View Full Version : I need an affordable hobby
So, it's probably safe to assume that most of us share a common interest in firearms as a hobby.
I also have motorcycles as a hobby as well.
Seems both of these hobbies tie up a fair amount of my income every month.
Does anyone have any less expensive hobbies?
I'm old and fat so anything that involves hiking or rising a bike is out of the question.
Thanks.
10mm-man
07-14-2013, 17:18
Underwater basket weaving I always heard was an inexpensive hobby! Bet you could turn out some cool stuff!
wctriumph
07-14-2013, 17:21
I participate in this forum. I'm not very good at it yet but I am old and fat. Sometimes I watch TV too, and not from the couch. I have a BIG man's recliner for these activities.
[Beer]
But I'd have the initial investment of the scuba gear.
Or am I just supposed to hold my breath?
Fishing is an inexpensive hobby. A good fishing setup will run you a few Hundo and will last quite a while.
I gave up boating and got into jet skis thinking it would be cheaper than boating. That was a terrible idea so I can't recommend taking up jet skiing as a hobby.
I have a shit ton of fishing stuff.
Can really get into it here in Colorado. Tried a few times but it just isn't the same here as it was back home.
muddywings
07-14-2013, 17:31
I got into making kydex holsters. Initial items I had to buy:
Foam
plywood
clamps
scroll saw (used off of craigslist)
1/2 ton press
rivet press
tin snips
belt sander (already had)
and then just kydex.
I make holsters for family, friends and coworkers. I charge enough to be able to make 1 or 2 holsters for myself for free but it's usually less than half of what you would have to pay a pro.
hurley842002
07-14-2013, 17:34
I'm old and fat so anything that involves hiking or rising a bike is out of the question.
Thanks.
Can't change old, but plenty of fun hobbies that would get you in good shape, why oppose being healthy?
Homebrewing is pretty popular and relatively inexpensive to get started.
10mm-man
07-14-2013, 17:38
But I'd have the initial investment of the scuba gear.
Or am I just supposed to hold my breath?
For you, I would recommend deep inhale under water. Don't bother holding your breath!!! J/k brotha!
10mm-man
07-14-2013, 17:39
Homebrewing is pretty popular and relatively inexpensive to get started.
I like this one, been thinking about it; but the initial start up cost have to be a pretty penny!
So, it's probably safe to assume that most of us share a common interest in firearms as a hobby.
I also have motorcycles as a hobby as well.
Seems both of these hobbies tie up a fair amount of my income every month.
Does anyone have any less expensive hobbies?
I'm old and fat so anything that involves hiking or rising a bike is out of the question.
Thanks.
I could get you started in RC Planes pretty cheap [Coffee]
Delfuego
07-14-2013, 17:58
Underwater basket weaving I always heard was an inexpensive hobby!High-Altitude BB stacking is just as fun and twice as cheap!
I like this one, been thinking about it; but the initial start up cost have to be a pretty penny!
Home brew is only a couple hundred bucks to startup. You can get some pretty nice kits that have everything you need online.
You can do a Mr. Beer setup for a little more than a hundred but Mr. Beer doesn't let you have any control of your brew.
I could get you started in RC Planes pretty cheap [Coffee]
How cheap? I need another hobby like I need a hole in my head but I've always wanted to get into R\C planes.
Reloading helps offset shooting costs and takes up a good chunk of time. Get a single stage and it is cheap and will take lots more time compared to the blue addiction.
spittoon
07-14-2013, 18:19
I could get you started in RC Planes pretty cheap [Coffee] and rc boat's are fun to
theGinsue
07-14-2013, 18:25
Used to have an R/C submarine without a camera. Didn't enjoy it so much and lost it underwater. Not a good hobby choice.
/\ /\. That was just a joke. I've never had an R/C sub.
Used to have an R/C submarine without a camera. Didn't enjoy it so much and lost it underwater. Not a good hobby choice.
/\ /\. That was just a joke. I've never had an R/C sub.
Lol, this really made me laugh.
Reading, astronomy, musical instrument (guitar etc), amateur radio, genealogy, cooking... something more to go on?
Used to have an R/C submarine without a camera. Didn't enjoy it so much and lost it underwater. Not a good hobby choice.
/\ /\. That was just a joke. I've never has an R/C sub.
Filled the sub up with your guns first right?
Price of Cheetos go up? [LOL]
Internet porn.
But seriously, fishing will kill a lot of time and might accidentally get you into better shape through the walking around in the great outdoors.
spittoon
07-14-2013, 18:49
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScKGcGaQK81vxy_EKBp1313rwV7CttE 25QFnk4g4fqDrkOwRXufw RED NECK BOWLING
spittoon
07-14-2013, 18:52
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTC6eE3vlqXdhpYL-88znVLWP8yoykseWN2Esp6lu2wn9mL2KePtA HOW ABOUT MAKING THESE
Used to have an R/C submarine without a camera. Didn't enjoy it so much and lost it underwater. Not a good hobby choice.
/\ /\. That was just a joke. I've never had an R/C sub.
You know I once heard the only joy to a RC boat is the swim out to get it. Never tried boats or subs but I have been flying RC planes on and off since I was about 6. I have done Heli's, cars and rock crawlers too just not as heavily as planes (warbird fan).
Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".
spittoon
07-14-2013, 18:55
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRFtx6LAlKk-NLFGqGYT64FgR7qPsdzOiZFUHXxZpMxbm8gBuhE5Q RACING
I could get you started in RC Planes pretty cheap [Coffee]
RC is not my idea of a cheap hobby. Although it wold fit my sedentary lifestyle.
Home brew is only a couple hundred bucks to startup. You can get some pretty nice kits that have everything you need online.
I do enjoy beer. My youngest brother brews. Not sure I have the space to do it right.
Reloading helps offset shooting costs and takes up a good chunk of time. Get a single stage and it is cheap and will take lots more time compared to the blue addiction.
Already roll my own. Just put the finishing touches on 300 rounds of .223 today.
Can't change old, but plenty of fun hobbies that would get you in good shape, why oppose being healthy?
I'm actually in pretty good shape. Did some health screening/blood work stuff at work. They said biologically I am about 26 years old.
I got into making kydex holsters.
I had actually considered doing this at one point. Maybe I'll check into it a bit more.
Kraven251
07-14-2013, 19:01
I could get you started in RC Planes pretty cheap [Coffee]
I was actually going to say RC Cars, you take a hit going in, but then you are good to go. You can get a fun setup for about $700 and just go with it. Do yourself a favor and have fun don't get obsessed with having the fastest, best, or any of that shit or you are talking spending as much as you would on a real car. Just get a good setup and enjoy it.
It is something I used to do and have been investigating pretty hard getting back into it.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRFtx6LAlKk-NLFGqGYT64FgR7qPsdzOiZFUHXxZpMxbm8gBuhE5Q RACING
I think I would look a little silly sitting on a cooler being pushed around.
spittoon
07-14-2013, 19:06
No you are the pusher
keylay31
07-14-2013, 19:08
prairie doggin with a .22
nuff said.
No you are the pusher
I know.
I was kidding.
[Coffee]
prairie doggin with a .22
nuff said.
I said a cheap hobby.
Isn't rim fire ammo about $1.50 a round these days? [LOL]
Drilldov2.0
07-14-2013, 19:10
I like RC helicopters. I take a micro on the road with me to keep myself entertained and tease the dogs with. It is inexpensive and entertaining to do, until you step up to larger ones. I have a 7-channel in the garage waiting to be repaired. What can I say? I sneezed and that garbage can came out of nowhere!
spittoon
07-14-2013, 19:15
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRSy4Z11hmutRhgTAvPIRp-7XqTqV31lRmuQ03c9t3Z_rmgIiNT6g
Mykidsdad
07-14-2013, 19:18
Learn to cook. Ya have to eat anyway. Learn to cook what you love, then expand your horizons. You can feed a family for what most restaurants charge for a single meal. Once your skill and confidence rises you have a hobby that will keep you well fed, save you money, and give you the satisfaction of sharing a meal with friends.
Develop a base set of skills and understanding of cooking methods. Arm yourself with quality cooking equipment. Buy once... Cry once. You don't need every gadget and tool. A good chef and paring knife, couple of heavy quality pans, and a few other essentials and you are good to go. A few basic cookbooks like Joy of Cooking will be your guide.
Learn to cook. Ya have to eat anyway. Learn to cook what you love, then expand your horizons. You can feed a family for what most restaurants charge for a single meal. Once your skill and confidence rises you have a hobby that will keep you well fed, save you money, and give you the satisfaction of sharing a meal with friends.
Develop a base set of skills and understanding of cooking methods. Arm yourself with quality cooking equipment. Buy once... Cry once. You don't need every gadget and tool. A good chef and paring knife, couple of heavy quality pans, and a few other essentials and you are good to go. A few basic cookbooks like Joy of Cooking will be your guide.
I want a hobby. I don't want to become gay.
[Coffee]
(Just kidding. There's nothing wrong with cooking. Or being gay.)
RonMexico
07-14-2013, 19:24
You can write a few of my papers for school, I'll help ofser the cost of your expensive hobbies by tossing you a few bucks?
I need a 12 paper on Karl Marx( it only 200 pages of reading) ?
why don't you start playing poker at local bars? It's typically free and you can win gift cards and drink beer too.
Great-Kazoo
07-14-2013, 19:25
I want a hobby. I don't want to become gay.
[Coffee]
(Just kidding. There's nothing wrong with cooking. Or being gay.)
Gives a whole new meaning to plating your meal.
Juist don't see you in fishnets and apron, or maybe i do.
You can write a few of my papers for school, I'll help ofser the cost of your expensive hobbies by tossing you a few bucks?
Have I mentioned I was a straight "D" and "F" student in school?
[Coffee]
Great-Kazoo
07-14-2013, 19:27
BTW: what are you wearing[ROFL2]
BTW: what are you wearing[ROFL2]
Ummm..... khakis.
jerrymrc
07-14-2013, 19:32
Since a few other members have not spoken up I will. Like music? Not as cheap as it used to be but Vintage Stereos are fun. Music has always been a big part of my life and despite the advances it takes big $$ to go beyond a good late 70's-early 80's system. I never left so it has been cheap for me.
Very relaxing.[Flower]
I would like to take a little break here to thank everyone for all of the replies, serious or not. Hell, I'll even thank 10mm-man for telling me to go drown myself.
[Beer]
Smoking meat.
Playing with my smoker is one of my favorite things to do. It kills a lot of time, becomes a hell of a hobby and you can make a lot of people pretty happy with it as well.
Depending on the setup you can get into smoking for a couple hundred.
Smoking meat.
Playing with my smoker is one of my favorite things to do. It kills a lot of time, becomes a hell of a hobby and you can make a lot of people pretty happy with it as well.
Depending on the setup you can get into smoking for a couple hundred.
I've been wanting to build myself a smoker for a while now. Just haven't sourced the right materials yet.
I've been wanting to build myself a smoker for a while now. Just haven't sourced the right materials yet.
Now is as good a time as any. You can always buy something from the depot, learn from it and build something that improves upon all the weaknesses of the smoker you bought.
Now is as good a time as any. You can always buy something from the depot, learn from it and build something that improves upon all the weaknesses of the smoker you bought.
True. But I'd rather just build one so I can use my welder. It doesn't get used enough.
Great-Kazoo
07-14-2013, 19:56
True. But I'd rather just build one so I can use my welder. It doesn't get used enough.
Got plenty of scrap steel up this a way. or you looking for stainless, have that too.
Mykidsdad
07-14-2013, 20:22
31533315353153731539
Smokin meat IS cooking... Just sayin!
Mykidsdad
07-14-2013, 20:28
31541
Buuuuut..... The hardware can be a bit spendy!
Become the neighborhood snoop.. A cheap pair of binocs and a chair in front of a big front window and you can keep tabs on the whole neighborhood for pennies.. :D
Mtn Biking and hiking are about the cheapest things I have ever been into.. every hobby I have every sunk my teeth into has cost a small fortune.
palepainter
07-14-2013, 20:31
I think of shit the same way. What can I do that is inexpensive. In the winter, I race vintage snowmobiles up at Grand Lake. My last racer cost me 75 bucks. It is such a blast. Racing weekend runs me 60 or so.
Muzzle loading is an inexpensive way to get down to basics when it comes to shooting. It has improved my center fire shooting as well.
Bicycling..where ever you want...how ever much you want to spend. It really can be a rewarding and relaxing sport.
Building old VW air cooled cars. As cheap as they get to build these days, compared to other cars.
Art...what can I say there ,somehow that hobby has turned into a living after pursuing it for 30 years since high school. There are many forms of art that are cheap for start up. Anyone can do it,mr hey just do not think they can.
Brewing....not bad startup. A couple hundred out at first, and of course the rewards.
Been tossing around the idea of getting a flat track bike. But, once again, another hobby to dump money into. Although, I imagine after the initial investment it wouldn't be too horribly expensive.
Thats what actually gave me the idea about this post.
Thought maybe I could find something fun and cheap.
Try traditional archery, not too much of an investment for a bow and arrows and it will kep you occupied for a long time challenging yourself to become a beter archerer.
UrbanWolf
07-14-2013, 20:50
What about hobbies, yeah hobbies, like model airplane and tanks. I'm very into hobbies until I started college and have no time to make those. I stocked on 20 or so un-constructed ones.... [oops] It's won't cost much, you don't need all the really fancy tool like air brush, a nice brush works fine for paint jobs.
http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/48/images/m448cha_5.jpg
Try traditional archery, not too much of an investment for a bow and arrows and it will kep you occupied for a long time challenging yourself to become a beter archerer.
Thats a thought. I had a bow when I was a teenager. I was pretty good with it too. And, I could easily set up a 25 or 30 yard range in my back yard.
What about hobbies, yeah hobbies, like model airplane and tanks. I'm very into hobbies until I started college and have no time to make those. I stocked on 20 or so un-constructed ones.... [oops] It's won't cost much, you don't need all the really fancy tool like air brush, a nice brush works fine for paint jobs.
I used to do model cars when I was a kid. I made them very detailed. Even used to glue pieces of thread on for the spark plug wires.
Not sure where I would put them when I was done though.
UrbanWolf
07-14-2013, 21:00
Thats a thought. I had a bow when I was a teenager. I was pretty good with it too. And, I could easily set up a 25 or 30 yard range in my back yard.
I used to do model cars when I was a kid. I made them very detailed. Even used to glue pieces of thread on for the spark plug wires.
Not sure where I would put them when I was done though.
When you have enough, make them into a sceneary. I almost had enough to make the Battle of Berlin till my dad throw them in a box and 80% of my Panzer divison was lost.
http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/44516503.jpg
3beansalad
07-14-2013, 21:09
Fly fishing, great hobby... not so cheap.
Auto work can be fun and rewarding, but maybe painting is more your style. Hell dish tanks are relaxing. And can be inexpensive if you craigslist everything.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
3beansalad
07-14-2013, 21:10
* fish tanks dammit.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
* fish tanks dammit.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I have two aquariums. Those are pets. Not hobbies. [Beer]
3beansalad
07-14-2013, 21:16
Marijuana cultivator?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Guns are a relatively inexpensive hobby. When I was flying regularly, now that was expensive. Filled up a log book or two and had a lot of interesting times, and it only cost the equivalent of a couple of full ride tuitions. That is a hobby for rich men, of whom I am not one.
Guns are a relatively inexpensive hobby.
There's definitely some truth to that. The cost of my race car years ago really got me started into my firearm hobby.
Used to have an R/C submarine without a camera. Didn't enjoy it so much and lost it underwater. Not a good hobby choice.
/\ /\. That was just a joke. I've never had an R/C sub.[ROFL3]
Guns are a relatively inexpensive hobby. When I was flying regularly, now that was expensive. Filled up a log book or two and had a lot of interesting times, and it only cost the equivalent of a couple of full ride tuitions. That is a hobby for rich men, of whom I am not one.
Oddly enough those that do it for a living cannot afford it as a hobby.
When you have enough, make them into a sceneary. I almost had enough to make the Battle of Berlin till my dad throw them in a box and 80% of my Panzer divison was lost.
http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/44516503.jpg
Now that is something I could get into.
Just spend all your time reading the internet about stuff you'd like to get into. That's what I do. Doesn't get much cheaper.
10mm-man
07-14-2013, 21:33
Root/Jailbreak phones, fix Iphones, etc..
Rucker61
07-14-2013, 21:34
It sure isn't mountain biking. I sold one of my bikes last summer for over 3 grand, and that was about 60% of cost.
hghclsswhitetrsh
07-14-2013, 21:35
Knitting or crochet?
gnihcraes
07-14-2013, 21:36
Tactical Knitting
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w19/Colt45guy/Armor/11Dec2009012.jpg
theGinsue
07-14-2013, 21:52
Tactical Knitting
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w19/Colt45guy/Armor/11Dec2009012.jpg
Hahaha... Making your own chain mail armor. Nice.
Knitting or crochet?
Nah. That's too easy. Women can do it. [LOL]
colorider
07-14-2013, 22:18
Recently I got into panning for gold. Real cheap and a kick in the pants. A lot of the time I just grab the dirt from the rivers and take it home in a 5 gal bucket. Pan on my patio while shooting the shit with friends and having some beers. Have found some really nice flakes. Cost was 15 bucks. Panning in the rivers is really relaxing and great scenery.
HoneyBadger
07-14-2013, 22:21
My hobbies are shooting (not cheap!), photography (really not cheap!), ultralight backpacking (f*cking expensive!) and home automation technology (some of this can be cheap, but the overall systems are uber expensive!).
maybe try painting or drawing? Aw hell, even painting can be expensive!
Knitting or crochet?
Think your pie is burning mam.
Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".
hghclsswhitetrsh
07-14-2013, 22:57
Think your pie is burning mam.
Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".
Haha I didn't say I knit or crochet, just giving ray some ideas.
Bar fighting. Don't even have to pay your tab when you get kicked out.
palepainter
07-14-2013, 23:04
When you have enough, make them into a sceneary. I almost had enough to make the Battle of Berlin till my dad throw them in a box and 80% of my Panzer divison was lost.
http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/44516503.jpg
That is some fantastic work!!!
My new hobby is collecting current USA currency, it is a stepping stone hobby into other hobbies. So far I am not very good at this new hobby as others have been taking my collection from me. :(
[Coffee]
Surfing. Surfing was always a cheap hobby. Now if the ocean would only swallow everything west of the Rockies I could surf again.
HoneyBadger
07-15-2013, 11:33
Now if the ocean would only swallow everything west of the Rockies...
If only... [LOL]
james_bond_007
07-15-2013, 15:31
Another is pool (the "8 and 9-ball" kind of pool).
Couple hundred for a nice stick and bag and you are set. (Or just a $25 "starter" stick/bag)
"Green Fees" are about $0.75/game...and you can play it winter or summer.
You can splurge and get your own table...if you want to practice a lot.
There are leagues all around town, to add that "competitive" edge.
...and NO, you don't have to play "for money" if you don't want to.
spittoon
07-15-2013, 16:59
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCAEsPBZuWLTUJxmKOka8F9LKGDQG22 JYBB4JqJv5QA4ECW2_o well red neck toilet seat tossen
Fishin'...cheap, fun & relaxing.
BPTactical
07-15-2013, 21:05
Fishin'...cheap, fun & relaxing.
You left out aggravating and frustrating.
JM Ver. 2.0
07-16-2013, 01:44
You could do the ebay thing like I do. It's like a treasure hunt. Kinda fun. Plus you can make money.
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
ChadAmberg
07-16-2013, 07:39
Go old school. Learn to whittle. You can do some cool stuff, I was thinking about carving a walking stick when I get time.
ChadAmberg
07-16-2013, 07:41
Fly fishing, great hobby... not so cheap.
Auto work can be fun and rewarding, but maybe painting is more your style. Hell dish tanks are relaxing. And can be inexpensive if you craigslist everything.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Fly fishing CAN be cheap, if you're willing to go minimalist. It most definitely CAN get expensive, but buy gear from Sierra Trading Post, flies included, and you'll save a bundle getting started.
HoneyBadger
07-16-2013, 12:31
How about gardening? Grow your own vegetables and enjoy fresh veggies while saving money and keeping yourself busy!
HoneyBadger
07-16-2013, 12:32
How about gardening? Grow your own vegetables and enjoy fresh veggies while saving money and keeping yourself busy!
Better yet, if you really want to make it interesting, build an aquaponic system: all inclusive system that grows fish and veggies.
SamuraiCO
07-16-2013, 13:24
I have more hobbies than time. Like many of you we have combined interests. Shooting led to reloading. I live to hike so I bird watch and geocache. I dabble in gardening just to see what I can grow. Can't get blueberries to do anything but do will with many types of vegetables. I did have bee hives in my yard until the HOA caught up to me. Sold those and just started another hive at a friends in Elizabeth. If it does will then we will add more. Honey from the hives will lead to making mead. I do martial arts to keep in shape and I learn a skill at the same time.
If I had a welder and any type of skill and free material offered a smoker would be just the ticket to take up some free time. I liked that set up that was posted and it would serve as a great blueprint for a project. Then all the fun you could have smoking different types of meats. Learning to make sausage. Damn I need to get me a smoker.
This looks cheap and fun, and if we get more peeps involved we can start a club rally.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s403x403/1001378_558962060828435_76949820_n.jpg
dogduster
07-20-2013, 17:50
Try Pickleball. It's a blast and you will meet a lot of new friends and lose a few pounds in the process.
dogduster
07-20-2013, 17:52
Try Pickleball. It's a blast and you will meet new friends and lose a few pounds in the process.
Metal detecting.
I like it. Might give that some serious consideration.
We usually take the whole gang, either camp or just spend the day.
But when serious only a couple of us.
Found some cool stuff up around old mines and stuff.
How cheap? I need another hobby like I need a hole in my head but I've always wanted to get into R\C planes.
I know a guy with a few planes and could get you set up with a nice plane for under 300.
Reloading and giving the finished product to forum members is a new fad. I see it taking off in a big way real soon.
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