HeyBub wrote:
brassplyer wrote:
I've got a 70's era washer and dryer that I got used in the late 80's.
The drum sliders on the dryer have worn and the drum is at a low
angle, the transmission on the washer finally gave up the ghost.

I can get a replacement transmission for the washer and renovate the
drum sliders on the dryer, but it occurs to me that besides the
hardware, there's also 30-plus year old electrical components. I
wonder if at a certain point appliances become dangerous to keep
going.

The problem I have with new appliances is that they all seem to
utilize computer chip/circuit board technology. One of the great
things about the old washer/dryer is they utilize relatively simple
mechanical controls which appear to have contributed to their
longevity.

Does anyone still make rock-solid barebones washers and dryers with
mechanical controls?

Dangerous? I don't think so. I've never heard of a washer or dryer failing
in a potentially lethal manner.

Dunno about that. An old beater washer that barely worked came with this
house. After about a week, it flooded the floor, and the buzzer went
off. I run down there, in bare feet, and rebalance the load, and fuss
with the knob to restart the cycle. I see a flash of fire from the back
of the machine reflected off the wall, and the magic smoke that makes
electrical devices work comes wafting out of the back. Did I mention wet
floor and bare feet, and I'm standing in a wet spot? Freaky enough
having a washing machine catch on fire, but pondering possible
electrocution at the time put it right on my life list of 'aw ****'
moments.

I had a new machine in there within 48 hours- Sams Club entry-level
special, and it even almost matched the dryer that came with the house.
Took me a month to get the old one out of there- even after removing the
motor and concrete block, it was too damn heavy for me to get up the
stairs on a dolly, by myself. Some guy who wanted the old steel tub for
a burn barrel finally took pity on me and stopped by. New one was no
problem- plastic tub. Easily wheeled it in and installed it by myself.

--
aem sends....