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Thread: Steam cleaner

  1. #1
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    Default Steam cleaner

    Any one here have plans for a steam boiler (copper??) I can beg borrow or steal, something from a model steam engine, I want to build a bench top steam cleaner, just needs a single fixed jet and a foot controlled stem release with an appropriate safety valve etc so it does not blow up my workshop.

  2. #2
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    Hi China, Guys,

    It would probably be cheaper to buy one than make one !

    I have a couple of dead hand held ones, both have blown plugs out of the tank. Essentially they are just flash steam generators and use the pressure generated by the steam to blow it out of the nozzle via a flap valve.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  3. #3
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    Interesting option, I have old stem mop, thinking I may pull it apart and see how works, I may be incorrect but I reckon I could build something given the fact that commercial unit is well over $1000

  4. #4
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    I use a coffee machine milk frother flash boiler. Still in the coffee machine, so not exactly pretty.

  5. #5
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    I have been using a old coffee machine steamer unfortunately it has gone to god so I just started mulling over the idea of building one.

  6. #6
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    Hi China, Guys,

    Usually it is the thermal fuse that dies in coffee machines. Of course they are welded rather than crimped into the circuit to discourage you from repairing them, but a ceramic terminal block can be used to get around that.

    Cut the wire as close to the original fuse body as possible and fit the wire ends into the terminal block, then put the new fuse in the other side. Make sure that you use the glass fibre insulation to protect it. Use a bit of wire to secure the new fuse in the place that the old one came from.

    The fuse data, temperature, current and voltage ratings are usually printed on the fuse body so try to avoid rubbing it off.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  7. #7
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    Pardon my ignorance, what would a bench top steam cleaner be useful for?
    Obviously it would need its own bench with someway to contain any mess made during operation.
    Also enough of you have already replied with apparently knowledge of this, so obviously, it is a useful thing to some people.
    We have one of those steam mops which died a few years ago but I was able to repair it quite easily. I cant remember now what the issue was though. It could be easily converted for this application I reckon
    Enlighten me please brothers (and sisters)

    peter

  8. #8
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    Default Cheap steam cleaner

    Hello from Bc.
    You can buy hand held steam cleaners from Aldi and others for $30.00. I bought one and used it on hard to get at parts on my Mazak lathe. It takes a while to get up steam but then empties the 0.5ltr bowel in 2-3 minutes. The basic cleaning was done with citrus cleaned and finished with steam.
    Regards
    BC

  9. #9
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    Steamer is used as a final clean when making jewellery after polishing, first goes into a Ultrasonic cleaner, then a final blast of steam appr. 65 psi, it is not absolutely required (but very convenient) it can be done by hand with fine brush, and dish washing liquid, to the other question, normally set the steamer with the spout over a sink to catch the over spray, with a soft pad in the sink in case you drop a expensive piece, should not be used on some stones such as Opal.

  10. #10
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    China.
    Thanks for the explanation. That's my "learn something new for the day" moment for today.
    Peter

  11. #11
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    Hi China, Guys,

    I was rooting through some boxes looking for some parts and found this water/steam pump from a steam mop that packed in a year or two back. The usual thing, the thermal fuse had failed, but I couldn’t get a replacement at the time. It squirts a fine jet of water against a hot copper plate in a plastic tank that exits into the mop head via a spring flap valve. The only other thing in there was a small circuit board that I think sensed when the water tank was empty and stopped the steam generator from working.

    10-01-2021=1.jpg 10-01-2021=2.jpg

    The inlet is at the bottom and the outlet is the 90 degree pipe at the top. This pump has its own thermal fuse as well, though this one is OK
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  12. #12
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    Interesting stuff. Can we see some examples of your work China?

  13. #13
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    Picko, I will see what I can find, unfortunately most of my pics are on my old computer ( went Troppo) it is currently at the computer Guru trying to redeem the Hard drive. Couple of interesting pieces on the go, will post them when finished

  14. #14
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    Picko and anyone else who is interested pics have been posted in the Jewellery section.

  15. #15
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    Another option might be an old style pressure cooker. Something like an old Namco where you could replace the blow off weight spigot with a T-piece. Have the blow-off weight on one leg and connect a length of fuel line with a valve and nozzle to the other.
    I was going to make something like this for running steam engines but was lucky enough to get a Haros boiler when my outlaws closed their roadhouse so never got around to it.
    Cheers,
    Greg.

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