Bendix-collapsable tub

[spin-it]

Hi All, new to site. Very cool, glad to be a part. Looking for any information on the Bendix "automatic?" of the late 40's early 50's that had a collapsable tub to squeeze the water out of the clothes after the water drained. Did this maqchine have an agitator? Any diagrams, spec, photos etc. would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[amyswasher]

Bendix Economat

 

[Unimatic1140]

You might check out these threads...

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?28721

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?14445

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?6337

Oh Rober tap tap tap tap tap

I'm waiting,,, for the photos..tap tap tap tap ..

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[spin-it]

Bendix collapsable tub

Thanks for the info and the name of the machine. The threads no longer worked but I plugged in Bendix Economat in the search box and read alot about it. There were a few photos, would still love some service info or diagrams if at all possible.
My Mom did in fact have one of those machines. I really don't remember how long she had it. but it was ultimately replaced with a Norge Time-line. We had that machine for a long time. I do remember it being quite noisy, but it was in the basement so it really didn't matter

 

[easyspindry]

Bendix Economat

These were interesting machines. You have to realize that the automatic Bendix machines of that era were front load and had no suspension system. They had to be bolted to the floor or they would "walk" when they started spinning -- perhaps "dance" is a better word.

The economat could be set down, plugged in, and off we go. There was no vibration or "walking."

Yes, there was an agitator very similar to ones used in the Maytags of that era, but it had holes in it. It had a nice long stroke like the Maytag.

The tub was rubber. There was a round kind of dome type thing on the lid that, when closed, created a seal. When the machine started the drain cycle, it would keep pumping and create a vacuum inside the tub. The suction would pull the sides of the rubber tub in toward the agitator, and the clothes would be squeezed up against the agitator.

The problem for those of us enthusiasts in this forum is that there is no way to watch what's going on during the extraction cycle.

I have used two different models of this machine, one of which never worked well with the extraction. The other one did a fine job. When it was done, the clothes were so tightly packed against the agitator they would sometimes be difficult to take out for line drying.

There are a few of these machines still around. I think it would be great if you could find one and use it.

Good luck.

Jerry Gay

 

[frigidaireguy]

POD - Today - 10-3-2010

SPIN-IT:

Welcome to the club you will really enjoy it. The POD today will explain the working principals of the Bendix Economat.
I had one of these machines when I was a child - Would love to have one in my collection.
Bob

 

[revvinkevin]

POD = Picture Of the Day

 

[westyslantfront]

I remember some of my neighbors had the economat when I was a kid. They referred to it as the "rubber tub"

Ross

 

[spin-it]

bendix collapsable tub

Thanks for all the replies. Loved the POD. Printed it for my records. Would love to see diagram, drawing or service manual. Maybe something will show up.