I discovered a great way to reduce the financial burden: join a Makerspace.

Since joining a local one, I now know:

• How to use a CNC laser cutter
• How to use a thickness planer
• How to use a MIG welder (poorly)
• And, as of today, how to use a TIG welder (also poorly but, I did better than with the MIG)

Still to come:

• How to use a terrifyingly powerful, 2.5 ton milling machine
• How to use a similar size lathe
• How to use a plasma cutter
• How to use a fiber laser
• How to use a vintage oscilloscope

And a ton more. Seriously, its awesome.