Trials and tribulations of a Toastmaster 1B16

[robbinsandmyers]

I had to tear down my faithful old 1B16 toaster last night as the motor bearings and vertical slide had gotten really gummed up over time and were acting very slow. I used silicone clock oil so that should be ok for some years to come. Of course I needed 4 hands to hold all the pieces to re-assemble it. Metal rods falling out, side covers falling off. If I never knew why I didnt get into collecting vintage toasters last night made me well aware. At least its back to its old self of pulling the toast out of my hands then sling shotting it up when its done. I wonder what other Toastmasters used this deluxe motor set up?

 

[fan-of-fans]

Motors?

I didn't know any vintage toasters used motors. The only one I was aware of that was automatic was the Sunbeam, and that used resistance rather than an electric motor.

Would be interesting to see this toaster work.

 

[robbinsandmyers]

Yes this model has a tiny induction motor that runs through a gear reduction. The carriage floats and unloaded its on a 45 deg angle. Once toast is placed on it, it pivots down closing contacts that power up the motor which quickly pulls the slices down and turns on the elements. The carriage rides on a smooth rod that must be kept clean and well oiled. There a flat steel strip with teeth on one side connected to the gear on the motor reduction. The motor is always engaged and spins. Whether under power to pull the assy down under spring tension, or when the bi-element pushes the latch off it and it springs upwards after its shut the elements off. Its action in both directions is rapid and pretty funny.