Is anyone here so good at fabricating they buy almost nothing now?

[slashmaster]

Just wondering if there is anyone here so good that they make almost everything they have at home by either cnc, printing it, or burning it and spend almost nothing? I myself am already good at the printing and disk burning part.

[Geof]

You are joking surely?

[monte55]

I don't think they're joking. BTW... how did know the posters name

[diycnc]

yeah i just machined out a ipod last night... lol

[Bubba]

For "many" projects, yes in accordance with one of my motto's "Build it first and then if it doesn't work, buy it!"
Why, very simple. I use it as a learning experience. Also, many times there will be a distinct savings in money (I am retired, so time is cheap:}). Seriously, the learning experience is priceless and outlasts the price of having it NOW.

For example, years ago, I attempted to learn how to fix my computer. Well, I am still learning but I must have done something right as a lot of friends keep asking me to fix theirs. Same thing for the conversion of my mill/drill to cnc. I started out knowing nothing, asked a lot of questions many of which were here on the Zone and now, if (when) something goes wrong, I can troubleshoot it and resolve the problem or perceived problem in some cases. If I had not built it, I probably would not have a clue and according to some, I don't. This is a hobby and not my bread and butter business and that makes a big difference in my approach.
Just some food for thought.

[HuFlungDung]

I would agree with Bubba's viewpoints. But I do look for value for the time I spend, as well as functionality.

For example there is no point in building my own machine tools from scratch, when decent used ones are easily within my budget, although I may have to put in some time fixing a used machine a little bit before it can be used. I consider myself to be a repair specialist, and am inclined to 'beef up' or otherwise improve weak spots in existing machinery. So in that sense, I don't have the urge to buy brand new machinery at a premium when I know I can put a bargain priced unit back into service, using what equipment that I already have.

I don't claim to be a toolmaker, and I don't have grinders to do a good job of toolmaking. I focus my efforts on custom work in readily machineable materials, and dedicate a portion of the profits from work I can do to buy nice tooling that I cannot do and that will help improve productivity.