Ever wonder if it's too late in life to buy another pricy tool?

[Tallbald]

Kinda late in life at age 64 now to be spending over $700 on a scroll saw. Doubt I'll get 30-37 years use like I have in other pricy tools  (Delta drill press, General floor model lathe, Delta 14 inch band saw, Vicmarc Mini-Lathe, yada yada) I have accumulated. Sort of puts a damper on my excitement.

Anyone else my age group have periods they think about this?

Don.

 

[Scrappile]

All the time age doesn't stop me,,, money does.

[TAIrving]

I will turn 80 later this year.  I bought a Pegas scroll saw 2-1/2 years ago and have found it to provide a great outlet for my creative side.  The question is not "Can you get all the good out of it in your remaining years?" but rather "Can you add interest and value to the years you have remaining?"  Perhaps there will still be value in the machines when you and I are gone.  And then someone else will get a great machine and perhaps it will inspire them too.  

[Tallbald]

An excellent way to look at things. Thank you and I'll hold onto that TAIrving. Don.

 

[Wichman]

I bought my Hegner new when I was 62. I'd always wanted one and I could afford it so I pulled the trigger, no regrets.

[Peter N White]

If you can afford it buy it age doesn't matter enjoyment does. 

[kmmcrafts]

Kind of like those of us that are into old muscle cars.. Lots of people worry about the "miles per gallon"  instead of the "smiles per gallon" LOL

Going cheap on a saw and having frustrating blade changes and struggles of using the saw because it's not comfortable to sit at.. etc.. Personally I find if I saw with my Excalibur my neck and back get sore.. I struggle to be comfortable sitting at the stand as there is no place to put your legs.. But sitting at the Hawk or especially the Hegner is more comfortable because of the narrower stand.. Maybe comfort of one of the top of the line saws will make you enjoy the crafts better.. Either way you can't take the money or the tool with you when you go so enjoy it if you have it.. if not stay with what you can afford.  

[Dak0ta52]

I'll be 65 next month and have purchased a jointer, thickness planer, miter saw and stand, Rikon 12-inch bandsaw, and the 30-inch Pegas since January of this year. You only live once... make the best of it.

[dansnow]

After taking a small chunk out of my thumb at the age of 67 I dropped around $3200 on a SawStop PCS. Didn't regret it for a second. 

 

Edited February 26, 2023 by dansnow

[Sycamore67]

If it makes you happy.and you can afford it, then buy it.

If it makes you smile, then buy it. My Nova Voyager drill press makes me smile every time I use it.  The same for my Sawstop and Hegner.  

Do I take into consideration my age buying new tool? Yes but I am a bit older than the OP.

[Phil Royer]

All of the above is good information. But also remember the value of the tool does not dissapear. Your heirs will be able to take advantage of the residual value. Just like whatever you have left in your bank accounts.

[ChelCass]

Ok youngsters here's how it is. LOL

  As others have said if you can afford it buy it!  I bought my 74 year old hubby a new tractor to the tune of over 15,000.00.  Is he too old to use it No! It has been a Back saver and probably one of the best purchases I will ever make.  If you want that new saw buy it.  Life is too short to worry about Am I too old to buy this.   The tractor is just one of many tools hubby has gotten in the past couple of years.  Last Christmas he got a new table saw, year before a new drill press and the list goes on.  So I guess what I am saying is if it makes you happy and life easier go for it! 

Edited February 26, 2023 by ChelCass

[Roberta Moreton]

Age doesn’t matter. You can die tomorrow at any age. Have fun while still on the top side of the grass. 

[Gonzo]

I too pondered that while thinking of getting a Hegner. Is it worth it at my age?  I have to agree with everything everyone has said. 
 

[Tallbald]

This is very encouraging to me and I thank you each and all. My concern is that after I'm outta here, Penny does not struggle to make ends meet. She assures me she would be fine (she's 10 years my younger). Our home is paid for, and we have always lived frugally (she's a farm girl, I'm a child of the 70's recession). My wife and three children are my greatest blessings.

Thank you folks. Awaiting delivery as I type this. Delivery truck is 4 stops away...

Don

[Scrappile]

Good move,,, It appears you wrote this after you ordered!    Now enjoy, conscience  clear!

[meflick]

3 hours ago, Phil Royer said:

All of the above is good information. But also remember the value of the tool does not dissapear. Your heirs will be able to take advantage of the residual value. Just like whatever you have left in your bank accounts.

I have made sure to tell my children that once my husband and I are gone, NOT to simply have a yard sale or junk all of our toys, err tools. That they might be surprised to learn the value of most of them so be sure and get someone in to determine their value if they don’t want to keep them. I have considered the Sawstop table saw one of the best things I encouraged my hubby to buy when he was reluctant to spend the extra money. Even with that, I still won’t use the table saw myself though.

Enjoy your new saw.

[OCtoolguy]

19 hours ago, Tallbald said:

Kinda late in life at age 64 now to be spending over $700 on a scroll saw. Doubt I'll get 30-37 years use like I have in other pricy tools  (Delta drill press, General floor model lathe, Delta 14 inch band saw, Vicmarc Mini-Lathe, yada yada) I have accumulated. Sort of puts a damper on my excitement.

Anyone else my age group have periods they think about this?

Don.

 

At 80, yes. All the time. BUT, I plan on orbiting the sun 20 more times. I stopped thinking about age and just buy what makes me happy. 

Edited February 26, 2023 by OCtoolguy

[rjweb]

I think about this all the time, got to live for today, getting old sucks but the alternative is dead, RJ 

[oldhudson]

First, unless you have health issues 64 isn't the end of the road. Lots of members are near their 8th decade, and still going strong.

I understand $700 isn't pocket change for most people but don't look at it as a lump sum, even though that's how you'll pay. I will assume you enjoy scrolling/woodworking so let's say you use the saw 5 hours a week or 260 hours in a year of fun, creativity and enjoyment. If the saw is $700 that comes out to something around $2.70 an hour. That's cheap entertainment, a lot less than cable. If you're pinched for cash go second hand.

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, oldhudson said:

First, unless you have health issues 64 isn't the end of the road. Lots of members are near their 8th decade, and still going strong.

I understand $700 isn't pocket change for most people but don't look at it as a lump sum, even though that's how you'll pay. I will assume you enjoy scrolling/woodworking so let's say you use the saw 5 hours a week or 260 hours in a year of fun, creativity and enjoyment. If the saw is $700 that comes out to something around $2.70 an hour. That's cheap entertainment, a lot less than cable. If you're pinched for cash go second hand.

Amen! After swapping around, I have 3 if the best saws made with zero out of pocket.

[Gonzo]

3 hours ago, oldhudson said:

First, unless you have health issues 64 isn't the end of the road. Lots of members are near their 8th decade, and still going strong.

I understand $700 isn't pocket change for most people but don't look at it as a lump sum, even though that's how you'll pay. I will assume you enjoy scrolling/woodworking so let's say you use the saw 5 hours a week or 260 hours in a year of fun, creativity and enjoyment. If the saw is $700 that comes out to something around $2.70 an hour. That's cheap entertainment, a lot less than cable. If you're pinched for cash go second hand.

Well said, I couldn’t agree more. 

[Tallbald]

Everyone you've all been really helpful here. Your shared thoughts make me feel more at ease than when I posted.  Along the way I talked with my wonderful wife Penny about replies here too. She echoes you folks, suggesting that this little saw will make BOTH ours crafting and shop time more pleasant regardless of how many decades we have left to share (and Penny, knowing me well, added "it may add some to our craft show profits babe!" Grin). Coming clean here I should add that Penny is the person gifting me (us) this Jet saw! I don't mind spending on here but hate to spend on myself...

On an aggravating note friends, the saw arrived today just as we were leaving for 11:00 services. But on examination after getting home we found there was damage to the container. Holes into the side like a fork lift tine punch, broken packing materials visible, and three crushed box corners. One of two packing straps around the box was also gone. I'm returning this one for another and pickup and delivery both happens Thursday this week. Maybe the next one will be handled a little more cautiously. I guess these sorts of things are our "new normal" these days as I've read of many folks with similar experiences from many sources. 

In the meantime I'm making up four 1/4 inch thick , 2 X 2 inch firm rubber washers to install between the (next) saw's feet and the heavy laminated wood top on the stand. Some folks advise a rubber mat between the saw and stand top to reduce vibration.. This rubber is old bandsaw wheel tires from my 37 year old Delta. I pulled the discarded tires out of the trash last fall thinking I may "one day find a use for them". "One day" is now!

Thanks again everyone and I'll share a picture or three when the new saw is installed.

Don.

[preprius]

I am just a young guy at 63. 

I just dropped a chunk $$ a few months ago on my other hobby of astronomy.  After taxes I will upgrade my little tripod. 

The thing about astronomy is there is NO deliverables.  It is experiencing they activity and sometimes sharing with others.  Yes it is a tool. Yes I can sell it or give it to the kids. 

But the point here is I am not too old for new tools.   

Okay okay this telescope might be considered by someone, a toy because it cant make anything.

But my next tool is a new drill press.  Yep Voyager looks nice. 

[Sycamore67]

A couple of months ago, we were reviewing things with a financial planner.  He said it would be OK to purchase something.  Well, my wife is a quilter and sewing machines are expensive.  She already has Husqvarna machine but wanted a long arm quilter.  She really likes it but I probably will not be buying a new tool soon. But, it made her very happy.