[oskarpearson]

Ok, it's not TechShop.. but I'm surprised by how many people don't know about https://london.hackspace.org.uk/

Have you given it a try? There are a significant number of tools available: https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Equipment

[michaelt]

A lot of things on that equipment list are inoperable. Is that a normal state of affairs, or is today just a bad day to look at the list?

[mjlee]

It's not entirely unusual. I've been a member for about 6 years now and, candidly, it's in a permanent state of disarray. I've not been there in about 7 months as I've been out of London but I don't imagine much has changed.

I would say - don't let it put you off. The Hackspace is more than the sum of its tools. In any event there's a lot there including some fantastic equipment. The out of order equipment is more often a work in progress than it is abandoned kit.