Author Topic: Out with the old... (Read 8012 times)

ysageev · « **on:** April 06, 2006, 03:23:46 PM »

Just picked up this restaurant-grade stainless steel tub. It weighs 100 lbs. with lots of handles. 20 inches at the base, 3' at the top, 2.5' high. The bottom crease has been caulked because I guess this is designed to be opened from the base by sliding the steel plate bottom. I'm thinking the caulk will survive electro because the water pressure will force it into the crevice.

Cross fingers!

ysageev · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:23:58 PM »

ysageev · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:24:32 PM »

Roger Barfield · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:43:09 PM »

Quote

Just picked up this restaurant-grade stainless steal tub. It weighs 100 lbs. with lots of handles. 20 inches at the base, 3' at the top, 2.5' high. The bottom crease has been caulked because I guess this is designed to be opened from the base by sliding the steel plate bottom. I'm thinking the caulk will survive electro because the water pressure will force it into the crevice.

Cross fingers!

Yair, you could get one of those cheap plastic tubs and set it inside of it incase it leaks, that way it would't spill everywhere. Keep us posted.

ysageev · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:52:36 PM »

Great idea Roger. The rubbermaid trash can from the old setup is too small and my lye bath container is rectangular and too narrow. I was hoping to go without an external container but it is the only smart move until I know that it doesn't leak -- no sense waisting PH+ and having it leak with a live current.

Off to True Value....

Brian Vick · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2006, 04:19:33 PM »

Guy's
This sounds like one of those "why didn't I think of that moments" great idea
The other Brian ;D

ysageev · « **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2006, 05:38:24 PM »

Ok. No rubbermaid tub they had there was big enough, plus the big ones are expensive and I have a drain about 5 feet from the electro setup. I just couldn't wait to test it out so I threw caution to the wind, damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead!

It leaks about 1 cup every 15 minutes. I am going to let these pans finish and see if the leak gets worse. I also didn't let the caulk cure, just let it tack dry for 1 hour. When these pans finish I'm gonna move the water to other containers, strip out all the old caulk, recaulk, and let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Other than that it works better than I ever hoped for. Before I was getting a consistent 7 amps. Now I get an unwavering 28 amps throughput. Crud is getting blasted off the pans, big bubbles with lots of crud on the surface. Absolutely massive improvement over the rusty garbage can in the rubbermaid container setup I had before.

ysageev · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2006, 05:42:11 PM »

This is after running for 1/2 hour. Amazing.

Roger Barfield · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2006, 06:02:40 PM »

Yair, I've bought some tubs at Walmart and Home depot that might work and they were under $10. You might give them a shot if the caulk doesn't work.

ysageev · « **Reply #9 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:29:03 PM »

Quote

Yair, I've bought some tubs at Walmart and Home depot that might work and they were under $10. You might give them a shot if the caulk doesn't work.

I always seem to go to the wrong store. ::) I'll follow your suggestion if the caulk doesn't work. Value Home Center wanted $23 for the largest rubbermaid tub which was still not big enough. This stainless tub cost me $70 and weighs 101 lbs exactly (they threw it on the scale at the scrap yard). The guy said if it doesn't work I can hold it for a year and scrap it when the price of steel inevitably will have gone up and actually profit. I asked the guy if he'd give me a discount if I lifted the tub over my head. He said "no, but I'll help you get it in the truck free of charge."

Turns out I was using the wrong type of caulk - not ideal for metal and cures in 1-2 weeks (fuggedaboutit). I also didn't get rid of the old caulk that came with it but instead caulked (a verb?) on top of it. So I ripped out every last drop of caulk, cleaned, and dried with a hair drier.

The caulk I just bought is GE brand clear pure silicone caulk which has the maximum stick rating of 7 for steel. I used half a tube and used a teaspoon to smush it smoothly into the crevice. Hopefully when it cures around tomorrow night all will be well.

Paul Hummel · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:35:46 PM »

Stainless can be welded!! If there is some company around where you live that does stainless welding(Boat builder) ask them how much to weld the seam shut for you. Then you should never leak or need another tub.

Paul H.

Roger Barfield · « **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2006, 09:36:29 PM »

Yair, what are the dimensions and I'll tell you if it will fit in the ones I have.

WallyT · « **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2006, 07:03:43 AM »

I votew for welding, even home welders some of my buddies have can do stainless. IMHO

ysageev · « **Reply #13 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:36:06 AM »

Roger, with handles the dimensions are:

Bottom: 28 inches diameter (24 outside, without handles)
Top: 33 inches diameter
Height: 26 inches

I have an AC arc welder but welding stainless is much more difficult than welding non-stainless and taking it to a welder will cost a good deal of money. I have a friend who used to work as a welder and I will ask him. It will be the last resort, but also the only option if the caulk doesn't work. I think the caulk will work though, we'll see.

Paul Hummel · « **Reply #14 on:** April 07, 2006, 11:13:08 AM »

I would think that caulk at best is a temp fix. I think weld would be best. Good Luck

Paul H.

ysageev · « **Reply #15 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:43:04 PM »

So far the caulk is holding up -- who knows for how long. No leaks after 6 hours of running.

I have 7 items hanging from the hook and I'm gettin 42 amps throughput unwavering. I am bit worried that this is stressing the charger but everything seems ok.

miniwoodworker · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2006, 09:10:10 AM »

Here's another thought.... See if you can find a 55 gallon plastic barrel. Around here used ones (usually contained cider vinegar - pickle factory) sell for $6 each. I bought 2 of them.

Use a saber saw to cut the plastic drum a little taller than your pot. Then, drill a hole on each side of the barrel so you can insert a concrete reinforcing rod. Use the rod and S hooks to suspend your CI in the pot. Since the plastic isolates the rod, you can then clamp the charger connection anywhere on the rod.

I did something similar with a plastic barrel and a SS insert. Works great.

Oh, ... and I also cut down another plastic barrel, inserted the rod, to make up a lye holding vat. Cover the vat with the lid from the barrel. I have a couple of skillets and a spider in the vat right now, waiting for their turn in the electro setup. Since the lye solution has had time to work, final clean up in the electro vat should be faster than starting from scratch.

So, check around, to see if those used barrels are available in your area.

Lee

Roger Barfield · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2006, 11:48:32 AM »

Yair, I didn't realize how wide that thing is, it wouldn't work with the tubs I have. They are about 22 inches in daimeter. Even my trash cans and my SS barrel are not large enough to sit that down in. If you don't have it welded, the only thing I can think of is a galvanized wash tub, if you could find one. Hopefully the caulk will hold and it won't be an issue.

Greg Stahl · « **Reply #18 on:** April 08, 2006, 01:35:38 PM »

Yair,
I have a 55 gallon plastic barrel if you need one for FREE. Problem is that it is here in MA under my deck, but it can stay there for as long as possible. If you are coming to the convention, you can pick it up at the convention or come to the social gathering we are having at my home and pick it up there. If you pick it up at my house the cost will be free food, beer and wine that you will have to consume while you are here 8-)

ysageev · « **Reply #19 on:** April 09, 2006, 07:35:01 AM »

Sweet, Greg. I'm planning to make it down there -- just have to make sure nothing else conflicts. I'm trying to figure out if my 1999 Escort can handle 500 lbs of iron. I think if I add extra air to the tires I will be able to make it to the partay! [smiley=smoking.gif]

News:

Author Topic: Out with the old... (Read 8012 times)

ysageev

ysageev

ysageev

ysageev

ysageev

ysageev

ysageev

WallyT

ysageev

ysageev

miniwoodworker

ysageev