re: Cost of tools

I feel your pain Jeff. Myself, I am fortunate in that I bought most of my hand tools 40 years ago when I began my cabinetmaker/millmens apprenticeship. The tools were expensive back then and I would purchase 1 or 2 a week, mostly Stanley tools. I have taken good care of these tools all these years and they have been good to me. I have 2 other hobby’s, photography and golf and the same holds true for the equipment that I need to do those to endeavors. It comes down to this, if you want to play you have to pay. The manufacturers know this and are more than happy to supply what ever it is you want, and will continue to upgrade them every year to entice away your $$$$.