This is a great illustration of how far we’ve come in the last fifty years or so. We’re not exactly sure how old this rig is, but judging from the trash can-chic construction we’re guessing it came out sometime before the TV.
It’s got a motor and a rinse tub as well as a roller attachment to wring water out of the clothes going through it, but it’s a trifle before my time so I may have it backwards. The lids really do look like trash can lids, though — great use for them as far as we can see.
What’s funny is I doubt I could do any better if I started in my garage today building a washing machine on my own. I’m guessing someone paid good money for it decades ago.
Once again, thanks to reader goblirschrolf for the sweet pic.
Toolmonger Photo Pool [Flickr]
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3 Responses to It’s Just Cool: Old Washing Machine
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I still rember the kick starter on a washing machine that my grandmother used years ago. A little gas engine and the ringer was the way it used to be done.
Grandpa said it took Grandma a month to give into using her “motor” washer because she was afraid the neighbors (a mile away) would think she was a lazy farm wife.
I’ve always heard them called “mangles”, but it appears that “wringer” is appropriate, too. I still like the sound of “mangle” better.