Front Page News: Repair Cafe

[rp2813]

Above the fold in this morning's paper.  A Dutch concept that's catching on here.  They're only doing small items, but that might change if this really takes off.

 

I love the quote about the junk quality of what manufacturers turn out these days, "To squander our dollars buying poorly made crap -- that's not honoring our lives."

 

The first comment below the article sounds like it could have come from an AWO member.

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/...earch-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

 

[jeffg]

The second comment makes me want to try a Sunbeam T-20.

Gosh I actually heard our 1970 Toastmaster scream when I said that.

 

[rp2813]

Yeah, that second comment is from the person who wrote the article.  Her friend is correct, as long as you're talking about plain white bread.  That's where the radiant control Sunbeams really excel.  The results with other types of bread are all over the map.

 

[dustin92]

We have a Sunbeam radiant control toaster, and it is BY FAR the best toaster I have ever used. It toasts evenly and always the same shade. Just perfect. We usually have wheat bread, and I have even toasted small bagels with no problem.

 

[foraloysius]

"A Dutch concept"

Thanks to the frugality of the Dutch! lol

 

[davetranter]

The other side of the 'Pond'

I remember seeing an Online article (have just done a quick search, but failed to re-find it), concerning a 'pressure-group' seeking a 'repairer's charter', by which manufacturers of domestic appliances and electronica would have to supply freely to users full servicing information, and supply equipment in 'accessible for servicing' i.e. not hermetically sealed, casework. The argument being that it is far more cost-effective and 'environmentally friendly' to repair and re-use an item, than to 'recycle' it. Sadly it seems to have come to nothing

I fully agree with comments about the poor build quality of modern equpiment of all types, and the seeming obsession with making repair difficult or impossible.

It does not appear, however, that this is a strictly 'new' problem..... Here is a quotation I found in a copy of "Hawkins' Electrical Guide" (printed in 1917!!), which seems appropriate...

"It is poor policy, except in very rare instances, to buy a 'cheap' article, as, especially in these days of commercial greed, the 'best' is none too good"

Enjoy!!

Dave T

 

[kb0nes]

Minneapolis also

Hennepin County has been sponsoring these Fix-It clinics for a few months now too. I was alerted to them by a friend who read about it in a paper and he thought I surely must be volunteering at them

The throw away society we live in MUST change, soon we will all be living on top a landfill.

As a related side-rant, packaging waste should be addressed too...

http://www.hennepin.us/fixitclinic