My parts washer redux

[Prybar]

This started out as a $20 Craigslist parts washer. It happens to be a Performance Tool brand but I think its just like the Harbor Freight and all the rest. I don't think it had seen much use but had been sitting around all apart for quite a few years. I wanted to use regular Stoddard solvent but eliminate most or all of the smell in my shop. The pictures do most of the explaining of how I built it with a sealed sump. The pump is a Little Giant brand and the standoff screen at the bottom of the bucket is called a Grit Guard and is used for car wash buckets to keep the dirt at the bottom and off the sponge. The drain plug on my basin was M16x1.5 and obviously that isn't a standard pipe ****** size so I machined down a 3/8npt ****** and welded it in the bung. I used a valve at the drain so I could stop it if I wanted to fill the basin to soak something. The valve on the right is so I can meter the supply from a drip to power spray. Ask if you have any other questions.
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[dusterdude]

Cool

Sent from my LM-X420 using Tapatalk

 

[andersen24]

Ironic I was just looking for some parts washer ideas and came across your post.......great work!

 

[M635_Guy]

Quality use of a GritGuard!

 

[Ricky53]

Prybar do you have a source for the pump used in the modification of your solvent tank, or where it could be purchased? I am working on one just like yours that been inop for some time.

 

[matt_i]

Missed this the first time around, but a nice quality build there!

 

[toyotadriver]

Like it a lot! Been wanting to do something very similar for some time. This gave me some good ideas.

 

[toyotadriver]

Prybar do you have a source for the pump used in the modification of your solvent tank, or where it could be purchased? I am working on one just like yours that been inop for some time.

Appears to be this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WQYGQG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ricky53]

Thanks toyotadriver, will be ordering the pump soon.

 

[vpd66]

Nice build I did a very similar mod to mine but made a tank out of steel (seemed easier to me at the time). One thing I did was put a diesel fuel filter in it but later found it plugged up to quickly. I now just have a scotchbrite pad covering the drain of the tank you do the cleaning in. It makes it easy to remove and clean.

 

[foghorn1966]

O.P. Like your take on this!

My version lost on the latest G.J. resets......

 

[Prybar]

Sorry, just saw the questions and comments. Thanks a lot for the positive feedback! Here is an Amazon link to the pump. It seems to be great so far!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WQYGQG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PhantomEB]

My pump crapped out again. Time to do this mod!

 

[toyotadriver]

Thanks for your thread! I did a very similar modification to one I purchased recently. Your thread was my inspiration. Couple differences but the same general idea. I'm using PSC 1000 for solvent.

Got this parts washer at Summit. I wanted one with wheels.

I used the same pump as the OP and also used a grit guard screen in the bottom just like the OP's washer. The drain plug was NPT (1/2 I think) so a simple ******, shut off, and hose adapter worked perfectly.

The Little Giant pump works very well but it pumps too much for my preferences. So, I installed a shut off on the pressure line. The shut off, even when fully open, slows down the flow to right where I want it and I can then taper it down even more if I want to decrease the flow some more. I used the original switch and just drilled another hole in the body of the switch, installed a grommet, and fed the electric line from the pump through the grommet into the switch body. I wired it to the original switch. I got a regular oil filter relocation assembly and added an oil filter. I might research some other filter options maybe with a larger filter body in the future (perhaps I can find a diesel filter that will work).....but for now it's working just fine.

I used a shower 90* elbow fitting (for PEX) and ran the supply to it and then connected the original flex hose from the original pump to the 90* elbow.

I got a set of the magnetic paper towel roll holders from Harbor Freight and attached it to the side for easy paper towel access.

Thanks OP for the inspiration! It's working very well!

 

[toyotadriver]

Well had a minor hiccup. Came out one morning and the 5 gallon bucket was leaking. Looked closely at it and the bucket split. I’m pretty sure the PSC1000 solvent softened it and eventually it just gave out. I replaced it with a metal bucket. Drilled holes in the lid and put grommets in to protect the hoses. Back to working well.

 

[Prybar]

Just a little update, I also had a bucket issue with mine and did the same thing as above. I just modified the lid that came on the solvent bucket. Should be able to swap buckets in the future and keep the lid. Also, I put it up on a modified pallet and lagged it down so it can be moved around the shop easily if needed. Added bonus is that it raised the height some so its not so hard on my back when I use it.