Something interesting pulled me into the basement the other day...

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

Wire the receptical. I could have wired the second receptical off the first one, but for possible heat issues, I wired it directly from the reactor. Lets put those big lugs to use.

supremewhirlpol++7-5-2010-11-04-58.jpg
 
Now for testing: At this point, the second receptical will be used for running another motor. This motor will be used to help refine the 3 phase supply. The first test is with a Baldor 1/4HP TEFC motor wired for 230V 3 phase. When running the Ipso and this motor leg voltages are: 225, 242, 242. These readings are better, considering that this other motor also brings the relationship of the legs more toward 120 degrees apart. The motor in the Ipso machine no longer heats up as quickly, which is a good thing. The second test will be with a Reliance 1.5HP motor wired for 460V. I'll post results of that test in a few days.

supremewhirlpol++7-5-2010-11-31-7.jpg
 
Yesterday, I got the Ipso in "good enough" condition for a water test. I didn't send water through the hot and cold water valves because of the "missing" soap box. This is still a high voltage situation. The only leaks that I saw were from the dump valve, and the additive hose nozzels. I removed the hoses because they are clogged with dried starch, etc. I ran a hose from the sink instead. This also allowed me to test the pressure switches, and observe for the machine behaves.

supremewhirlpol++7-5-2010-11-43-45.jpg
 
Splashy Splashy! The water level looks a little low for my tastes. It does take a lot of water though, and I have found out the higher the water level, the more turbulent the water. The water is significantly more turbulent in the Ipso, compared to the Primus.

supremewhirlpol++7-5-2010-11-55-6.jpg
 
Another thing that I did notice is that the drum emits a lot of heat when hot water is used. I may decide to wrap it with some insulation. I have resolved the spin issue with the timer using contact cleaner, but now it tends to stick a lot and not advance through the cycle.

supremewhirlpol++7-5-2010-12-03-13.jpg
 
The top and kick panel arrived today! Apparently this is the top for the coin-op version, but it will do. I was also able to get Alliance-Ipso to send me the wiring diagrams. Since I don't have a scanner, I can't post them here. Now that I have the wiring diagrams, I should be able to send the timers off to be rebuilt soon. If anyone wants a copy of the wiring diagrams, please send me an email.

supremewhirlpol++7-22-2010-13-45-29.jpg
 
Randy:
If you really want one, I would say getting one should be easier given that you live around cities that have a number of laundromats, along with lots of different brands. The commercial machine market is different than the consumer machine market. When a consumer machine stops working, people throw it out and it sits there for the taking. When Commercial machines stop working, they get repaired, or rebuilt. From my experience you have to pay to get even broken commercial machines. If you really want one, look for distributors in your area, and business who repair the commercial machines. You may even luck out on CL or ebay. Depending on size and age of machine, you can pay into the upper hundreds to a few thousand for a used working machine. If you don't have that much, look into purchasing a broken machine. If they are really old and the person is going to send them to scrap, offer him scrap price for one. Also remember that these machine are HEAVY DUTY, and the parts reflect that, so they will weigh a lot. I recommend that you start with a small machine, like 12-18LB machine. Those usually weigh 250LB. to ~450LB. depending on how old it is and the Brand of machine. Also bring help with you, you WILL need it. For example, my 1974 Wascomat Junior W73(3 phase) is 18LB machine and weighs ~275LB. Moving it with a dolley is not too bad, help may be needed, depending how I feel to move it up some stairs. The Primus W-10 (3 phase) 22 LB. machine weighs ~425LB, and when you move it, it lets you know exactly how heavy it is. In fact When my dad and I went to Chicago to pick up those machines, I took 3 people to lift them into the pickup truck. They were a pain to unload, once we got home. Moving them on a dolley is not too bad of an issue for me, but steps require 2 people. The Ipso we165 (3phase) 35-40LB machine weighs ~541 LB and is a BIG pain to move. To move it up/down steps, you either need to be friends with a massive body builder, or rent a stair climber. Even with a stair climber, it a VERY rough ride. So know what your limits are and get help. There are 1 phase machines too some smaller 12-18LB machines can run on 115V 1 phase. Also know which type you have. Some are hard mount(rigid base), which require bolting to concrete, others are soft mount, like consumer machines. If you really want one you will do what is necessary to acquire it. When you are ready, I can help you with that.

Now that the machine has a top and kick panel, it doesn't look so naked.
All that is left are the belts, timer rebuilding, removing the pump system, back panel, building a base, and installing the machine.
 
I'm so excited, I'm shaking in my boots!! I think I'm going to have to post video of it when everything up and running.
The Ipso needs a name..
 
Back
Top