tips, rules, tricks for survival as pro regarding purchasing:

What are yours?
After being in the skilled trades for more than 25 years, mine are:

1. Used the tools that will get the job done (don't purchase the best when so&so will do)
2. Don't purchase the best unless it is necesary.
3. Don't purchase any tool for the sake of idolatry (ei....tool worship).

Why this thread you may ask? Because during my on the job years thus far, I've been really fortunate to have worked with trades people who's primary objective is getting the job done as best as they can.......as opposed to owning the best of tools. And so, it is really fantastic to see someone doing imaculate/perfect work with only mediocre tools. Before starting in the trades, I had this notion (albeit wrong) that you had to have the best in order to do the best.....I've never been so wrong.
jj