Automatic parts washer

[472scout]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_299255_299255

I want one of these bad but they're a little pricey. What would it take to build one? I can fab the chassis no problem, but have no idea about the mechanics. What should I use for the pump, heater, and motors? What are the safety considerations?

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Here ya go-
http://64.244.50.213/files/PDF/KT9600_Manual.pdf

Knock yourself out!

 

[regguy1]

you'll end up cheaper and easier and better quality just to bite the bullet and buy a commercially made one.

Cheapest isn't always the least expensive.

 

[472scout]

Yeah I looked at the manual already. I don't need all the bells and whistles. Just a sprayer and heater. Probably add a skimmer later.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Those are nice, a friend has one like that in his machine shop, you can put a whole motor in there and clean and degrease it at one time. Set it and come back an hour or so later and everything is spotless.

 

[472scout]

you'll end up cheaper and easier and better quality just to bite the bullet and buy a commercially made one.

Cheapest isn't always the least expensive.

Easier yes. I'm not sure about cheaper unless I find a killer craigslist deal. If you looked the one I posted is $6000. I actually want to build mine a little bigger.

 

[Mmfh]

I don't know where you are located but around here I see used ones all the time on Craigslist. I can look at any given time and see one there, or several.

I have a Large "AXE" spray wash cabinet. I absolutely love it! Things you need to consider are what it takes to run it. Mine is heated with gas and the electrical is 220 3 phase.

Running mine on gas can get very expensive as I have it set to 200 degrees, but I can't imagine what it would cost if it were electric. Another thing to consider is the cost of the chemicals to use for the cleaners. I use "Zep" which works great for all metals, ferrous and non ferrous. It cost me about $100 every time I clean it out and change the fluid, and then probably $25 every week to keep it strong enough to work good.

This is a serious machine, if you are wanting to do engines I can't recommend them enough. Mine I can put most anything in there, set the timer for 20 minutes, open the door rinse and dry with a air nozzle. Ready for machine work.

I see ones like mine only smaller all the time for $600 to $1000. Haggle a little and could probably get one for around $500.

By the time you buy what you need to build one its going to cost at least that much, probably much, much more. Especially for the fluid pump!

Good Luck, you will enjoy using it, I don't know what I would do without it.

Mm

 

[472scout]

Mm,

Thanks for the excellent advice. If I find a CL deal I'll definitely jump on it. Are most of the ones you see 3 phase? I need one large enough to insert an entire 4x4 axle so about 80 inches tall. If I come across a good deal on a smaller one do you see any issues with welding in some panels to make it taller? The only other thing I would need to do is extend the sprayers correct?

 

[KenB]

To offset the cost, you could add some heat panels and sell gyros at lunchtime!

 

[Mmfh]

Mm,

Thanks for the excellent advice. If I find a CL deal I'll definitely jump on it. Are most of the ones you see 3 phase? I need one large enough to insert an entire 4x4 axle so about 80 inches tall. If I come across a good deal on a smaller one do you see any issues with welding in some panels to make it taller? The only other thing I would need to do is extend the sprayers correct?

Most of the ones I see are 3 phase, its going to be hard to find one the size you are after that's not 3 phase. I don't have the large shop I used to have and I also don't have the 3 phase either. I run several of my machines which are 3 phase from a Rotary Phase Converter. You can find plans all over online on how to build them, its very easy and not that expensive, especially if you keep it basic like mine. Really all you need is a 3 phase motor that is at least the size of whatever is on your machine. My jet wash cabinet has a 7.5 hp motor for the pump.

The one I have is big enough to put that axle in and I see them that size just not as often as the smaller ones. You could I would think easily make the cabinet taller by simply welding a box of sorts to the side of the machine.

The top of the machine usually has the motor and drive for the turn table. If you added a box to the upper side so a axle would fit, lengthen the fluid supply pipe and drill and tap in a couple more jets, it would work. Or just add the box to the cabinet, run it for 20 minutes, flip it over, run it again for another 20 minutes to clean the other end. That way you would not have to mess around with the jets and sprayer.

Finding a big one like mine would be ideal, and I've seen them for around 1k on CL, if you find a smaller one for a deal you could with a little creativity I would think make it happen.

Another thing that a lot of guys don't know about phase converters. You only need the converter to start the machine, not to keep it running. Start up your phase converter, start up your jet washer, turn off the converter. Doesn't use near as much power that way.

I'll keep watching this thread to see what you end up doing.

Mm

 

[Mmfh]

You know another thing you might do. Google "used engine rebuilding equipment" Lots of dealers around the country that have used machines.

They may be asking more than what you find on CL, but the market is very soft right now. You can almost name your own price.

Mm

 

[digdug18]

have you tried using a dish washer? Bunch of threads on here about people using older used dish washers for parts washers.

 

[camarotoolman]

Get alot of quarters and go to the car wash.

 

[4Tigers]

Got access to one at the airport can put either steel or aluminum in it (if you use the right soap)

great machine Like it was said above check for a good used one