How much $$$ do you spend on tools/woodworking in a year?

[Jacob Muldowney]

This seems like it could be a clever trap orchestrated by SWMBO, but I usually try to budget it by paycheck. I say this much per paycheck goes to woodworking. Sometimes I spend more sometimes less. Lately I have been buying less tools and more materials. I was lucky enough to get the last of my big wants lately for tools. I only need a dust collection setup and I will be pretty much done buying big tools for awhile.

[Gregory Stahl]

I made a deal with my wife, she can have a new car every couple of years and I will keep driving my paid for truck. I rent an industrial building for my shop, rent alone is over 6k a year.

[David Ballard]

Not as much as I used to. When I got back into this hobby, after an almost thirty year absence, I was spending a lot. I would guess $1500 to $2500 per year for about three years. That included the "big" stuff plus materials to outfit the shop (garage). Now I spend considerably less, mostly supplies and materials. However there is always a new tool out there that I think that I can't do without and upgrades to early purchases that have either worn out or just don't cut the mustard due to quality or capacity.

[Joe Cowan]

I have finally leveled off. The big year was last year when I did the Maloof style rocker. Started by buying a floor model Jet spindle sander, then many small files, router bits, pattern makers vise after buying the wood and building a nice heavy bench, then buying a two screw vise. Next up came the wood for the rocker (old growth walnut, then decided I needed a Foredom die grinder with all the bits. I screwed up drilling one of the spindle holes so I added a nice drill press table. I think this one project ended up costing me around $4500, but I get to break it down over the next rocker which I will start next fall (with the QS Sycamore I bought last year as well).

[Bruce Page]

After several expensive years I have pretty much everything I need now. The last few years have been relatively cheap for me. This year will blow that in the water, I’ve already spent ~ 9k since the first of the year...

[Paul McGaha]

After several expensive years I have pretty much everything I need now. The last few years have been relatively cheap for me. This year will blow that in the water, I’ve already spent ~ 9k since the first of the year...

New Shop Bruce?

[Ryan Hellmer]

I'm probably between 1500-2000 per year, but I'm always "flipping" things to pay for my hobby so very little of that amount actually comes from my wages ($500 or less per year). My dad also has a sawmill so all my lumber is "free". Couldn't afford to buy the lumber. Sometimes I think about how much it would cost if I had to put 1 new bit/blade/abrasive on every machine in my shop. That alone would cost thousands. - Ryan

[Gus Dundon]

It cost me thousands.

[Charlie Ross]

Talking is the only way you can get yourself help.....

That's funny

[Brian Tymchak]

I think it's wise to take the 5th on this one..

Actually, since I have a small basement shop that limits what I can buy, and a lot of house maintenance that severely limits how much time I can spend in it anyway, I've spent very little over the last couple years.

However, if I could find a way financially around those 2 constraints, I could see spending $400- $500 a month for exotic wood and accessories. Well, maybe $500/mo after the $50K for a new shop and $25K new tools.

[Victor Robinson]

Talking is the only way you can get yourself help.....

Help? I hang out here all the time with my fellow addicts and ya think I want HELP?!

[Steve Peterson]

I tried once to limit myself to $200 per month. It didn't work and large purchases are too hard to save up for. I am probably closer to $4000 per year, although large purchases should taper off since I am running out of space. I still find myself taking cash to Woodcraft so it won't show up on the credit card bill.

Steve

[Jim Rimmer]

2010 - $1965 (included new 14" bandsaw
2011 - $1857 (included $613 for mahogany for tables for LOML)
2012 - $1410
2013 - $0 so far
In 2009 I bought a new tablesaw and then started a self-imposed budget of $150/month. Blew it the first 2 years but I've got my major tools now so it's clamps, chisels, blades, bits, etc. now.

[jim gossage]

I have spent about $20,000 on stationary machines in the last 15 yr, since I started woodworking. The last 12 months have been particularly costly with a sawstop, griz cyclone, and griz helical planer. I have no idea how much I've spent on the little stuff, but I have 2 file folders each about 2" thick with receipts from griz, rockler, lee valley, etc. My wife will never complain because her hobby is horses. I'm a lucky man. Nuff said!

[David Kumm]

It might be more relevant to speak in terms of spending as a % of income. One guy's $100/mo might make less sense than another's $1000/mo. Dave- trying to justify higher spending.