As a volunteer at Bexhill Men’s Shed, I contribute my time and technical expertise across several disciplines, combining mechanical design, electronics repair, and software development to support the day-to-day needs of the workshop and its members. A key part of my role is not only delivering technical solutions but also sharing my skills and knowledge with others, helping members develop confidence in new technologies and engineering techniques.
In the IT workshop, I produce mechanical designs using CAD software to meet practical requirements. I also carry out 3D scanning to capture existing components, enabling damaged or obsolete parts to be accurately repaired, recreated, and manufactured using our 3D printers. Many of the mechanical designs I create are prototyped and produced in-house through additive manufacturing. I regularly assist other members in learning CAD, 3D scanning, and 3D printing workflows, encouraging them to develop their own projects and problem-solving skills.
In the downstairs workshop, known as the Quiet Area, I repair and restore a wide variety of electrical and electronic equipment. Projects have included rebuilding the planetary gearbox of a Brio model locomotive, repairing domestic appliances such as rice cookers, restoring record turntables, and diagnosing faults in 3D printers. This work involves fault finding, component replacement, mechanical reassembly, and functional testing, while also providing opportunities to explain repair techniques and share practical engineering knowledge with fellow members.
Alongside the practical engineering work, I contribute to software-related projects, including website development and investigating terminal commands, firmware configuration, and optimisation for 3D printers. By documenting processes and helping others understand the underlying technology, I support the wider adoption of digital manufacturing within the workshop.
My voluntary work at Bexhill Men’s Shed allows me to combine technical expertise with community service, applying skills in CAD design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning, additive manufacturing, electronics repair, software development, and technical problem-solving. Equally important, it provides an opportunity to mentor others, share knowledge, and help members gain the confidence and practical skills needed to repair, create, and innovate independently.