Some tools I buy the cheapest possible, for example small angle grinders, I have 3. One has a cutting disk, one a flap wheel and the other has a wire brush. It is so convenient not having to change disks when I'm working (with metal) I think I paid £10 each new. There's not a lot which goes wrong with an angle grinder and they have no precision requirements. They are throw away tools. Other tools, like my bevel saw DeWalt 718XPS, I will research to the n'th degree then buy the best which suits my requirements. Other tools, like my pillar drill, planer, and band saw, I look for old quality stuff and prepared to wait for months for a good one. I have a price above which I won't go and I think in nearly all cases, Festool falls into that category. It doesn't matter to me how much better they may be, it's beyond what I need to pay for my level of skill and what I make. I could see where someone earns a living from this, then it's a good investment . This is just one of my hobbies. Photography is another and there, my thinking is a bit different, but I still have an upper limit for gear. I wouldn't go out and buy a Leica M10 Monochrome, lol (£7400!! for a rangfinder camera that just takes B&W pics) . I just love having really good equipment. It gives me so much pleasure using it and I think that will be the same for some people and woodworking tools, pleasure from using and having the best.
