I have a solution to the price of tools. I work for tools. When I take in a job like a preseason cleanup and tuneup the price is one tool. Next weeks job, a general cleanup, tuneup, wheel truing with hub regreasing, chain cleaning and headset adjustment comes at the price of one headset cup press, about $49 on sale or ebay. Its amazing how many tools you can acquire this way.

Like many of the other posters in this thread though it is unlikely that I will spring for a set of bottom bracket taps.