Now that's strange, two new knobs have been discretely added to the side of the control panel?
Look What Happened to My 1958 General Electric Washer
- Thread starter Unimatic1140
- Start date
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Enquiring minds want to know..............
I've been working on this project for over five months now and it's officially completed. I'll start with saying all the original parts have been saved and I could if I ever desire easily return the machine to it's original design.
So let's start with what I removed from underneath the machine:
#1 Original Motor (1/3hp, 1750rpm)
#2 Original Pump
#3 Original Clutch
#4 V-Belt
Here's what I replaced them with...
Brand spanking new 21st century 3-phase motor (3/4hp, 3600rpm).
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to run the motor
Relays to communicate the original timer to the new motor drive, I didn't want to add any computer to the machine I wanted it run off of it's original control panel timer,
Two electric pumps one for Filter-flo the other for drain,
Changed the drive belt to a cogged belt from a standard belt,
I also added an extra 1950's version Kenmore washer off-balance relay switch
So what exactly did this do to this machine? lol you're not going to believe this, let's just say the performance is amazing. Video to come shortly.
So let's start with what I removed from underneath the machine:
#1 Original Motor (1/3hp, 1750rpm)
#2 Original Pump
#3 Original Clutch
#4 V-Belt
Here's what I replaced them with...
Brand spanking new 21st century 3-phase motor (3/4hp, 3600rpm).
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to run the motor
Relays to communicate the original timer to the new motor drive, I didn't want to add any computer to the machine I wanted it run off of it's original control panel timer,
Two electric pumps one for Filter-flo the other for drain,
Changed the drive belt to a cogged belt from a standard belt,
I also added an extra 1950's version Kenmore washer off-balance relay switch
So what exactly did this do to this machine? lol you're not going to believe this, let's just say the performance is amazing. Video to come shortly.
Here we go, watch this in full screen mode for the full effect...
WOW!!!
That's all... I am speechless!
That's all... I am speechless!
Yup, that's all Paul!
No more air bubbles in sheets for me! And an 1150rpm spin! Just had to get 10 more rpms than a Unimatic or AW6 GE for the heck of it
No more air bubbles in sheets for me! And an 1150rpm spin! Just had to get 10 more rpms than a Unimatic or AW6 GE for the heck of it
golittlesport
Well-known member
Awesome!!!
Thanks, Robert! It's raining here in So Cal this morning and your video was perfect entertainment to watch with a cup of coffee! Such a beautiful machine! I just love fast spins and that fast activation is almost like a pulsator action. You are amazing!! Thanks again for documenting what you are up to these days! You are the "washer wizard!"
P.S. Very cool that you saved old parts and can return this machine back to original condition if you ever wanted to. (But it looks a lot more fun like this!)
Thanks, Robert! It's raining here in So Cal this morning and your video was perfect entertainment to watch with a cup of coffee! Such a beautiful machine! I just love fast spins and that fast activation is almost like a pulsator action. You are amazing!! Thanks again for documenting what you are up to these days! You are the "washer wizard!"
P.S. Very cool that you saved old parts and can return this machine back to original condition if you ever wanted to. (But it looks a lot more fun like this!)
This Machine Is Amazing
I have seen it run in person and this may be the most amazing washer creation you have done yet Robert.
This update is really what this washer needed, it always amazed me that GE started out with such a great performing AW and then went to such an anemic design, the basic agitation was always weak on GE solid tub AMWs but then they slowed down the spin to only approximately 550 they lost any real advantage in overall performance.
All this is even more interesting that they slowed the spin down so much as you have proved that the machine is capable of spinning at over 1000 RPMs without problems.
I doubt that you would ever want to convert this washer back to its original design.
John L.
I have seen it run in person and this may be the most amazing washer creation you have done yet Robert.
This update is really what this washer needed, it always amazed me that GE started out with such a great performing AW and then went to such an anemic design, the basic agitation was always weak on GE solid tub AMWs but then they slowed down the spin to only approximately 550 they lost any real advantage in overall performance.
All this is even more interesting that they slowed the spin down so much as you have proved that the machine is capable of spinning at over 1000 RPMs without problems.
I doubt that you would ever want to convert this washer back to its original design.
John L.
Wow!!!!! Is this tub constructed different or same as the original GE automatic such that it can withstand that 1150 rpm spin speed?
[this post was last edited: 10/13/2018-14:07]
[this post was last edited: 10/13/2018-14:07]
bradross
Well-known member
She's a beauty!
Robert, that looks like a fantastic machine! What a job! And of course, everyone knows I'm really a "wringer guy", but a vintage automatic like that might just win me over!
Robert, that looks like a fantastic machine! What a job! And of course, everyone knows I'm really a "wringer guy", but a vintage automatic like that might just win me over!
Great job Robert...
You are such a talented man. Your pictures, descriptions, and video are absolutely amazing. I loved watching this machine in action with the improvements you made. I'm happy to see you still have your passion for these great machines.
Thank You
Patrick
You are such a talented man. Your pictures, descriptions, and video are absolutely amazing. I loved watching this machine in action with the improvements you made. I'm happy to see you still have your passion for these great machines.
Thank You
Patrick
Dayum!!!
Fun video, beautiful machine! I think this 1958 (in turquoise, no less) is my favorite machine in your collection. When watching it agitate at full speed I thought of a new name for the washer - Filter-Shred.
So now the only functions that the Piano Keys control is water temps? You found a way to bypass the controls for wash/spin speed that the keys had?
So very cool.
lawrence
Fun video, beautiful machine! I think this 1958 (in turquoise, no less) is my favorite machine in your collection. When watching it agitate at full speed I thought of a new name for the washer - Filter-Shred.
So now the only functions that the Piano Keys control is water temps? You found a way to bypass the controls for wash/spin speed that the keys had?
So very cool.
lawrence
Took the idea right out of my head
Been meaning to do something similar, though much less well thought out, but money has been tight for while and kept pushing it back.
Either way, THANK YOU! This means a lot to me, I love seeing machine enhancements or anything adding to a machine. Making myself comfortable for the video.
BTW, no fun! You should have let us guess more!
Been meaning to do something similar, though much less well thought out, but money has been tight for while and kept pushing it back.
Either way, THANK YOU! This means a lot to me, I love seeing machine enhancements or anything adding to a machine. Making myself comfortable for the video.
BTW, no fun! You should have let us guess more!
Congrats!
Such a beautiful machine! Now it’s a Super Versatronic! Nice work! Better get those sheets nice and dirty.
Such a beautiful machine! Now it’s a Super Versatronic! Nice work! Better get those sheets nice and dirty.
WOW is all I can say!
You know.... before this I had never thought about modding a washing machine. I have used VFD's for several other projects, with resounding success, and see how well this works here!
I just really like this build. You've inspired me to do a similar build sometime in the future.
With the high-speed spin, have you made any tests to see how much more water is extracted? Something like running a full spin cycle with factory original speed; removing and weighing the clothes - and then repeating the test with 1150 RPM spin? I bet a lot more water is removed.
Also, what brand VFD is that? I have used Allen-Bradley 160 series drives for my projects. They come up on eBay from time to time and seem to be more reliable (used) than the China Boi new VFD's. But this is just my opinion and not in any way meant to detract from your build.
EDIT: I see it's a TECO Westinghouse. That's another great one, as well. Top notch work, for sure!
Thanks again for sharing with us!
Sincerely,
David
You know.... before this I had never thought about modding a washing machine. I have used VFD's for several other projects, with resounding success, and see how well this works here!
I just really like this build. You've inspired me to do a similar build sometime in the future.
With the high-speed spin, have you made any tests to see how much more water is extracted? Something like running a full spin cycle with factory original speed; removing and weighing the clothes - and then repeating the test with 1150 RPM spin? I bet a lot more water is removed.
Also, what brand VFD is that? I have used Allen-Bradley 160 series drives for my projects. They come up on eBay from time to time and seem to be more reliable (used) than the China Boi new VFD's. But this is just my opinion and not in any way meant to detract from your build.
EDIT: I see it's a TECO Westinghouse. That's another great one, as well. Top notch work, for sure!
Thanks again for sharing with us!
Sincerely,
David
Thanks everyone for your kind words and encouragement. One of the things I love about this machine is it's water flow-through fabric softener dispenser, the best design of any early machine in my opinion. I just always wish it spun faster like the very early GEs washers and Frigidaires, and now it does!
Is this tub constructed different or same as the original GE automatic such that it can withstand that 1150 rpm spin speed?
Hi Bob, the major difference between the earlier 1947-1950 GE washers that spun at 1140rpm and the later models is the tub sat in a cast iron cradle in the early machines. The tub in the later machines are still pretty solid metal and porcelain so I wasn't so worried about that. The suspension system is similar to the early GE fast spinning washers so I knew it could handle it. My only real concern is the cast-iron balance ring that sits on top of the tub has welded brackets. If I see any sign of those brackets loosening I will take the ring out and drill through it and the brackets and secure them with stainless steel bolts. But after five months of high speed spinning they seem to be holding up just fine.
So now the only functions that the Piano Keys control is water temps? You found a way to bypass the controls for wash/spin speed that the keys had?
Hi Lawrence, yes the piano keys now only control the water temperature. Since they way GE reduced the speed for low speed operation was a simple solenoid to the clutch, I took that wire out of the circuit. All speeds are controlled through the two variable knobs on the side of the control panel. The VFD only allows for one variable speed control (a potentiometer) so I used two separate relays to switch the signal from the knobs into the speed control terminals of the VFD. One relay is for the upper activation knob and the other for the spin knob, that way I could control the agitation and spin speeds separately.
With the high-speed spin, have you made any tests to see how much more water is extracted? Something like running a full spin cycle with factory original speed; removing and weighing the clothes - and then repeating the test with 1150 RPM spin? I bet a lot more water is removed.
Hi David, I haven't done an actual test but I certainly could, I can tell there is a HUGE difference now in the water extraction ability of this machine. According to the service manual for this machine, the original spec spin speed was 610rpm, although my meter showed it originally was only spinning at 598rpm, but that probably was due to clutch wear.
I knew nothing about VFD's before this project and learned a lot about them, they offer endless possibilities of how one could control a washing machine. When I have more time I make a post about what a VFD is and how to wire and program it for others who may not know anything about them.
Is this tub constructed different or same as the original GE automatic such that it can withstand that 1150 rpm spin speed?
Hi Bob, the major difference between the earlier 1947-1950 GE washers that spun at 1140rpm and the later models is the tub sat in a cast iron cradle in the early machines. The tub in the later machines are still pretty solid metal and porcelain so I wasn't so worried about that. The suspension system is similar to the early GE fast spinning washers so I knew it could handle it. My only real concern is the cast-iron balance ring that sits on top of the tub has welded brackets. If I see any sign of those brackets loosening I will take the ring out and drill through it and the brackets and secure them with stainless steel bolts. But after five months of high speed spinning they seem to be holding up just fine.
So now the only functions that the Piano Keys control is water temps? You found a way to bypass the controls for wash/spin speed that the keys had?
Hi Lawrence, yes the piano keys now only control the water temperature. Since they way GE reduced the speed for low speed operation was a simple solenoid to the clutch, I took that wire out of the circuit. All speeds are controlled through the two variable knobs on the side of the control panel. The VFD only allows for one variable speed control (a potentiometer) so I used two separate relays to switch the signal from the knobs into the speed control terminals of the VFD. One relay is for the upper activation knob and the other for the spin knob, that way I could control the agitation and spin speeds separately.
With the high-speed spin, have you made any tests to see how much more water is extracted? Something like running a full spin cycle with factory original speed; removing and weighing the clothes - and then repeating the test with 1150 RPM spin? I bet a lot more water is removed.
Hi David, I haven't done an actual test but I certainly could, I can tell there is a HUGE difference now in the water extraction ability of this machine. According to the service manual for this machine, the original spec spin speed was 610rpm, although my meter showed it originally was only spinning at 598rpm, but that probably was due to clutch wear.
I knew nothing about VFD's before this project and learned a lot about them, they offer endless possibilities of how one could control a washing machine. When I have more time I make a post about what a VFD is and how to wire and program it for others who may not know anything about them.
Fun!
Would be really splashy with a load of bib-overalls.
I do wonder how well the fins and drive block area will hold up under the stress. Seems like the old brittle Bakelite might be unforgiving of the extra stress.
Would be really splashy with a load of bib-overalls.
I do wonder how well the fins and drive block area will hold up under the stress. Seems like the old brittle Bakelite might be unforgiving of the extra stress.
VFDs
"they offer endless possibilities of how one could control a washing machine. When I have more time I make a post about what a VFD is and how to wire and program it for others who may not know anything about them."
I would certainly be interested! I know little about applying them to washing machines. Let alone how to program them.
I watched your video twice, and all I have to say is that I can not believe a modern manufacturer does not have a machine like this. The concept of infinite independent speed is control priceless. The way you varied the speed at the start of agitation and spin is spot on to. Aside from all that I personally like the sound of the high speed agitation, and the up/down varying of the speeds. Its like a cartoon washer but with seriously enhanced performance.
I just want to ask one thing- can the gear case break 1150 rpm? I noticed you let the motor gradually slow down the spin?
"they offer endless possibilities of how one could control a washing machine. When I have more time I make a post about what a VFD is and how to wire and program it for others who may not know anything about them."
I would certainly be interested! I know little about applying them to washing machines. Let alone how to program them.
I watched your video twice, and all I have to say is that I can not believe a modern manufacturer does not have a machine like this. The concept of infinite independent speed is control priceless. The way you varied the speed at the start of agitation and spin is spot on to. Aside from all that I personally like the sound of the high speed agitation, and the up/down varying of the speeds. Its like a cartoon washer but with seriously enhanced performance.
I just want to ask one thing- can the gear case break 1150 rpm? I noticed you let the motor gradually slow down the spin?
spinmon
Well-known member
Somebody's channeling Tim Allen-''More POWER'' Erh,Erh,Erh! Very cool Hi-Po GE!
