I don't know what to think...I've spent (wasted) my life making things I could
have bought- my house(s), my tandem bike, my cars (overhauls and waste veg oil)
my wetsuits. I have found that I usually discard the homemade things in favor
of commercial products when I am done "learning". I have also found that the
makers of small-production items are often just like me...but much more
experienced in the particular craft they practice, earned through years of
practice. Some things- like singing in a chorus- are really meaningful for my
investing time learning to do myself, some- like prepping and painting a car-
are a do-once-and-forget skill. Some, like milling lumber from trees I have
falled, is fun, and moderately practical. No one answer works for everything.
My nickle's worth...Peter
