Ya know I think you are right. Sadly.
All the people I know, outside of the race shop where the answer is Hell no dont buy it.. MAKE IT!, are of the how fast can I get it and where can I buy it genre.
Its really kinda sad I guess.
My father was a Colonel in the Air Force. Actually he joined the Marines as some sort of high school program when growing up in Hawaii where his parents died when he was 14, then 15. He then Joined the Army, and was an Engineer. Then Joined the Army Air Corps.. and then they said.. Hey were making this thing called the Air force.. who wants to join? He was there when Pearl Harbor was attacked, asleep in the barracks. From Here to Eternity's author described exactly what happened to him. He thinks the author was in his company.. but is foggy on it.
Needless to say, he has a Masters in Aviation Psychology, a Masters in Mathematics, and a Masters in International Relations. Taught at west point, etc etc etc etc. Master swordsman on and on and on.
Growing up he would take apart whatever was broken and fix it. With a hammer chisel, file, screwdrivers, and whatever he had in the garage. Had a BMW Isetta he rebuilt the engine on the workbench.
Built all our TVs and stereos till I was a teen.
Built the first PC we have.
A Zillion things... but one thing always rang true.... Not One other friend I ever had growing up, and even now.. has parents who know how to do more than hammer a nail or turn a screw.
I also am 41... with a father who is in his late 80s.

Can you say Surprise?

SO I think In my case seeing him doing all this, is a result of him being a product of the pre/post war generation.
All my friends had parents who were born in the early to mid 50s. A Different mindset here in the states.
Also there is a different mindset I see everywehre in the general populace. From what I gather.. in England and Europe.. craftsmen who are able to do the things required of a machine shop are well respected as craftsmen. There are hundreds of generations to instill that mindset.
Here in the states.. the populace seems to look down thier nose at people who are craftsmen, and inventors. Everyone wants to be a salesman, or a banker, or investor, stock broker.. middle man.
Looking at our economy, and the state of the nation... I think the issue we are running into.... nobody makes things anymore.. Only big companies.
Granted.. the automotive customising side of things has craftsmen.. but a lot of its just bling.
You simply dont see that inventive spirit anymore. Everyone wants to make the next Myspace or Flicker, so they can cash out and retire. /shrug
Oh and yes.. Im STILL pissed I was never given the chance to take Auto Shop, or Shop of any kind.
Sorry for a mini rant LOL