I haven't been on copper line since 2014. Mainly because I moved and DSL isn't available in my area just cable so I got high speed internet of 30megs (just recently they upgraded to 100megs but I don't see any improvements here) and now use an internet based phone service. Still however that RG6 cable is copper clad steel. Only choice I had was the cable service or satellite, which is not that reliable. Neighbors with satellite tv is always complaining about lost of signal.
When comes to computer equipment I start out with a 286 12 MHz system I did several upgrades due operating system and other software going out of date. When do upgrade now I buy refurbished systems. With Windows 7 being kill off next year the last refurbished systems I brought I made it a require that you be upgrade to Win 10. Now I won't go any higher due limited memory expansion.
The main reason I had to do these upgrades is the use of the systems as business computers.
As for other things I have always been a repairman so I repair a lot things that other simply right off. I just got done rebuilding a front cast iron axle that Husqvarna insists it is un-repairable just because they will not provide the plastic bushings. I install a set bronze bushings after they were machined to fit.
Last year I installed a bushing in an otherwise repairable $300 Kawasaki carburetor. Strange problem with that carburetor as choke shafts normally just don't wear out and break. Yet again the manufacture said it wasn't repairable.
The washing machine which is 20 yrs old now as a curb find where the Sears tech told the customer it was un-repairable just to sell a new one. It had a $2 (10 yrs ago price) plastic part broken which I replaced. I have 1100W microwave that is a curb find that only had a blown fuse. 90% of repair shop shelving is made out reclaimed bed rails angle iron and plywood from waterbeds.
It is just that the repair shops find it not economical to do the repairs anymore due to overhead costs and the fact that many of the our electronics supply shops are now gone. I having to order my electronics parts out Texas now. Many of the mowers that wiring problems that I repair other shops insist that they complete wiring harnesses when though just need a new terminal and possibly a connector housing.
Yes I am firm believer in the repair and use of items until become un-repairable then I do my best to recycle them either into a new item here or take to the recycle center. The landfill is the last resort for me.
