Rash Purchasing Decisions

I can tell the exact moment when I know my weekend has slipped out of my control. A job runs overtime, friends drop in or some family emergency comes up. I know this is when (if I am within half an hour drive of a hardware store) I am vulnerable to making a rash purchasing decision.

Why? Because modern marketing has relentlessly impressed on me that by buying something I am achieving something. All I need is the next gagdet and my problems will be solved. I am trying to buy back control so I can feel satisfied (which rationally I know is an illusion).

Some recent Sunday afternoon temptations:

Light fittings (never installed)
Sharpening system (not opened)
Big Steel Toolbox (if i buy a ute one day, will be very handy)
Rubber downpipe plugs for bush-fire preparedness (don't even know where these are supposed to go!)

In consolation I wonder how many routers, drill presses, band saws and whipper snippers never even get unpacked in the first 6 months. Ironically, all that is needed to satisfy these cravings is to spend a small amount of time focused on some small part of a current project. I have found there is much more satisfaction on a Monday morning in knowing I have sharpened one chisel well than there is in wondering why on earth I now own another useless doodad.

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Making your own lathe

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