Vent: I spent $800 on a pottery wheel I never used

Back in 2020, I was sure I was going to become a ceramic artist. I bought a brand new Shimpo wheel, thinking I'd practice every night after work. It sat in my garage for two years, still in the box. I finally sold it last month for half what I paid. In my experience, the dream of a hobby can feel more real than the actual work. Has anyone else bought expensive gear for a dream they just gave up on?

4 comments

4 Comments

kim.sarah2mo ago

I mean, I've totally been there with a fancy sewing machine. What helped me later was just renting studio time first to see if I even liked the actual work before buying anything big. It's so easy to get caught up in the idea of it all. Selling it for half is rough, but at least you got some cash back and cleared the space, that's a win in my book.

torres.thea2mo ago

Renting first is such a smart move. I did the same thing with a pottery wheel phase (the mess was unreal). Getting some money back from selling the dream machine is definitely a win.

jackson.faith2mo ago

Actually, I didn't end up selling it. I just returned the rental. That's the whole point of renting for me, you just give it back when you're done. No trying to sell a used thing, no storage. You just... stop. It was perfect for my brief sourdough obsession last year.

anderson.piper22d ago

And seriously, renting studio time is the way to go. I did that with a woodworking phase (my garage was a disaster zone of sawdust dreams). I signed up for a monthly membership at a local makerspace, and it was perfect because I could just walk in, use their tools, and leave the mess there. It saved me from buying a huge bandsaw and a lathe that I totally would have used for like a month. Now I just go back when I feel the itch, no storage guilt at all.