I started playing league pool when I was around 35 or so.
It was a bad experience approx 3 years ago in getting a tip replaced at the local billiards shop that prompted me to start hand tipping myself.
Shortly after, I sold out my tractor trailer unit and found myself in the position to be able to buy a cue lathe from Chris.
Its been all down hill after that. Just kidding but it can be both a money and time consuming hobby. One that I will never replace tho. I do mostly repairs and dabble a bit in the building part of it. When the time is right, I will dive in a bit more heavily on the building side as I have a nice little river of wood thats been waiting for me to wake them up.