guess what I bought

[kb0nes]

Any fine flexible abrasive wheel could be used. At the factory it looks like they are using something pretty coarse and inflexible to grind down the welds, this leaves behind the scratches. Using a tiny Dremel wheel will take forever, you'd be better off working it by hand.

The question still remains "is this an actual PROBLEM in using the machine"? I would wager it is an entire non-issue. With use the scratches will quickly smooth out. While it feels bad when you run your fingernails across the grain of the scratches, remember the laundry will largely be moving with the grain not against it. Also the garments will be swimming in the water and lubricated by the detergent, damage to the clothing would be minimal. I would give SQ the benefit of the doubt there and say they aren't shipping machines that can't be safely used.

Still this is quite an imperfection to find in an expensive new appliance, they need to do better! This is a problem that is similar (and somewhat related) to the black crud in the spin baskets. Their reputation is at stake here. While SQ machines are heavy and solidly built, they are a bit crude and rough around the edges. They don't have the fit and finish of an Asian machine.

 

[mamapinky]

I didn't mind the black crud in the basket, about 4 white rags and some degreaser and it was gone, I don't think it should be there to begin with but I knew to expect it. I guess for me this is a small price to pay for what I want in a washer, but they probably should clean their tubs up and smooth them out a bit more. I'm sure it would be a deal breaker for some.

 

[mrb627]

Grinder

I would hesitate to take action on the seam with a grinder until a call to Speed Queen was made. At the very least, they need to know they have a potential problem in the manufacturing process.

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it and continue to use the machine. The agitator is pushing the clothes outward and the burrs are directly in the path. Additionally, the spin drain is going to cause a grating action against anything in contact until the water is pumped away and the load and basket spin together at the same speed.

I seriously doubt that this is Alliance cutting corners to boost profit margins. I would suspect a machining step is being skipped.

Malcolm

 

[Chetlaham]

Tub

I would guess it has to do with keeping the cost down on a machine with a great amount of raw material and little profit for SQ in the long run. Years ago material was cheap, today not so much. When you count in the added weight to ship these, then the 20 year life expectancy and the fact few know how to buy a real washer SQ has to stay competitive some way. Its just a guess on my part, however from personnel experience even though the tub looks rough it does not seem to harm clothes. Ive seen agitators to worse.

 

[mamapinky]

Mrb, no I'm not going to mess with that seam, or the rust spot...I need the dealer to see this in all its glory, I was going to buff the rust, but this morning changed my mind (you know women and mind changes lol) the dealer has been impossible to get ahold of but was instantly on the phone for the sale, I'm calling back in a bit and if I don't get him Saturday I'm popping in.
I have had 2 shirts come out with tiny snags that I know wernt there before going into the washer, this happened yesterday. As sharp as some of these ridges are I can't see how it could be avoided..kinda like playing Russian roulette with the clothing..lol.
I thank you all for your suggestions and advice I will let you know what happens...Cheryl

 

[kb0nes]

I would suspect a machining step is being skipped.

If this is the case then their quality control SUCKS!

They know the baskets are going out the door this way... If they don't know, then think of all the actual problems they may be missing inside the transmission etc.

I don't disagree with calling Speed Queen and letting them know about it though. I'd still polish the basket myself if it bugged me. Then again I work in a machine shop so it is well within my comfort zone!

 

[frigilux]

Cheryl---My Speed Queen had the same grooves near the seam. They looked similar to the ones in the photo posted by Beth Ellen. As Malcolm pointed out, they feel like a Microplane file. The grooves look really bad in the photo you posted, Malcolm.

While they are an eyesore, can't say the grooves ever caused damage to fabrics.

Nearly all Speed Queen owners at AW have the top-loader. Wonder if the front-loaders have the same greasy residue and 'grooves' issues?

 

[kb0nes]

Eugene,

The SQ front load machines I have stuck my head into look good although I can't comment on the grunge on the new ones.

Photo is from the one I have. This was one of the used ones that John got so it was pretty shiny by the time I saw it.

 

[mrb627]

No grooves

In the new FL tub that I could see in the showroom.

But I think the FL is smaller in size.

Malcolm

 

[kb0nes]

The front load drums are made differently then the top load baskets.

The top loaders have the bottom piece (which I believe is spun) that is welded to the cylindrical formed part of the basket. The nasty scratches we are seeing are where they sanded/ground off the weld flash at the point the two pieces are joined.

The front loader drum has flanges formed that are outside the wash area. The welds are outside the drum so they don't have to worry about cleaning up the flash.

I don't know if the black grunge is a top loader only thing though. Have never heard of it in a front load machine but as Eugene mentioned, they are less common.

 

[mamapinky]

Quick question...do the new SP TL'ers with the electronics have full fill and true hot wash like the dial model? And do they have a locking lid? No I'm not in the market for one this is purely out of wanting the knowledge so I can pass it on if ask. Thank you all Cheryl

 

[mrb627]

Electronic Models

True Hot Wash
Full Fill
No Locking Lid on ANY SQ top loader.

Malcolm

 

[mamapinky]

Thank you Malcolm.