Look What Happened to My 1958 General Electric Washer

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It is incredible!

 

I wish the original design team could see your work, how amazed they would be.  Not only that their beautiful machine has been restored and is still appreciated after 6 decades...it's even been improved with modern technology!
 
"We Bring Good Things to Life"

Wow - the GE has morphed into a beast of a washer. Great job working through solutions for the Filter Flo system and the off balance switch from a Kenmore. Genius!

What are the specs of the motor? Frame number?

I've had dreams of doing this exact thing to a Maytag for years. Your work here is some good inspiration...

Ben
 
Good engineering Robert.

In the the early to mid 20th century, most industrial motors were 3 phase.
In the rail industry etc., gate turn off thyristor's became the new technology.
 
GE Washer

Wow, Robert, you have been busy, that's a fab fun project for sure, nothing like some customisation on your fav washer !! Is that an inline water heater tube under the LH of the washtub ??

Nowthen, am just thinking how and what your "Washer Customisation Department" will come up with this time for your total project washing machine, after the splendui job they did on your previous washer ...ducks n runs ha ha !!

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Hey Robert

I had a bit of a brainstorm a few months ago regarding doing a similar modification to the 2018 speed queen. My idea was to install the legacy drive train back in, keeping the 3 phase motor and mcu.

Only problem is that somehow I have to figure out how to reprogram the original mcu, or set up something different. The issue with that is the sq mcu is both the ccu, and mcu. The touch pad on top is strictly a user interface (I believe).

I’d love to get some input if you have any ideas.

-Eugene
 
Robert, why is there a hesitation of the tub spinning for a few seconds when the motor first kicks on? I know in the washer's original form the tub begins spinning as soon as the motor starts. Also, aren't you concerned that this high speed agitation will put a strain on the old GE tub pawl that prevents the tub from rotation during wash? Since GE didn't add a tub brake until 1960 I know how finicky this can be. Our old 59 had a problem with this in it's later years.
 
LOL Mike, you still have that Super-Unimatic picture I see! No heater in the GE, although because of its recirculation system it would be a perfect candidate for it.

I have to figure out how to reprogram the original mcu, or set up something different. The issue with that is the sq mcu is both the ccu, and mcu.
Hi Eugene, I'm not sure exactly what you mean by mcu and ccu. I would think taking on a project like that would require a new computer interface/board unless you can somehow gain access to what has been programmed on the SQ's chip-set. That would be super fun to be able to reprogram certain machines if one could get into the code. Would take a bit of research for sure.

Hey Les, those are really good questions.
why is there a hesitation of the tub spinning for a few seconds when the motor first kicks on? I know in the washer's original form the tub begins spinning as soon as the motor starts.
I was wondering if anyone would notice or ask about that lol. I programmed the VFD to do that purposely that when counter-clockwise rotation is called for (spin) to give a five or so seconds of delay time so the pump can pre-drain the outer tub of the extra Filter-Flo water before the main tub-full of water is thrown out in the outer tub.

Also, aren't you concerned that this high speed agitation will put a strain on the old GE tub pawl that prevents the tub from rotation during wash?
Not really because that part is made out of a nylon/plastic and is a perfect candidate to be 3D printed if necessary. When I rebuilt the transmission nearly 1/2 of the oil was gone, now that it is refilled I suspect the weight of a full charge of oil will help protect that part.

Ahhhh there is nothing like a properly spun wash-load!!! You can tell just by looking at it.

Properly
 
Thanks, Robert. The spin pause makes perfect sense now that you've explained it to me. I notice you've changed the grey rubber gasket that hold the filter pan in place in this photo to one with "teeth" from the original smoother one. Does this one hold the pan in place better with the higher speed agitation or are you just messing with us? LOL.
 
Geez I can't slip anything past you guys lol. Actually no, the rubber Filter mount I have for the copper filter pan is in perfect condition as it's brand new-old-stock and holds the pan perfectly. The last new one I had held the pan down for over 10 years but started to wear out and recently I found another brand new one on eBay. The slotted filter-mount on the picture in the post above is for the later pans. I like to have variety in my wash-day (variety prevents Monday-blues of course) so I routinely change the filter pan mount back and forth so I can use the later pans as well.

This was the pan I used last night for the fun of it, I love this one too...

Plastic
 
WOWZERS!!

That is really OUT OF SIGHT Unimatic1140/Robert! Of course, I love the gentler agitation and the faster spin speed!
LOVE IT!
Too cool!
:o)
 

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