Poppy 1-18 now at home

[fltcoils]

I thought I'd share a couple of pics of the washer.

Here's one of it in the garage waiting for strong arms to carry it to the basement.

 

[fltcoils]

And here is the tub shot
It came with a service manual, spare rollers, and a mystery box.

 

[tolivac]

Is it a good idea to have the "Poppy 1-18" spin faster than it was designed?

 

[washerlover]

Beautiful machine! I used to have the same model washer & dryer in coppertone. Hope to see some action videos!

 

[fltcoils]

Here's the VFD (variable frequency drive) which I hope to use to run 70 , 80 or 90 hz into the machine. allowing it to spin faster when I want it to.

 

[qsd-dan]

Beautiful machine, thanks for the pics!

I'm curious to hear the outcome of the VFD in spin mode.

 

[fltcoils]

Spin faster, faster, faster

Now on my maytag A606 I'd agree that it would be an issue. Double speed on that transmission might be a problem.

The development report on the rollermatic said the issue was cost, the rollers and drive wheels couldn't be fit to give a fast spin AND a gentle cycle using a cheap enough electric motor design.

We know a 800 RPM spin was featured on rollermatics using the same tub bearings, so a 1000 RPM spin wouldn't be that abnormal from a bearing loading perspective. IMHO. Would it be best for washing, seems to be for unimatics, so why not 1-18s?

Who has lately lubed their 1-18 bronze bushings? The one which the agitate shaft goes thru? OR the 2 busings inside the roller for the roller axles? Don't they need lub more than once every 35 years?

Surely the ball bearings might be dry as well. Has anyone had them apart and seen lube after all these years?

I'm imagining turning my washing machine upside down to do this, or removing the agitator and bellows.

 

[saltysam]

Who has lately lubed their 1-18 bronze bushings

FLT, it is my understanding that the bronze bushings used in the roller-matic are oil impregnated. From all those that i have talked to including a frigidaire repairman (40 years and still going) that they are not designed to be greased and that grease will ruin the mechanism. Just thought i would throw that in....i have never greased anything on my WD-65 and it's still running strong with no problems....
Mark