I've been collecting pins for over 30 years now and have always bought non-working
project machines to fix up. Those my wife or I don't like get sold or traded. This has
worked very well.

I do not buy NIB pins. I'm patient enough to wait till they break and
people that own them get tired of paying others to fix them then
scoop them up.
Steve

Interesting thread with many diverse points of view.

IMO, to be able to indulge in any (somewhat) expensive hobby
you need to have a stable lifestyle and income. In my case
aggressive investing, starting at an early age, and going to
college (several degrees in engineering) accomplished this.

Sure, it was risky and a LOT of hard work but in the end it
paid off in spades. Now retired comfortably and indulge in
several expensive hobbies.

Have many friends that have and don't have college degrees.
The ones with degrees have far more stable jobs. Those
without may make good salaries occasionally (esp if in a union) but
are almost all living on the edge.
Steve