Parts Washer

[John1]

Is it cheaper to make or buy a "parts washer", the type that sits on top of a 30 gallon drum.

I have always had problems either with mig or stick with leaks after ward.

Any Suggestions??




Thanks
John1

[Mike W]

This is probably a case of where buying is better and cheaper.

[Sberry]

Yes and a washer isnt they type of tool that a pricey one works all that much better than a cheaper one. You can find a cheap one that works fair for around 100$ or so depending on size. They are very competitive, come all set up, dump fluid in and go.

[Wyoming]

John, Funny you should ask...a friend gave me a parts washer tank that had been replaced under warrantee. By the time the dust finally settled I had spent more than if I had purchased the tank new, but I also ended up with a parts washer that I consider to be of better utility than what was available. The main reason I say this is that I used a mini-trash pump style magnetically driven pump. I am able to vary the output without having to worry about pressure problems within either the pump or motor. Would I do it again...heck no, I'm not that brain dead.

[bcraytor]

HF has a 20 gal unit on sale right now. If I only had room in the shop. Coulda come in real handy when I was rebuilding that transmission..... Sigh...

[dodge78]

I built my own but was lucky enough to get most of it for free. I think I spent about $50 on hoses and a two way valve. I got a torque converter cleaner (from the 70's) from work, a 4' steel bathtub and a bunch of steel from various places.
I think I still have pictures if you would like to see them.

[Mike W]

I would like to see that. I bet you could put an entire engine in it .

[John1]

Sure would like to see it.

Thanks for all the replies.
John1

[dodge78]

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrow...der_id=1250844
The first and the third are what I started with. The second and forthare under the tub. It drains into the white tub on the left to collect the big chuncks then through the filter and on to the pump. The fifth is an adjustable table so I dont have to reach in will doing small parts or I can take in out for larger parts. The sixth one is with the cover closed. the seventh one is the control for the pump. I can put the timer on for up to 30 minute for flushing or turn the pump on without the timer. And the last one is with the cover open and a four foot florecent light on.
Since I rent, it was made to be torn down if I move, it makes it alot lighter too.

[Mike W]

Now that is a real parts washer, nice job.

[BadDog]

Dang, wish I had room for that.

[Sberry]

Mine is a Gray Mills, sort of commercial unit. I like it because a whole automatic trans will fit in it and it has nice shelves, I also made some other shelf type things in it. I also removed the bottom shelf and raised it up about an inch and a half so the pallet jack will go underneath to move it. The tank was getting slightly pitted in the bottom so I soaped and steamed it out super clean and poured a pint or 2 of Imron in to fill the pits and coat the bottom. As I recall I traded a wood stove for the thing about 20 yrs ago. Every couple yrs I paint the top. We try not to use it as a workbench but it happens. I like to keep it uncluttered so its ready for use and we try not to put a bunch of filthy stuff in, keeps the fluid clean for a long time. I pressure wash things off when we can.