dingy Posted January 3, 2015 #1 Posted January 3, 2015 Tool Envy Syndrome (TES) Tool Envy Syndrome (TES) is a serious condition that afflicts, in varying degrees, nearly all men who are interested in mechanical things. It is very important to recognize and deal with this condition before it becomes serious; left untreated it can lead to a far more serious condition: Inflammation of the Credit Card (ICC). TES is known to strike under the following circumstances: Browsing the latest tool catalogs or sale flyers Visiting stores such as Grizzly or Harbor Freight (Warning: while much less so than in earlier years, the tool department at Sears can still trigger small attacks) Visiting the shop of a friend who has more and/or better tools than you have Surfing the web site of someone with a well-equipped shop Seeing a well-equipped shop in magazines such as Home Shop Machinist Tool Envy Syndrome tends to strike young men particularly hard, due its close relationship to a similar condition: Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). Over time, in most men, both of these conditions tend to lessen in severity. In fact, it can be shown that gradual accumulation of tools and gear over a period of years can control both conditions while minimizing the risk of Inflammation of the the Credit Card (this is known as the Mature Phase). It has also been widely observed that getting married and having children can moderate the risk; primarily, it is believed, due to counseling from a loving wife and the sobering effect of having lots more bills to pay. Tool Envy Syndrome cannot be controlled by any known drugs (although its effects can be exaggerated by the use of alcohol). Therefore, treatment is currently limited primarily to counseling methods. The first step is admitting that you have a problem. Here are some additional pointers: Avoid situations that are likely to cause an attack When visiting tool stores, leave your credit card at home (Warning: in severely afflicted individuals this can trigger emotional breakdown, fits of crying and other irrational behavior) Meditate on the fine collection of tools that you already have; recognize that time will make it better Find a quiet place. Visualize your ideal shop. Repeat to yourself "It is coming" I hope you have found this information to be helpful. As a TES/GAS sufferer myself (now in the Mature Phase) I felt compelled to pass it on to you.
vzuden Posted January 3, 2015 #2 Posted January 3, 2015 I am relieved to hear that I am not alone. Do they have support groups? I have forwarded this to my family members so they understand. Now, back to shopping for a new air compressor
Eck Posted January 3, 2015 #3 Posted January 3, 2015 Yea, he's not alone, but I didn't want to admit it. I heard that is the first step in healing.... admitting it....so when and where is that next support group meeting?
MiCarl Posted January 3, 2015 #4 Posted January 3, 2015 Visiting stores such as Grizzly or Harbor Freight (Warning: while much less so than in earlier years, the tool department at Sears can still trigger small attacks) What is Grizzly? Why don't I know about this? Is there one near Detroit?
dingy Posted January 3, 2015 Author #5 Posted January 3, 2015 https://www.grizzly.com/ is web site for grizzly, similar to littlemachineshop.com Found TES joke while I was looking for new tool that will be here Wednesday. It's home will be on new table in foreground, somewhat related to tool to right of new bench. What do you think it will be ??? Gary
Venturous Randy Posted January 3, 2015 #6 Posted January 3, 2015 I live about a mile from Harbor Freight. I got a flyer today in the mail and when I get my Rider magazine, the first thing I look at is the HF ads. The magazine has the best deals of all. Neat observation Dingy. RandyA
Marcarl Posted January 3, 2015 #7 Posted January 3, 2015 So Gary, now that you are 'matured' does that mean you are ready for picking????
venturesome Posted January 3, 2015 #8 Posted January 3, 2015 Would it be a bigger lathe? Or maybe a Smithy Granite?
bongobobny Posted January 3, 2015 #9 Posted January 3, 2015 Hi! My name's Bongo Bob and I'm a tool junkie...
Oldodge Posted January 3, 2015 #10 Posted January 3, 2015 I would have hoped my CRS (Can't Remember Stuff) would have eased the symptoms of TES, but no such luck. I can't always remember where I put a new tool, but I can always remember I need one!
Squeeze Posted January 3, 2015 #11 Posted January 3, 2015 Gary, my guess would be either a small 3 or 4 Axle CNC Mill or a 3D Printer. I'm also sufferin' A LOT ...
Condor Posted January 3, 2015 #12 Posted January 3, 2015 It's a terrible disease that penicillin can't cure. Harbor Freight should be purged from the face of the earth. I still have tools where the price was so good I couldn't pass them up...and they're still sitting in their unopened boxes. I also get bit by old tools... You know, the ones where someone else with the same affliction bought, and never used, and now are in their estate auctions. Boxes of tools that are sitting in dark corners of the garage and forgotten about. Get rid of them??? NEVER!! You never know when you'll need one... if you can find it... and if you can't... it makes perfect sense to go buy a new one...
steamer Posted January 4, 2015 #13 Posted January 4, 2015 PSSSST... I have what you need. I'm a tool dealer. I've been pushing tools for years. I started out small at first, as a manager of a small woodworking tool store but after several years I got into the hard stuff when I went to work for a John Deere dealer and now I'm a dept. manager for Lowe's. So come see me, it won't cost much. Just give me your credit cards and I will take to a place of ecstasy. I can keep you in tools and power equipment FOR EVER! BUHAHAHA!!!
Flyinfool Posted January 4, 2015 #14 Posted January 4, 2015 Dingys getting a new milling machine............. It was close but the TES nearly got to my ICC wen I saw such a deal on a new TIG welder last month. A Miller Dynasty 180 for only $800, with extra consumables. I fear that there may be signs of Mature Stage creeping in since I was able to be reasoned out of it by a stack of medical bills. Once one hits the Mature Stage all that is left is the end.
cowpuc Posted January 4, 2015 #15 Posted January 4, 2015 Hi! My name's Bongo Bob and I'm a tool junkie... +1 and then theres the most famous Iconic quote of em all Bongo - given to us by my hero - Red Green = "I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to,, I guess" NOT!!!! It's a terrible disease that penicillin can't cure. Harbor Freight should be purged from the face of the earth. I still have tools where the price was so good I couldn't pass them up...and they're still sitting in their unopened boxes. I also get bit by old tools... You know, the ones where someone else with the same affliction bought, and never used, and now are in their estate auctions. Boxes of tools that are sitting in dark corners of the garage and forgotten about. Get rid of them??? NEVER!! You never know when you'll need one... if you can find it... and if you can't... it makes perfect sense to go buy a new one... Be it ever so humble,, sure nuff sounds like home!!! Only I married this wonderful wonderful wife who spent many many years perfecting the art of couponing - that women saved us more money on clothes/food in raising these 4 youngens it is AMAZING!! Now that they are grown, she has expanded her horizons into supporting my TES (isnt that funny how TES could be an abreviation for testosterone:178:) ... She is HOOKED on Menards and their "freebie" coupon stuff.. Drill bits (my favorite - they got good drill bits and I will NEVER have to sharpen another one as long as I live), wipers, screw driver bit kits, open end wrenches, deck wash, car wash and on and on all brand new,, like owning a hardware store I tell ya - wayyyyyyyyyy cool women that Tippy is!!
Jayceesfolly Posted January 4, 2015 #16 Posted January 4, 2015 Hi...my name is Jayceesfolly and I am addicted to HF! There, I said it !!! I feel better already! I have taken the first step.........except my left hand is shaking (the one with the CC in it!) and I have broken out in a cold sweat. I can feel it beading up on my forehand. I am beginning to feel light headed and dizzy. I think I better sit down............................ Withdrawal symptoms are awful.
wrnchjox Posted January 5, 2015 #17 Posted January 5, 2015 I dont think he should be fighting the TES urges ,the peg boards i am seeing in the back ground all look pretty bare . that much empty space is almost a criminal act.
wrenchrob Posted January 5, 2015 #18 Posted January 5, 2015 I'm not to sure about that home built ladder leaning against the work bench. May have been some alcohol involved building that one.
bongobobny Posted January 5, 2015 #19 Posted January 5, 2015 For those who have never been here, here is SOME of my addiction to tools... The yellow box is strictly metric tools!
Flyinfool Posted January 5, 2015 #20 Posted January 5, 2015 Geeez Bob Maybe it is a good thing that you did not make it into my basement while you were here....... Could have been dangerous.........
slowrollwv Posted January 6, 2015 #21 Posted January 6, 2015 What is Grizzly? Why don't I know about this? Is there one near Detroit? No but there is one in Springfield MO.
Huggy Posted January 6, 2015 #22 Posted January 6, 2015 https://www.grizzly.com/ is web site for grizzly, similar to littlemachineshop.com Found TES joke while I was looking for new tool that will be here Wednesday. It's home will be on new table in foreground, somewhat related to tool to right of new bench. What do you think it will be ??? Gary Milling machine!!!!!
Jayceesfolly Posted January 6, 2015 #23 Posted January 6, 2015 Hey, Jeff............what Bongobob didn't show or explain is that that is only ONE WALL in his garage. Do you think that he will show you the other walls??? I think Bob is trying not to show how big his problem is......... Sorry, Bob...had to say it. Jay(just starting rehab)ceesfolly
dingy Posted February 17, 2015 Author #24 Posted February 17, 2015 Belatedly, here are pictures of my new tool. Small vertical milling machine & workbench. I'm planning on converting it to CNC later this year. Kits are avaliable to upgrade it & software is rather cheap. Gary
Yammer Dan Posted February 17, 2015 #25 Posted February 17, 2015 I ain't admitting nothing!! Just wish I could walk thru my new garage!!
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