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Something me and my LGS owner agreed upon, "never put your hobbies cost into perspective"

I spent zero on my ork and guard armies as I sold them for the same price I got them for to pay for books in college.

I... don't 'even want to calculate my Sisters army cost....

What got me most was when I counted up all my paint pots of expensive GW paint and realized I'd spent $400 on paint, most of which I won't be able to utilize before it turns to pigment stone.

As far as models go... I'd dare say I spent around a grand on Orks 3 years ago, then another on guard last year. Collecting Ad Mech now, fully expect the costs to rack up. Luckily I don't need any more paint...

I'm actually ordering GW paints XD. I like their metallics and glazes. I have read about the drying up concern so I spent a few weeks looking up and working out every paint scheme for every bit ahead of time to minimize buying pots I won't use. No doubt I missed the odd pot needed here and there resulting still in an impressively expensive collection. Later on when this project is done I'll no doubt branch out with other products and go with the best each company offers because as I mentioned, I like GW's metallics and glazes.

 ProwlerPC wrote:
I'm actually ordering GW paints XD. I like their metallics and glazes. I have read about the drying up concern so I spent a few weeks looking up and working out every paint scheme for every bit ahead of time to minimize buying pots I won't use. No doubt I missed the odd pot needed here and there resulting still in an impressively expensive collection. Later on when this project is done I'll no doubt branch out with other products and go with the best each company offers because as I mentioned, I like GW's metallics and glazes.

The best advice I can give you is to make sure the "lid" of your paint pot is clean before you close it, otherwise paint builds up over time and creates small enough gaps for air to get through. I found a solution for this however, other than obsessively cleaning your paints, if you store them upside-down this fixes the issue because the air bubble is at the bottom of the container and any micro gaps at the lid are sealed by the paint. In this way I am hoping they can last a lot longer.

Good call! Elegant solution. I'm exalting that one.

Overall I'd have to say the hobby is no more expensive than any other hobby. I've spent 800 on my playstation in the past year

Like any hobby, you can offset investment costs with either gumption, know how, or patience. Usually a mixture of the three. Yeah, I probably spend a grand or more on my first army, Space Wolves, but I made it up when I sold them. Future armies were purchased more and more used with only augmentees of new stuff. Switched to better cost/ml paint, better brushes, and invested in equipment that'll last years instead of disposable.

I know I had a lot of 40k when I left because I sold out enough to buy all many boxes of Malifaux, Ariadna Merovingian sectorial, and a massive chunk of Cryx and Legion.

Recently, I acquired $700+ worth for Trollbloods for $150. I sold off a chunk for $140, bought what I needed to make my second list with it, and came out about at $150 for two tournament quality lists.

The more knowledge you gain, the better you'll find and realize deals. Buying 100% new is wasteful, IMO.

Well I already know my outdoorsmen stuff cost me more then what this hobby will ever cost me. My best shotgun ran me $1200 alone. Then I began adding up how much I paid in software and games for PCs and had to stop. This hobby isn't so bad afterall.

I've spent around 2 grand on my IG army before switching to Nids, which I've spent about $400 on so far.

hmm This sounds like fun, I bought everything pretty much on EBAY and from other users of this site and players in my community, but I want to find out how much I would have spent

HQ: $147.25
Ghazghkull Thraka = $40
Warboss = $22
Painboy = $26
Weird Boy = $22.25
Big Mek (SAG) = $37

ELITE:$114
Nobz x 2 = $50
Mega Nobz = $64

TROOPS: $352
Boyz x 11 = $319
Gretchin x2 = $33

FAST ATTACK: $527.50
Warbiker Mobs x 4 = $164
Deff Koptas x 6 = $198 (This ones kinda weird since you can't select the Black Reach models)
Trukkz x 2 = $74.50
Dakka Jet = $45.50
Burna Bomba = $45.50

HEAVY SUPPORT: $561
Lootas x 6 = $150
Battle Wagonz x 3 = $214
Morkanaut = $105
Mek Gunz x 2 = $92

I SPENT: $425
GRAND TOTAL: $1711.75


This is why GW is failing, they want you to spend this much for a functioning army and instead we go on EBAY and other websites and spend less then 1/4th what they want us to spend :-p

A rough estimate would be about $2500 or so on my Steel Legion army.

I have 4 other armies, but didn't add them up.

It's just like any hobby though. It costs money. Sometimes more or less depending.

I recently went on an Ebay spree and picked up close to $1000 worth of epic stuff LOL.