Some information to replace rubber parts in vintage appliances.

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Dubis7

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Mar 11, 2017
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Hi all. A few months back I created a thread attempting to start a business reproducing rubber parts for vintage appliances. Unfortunately, the timing of my college graduation prevented me from following through on that, but I wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to see what information I had found for doing it. If you have a part to work from, it actually wouldn't be too difficult (or expensive, at least compared to hiring an outside firm) to make a mold and cast a new one, even with dyes.

I had been working with products from Smooth-on. Since working, I discovered this video that shows the basic process for casting a two part mold around an existing part. They have a huge catalog of different resins and silicone rubbers, which would allow you to replace essentially any small (or large, if you had the setup) parts you need. They also sell the dyes to color match.

The only thing I'm unsure of is whether the materials they're selling would work in a washer. I never got to test that, but considering it's the same materials that are being used in professional applications, I have to believe there's a better than zero chance it will work.

I'm still getting my setup created to practice with this stuff, but it sounds promising for what y'all were talking about needing before. I hope this helps.

 
Here's the original thread ... started on 3/11/2017

Yes Josh, we got this very same info from you back on 3/20/18.

Ya'll .... I sent this guy some parts to reproduce more than a year ago. Every few weeks I would email him and ask how it was coming along. Every reply I got back from him was "I'm working on them, coming along!". After 5 months he finally admitted he never even got started. I asked him to send the parts back. Big capital "L" on forehead.

 
Yes. And as I said then, I intended to do more than time allowed It was a mistake but I complied when asked to return the parts. I apologize for that, but I did every I could to rectify the situation. Would you rather I had damaged the part I had rushing into it than wait and ensure it was safe?
 
Just FYI, Bud, this isn't even about my business any more. I dropped that when I decided the timing was wrong, and I'm certainly not planning on picking it up again. If people see this and can get their machines going again, I'm happy. Who are you to deny them that, just because you don't like me. Let's drop the personal attacks and behave like adults, alright?
 
Oh, you're back again...

While you have been dawdling for another year, Bud learned all the process himself, bought the equipment, and made his own parts; and If I needed anything made, at this rate I'd sooner send my stuff to him, as we have seen his work.

 
Once again, I'm not trying to solicit people to send parts to me. I'm trying to share information that might make this easier.

Clearly, despite my apologies, I'm not welcome here. Goodbye.
 
Thanks SpeedQueen!

Glad to see someone has my back! This was the very reason I took on the challenge. This is the only way it makes sense to get the parts we need with them being low volume, but most importantly, low cost.

Since we are again talking about parts reproduction, here is a sneek peek at my latest endeavor. Can anyone guess what this is a mold of and where the round metal object in the center originally came from?? lol

sfh074-2018053121522300269_1.jpg

sfh074-2018053121522300269_2.jpg
 
Good guess ....

I'm guessing the "D" shaped hole in the center gave it away? [this post was last edited: 6/1/2018-11:22]
 
No, the D shape didn't. By any chance is this being made for Tom(Losangeles)? He mentioned getting something a few FD parts made when he picked up that '63 Multi-Matic from a friend of mine.
 
Kinda, sorta .....

Doing his '63 lint and circulator rings. BTW, he procured a really nice cap and bleach cup for the '68 rollermatic.

He is still looking for a '63 cap. Does anyone here have one we could borrow for a few days to make a mold?? Please help if you do!

Bud
Atlanta
 

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