While obtaining my degree in Fine Woodworking my instructor would continually say that there are two kinds of woodworkers – those who woodwork for money and those who woodwork with money.  I now know what he meant!   If you have your own woodworking business then you understand that decisions made are based on ROI (return on investment) and money spent for tools is strictly a business investment.  On the other hand, if you enjoy woodworking solely as a hobby, you only have to justify a purchase to yourself – or your spouse.  That means if you want to spend a large amount of money to obtain a tool from a specific manufacturer then it is perfectly okay. There is nothing wrong with buying name brand tools and if cash is not a factor then the decision process is easy to make!  However, for a business, if a tool of the same quality and performance is available elsewhere for significantly less money, it is difficult to justify the added expense for the higher priced tool.  I continually see used tools for sale by hobbyists that meet the criteria of woodworking with money. The tool was purchased with the intent of use but then sits idle and eventually is sold at a loss.  A business simply cannot afford the luxury of this option. So, the next time you notice a woodworking business that has “inferior” tools remember that the proprietor has to pay attention to the “bottom line.”

Enjoy your shop time,

Jerill