of buying?