Apex Wash-a-Matic re-Restoration and Full Cycle Video

[launderess]

How Does He Do It!

Another fine job well done!

Congrats and enjoy your new machine in good health!

 

[frigilux]

Absolutely amazing, Robert! Thanks for sharing the restoration process and taking one for the team to make the video. We need to come up with an Apex rain poncho for you.

 

[swestoyz]

Robert, thank you for taking the time to document the recent adventure of tuning up your Apex! While it is quick for us to read it does take some time to put down your thoughts and catalog them in series with photos, etc.

After all these years it is great that we all are still learning new things about the machines that fascinate us. Bravo!

Ben

 

[Unimatic1140]

What’s going to be your next restoration?

Hey John, nothing on the restore list now as most everything is working ***knocks wood*** at the moment. The only other issue in my collection at the moment is my 1958 Filtrator dryer is leaking so I have to go in and fix that but I wont bother with that until at least September as I don't use the Filtrators in the summertime.

I do too wonder about the Apex if it would have turned over clothes as well as it does with a much bigger modern sized wash tub? There is no way to really answer that question I guess without building one.

While it is quick for us to read it does take some time to put down your thoughts and catalog them in series with photos, etc.
Hi Ben, yes it sure does take a lot of time but the nice thing is sometime in the future I'm sure I'll reference this thread again just like I did recently with my 2009 Apex threads to see exactly what I did.

 

[jamiel]

yes, I imagine that is a question of fluid dynamics (i.e. a big engineering question) about the optimal size of that type of toroid shape...would anticipate that the nutation profile might have an impact too.

 

[lotsosudz]

Congrats Robert

As always, a phenomenal job accomplished! If you don't mind me asking, what is the speed of the spin?
Hugs,
David

 

[Unimatic1140]

Thank you David, the spin speed is 610rpm. Interestingly enough in Feb of 1954 Consumer Reports stated "The best washers in terms of water extraction were the Frigidaire that left .57 lbs of water and the Apex which left .72 lbs of water per pound of clothes". I suspect the big swirling ramps in the Apex tub helps greatly with water extraction.

 

[qsd-dan]

I guess this is a good time to request a video of the GE AW6 washer. The "See It Wash" videos haven't worked for many years and there's currently no YouTube video of one in operation.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

It's always such a treat to see one of these machines being repaired/restored. Thank you for sharing your stellar work Robert.

 

[ea56]

Wow Robert!

what a thoroughly impressive washing machine and restoration! I’m amazed at the amount of laundry that small tub held AND cleaned so well. The coup d’ grace is how after the final spin the machine vibrates to fluff up the finished load, making it ready to either toss in the dryer or easily hang on the line. Perfecto!

Thanks for sharing this restoration with us.

Eddie

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>QSD-Dan: The "See It Wash" videos haven't worked for many years and there's currently no YouTube video of one in operation.</blockquote> Several bits I tried in See It Wash work for me.  The linked files may need to be saved and played with whatever is the choice of players on the computer if they don't run directly in the browser.  I've used VLC Media Player for years.  I can't say whether they'll play directly with a phone, I rarely access the web with such.

 

[qsd-dan]

The linked files may need to be saved

You are right, they have to saved and opened with a player. Back in the day, they automatically fired up without saving. Still wouldn't mind a modern video in higher def that doesn't look nearly 20 years old.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I completely agree with you Dan, I've been thinking about making a full cycle video of the 1947 GE AW-6 for years now. I'll be sure to try to make that one next on the list of videos to be done. Those little videos I did back in the 2000-2004 years were super cool back then but they are so very vintage now lol, high-resolution and full cycle video on YouTube would be much better and modern!

 

[qsd-dan]

I didn't intend to fill your plate with anymore projects, but I'm glad you agree. It's such a rare machine and deserves some limelight in high definition.

 

[jetcone]

Love the breakdown Robert

So clear! Now the Forbidden Construction is fynally revealed to us! I am so impressed at your new motor selection ! Holy Moly !

Sweet machine ! Always was ! And another stellar restoration for years of good service !

 

[lesto]

Another fantastic restoration job, Robert! And thanks for the full cycle video. I always enjoy them.

 

[jetaction]

Impressive

The amount of work this takes, not only the restoration but the documentation and video is enormous.
Thanks for sharing this Robert, we all benefit from your generous post here.