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gary
05-01-2001 06:21:00
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Re: Re: Re: Build a finish mower? in reply to Butch, 05-01-2001 04:44:58
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Butch,
I have a pretty simple formula for determining, how much my time is worth, and it doesn't have anything to do with watching TV. Most of us work for a living and have an hourly wage or a salary. That salary is a rough estimate of what your time is "worth". If you earn $10 and hour, and it takes you 10 hours to build something that you can buy for $50, I'd say you are wasting your time, based on some very elementary math.
The are other practical considerations. How long will it take to get the basic materials and fabricate the brush hog? If it takes most of the summer, and the weeds get high and can't be mowed because the machine isn't built, what has been gained?
If the task or project also qualifies as a hobby, then of course the "time is money" aspect does not apply, because the practical aspect goes out the window. This is one of the intangibles in this formula that only Mark can address.
My advice to Mark came as the result of years of experience in getting 2/3 of the way through a "do it yourself" project and finally realizing that 1)I had already spent as much as I would have if I hired a skilled professional to do the work, 2) If I had hired someone, the job would be done by now, and 3) by the time I get done, I will have MORE money spent than if I had hired a professional. The same applies to the purchase and repair of tractors, equipment, and implements. Don't buy used if you can afford new, and don't work on it yourself unless you enjoy the work and are not pressed for time.
A hundred people could look at this question and each one have their own slant on it, of course. (Even your term "laziness" is a relative concept. Some practical people might consider playing 18 holes of golf as being lazy, or spending time in front of a computer (Responding, as I am, to your post e.g.), or playing a game of chess.) My point is that I do have a very clear idea of what MY time is worth, and I value that time highly, as I am sure most people do. In conclusion, how I spend my time is more important to me than how I spend my money, and from my point of view, bassed on my own experience it would be more efficient for Mark to buy a brush hog than build one.
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