Built to Last ~ Round 2

Here is another item that seems to have been made to last a lifetime.

Here is the last post about finding something that lasts.

It was in our shop when we moved in about 15 years ago.

I had shuffled it around from here to there as different projects

demanded different areas of the shop.

Then last summer, as I was shuffling it around again,

I thought, "I wonder if it actually works."

So I took it out the shop door and washed it up.

I then plugged it in.

It appeared to work wonderfully.

She is a 1945-1950 Maytag.  I can't remember exactly.
I looked it up by the serial number but have forgotten.

I did do just a little research before I started "playing."

Evidently, if they get tipped over, the oil can run out

which obviously isn't good for the motor.

I had never tipped this one and upon inspection of the underside,

there appeared to be some grease/oil, 

but nothing like it had all run out.

Not a great picture, but I sent the sponge I used to wash it
through the rollers to make sure they would work.

The only thing I can't seem to figure out is how to swing the top 

roller section over to the side for loading and unloading.

There is that chance that at one point it was "repaired"

to a state that it no longer pivots.

Or there is also the chance that I just don't know the secret.

If you have suggestions,

I would love to hear them.

Next, I will look for new rollers and a new drain hose.

Both of those items are the rubber just being old and dry

and are not things the manufacturer had control over.

If at some point, our current modern washer gives out,

I'm not so sure I won't just bring this one in the house.

The other thing is the lid is missing.
I'll have to keep my eyes open for one, and
if any one out there has one in their shed or runs across one,
give me a holler.
I'm sure interested.

When Things Were Built to Last

Of course we've all heard about 

"in the good ol' days" and

"when things were built to last a lifetime."

Weather it was a car or a good metal axe head,

the oldies just seem to last.

Here is a perfect example~

For some time, I have attempted to be happy with

my big expensive Rowenta iron.

It's fine for Mr. LB's work shirts,

but for smaller more detail oriented projects,

it is just too cumbersome and finicky.

I had kept my little old Rival iron that I purchased many years ago

from a clearance bin for $7.00.

It worked okay, but the steam feature had issues

which is why I bought the new

"bigger and better" iron.

Well, a week or so ago, the Rival died.

Me being me, I couldn't just pitch it so I ripped into it 

to see what might be wrong with it.

A couple of things struck me as I broke into the thing.

First, it was put together in a way that the plastic pieces

clipped so they would break when pulled apart.

This wasn't a concern for me but meant it was not made to be repaired.

Next, the plastic type number was on the inside.

This meant in order to figure out if any portion of it was recyclable,

one had to dismantle the entire thing.

And lastly, the thing was just made to be temporary overall.

I was somewhat satisfied at least that I could recycle a portion of it.

It had many hours on it, so I really did get my $7 worth.

However,

this morning, I wanted to work on a couple of smaller things.

The thought of using the Rowenta did not bring pleasant words to mind.

Then I thought, "What about......"

"Yes, it's right there."

"Let's just see....."

HA!

I knew it worked as far as getting hot, because I plugged it in

before I purchased it at an estate sale several years ago - for $3.

I thought it would look nice next to some old quilts I have.

I got it down, attached the water reservoir, and plugged it in.

I tried it on a scrap of muslin, and

whatta ya know?

It works perfectly.

It's small, light weight and actually steams the fabric.

I then unplugged it to let it cool so I could dust it all off 

before I used it on a real project.

I am thrilled.

It just got me to thinking,

it's something I tend to do anyways, 

but if there's something I need,

I'll probably search for something old on-line before running right out

and buying the new plastic version.

I believe in the saying "buy quality and buy it once."

That's actually what I thought I was doing when I got the Rowenta.

Little did I know it was actually what I was doing when I got

the little GE at the estate sale.

I suspect it will last a long time.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches