Is a Junk Washing Machine Really Junk? Usefull Materials for Cool Home Builds From a Dead Washing Machine.

I recently took apart a junk washing machine to salvage the drum for my patio heater instructable.  I discovered that there where many other cool parts that could used again for other projects.  most of the good bits had already been plundered from this rusting piece of junk so when i discovered that there was another washing machine in a shed i decided to junk that one too for parts for my next project and I would do an instructable about what nice goodies are to be found inside.

I will not go into details much but the photos are tagged with anything i think may be useful.

If anyone can think of good uses for some of the bits and pieces, please make a comment as i would be interested in your ideas.

Some of the goodies include the following.

Stainless steel drum, can be used as a fire pit, BBQ, incinerator and much more.

Bearings and a casting the could be used for a wind turbine.

The glass door.  Makes a cool bowl or could be used as a port hole style window.

The motor, could be used to power another project or you could add magnets and make a generator for a wind power project.

A water pump.  some of these have simple monopole motors whit magnets in and make a nice little generator but they do tend to cog a fair bit.

The wiring loom. there are loads of nice long decent quality wires all crimped with spade connections.  A as always you never know when those nice made up wires will come in handy.

Assorted switches and solenoid valves. all kinds of interesting gubbins.

The metal case. a good source of sheet metal for other projects.

Nuts, bolts, screws, washers, pipe clips and brackets, I had a box full of bits that would cost quite a bit to buy in a hardware store.


Thanks for looking, I hope you get some ideas from what you see. Please post comments of any ideas you may have for possible uses for the bits.

Andy.

Step 1: Removing the Case.

Just get stuck in with a screw driver and remove anything that can be removed.

The only tools needed are screw drivers, pliers and a few assorted spanners.

Be careful to watch out for sharp edges on some of the metal panels on the inside they can be like old computer cases and have nasty sharp edges that catch you out when you least expect it.

Step 2: Pipes, Valves, Pumps and Pipe Clips.

There are many pipes and hoses in the machine. the pipe clips should be easy to get of with pliers of a screwdriver, if the rubber has not dozed then the pipes should pull off easy if the clip is removed.

Step 3: The Glass Door.

The glass is made from toughened glass and makes a perfect glass bowl. there are many different shapes Had its just luck as what you will find. This one has a flat side that makes it unusual.

I'm not sure if this would be safe to use in a microwave or oven, so If you do try and it breaks and you get hurt please do so at your own risk.

And I even made something so it is an instructable.  Well I washed the glass door in hot soapy water and put some fruit in it.  A good lawyer would say that I had technically made this as I contributed some effort in the removal and cleaning process . lol

Step 4: The Wiring Loom.

You can just get stuck in with the pliers and cut the wires out but if you take your time you can salvage allot of long pieces that are perfect for other projects.

All the wire should be easy to disconnect from the switches and things, I only had to cut 2 or 3 wires out.  there a good few metal and plastic clips that attach the loom to the case these are all wroth saving too.

Step 5: Deeper Into the Guts of the Machine.

Once you get the top tarts removed you can get access to the wiring loom better and once it is disconnected and removed it will be much easier to get at the rest of the parts.

Step 6: The Assorted Goodies.

I'm a bit of a pack rat when it comes to stuff like this, I find that it is the people who give out about the amount of crap i keep are the people who also come asking if you would happen to have such and such to make something they are working on.

Sods law says if you throw it away today that tomorrow you will be searching the place for it.

Step 7: The Tub and Drum.

Once you have the machine striped out you are left with the tub and drum assembly.

Just undo all the clips and the drum should come out quite easy.

I don't have an idea for reusing the tub yet, but the steel drum will make a nice patio heater.

I plan to use the aluminum casting as part of a wind power project , i can use it to attach the blades to, it already has a set of sturdy bearings and an axle.

Step 8: The Rest of the Case.

The base is a very heavy solid pressed steel sheet unit that has wheels at each corner.

I may use these wheels the stand of my lathe to make it easy to move out for cleaning.

the base of the machine is prone to rusting and i had to use the grinder to cut the heads of 2 screws to free the base.

With the base removed there are just a few rivets to drill out or rind off and the rest of the side panels will come apart.

Step 9: And Finaly the Junk.

I was left will a few bits of plastic and rubber that I can't use and this is what will be going to the recycle depot.

The cinder blocks may be useful for brazing stuff on, if it don't explode bits of when its hot, test will need to be done.

That is all from this Instructable, I hope that it gives you some ideas for reusing an old washer or drier.

Comments and suggestions welcome.