,
At The Owl’s Nest we have been repairing devices since long before the word “repair café” existed. Clocks, amplifiers, game consoles, coffee machines, test equipment, sometimes even an old monitor or a specialised machine: if it is technically and safely justifiable, we are happy to look at whether we can give something a second life. We share the idea behind repair cafés – better to repair than throw away – but work differently; not as an event, but as a permanent workshop with time, tools and attention.
For us, repair is more than “quickly taking something apart and hoping for the best”. We take measurements, look things up, order parts when needed and are honest if a repair is no longer sensible or safe. Sometimes we do that together with you at the workbench, sometimes a device stays with us a bit longer so that we can investigate it properly.
You can come to us with a wide range of devices. A few examples we have seen over the years:
We also have experience with older and more complex electronics. In some cases we still repair and overhaul CRT monitors and televisions for retro computing or retrogaming, including measuring and readjusting the electronics where that is safe and worthwhile. We handle high voltage with care and are clear when repair is no longer technically sensible or cannot be made safe.
For repairs we almost always work by appointment. Sometimes we can get quite far together at the workbench within an hour, for example with a simple fault or a small mechanical repair. For many devices more time is needed: we have to take measurements, read documentation, order parts or make something custom. In those cases we first talk through what is going on and what a logical next step would be.
Simple repairs are sometimes finished the same day. More complex work – such as audio amplifiers, older displays, specialised equipment or repairs that require parts to be ordered or made – can take a week or longer. We are a small workshop, not a 24/7 service centre. We prefer to give a realistic estimate and keep you informed rather than promise something too quickly.
Because we work a lot with people who need calm and predictability, the workshop is not open for walk-ins all week. We are there by appointment and at times when our LED sign at the door says “Welcome, we’re open”. If you do not see it lit, please contact us first before bringing a device along.
We find it important that devices are not only “working again” after a repair, but are also safe to use. That is why:
As a rule we do not work on medical devices that are used directly for treatment or life support, such as medicine pumps or ventilators. Equipment that is normally used in medical settings but has a different, non-medical purpose in your situation (for example an oxygen concentrator used for glasswork) we assess per case. If we think the risks or costs are out of proportion to the likely result, we will say so clearly and, where possible, refer you to a specialist party.
We see all kinds of repairs: from a short intervention to lengthy fault-finding with specialised equipment. Because of that we do not have a fixed price list per type of device. Roughly you can think of:
We want to keep repair accessible, but we also need to keep the workshop running. We therefore look together at what is reasonable given the time, materials and your situation. Is the repair part of a trajectory via an organisation or institution? In that case we agree the rates with that party. You can find more information about that on the For professionals page.
For us, repairs are not just “jobs to be cleared”, but also an opportunity to learn. If you are interested, we explain what we are doing, let you look along under the microscope or take measurements yourself, and think with you about how you can do a first diagnosis on your own next time. For some participants, repairing is a way to rebuild confidence in their own abilities, find structure and gradually develop new skills.
If you would like to do more than a single repair and spend a longer period learning and working in the workshop, have a look at About the workshop and Who is The Owl’s Nest for?, or contact us to discuss the options.
Do you have a device you would like to have checked or repaired? Please send us an email first; you can find details on the Make an appointment page. Briefly describe what kind of device it is, what the problem is and – if possible – add a few photos. Based on that we will see whether it fits within our workshop and arrange a time for you to bring it in.
If you are not sure whether your question belongs with us, feel free to get in touch. We will think along with you and will also say honestly if we are not the right place or if a referral elsewhere would make more sense.