What Triggers Your Buy/Build Decision?

[rcrcomputing]

For the original question, I have the welding equipment etc because I can fix/make things on a whim. Since I have them, it's always MUCH cheaper to make stuff from scrap than to buy it new. And we all always need to improve our welding skills and get the sense of satisfaction out of getting EXACTLY what we want..

And we're nuts..

 

[Runner]

For me, the number 1 reason is to have a custom design to meet my own specifications. Second would be availability of the product. For instance, I don't know of any backhoe dollies specifically made for the JD 46 so I made one.

 

[towmotor]

Several factors.

First, there's guilt, I've purchased loads of tools and fabricating gear over the years and I can't seem to justify buying ready made stuff.

Second, related to one thing that many have already mentioned: Either something I need just isn't available in the marketplace, or what is available is junk.

Third, related to my guilt complex, is that stuff made of steel is so darned expensive.
I made a one-of-a-kind copy of a Fisher quick mounting snow plow lift frame/push plate assembly for my pickup at 1/5 the price. Was building it a pain in the neck at times?
Yep, but at a savings of 3 grand, it was worth it.

Fourth, and I'm in the throes of a decision that involves this right now, is when you find something available (like a tractor), but it's at a considerable distance.
I don't feel like driving a 1000 mile round trip to pick up a tractor I saw on Ebay, even though I could and have fun doing it.
It's just as easy to order parts (new) and build the rest.

Last, and it's possible I'll have lots of agreement in this day and age: The economic security in building something useful, paying a little at a time and owing nothing.
Say I were to allocate (at least in my noggin) 7k for a tractor. I should be able to find lots of tractors for 7k, but the sellers usually want the full amount-right now- before the toys leave the yard.
That's money I'll either have to borrow (yuck!) or pull from savings... I might need it for something else somewhere down the road...

If I'm building it bit-by-bit, and my fortunes turn sour, I can always let it sit until things get better.

 

[Renze]

The more tools i buy, the more easily i decide to repair, weld, overhaul or modify myself.
Its an endless cycle: the more tools i buy, the more jobs i take on myself, the more junk i buy because i have the equipment to fix it anyways, the more justification i find to buy more tools....

 

[rcrcomputing]

The more tools i buy, the more easily i decide to repair, weld, overhaul or modify myself.
Its an endless cycle: the more tools i buy, the more jobs i take on myself, the more junk i buy because i have the equipment to fix it anyways, the more justification i find to buy more tools....

But where does it end??

 

[mcd176]

I like to build rather than buy for the most part, most of the time you can save a lot of $ if you can do the work yourself, plus I like the satisfaction of doing it myself I was fortunate to be gifted by GOD and my father to be very mechanically inclined and married a wife that understands my passions and buys me tools

-Mike

 

[BrentD]

But where does it end??

When your finally resting 6 feet in the ground in your custom-built casket.

 

[GE222]

As similar to what was previously mentioned:

• It is usually cheaper to build it.
• Improve on someone else's idea.
• I get a lot of satisfaction when I build it versus buy it.
• It will be exactly how I want it.
• Most items are made with production cost restrictions as opposed to adding "that extra step".

 

[Gizmo2]

I have discovered with the many items I have built they end up costing more, especially when you consider your time. Now that being said, the items I have built are by far better than what can be purchased, at least in my mind. The decision to build usually comes from, money, how long I would like the item to last, do I have the tools, and the practicality. The money issue is driven by the purchase price of an item. I certainly am not going to build an item I can buy for like $200.00 but at $2,000.00 the old "build it myself thinking" kicks in.
Built my snow blade 20 some years ago for my first tractor, reworked the mounting to fit my 2320. A purchased snow blade 20 years ago would by no stretch be worthy of rework. This is where the longevity comes in, built once by me vs purchase of two blade setups. Hmmm after 20 some years I'm ahead of the game, oh well, the blade works well and is every bit as good today as when I built it. Yeah I'm done now

 

[oughtsix]

When I build something I am much more adept at repairing and maintaining it! I am much more apt to rework it and improve it when I know the decisions that went into its original design.

I do take a lot of pride in the things I build and being able to make something not everyone can.

There is also a certain elegant simplicity in owning a machine that doesn't die every time my butt leaves the seat.