Tool Aquisition Syndrome (TAS)

[axeman11]

This strange syndrome is overtaking me. I gaze at glossy pages of the GRS catalog and day dream that some day all of it would be mine. New products show up from time to time on the engraving forums and not surprisingly, I "need" this or that gadget as well. I scan Craigslist and online auctions for deals. I'm sick. I came to the conclusion I had a problem when I found myself contemplating my selected drawing pencil. A recent thread indicated that another lead hardness might serve the purpose of scroll drawing much better. I actually started reaching for my car keys for a trip to the office supply store when I finally broke. I laid myself down on the alter of addiction and confessed my weakness.

I am a reasonably frugal individual and have never been given to the consumer mindset so prevalent in America. I usually make need based, not want based purchases, so this obsession is puzzling. Even with my best effort put forward in curbing my passion for engraving tools, the postman is a comforting sight. FedEx, UPS, USPS, they are all my newest friends. My emails are order confirmations and PayPal receipts. Sigh....what to do?

Is/has anyone else experiencing/ed TAS? When does it end? How did you beat it?

 

[Donny]

Resistance is Futile! You have been assimilated! There is no getting over it, passed it, or around it. It is now a piece of you. To eliminate it, would be tantamount to castration. Embrace the power of the dark side Luke!! You will achieve world recognition!!! Your TAS will lead you to the “GANDULF MASTER ENGRAVER” level!! You shall have a scroll pattern named after you and there will be a holiday celebrating your artistry in the Shire!!!

I have it tooooo

Donny

 

[oiseau metal arts]

Sorry to say it is a terminal illness... either you collect tools till you die, or your wife will kill you because of it.

 

[DakotaDocMartin]

There's a 12 Step program for the addiction. It requires you to buy at least 11 more tools!

 

[simone-cervellati]

I call it "Tool Porn" I realized I was badly afflicted when I sat staring for 20 minutes at a video of a magnified chisel cutting trough different kinds of steel.

you can use it in many ways:
-if you talk about a new piece of equipment with somebody: "yeah, John called and we spent half an hour talking TP"
-when a new catalog arrives in the mail: "Oh, my TP magazines are here"
-to justify a piece of equipment you just bought but don't need: "I know I have 6 other sharpeners but this has this new feature, besides you know how it is.. i'm addicted to TP"

Anyway, there is no cure. accept it and enjoy it

 

[Sam]

Remember, a UPS truck a day keeps the doctor away.

 

[silverchip]

I should post a few pics of my shop and you could see the chronic extreme symptoms of the disease!!!!!!!

 

[bronc]

It's a disease for which there is no cure
Silverchip has a big screw press in his shop that is hands down the coolest tool I have seen so far.
:clapping:
Stewart

 

[Marrinan]

You guys made me laugh out loud thanks Fred

 

[Beathard]

Thank the Lord for TP. It's gotten me through many depressing days.

 

[DevilDog]

The first rule of Tool Aquisition Syndrome Club is: You do not talk about Tool Aquisition Club!

 

[DakotaDocMartin]

The first rule of Tool Aquisition Syndrome Club is: You do not talk about Tool Aquisition Club!

Especially with the wife! One sure way of limiting one's self is to ask permission. It's better that mysterious packages arrive unannounced.

 

[axeman11]

Arrrrrgggghhhhhhh shhhhhhaaaaaaa! it's still happening!.. hellllp meeee. Oh and if anyone ever had any hesitation ordering from China (like my new demagnetizer) I have ordered two items in the past week and both arrived within the week. I have been happy with both items..uh.......Arrrrgggghhhhh!.

 

[oiseau metal arts]

some of the best TP on here is "Marios sweet home",and to the setreme opposite end of the spectrum, the set up of Joseph engraver in the workbench thread.

 

[diandwill]

I actually resisted today...OK, I spent $1000.00 on Sterling Silver and 14K Gold products, and saw a really cool, four position tubing vise, to cut tubing at different angles. Looked real sweet, but I can cut tubing without it, and so I bought the tubing instead! LOL

 

[mitch]

hmmmm, let's see.... the printed material currently in the 'porcelain reading room' in my house includes the following catalogs: Lee Valley, Rockler, Northern Tool & Eqpt, Japan Woodworker, & Grizzly Industrial. I just pitched an MSC flyer, Griot's Garage, and a Woodward Fab, but there's many more where they came from.

oh well, there worse addictions...

 

[Eugene Carkoski]

Don't worry about it, if you have the most tools when you die you win

 

[Tom Curran]

I have a shop full of machine tools, CNC equipment, woodcarving tools, blacksmithing stuff, engraving stuff, printing press, and too much more to list. My limit is approaching as the lack of space dictates the size of my next purchases.

Even if I can't buy it, I still lust after it.....

Tom

 

[Fred Bowen]

Don't worry Tom. Just invest in a larger space first.

 

[Beathard]

Mitch, you have that much TP in the bathroom?