@Bruce McCrory,
I was thinking the same thing. I have some old power tools that were probably made in the 50s and 60s. They are usually all metal with heavy windings and still work fine. I've picked up some at Goodwill for a few bucks, and if they didn't work, it was usually brush-related which I could easily fix. Places like Goodwill also have lots of older battery tools, and none of them are worth anything. They are always missing batteries, which are no longer available, and if they are, it would cost more than just getting a new tool.
Most of their obsolescence is due to changing battery technology and manufacturers refusing to standardize. Can you imagine corded tools coming with special plugs that required a special outlet from each manufacturer? That, and the quality has suffered as everyone competes for price points by shoppers looking for the cheapest price.
We are certainly in a throw-away society. Almost nothing is worth repairing anymore. It's simply not cost-effective, and manufactures refuse to offer parts and schematics, insisting that only they be allowed to repair them. Apple and John Deere have been in the news for this, with numerous consumers suing for what is called "right to repair."
I personally like rebuilding and re-purposing things. I don't think I've bought any new clothes in 20 years. I get them from thrift stores and don't care if someone else wore them. I have a washing machine (brought home from the dump and repaired) and the person who wore them probably bathed more often than I do. I've had dozens of cars and trucks, all used. My refrigerator is over 40 years old. The computer I'm using to type this was made in 2006.
The only thing new I need is a girlfriend.
