Meet Joe Byrne

Hey, my name is Joe. I have been volunteering as a chaperone for Saint John Vianney’s high school group since 2007. Over the past few years I’ve really thought about what needs Esperanza has that I might be able to help with. I have a background in designing machines and after years of coming to Tijuana and straightening rebar by hand; an incredibly manual job, I decided to create a device that would aid the workers in this task. A few years ago I made the first device. It worked great for a while but I wanted to design something that could last. This new machine would have replaceable parts and would be inclusive in a way that would allow anyone to use it, regardless of their strength. My goal was simple: to create accurate rectangles and be easy to use. I spent time designing it, and redesigning it until I was satisfied with the end product. I spent countless hours in Seattle after work and on weekends, building it.  I got the Rebar Bender finished three days before leaving!

We brought the machine down to Esperanza in pieces, put it together, and tried it out.  I had to make a couple of adjustments after testing it, but on June 26, we tried it again and received positive feedback. I’m happy to report that, with this machine, an accurate rectangle can be made in 35 seconds.

I’m thrilled to have been able to bring this machine to Eduardo, and have it be used by an organization that holds such a special place in my heart.