Work Begins on the Super Unimatic

[Unimatic1140]

Well now that I've got the computer controlled timer all done for my build it yourself Frankenstein washer, I started assembling the machine and making shall we say some major modifications to the old WO-65 cabinet. I added a second drain port (using a standard sink basin drain) which the heater and recirculation pump is attached to. The drain pump is attached to the original drain port.

First here is a look underneath the machine (machine is turned upside down). I ran the heater and recirculation systems tonight and it works great, the heater brought 5 gallons of tap cold water (60F) up to steaming hot water (probably 110F to 120F) in just under 20 minutes! I think this 120 volt heater will work just fine to keep the water temperature hot.

Of course the Unimatic Mechanism goes into the center, there is lots more room under there for more fun stuff.

 

[Unimatic1140]

And what would a Super Unimatic be without a window in the cabinet to see the water being thrown out into it. I've always wondered what the Unimatic does with all those suds that is thrown into the cabinet, we now we will be able to see! I tested it tonight and it seems to be water tight, YAY!

Stay tuned, more modifications to come.

 

[toggleswitch]

this is SO exciting!

YAY

 

[foraloysius]

I love the window, it will indeed be fun to watch what happens inside the cabinet!

 

[christfr]

cool

only robert could do something like this..will love to see the video of it when its done..way cool

 

[westyslantfront]

hi robert...yes, i am looking forward to a video....sure looks fascinating....

 

[tlee618]

Robert this machine is going to be so neat!! Maybe you will be starting a new company out there.LOL Can't wait for more pictures and the video!! Terry

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Robert!
This is so cool!
I can't wait to see the results!
What an imagination you have!
Thanks for sharing!
Brent

 

[frigilux]

Absolutely fascinating! It's the appliance version of genetic splicing. And to think, we chosen few are here to witness the beginning of Big Bad Robert's Mad Scientist Custom Appliances. History is being made, people!

 

[jetcone]

I love that window

This is exciting.

More please.

jet

 

[jetcone]

This has spurred me on

Now I am looking for a beat up old Wascomat Bolt down to produce my 2000 RPM front loader design with "jiggle wash"!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Ok I give, what exactly is "jiggle wash"????? Will jiggle wash tangle? We must know!

 

[gansky1]

Laundry Blasphemy Dr. Frankenspin!

And to think you used to do this kind of thing with Photoshop! Remember the Imperator and the widow-lid Kenmore?

I can't wait to see this running! Banish the 28 minute cycle forever. If it works, you could make a mint selling these in kit form!

 

[peterh770]

I don't even know where to begin making comments on this! Robert, you are too much for color TV... You are all that and a bowl of grits... You go, boy!

Oh, that I might have that kind of time on my hands to go wild and experiment like this!

 

[peterh770]

Questions:

What motor/pump combination is used for the recirculation?

What pump is used for drain?

Having the heater before the pump will not lead to early pump failure?

It appears the hose combination tub-heater-pump is a wider diameter than the hose leading back to the wash tub. Why is that?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Peter, great questions, here goes:

What motor/pump combination is used for the recirculation?
It's a 16gpm pump from the Little Giant Pump Company, here are the specs:
"Magnetic Drive Pump, Power Rating 1/8 HP, Voltage @ 60 Hz 115, Current Rating 2.0 Amps, Outlet 1/2 Inch MPT, Inlet 1 Inch MPT, Maximum PSI 11.9, Maximum Head 27.5 Feet, Motor Enclosure OPFC, Water Flow @ 1 Foot of Head 17.5 GPM, @ 3 Feet of Head 16.5 GPM, @ 15 Feet of Head 10.9 GPM, @ 18 Feet of Head 9.2 GPM, @ 24 Feet of Head 4.4 GPM, Height 9 1/4 Inches, Length 8 3/4 Inches, Width 5 1/2 Inches "

What pump is used for drain?
The same washer pump that was used in the 1996-1997 GE plastic washer. I found a whole box of these brand new at a local surplus store for real cheap.

Having the heater before the pump will not lead to early pump failure?
I thought of that too, but its much easier to mount it in that fashion, so I'm going to try it and see, if it fails I will try something else. Since the pump is magnetic drive, there is no seal between the motor and the impeller so that will help quite a bit.

It appears the hose combination tub-heater-pump is a wider diameter than the hose leading back to the wash tub. Why is that?
Because the inlet to the pump is 1" Port, the outlet is a 1/2" Port.

 

[brisnat81]

Heater Inline with Pump

Hi Guys,

Most european dishwashers have the Heater inline with the pump, and it doesnt seem to cause any problems. Most Dishwashers with concealed elements over here have that exact same setup.

 

[shanonabc]

COOLIE! Can't wait to see the final product!

 

[westytoploader]

Dr. Frankenspin indeed!

Wow Robert, I didn't realize you were starting it this early! I LOVE the window in the side...those "cabinet-tub" Unimatics certainly are great in the sound department on the start of spin, and now we'll finally be able to see what it looks like! And the mag-drive recirculation pump is a good idea...too bad the Unimatic mechanism pump wasn't the same design! ;-)

Can you check for a temperature rating on the pumps to determine whether they will last with the inline heater? I'm wondering because the recirculation pump *probably* has a plastic impeller and case.

I can't wait to see how this turns out! It looks like you're getting off to a great start as well! Looking forward to seeing more updates!

--Austin