Repurposed Devices

[jebatty]

I was looking at the electric coffee maker this morning, and the thought came to mind: here is an electronic device with a clock, an on/off timer, a high amperage switching relay, and a temperature sensor. This could be re-purposed into a quite useful control for a variety of applications. If and when the heating element fails in this coffee maker, I'm not about to scrap it, but instead re-purpose the controller.

Any other devices that might be re-purposed for new applications?

 

[jb6l6gc]

I repurposed my old pop top camper into a utility trailer when it got old rather than scrapping it.

 

[Tom123]

The water solenoid out of a washing machine can be useful. When we were kids we set one up with a photoelectric switch to soak people when they bent over to pick up money.

 

[firefighterjake]

I use my hatchet as a hammer and a large screwdriver as a chisel sometimes . . . that is about the extent of my mechanical know-how and ability.

 

[Hasufel]

I've been trying to find a use for a surplus heavy-duty electric table saw motor. My life would be a lot easier if I could use it in some kind of pulley system to bring firewood up a steep slope, but ultimately it's probably not worth the effort.

 

[sportbikerider78]

I'm a big believer in purpose built devices. I like buying or making exactly what I need for a specified application.

 

[Tom123]

I was looking at the electric coffee maker this morning, and the thought came to mind: here is an electronic device with a clock, an on/off timer, a high amperage switching relay, and a temperature sensor. This could be re-purposed into a quite useful control for a variety of applications. If and when the heating element fails in this coffee maker, I'm not about to scrap it, but instead re-purpose the controller.

Any other devices that might be re-purposed for new applications?

Jebatty, this could be a great post, thanks for starting it. I grew up in the 60's and 70's in a blue collar neighborhood in Ct. My father was a WWII vet who could do anything mechanical, carpentry, a skilled model builder etc. My neighbor was an auto mechanic and moonlighted as the local TV repair guy. I learned my way around tools and developed an affinity for things mechanical and electrical early on. In my neighborhood an old lawnmower and a bicycle turned into a mini bike, an appliance motor became part of a wood lathe etc. Imagine if we had things like Raspberry Pi, Arduino etc back then.

 

[dougand3]

Computer PSU switch will work as a kill switch. The OEM one is a metal plate that slides to make contact. They cost $15 for a little piece of metal/plastic - too much for a $60 saw.

 

[Dobish]

I've been trying to find a use for a surplus heavy-duty electric table saw motor. My life would be a lot easier if I could use it in some kind of pulley system to bring firewood up a steep slope, but ultimately it's probably not worth the effort.

http://denver.craigslist.org/grd/5943919831.html

 

[Jags]

I repurposed an old dishwasher into a snow thrower by buying her a shovel.

( I kid - I kid )

 

[Easy Livin’ 3000]

I repurposed and old dishwasher into a snow thrower by buying her a shovel.

( I kid - I kid )

Careful Jags, you might end up with dirty dishes and no help when it snows!