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I got bitten with the metalwork bug during lockdown. I spend most of my time making imperfect tools that I could buy cheaper. It's just so satisfying to build

by Lio 3y ago

I got bitten with the metalwork bug during lockdown. I spend most of my time making imperfect tools that I could buy cheaper. It's just so satisfying to build something yourself from a design though. Being able to take soft silver-steel, machine a point, then harden it with a blowtorch is just magic. Even just staring at commercially made parts and reverse engineering how/if I could make it on my little hobby lathe with the bar stock I have is really fun. My favourite projects have been small custom parts for my bikes. Nothing is perfect but it all works and you can save loads of money[1]. - 1. Such lies! I haven't saved any money because it's always "if I just had this 200 quid tool I could make this one time 20 quid part". Best to acknowledge it's just a fun hobby. :D

dajt 3y ago
I hate making tools rather than models but I know tools is the hobby for many people and enjoy watching other people make them on YouTube. I agree, being able to harden steel or anneal copper or cut threads is awesome :) I love having the machines & tools. It's nice to know I can make something, and it's even come in handy for work a few times despite the fact I'm a software developer - brackets or adapters that must be metal and not 3D printed. You will have saved money at some point... perhaps 40 years from now! I'll never recoup what I spent on the machines, but other people spend that much on travel and hobbies (like motorcycles) every couple of years so it's not an outlandishly expensive hobby.