Repair Cafe – Fix Your Broken Items

(repaircafe.org)

49 points | by rglover 4 hours ago

7 comments

  • jaredhallen 1 hour ago

    Like others, I love this idea. A related idea I had was a library of 3d models of parts. Like thingiverse, but specifically for repair/replace components and not limited to plastic. My thought was if it's plastic you could 3d print whatever little busted plastic part was going to send your household item to landfill. But also models of things like automotive parts that you could have made by somewhere like xometry. I thought of it as an "international component database."

    • kayson 1 hour ago

      I love this idea. A lot of repair knowledge is buried in non-English forums or unsearchable Discord servers (grr Discord). We need to localize it and rebuild community expertise.

      • washbasin 2 hours ago

        I have been a "repair mentor" at our "repair studio" for 3+ years. It's very rewarding. We did have to set some ground rules: (clean your fan/vac, bring batteries, etc). Collaborated with our local library.

        • canada_dry 1 hour ago

          > clean your [item]

          Anecdote: I gave an apprentice a small vacuum to fix, when he opened it up several live bed bugs emerged. That was fun! /s

        • canada_dry 2 hours ago

          I've been involved for several years. If you don't yet have one in your area, are handy at fixing things and have the inclination - contact them for info on starting one up.

          • eterm 2 hours ago

            We have one in my town, meets once a month at the local community centre. I've only been there once, but It's pretty awesome seeing all the stuff people bring in to get repaired.

            • tocs3 3 hours ago

              Is it growing? Is anyone in Austin TX starting one up?

              • matthewfcarlson 3 hours ago

                lol, I was just thinking that. The assmbly makerspace is probably closest I know of to something like this.

              • QuercusMax 2 hours ago

                We have at least one in Portland, and they do both clothing and electronics repairs. It's great to see a repairability movement!