When do you buy vs make

[harrisonp]

This question has been bouncing around in my head all day, and I was just curious what other people thought about it. I'm stuck in a spot right now where my "making" abilities are pretty hindered, leaving me with only "dollar tree" level capabilities. So my question is, at what point do you think things are more cost effective to buy vs make.


This whole thought sprung from my desire for a Hidden Blade replica from Assassins Creed. The licensed versions are out there, not too costly, but maybe not exactly what I want, I would probably end up modifying it anyway. But then I did some thinking and realized I would be spending equal, if not more money to hack together my own version that may or may not even work, while also not being accurate (ish) like the official ones are.

 

[ultraman]

i'd only buy if
1) it was better then something i could make.
2) if it was made with tools i could never get my hands on.
3) if it was awesome and cheaper then the materials it would take to make it myself

 

[LoneWanderer]

Buying for me is really only an option if the item is just perfect as is, or if I literally can't make one better because of tool restrictions or cost.

 

[Darth Lars]

Sometimes buying an imperfect item and accurizing it is better than making it from scratch, if only because it would give you a head-start.
But make sure you have a plan before you buy it: so that you are sure that the mod would be a reasonable amount of work and not a waste of money or effort.
If you are lucky and have skills, nobody would be able to see that the item was based on a store-bought replica.

 

[userd1402]

-.-

 

[NormanF]

I think it comes down to the underlying reason people are on here. For me it is because I like to make things and this gives me an outlet for that. So for me the preference would be to make something, build a kit, and then buy.

 

[Pocko]

I'd agree with NormanF. The whole point is the making for me. I do buy, but they have to be pretty special.

I also tend to create things that fit in the fictional universe of whichever film/game/book. These I obviously make from scratch. if I wanted a replica direct from a film, I'd be more inclined to buy.

I recently made an Alien: Isolation themed prop, which ended up costing a small fortune, as I needed new silicone, new resin, spray paints etc. But the things I learned were very useful.

 

[funboy1013xx]

I agree, the adventure of resourcing and making is a thrill. if you want to advance your skill's from dollar store to "damn cool" your gonna need to spend alil money and a ton of time. but you will be a better/smarter builder for doing it. and your new skill's will always carry over to other builds. its a win win. :thumbsup besides maybe in your research you find something new someone else missed, and then your prop is the shiznit and more accurate then any "purchased" prop. it gives me goosebumps tee hee!!

 

[cavx]

i'd only buy if
1) it was better then something i could make.
2) if it was made with tools i could never get my hands on.
3) if it was awesome and cheaper then the materials it would take to make it myself

I agree with all of the above and make my purchase decisions on #3.