Canadian Digs Out Basement Using Only Radio Controlled Scale Tractors and Trucks
Sometimes I come across grand hobbies/challenges like this that inspire me to challenge myself in similar ways..1/4 scale grave digger:
http://www.youtube.com/user/rcWizzard/videos?sort=da&vie...Matthias Wandel's various projects: 
http://woodgears.caGiant robot project: 
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL13A11662BDE6EB83But at some point, I end up convincing myself that it's a bad investment of my time. Some examples:- The above referenced 1/4 grave digger project would be an awesome test of my fabrication skills. But when it's done, I won't enjoy playing with it. 1000's of hours for "push stick forward, vehicle goes foreword". Kind of like lego's, the fun's all in the build.- I'd love to get into woodworking, but I already have all the furniture I need. Why would I invest in a 1k wood shop (that's CL prices)? What would I create with all the tools and experience? I'm not going to quit my job as a programmer to become an entry-level woodworker.- I'd love to build my own sawmill (kind of like Jaimie), and build from nature in general. But where would I get wood? Can I make it cheaper than store bought? Do I have the time to invest so that I don't wind up having to go to the store anyway?- I'm really fascinated by CNC, 3d printers, and metal casting. I want to be able to make my own stuff, and excuse myself from a consumer culture. But those things all involve pretty significant money/time investments. And who are we kidding? After that huge investment, what am I going to print/cast/machine.. that would be worth that investment?And that's the motivation for my side project.