What's this? Space? In the Ogden Laundry?? That's near enough to impossible.... What could possibly have created this??
The Blackstone BA600 is back!
- Thread starter turquoisedude
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Ah, the various bits and pieces of the Blackstone have finally been gathered and the washer has been completely put back together!
I did some preliminary testing yesterday evening, connecting it to water for the very first time since I got it. I was thrilled to find the water solenoids work properly (they needed a good cleaning) and the machine was still agitating and spinning normally.
I did notice a leak however... I was very pleased to see it was due to a split in the original drain hose and not from my jury-rigged, improvised, and functional-but-not-pretty tub repair! I did two partial cycle tests and discovered some interesting things about this machine. I also observed some weirdness with the timer - it wanted to continue washing after a regular cycle had completed! Fortunately a couple of tests seemed to resolve this. I love those issues that solve themselves... LOL
I gave the top and lid a good cleaning - they needed to presentable for the 'maiden wash'.
I did some preliminary testing yesterday evening, connecting it to water for the very first time since I got it. I was thrilled to find the water solenoids work properly (they needed a good cleaning) and the machine was still agitating and spinning normally.
I did notice a leak however... I was very pleased to see it was due to a split in the original drain hose and not from my jury-rigged, improvised, and functional-but-not-pretty tub repair! I did two partial cycle tests and discovered some interesting things about this machine. I also observed some weirdness with the timer - it wanted to continue washing after a regular cycle had completed! Fortunately a couple of tests seemed to resolve this. I love those issues that solve themselves... LOL
I gave the top and lid a good cleaning - they needed to presentable for the 'maiden wash'.
And since I was away in Boston at Jon's last week and Hubby knows better than to do laundry, I had a nice pile of dirty clothes to choose from!
I loaded the machine as per the directions on the lid - loosely up to the tub guard (I took that to mean the top of the inner tub). I used some of my usual powdered detergent for this load - I wanted suds... LOL
[this post was last edited: 3/22/2015-16:44]
I loaded the machine as per the directions on the lid - loosely up to the tub guard (I took that to mean the top of the inner tub). I used some of my usual powdered detergent for this load - I wanted suds... LOL
[this post was last edited: 3/22/2015-16:44]
This surprised me - the fill stream is aimed right at the detergent dispenser. I guess that was done to ensure it dissolved... Anyway it made suds and I was happy!
This is a timed-fill machine and I think I'll need to do some experimenting to determine exactly where to start the washer for a full load. I did get a bit of overflow on this first test.
The washer started up fine - no dimming lights, no neighbours called to complain I just knocked their power out, and best of all no comments like 'Are you sure it's ON?' from you-know-who.
The machine actually runs smoothly, quietly and the turnover is pretty neat.
But let's see how that 'lint filter' works....
The washer started up fine - no dimming lights, no neighbours called to complain I just knocked their power out, and best of all no comments like 'Are you sure it's ON?' from you-know-who.
The machine actually runs smoothly, quietly and the turnover is pretty neat.
But let's see how that 'lint filter' works....
So, during testing yesterday I noticed two things that I had not really expected with this washer - a spray-rinse ('sudskill' in GE-speak) during the wash spin and...wait for it... a brief agitated overflow rinse! I guess that was a 'must' with a solid-tub washer, even in a later model like this one.
I did shoot some videos of this and bandwidth limits be damned, I should be posting them later this week.
I did shoot some videos of this and bandwidth limits be damned, I should be posting them later this week.
The final spin ran smoothly and quietly. I think I read in the 63 Blackstone manual that spin revved up to 800 rpm at normal speed. Pretty impressive and the clothes were definitely well-spun at the end of the cycle. I'll need to do some talking to the 57 Hotpoint come spring....
The resulting wash load was just fine! No linty residue on the green shirt. The naughty Blackstone did untie the drawstring on my surf shorts, though!!
And the lint filter? Well... not a lot accumulated so I guess I'll need to test something to prove how well it does (or doesn't!) work. I'll try a load of dog blankets later this week...
The resulting wash load was just fine! No linty residue on the green shirt. The naughty Blackstone did untie the drawstring on my surf shorts, though!!
And the lint filter? Well... not a lot accumulated so I guess I'll need to test something to prove how well it does (or doesn't!) work. I'll try a load of dog blankets later this week...
Uh-oh.... someone HAD to do a leak inspection...
Fortunately there were no leaks. And too bad what Hubby thinks, Canyon seems to approve.... LOL
Fortunately there were no leaks. And too bad what Hubby thinks, Canyon seems to approve.... LOL
toploader55
Well-known member
Extra Credit Paul.
Nicely Done. Can't wait to see the video.
christfr
Well-known member
WAY COOL
That's such a cool washer, Paul! I love that huge agitator, what a beast.
I wouldn't expect much from that lint filter, most of those "passive" filters didn't catch much and with the fill stream going into it, makes it more of a self-cleaning accessory
The early agitator mounted Speed Queen filters like this were mostly a gimmick.
I wouldn't expect much from that lint filter, most of those "passive" filters didn't catch much and with the fill stream going into it, makes it more of a self-cleaning accessory
The early agitator mounted Speed Queen filters like this were mostly a gimmick.
Wonderful work Paul! I can only imagine how excited you were during the first wash. What a great save AND restoration!
Ben
Ben
ovrphil
Well-known member
BA600
Interesting machine. Of all the magazine ads I looked at in the 50's and 60's, I don't remember this washing machine brand.
It looks great, Paul. Is this a rare model? Do you have any other Blackstones and if your other half would allow it, would you take in another? Also, do you have the dryer or does anyone else have the matching dryer? I know -too many questions. That agitator looks like it takes up more room than on some other brands of washer, but maybe it's just the photo.
Phil
Interesting machine. Of all the magazine ads I looked at in the 50's and 60's, I don't remember this washing machine brand.
It looks great, Paul. Is this a rare model? Do you have any other Blackstones and if your other half would allow it, would you take in another? Also, do you have the dryer or does anyone else have the matching dryer? I know -too many questions. That agitator looks like it takes up more room than on some other brands of washer, but maybe it's just the photo.
Phil
Phil, I think this may indeed be a pretty rare model. The outer tubs seemed to have been a weak point for these models - in a previous thread, Fred (blackstone) in MA had mentioned that they were often replaced completely. Blackstone didn't seem to be a hugely popular brand; I'll guess that they concentrated on the east coast since the manufacturing plant was in Jamestown, NY. I don't have any other Blackstone machines (so far... LOL) and you never know, the matching dryer may just surface one day! I know there are a few of the older (50s) Blackstones out there among the collector community and I think there may be a set of the 70s version, badged as Hoover, out there somewhere.
And that agitator is definitely huge! It makes for some good rollover, though!!
And that agitator is definitely huge! It makes for some good rollover, though!!
ovrphil
Well-known member
"America's Oldest Home Laundry Manufacturer"
So old, they're gone …along with the people who used it (my aunts, uncles, some parents…ah, well their name won't darken our steps anymore. "Blackstone" - conjures a restful place in a cemetery. (sorry, my visuals are just folly).
Yes, I saw some other youtube videos of some collector's models -yours does look unique. Hoover bought up Blackstone and rebadged after their sunset? You need a manual to keep track of all this shuffling. lol.
So old, they're gone …along with the people who used it (my aunts, uncles, some parents…ah, well their name won't darken our steps anymore. "Blackstone" - conjures a restful place in a cemetery. (sorry, my visuals are just folly).
Yes, I saw some other youtube videos of some collector's models -yours does look unique. Hoover bought up Blackstone and rebadged after their sunset? You need a manual to keep track of all this shuffling. lol.
stricklybojack
Well-known member
Yuk yuk..
.
Ad Copy:
New but old thermocouple kit for Blackstone Dryer #1000-G p/n 10-1012
Who's ever heard of a Blackstone Dryer ?
Thank you, Red
Location cab3-1. 14.7oz. 6X6X6. 22315. $9.95
.
Ad Copy:
New but old thermocouple kit for Blackstone Dryer #1000-G p/n 10-1012
Who's ever heard of a Blackstone Dryer ?
Thank you, Red
Location cab3-1. 14.7oz. 6X6X6. 22315. $9.95
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
blackstone
Well-known member
Why did I save this piece of aluminum?
I don't know.
Nice job on the restoration. If you ever want to upgrade to a stainless washtub, I might have the right one for you.
I don't know.
Nice job on the restoration. If you ever want to upgrade to a stainless washtub, I might have the right one for you.
I recognize that aluminum panel now, Fred... LOL I'll certainly be keeping that stainless tub in mind - of course I'd have to change the tag to read BA650!! Question - do you have any 'decoding' information for Blackstone washer serial numbers? I was hoping to get a date of manufacture for my 'new' BA600 - the serial number is 3319.
But more importantly - here's a short video of the washer in action! It's not the actual 'Maiden Wash'; I reshot this one with better lighting (trust me, the lighting on the Maiden Wash video was even worse than this one... LOL)
Enjoy!
[this post was last edited: 3/26/2015-15:27]
But more importantly - here's a short video of the washer in action! It's not the actual 'Maiden Wash'; I reshot this one with better lighting (trust me, the lighting on the Maiden Wash video was even worse than this one... LOL)
Enjoy!
[this post was last edited: 3/26/2015-15:27]
toploader55
Well-known member
Nice Paul Nice !!!
That fill stream is kinda sorta like Jon's Easy or that what it reminds me of.
Great Sounds too. Love That !!! Kind of like the Roar of a KitchenAid 15 series.
That fill stream is kinda sorta like Jon's Easy or that what it reminds me of.
Great Sounds too. Love That !!! Kind of like the Roar of a KitchenAid 15 series.
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