Acheologic Exploration

[mixfinder]

I have a Sunbeam MM in Sandalwood that has been a cherished and faithful companion since 1970. Others have come and gone but this one stayed the course. For 20 years it was the only mixer in use at home. In the 80's we had a bakery and to augment the Reco Reynolds and Hobart floor mixers I used a slurry of junkstore finds. I bought sold and gifted throughout the next 20 years having a small collectibles store and using ebay. In 2002 I cleaned out the stable and moved to Seattle with just the Sandalwood MM. In 2003 I bought an Artisan and the Sunbeam had a sojourn with Sara and Mike until I got them a Kitchenaid for her College graduation. The whole collecting addiction began again in preparation for Chad's visit and what I suspected might be some of the members from the Northwest. Just a couple monthes ago I put away the loud Pro600, repainted a sweet little 50 year old K45 and returned the Sunbeam to status of daily driver. The last week it began to sag and flutter and I was sure the brushes had worn done too much to make proper contact with the commutator.

 

[mixfinder]

Escutcheon

or Shield covers the screw which attaches the revolving handle and beater ejector. Sunbeam used a vacuum device to grip and pull the escutcheon cleanly away. Without it its a crap shoot trying to find something small and pointed enough to gain a purchase on the edge of the escutcheon without damaging it.

 

[mixfinder]

Nail Biter

A finger nail file that connects to a nail clipper seems to work fine if you're very careful.[this post was last edited: 6/27/2010-14:21]

 

[mixfinder]

Wanna Screw?

One large screw and a spring holds the handle assembly in place while still allowing it to move.

 

[mixfinder]

Flip It

A simpler plastic escutchen covers the back of the MixFinder dial. It comes off easily but you must be careful not to stress it too hard or the plastic nibs that hold it in place snap off. Under the escutcheon is a small screw that holds the MixFinder dial in place.

 

[mixfinder]

Now Some Hardcore Screwing.

Once the handle and dial are removed 4 screws are exposed that hold the motor cover in place. There is a heavy spring that holds a stainless nub in place. It protrudes through the cover and holds the handle from moving while using the mixer as a portable.

 

[mixfinder]

Lift

Gently moving the cover frees it from the base and allows you to lift it off while keeping the spring in place. I was surprised and a tad disappointed it was so clean inside and showed so little sign of heavy use.

 

[mixfinder]

New Brushes

The brushes are held in place with a plastic clips that holds a copper sleeve and spring.

 

[mixfinder]

Returned

The clips are relined and tightened being careful not to use so much force it cracks the plastic.

 

[mixfinder]

Stick it to Me

Every Sunbeam classic Sunbeam has a simple speed adjustment. As the wear on contacts in the switch increase the mixer begins to run slower at low speeds. You'll see the screw in this picture that adjusts the tension against the MixFinder dial.

 

[mixfinder]

Find the Hole

The older mixers have a smaller pin that fits into the switch. Either style has a hex opening and a simple allen wrench will turn the adjustment screw.

 

[mixfinder]

Make it Easy on Yourself

If the escutcheon is removed and the MixFinder is set at speed one there is an opening in the MixFinder dial to insert the wrench and make an adjustment without dismantling the mixer. If the mixer is operated too long on lower speeds it burns out the contact points because they are opening and closing so often to maintain a slow speed at full power. When the motor is running slowly the fan doesn't move as much air to cool the motor.

 

[mixfinder]

Back Together Again

Good for another 40 years. This model was only made for a shortime. Beside the Sandalwood color it has a copper escutcheon and dark brown handle and MixFinder dial. I have never met a model MM that was not super dependable. They are a touch louder than the 12 and louder yet than the 10 and 11 but their styling, Bowl-Fit beaters and superb mixing abilities makes it a favorite. Before Kitchenaid which I use for bread, I used the Sunbeam as hand held mixer with dough hooks. I know that if you look back over it's long life we're talking dry ingredients in tons.

 

[mixfinder]

2 down 5,000 to Go

I made 2 Angel cakes yesterday, one without sugar or flour and whipped a quart of cream. She sounds strong, happy and just like new.

 

[gfm8959]

Brushes

...so did you replace or reposition the brushes? I really enjoyed seeing this pictorial. Thanks Kelly for enlightening us!!

 

[mixfinder]

Replaced

The brushes were worn so far one had begun to run over to the side. The brushes installed were replacements.

 

[mixguy]

Quiet model 12

I purchased off ebay, a model 12C that is the quietest and smoothest running mixmaster that I have ever encountered. I consider it a lucky find! Especially since I bought the mixer, stand, bowl and beaters all separately. I was lucky that the total for all did not add up what complete one are listed on ebay.

 

[mixfinder]

12C

There is nary a soul who worked for Sunbeam that didn't wholeheartedly agree the model 12 was the very best product Sunbeam ever made. It still surprises me when a mixer of the same brand and model is totally out of character either quieter or louder, more powerful or slower. It would seem the same patented product made in the same plant by the same people would have less oddities.

 

[tomturbomatic]

"I made 2 Angel cakes yesterday, one without sugar or flour"

What is an Angel cake made without sugar or flour?

 

[mixfinder]

Boiled Eggs!

I have been using poly dextrose as a sugar bulk replacement and Splenda as a Sweetner. For the flour I used Potato Flour and Resistance Starch made from corn.