Now This Is Something You Don't See Every Day!

[launderess]

Anyone fancy opening a steam laundry?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Salesman-Sa...992754?hash=item3d06513e72:g:awMAAOSwwbdWIofE

 

[whirlykenmore78]

I'll PASS FOR SURE:

I've used one like it only with SS drum. What a pain in the ass to get the laundry out and into the extractor. Manually filling and draining along with scooping caustic detergent in was not fun. Still a fun artifact from when laundry was much more difficult.
WK78

 

[tolivac]

No loose clothes around that machine!!!See all the exposed moving parts!!!We want you to be safe!Oh yes-the machines label states those parts have to be lubed!!

 

[jetcone]

LOL

First we get a DIY kit for a wood dryer and now we see a wooden washer !! Now I've seen everything!

 

That is now a bonafide clunker! 

 

I also love how the auctioneer speaks Kmart-- " I can effectively photograph it."...

 

[launderess]

Wood was *very* common

For early domestic and commercial washing machines and tubs. We're talking well into the 1900's.

Wood was cheap, easily sourced and worked. There were few metals back then able to be worked smooth (to prevent clothing from snagging) and resisted rust along with the harsh chemicals and heat used for washing. Brass and copper were the main metals used for early washing machines

 

[runematic]

I came across this guy's facebook page a few weeks ago. If you nose around it a little, he has some videos of the machine. It's also an American Laundry Machine Co washer.

http://https//www.facebook.com/Antique-Washing-Machine-217209731642305/

 

[launderess]

Lots of wood here

Along with copper in early washers until metal and enamel porcelain on steel came along.

 

[jetcone]

Fascinating

Introducing the Westinghouse Wood Washer !!