Thread: Sneaking in New Tools

I guess they're marrying the wrong SWMBO:eek: . No troubles here, I'm encouraged to buy stuff if it will make my life easier.

Mick

As a self-confessed tool sneaker-in, I will try to explain why this is a problem for me, so you can see that the issue is different for each marriage:
1. the shed is where I go to get a bit of time on my own
2. I don't get time to make that many things
3. SWMBO likes the things I make and appreciates it when I do a good job
4. SWMBO's father is a very good craftsman who makes do with the tools he acquired from his father and some replacements for broken/worn out ones but still is yet to expend one electron on a project (except for drilling)
5. So if SWMBO saw that a new tool was acquired the question would be, why do you need it when you make such good stuff anyway and you don't get time to do more and further, why do you need it if my Dad hasn't had one?
6. I have a weakness for buying tools that means that often I end up buying something better than I need that won't get used very often.
7. I love buying tools.

Originally Posted by journeyman Mick

I guess they're marrying the wrong SWMBO:eek: . No troubles here, I'm encouraged to buy stuff if it will make my life easier.

Mick

Same here no problems at all. She is well known at most tool shops

Great offsider as well

Originally Posted by journeyman Mick

I guess they're marrying the wrong SWMBO:eek: . No troubles here, I'm encouraged to buy stuff if it will make my life easier.

Mick

Yep, same here. As long as I produce the required pieces for the house there is no problem.

Even better, I get castigated when trying to save a few bucks by buying cheaper tools! The look I got when I bought a Black and Decker drill.....

I mentioned to her the possibility of picking up a cheap GMC thicknesser....

She said how much
I said hopefully for $199
She says suspiciously that sounds a bit cheap, what is it?
I say GMC
She says aren't they cheap? Wouldn't you prefer a better unit? I thought they cost about $1000 for a good one? If you need one don't buy junk.

What a woman......

Cheers.

Originally Posted by HandyAndrea

Have any of you ever offered to teach your SWMBO to use them, and/or built fabulous new furniture and fittings for the house (at a fraction of the cost of retail!)..........So what AREN'T you guys doing???

Well i must have it right too, I never have to sneak a new tool into the shed, unless i need to make sure i get to use it before jools. She is learning at her own rate, and im always happy to teach her. in fact a good percentage of the huge dent in the plastic at the brizzy working with wood show was for things she wanted. she is learning the tablesaw and router table at herpace and is always there to feed in and tail out for me when i need it (much more versatile than a multistand )

Outside of the shed, yesterday she was tailing out for me on pasta machine in the kitchen, while i taught her how to use that too.

Hi i actually feel very sad for people who have to sneak new toys in but fully understand that .... previous life experience ... now i have done it once in almost 3 yrs and thats only cos it was a pressie welcome Andrea good to see another chickie onthe forum we is a good lot here just ask Ruffly tikki n Jill take care and hope to see more from you cheers jules

My good wife claimes the plan to raise the titanic would be less involved that the the planning that my mate & I put into the Annual WWW show each year. SWMBO & I are of the opinion that if either of us want some thing & we can afford it, then go for it. If we can't afford it, then we will make a plan for the future. We don't like secrets.

I had no trouble buying new tools etc for the she dup until i cut off half a finger a couple of weeks ago. Now i so much as look at a butter knife and my wife says don't touch !

Originally Posted by HandyAndrea

I notice that a bunch of you seem to have a hard time sneaking new tools into the shed. Have any of you ever offered to teach your SWMBO to use them, and/or built fabulous new furniture and fittings for the house (at a fraction of the cost of retail!).

My Dad, who was a great woodworker, taught me simple woodwork (ahem)years ago, when I was young. I've ALWAYS done it. When my husband was alive, we built things together....now, widowed and almost in my dotage, I'm still making things and doing repairs to my house. I've never had, or caused a problem with tool-buying. Truth be told, I'm probably the one who BOUGHT most of the woodworking gear!!!

So what AREN'T you guys doing???

Marry me and make me a happy man.

When I was in the military we had field exercises were we would sneak around under the cover of darkness and camouflage to overcome the enemy, this represented a lot of training and tactics and is something that cannot be forgotten or dismissed.
A bit like smoking (not that I do) and suddenly giving up, cannot be done.
To overcome this we still practice this mode of stealth to prove that we can still outsmart the 'enemy'.
It's a bit of a game really, just like the 'Oh that, I've had it for ages' dress in the wardrobe that you knew wasn't there last week.
That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Originally Posted by doug the slug

(much more versatile than a multistand )

Beter looking to


I plead lack of cash... Where did you get the money for that we are supposed to be saving for XXX....

NAH, she is pretty good, but I have been well behaved lately, but the WWW show is coming up look out plastic

Welcome to the forum from another woodworking woman.Nice to have your input

My Dad, who is a great woodworker, taught me simple woodwork (ahem)years ago, when I was young. I've ALWAYS done it.

Same here my dad (in his late 70's) loves his woodwork. His projects are smaller these days and take a little longer, but he is never so happy as when he is doing them. I still enjoy being in the shed and spending time with him as he spokeshaves and scrapes away the finest shavings off a chair restoration. He laments the fact that I have chosen powertools over handtools:mad: But also shows some interest (looking when you think no-one is watching when I am table routing.
Before I commit to a HHMBO I will be making sure he is tool friendly and checking for sawdust under his nails. If he says the word IKEA the wedding is off

Is XXX like Four X (that awful stuff that northerner's call beer) but not as strong?

If you need to save up for that, you really do need to cut back on the spending.

Actually, on the topic (heaven forbid) my partner actually is often the instigator of my purchases. I say, "Gee, I wish I had ... " and she says, "Well, why not get it if it makes life easier and more enjoyable?" Then I um and ah about it before buying it...

The thing is, this way I need to be in control of the finances myself. :eek:

Originally Posted by Shedhand

Marry me and make me a happy man.

Bugger! Too late again.