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Medium_Brood5095 t1_j16acu6 wrote

Wow I would use $1500 for new shoes + boots, maybe a new bed or chair if you need one, stuff you're going to use often. Or nice sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV. I can't imagine spending $1500 on a pottery wheel... and don't even know what the second thing is - a musical instrument?

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BlarkinsYeah OP t1_j16bs0v wrote

Nice suggestions! yeah. I previously got some BIFL Nick’s boots made in the Pacific Northwest near me. They are the last boots I’ll ever have to buy probably. Incredibly happy with them. I use my insurance for eyeglasses. Thankfully browsed this subreddit and got an all metal bed frame that is going to last and the mattress still has 10 years in it.

Why? A pottery wheel is a tool - if you’re into pottery you want something that will last and help you throw better. I think it makes sense to buy BIFL tools. But, in my case I was hoping to find a pottery wheel for cheaper and possibly get an exercise bike.

And yes, the 3rd one is a very full featured synthesizer/keyboard.

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harbinjer t1_j17ct7j wrote

You definitely want reasonable equipment when starting a new hobby, you don't want a toy or a "hobby killer".

You could get a nice camera and lens for that.

Another hobby: astronomy. Nice telescopes out there for that money. The nice thing is if you buy a high quality used one, you can resell it if you don't want it anymore for very close to the same money. Good quality binoculars same thing.

Also skis, downhill or cross country, or a snowboard. If you live in places to take advantage of that, its lots of fun.

Regarding the pottery wheel, the kiln is the just as hard to manage as the wheel(and glazes), and if you need a studio to help with one, you can join for both. Just a thought. Also classes make it much easier to start.

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BlarkinsYeah OP t1_j17dhm1 wrote

Great comment. Yes, I agree! It’s more fun to use quality tools.

In full agreement about the pottery classes. Have been convinced to not buy a wheel. + it’s a social thing with a community aspect.

Have a snowboard but currently only have a fwd Corolla so haven’t been taking advantage. I’m interested in astronomy.

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harbinjer t1_j18un1s wrote

Looking at your other comments, a telescope could definitely be something that gathers dust. The trick is to find one that's easy enough to use so that you'll use it, but also powerful enough to keep you interested. You might want to look at finding a local astronomy club first. That is a fantastic way to start, and mentor can really jump start your knowledge, and increase the excitement around it. Two telescope designs come to mind: the classic 8" Dobsonian, or a 4" Apo refractor. Neither are too bothersome for most people, and both powerful enough for many years of observing. The biggest point you need to know: nebulae and galaxies will NOT look like they do in pictures. The book "Turn Left at Orion" had great illustrations of what you'll see. Planets and the moon are a bit closer to pictures, and can be very exciting, but there 1000s of other things to see in the night sky, especially from dark sky sites.

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