Speed Queen Wringer Question

Hey---I have a 1950 SQ and a 1964, they are solid machines, great agitation, so you go get it NOW!

Speed Queen barely changed the mechanics in about 35+ years or more of production, they have a 210 degree agitation stroke, you can overload the clothes and still get a darn good turnover. If yours is the stainless one, I'm guessing it's a late model, 1960-s, and pretty deluxe with the pump. The pumps are still available on Ebay, the motor is a very standard size still in production by numerous manufacturers, and the wringer assembly is long-lasting.

There are TONS of these machines still available, parts therefore easy to find, or buy a $40 dollar dead one on CraigsList for parts.

Fun? I do enjoy both of mine and use them over half the time, but I guess for "fun" I prefer my various twin-tub washer/extractors, they are more hands-on. While this website is devoted mostly to automatics, it's the wringers and twinnies, not at all automatic, that I have most fun with, they need me every few minutes to move to the next wash step.

Back to your Speed Queen----I find that with the intense and powerful agitation, it's best to do full loads all the time. That way, tons of clothing slows down the overall intensity to a manageable speed, excellent turnover even with jeans and towels together. I use modern powder detergents, I get at least 2 loads of clothes through one wash water(10 minutes each load), then I do 2 rinses in cold water for all clothing, some fabric softener in the second/final rinse. Also, that helps get detergent-- strong chemicals-- out of the pump. The "standard" models did not have a pump, you just dropped the hose to the floor for that, but I am guessing that Stainless Steel models are deluxe and have a pump.

Putting stuff through the wringer goes damn fast. Your wringer will last longer if you leave the tension off, hit that release bar, when you are all done for the day. And the roller can be easily rebuilt if you have problems.
All hoses are 1" Inside Diameter, easily replaced. Make sure you have a properly grounded 3 prong plug on the machine. Once you get it, check out the pump, take a darn good look, then search "washer pump" on Ebay. The exact same pump was used on many older washers, so many auctions don't list it as Speed Queen, just visually look for same pump, buy one for around $25 at the most and hold on to it. Someday they'll be obsolete, and they are a sort of a weak point of the design.
So go get that machine and enjoy! The stainless steel tells me it's a VERY deluxe model, pump and all, and maybe the model with a timer that actually does stop the machine. Mine are both "reminder" timers, they ring that bell to REMIND me to come over and turn off the machine. I find that hilarious and quaint.

And I may be wrong, but I think some late model Speed Queens have a 2 speed switch, it strictly turned the motor into 2 speeds, had nothing to do with additional gears in the transmission, simplistic but effective nonetheless.
Take pictures and let us know just how deluxe it is, I'll get happily jealous since both of mine are standard issue white porcelain tubs.
Can you tell I've already had 3 cups of coffee this morning? Enough typing for now, you'll have fun, go get it!
Mark


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Post# 469635 10/16/2010 at 00:47 (4,933 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)
Checkrate/Likes Anybody know anything about a model 90 Speed Queen Wringer? My dad's cousin has one and wants to give it to me. He says it still works perfectly and the only sign of rust he can find on the whole thing is a couple of little nicks in the painted lid. He says it has a stainless steel tub. Is this a fun machine? The serial number is 3329431. Can anyone tell me and approximate age? Does anyone have some picture examples of this machine? Thanks so much! P.S. My dad's cousin doesn't want to trash the machine, he said if I don't want it he'll hold onto it until he finds someone who does because he is stunned at how good of shape it's in.

Post# 469652 , Reply# 1 10/16/2010 at 07:09 (4,933 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)
Checkrate/Likes *SpeedQueenWringer Washer* Hey---I have a 1950 SQ and a 1964, they are solid machines, great agitation, so you go get it NOW! Speed Queen barely changed the mechanics in about 35+ years or more of production, they have a 210 degree agitation stroke, you can overload the clothes and still get a darn good turnover. If yours is the stainless one, I'm guessing it's a late model, 1960-s, and pretty deluxe with the pump. The pumps are still available on Ebay, the motor is a very standard size still in production by numerous manufacturers, and the wringer assembly is long-lasting. There are TONS of these machines still available, parts therefore easy to find, or buy a $40 dollar dead one on CraigsList for parts. Fun? I do enjoy both of mine and use them over half the time, but I guess for "fun" I prefer my various twin-tub washer/extractors, they are more hands-on. While this website is devoted mostly to automatics, it's the wringers and twinnies, not at all automatic, that I have most fun with, they need me every few minutes to move to the next wash step. Back to your Speed Queen----I find that with the intense and powerful agitation, it's best to do full loads all the time. That way, tons of clothing slows down the overall intensity to a manageable speed, excellent turnover even with jeans and towels together. I use modern powder detergents, I get at least 2 loads of clothes through one wash water(10 minutes each load), then I do 2 rinses in cold water for all clothing, some fabric softener in the second/final rinse. Also, that helps get detergent-- strong chemicals-- out of the pump. The "standard" models did not have a pump, you just dropped the hose to the floor for that, but I am guessing that Stainless Steel models are deluxe and have a pump. Putting stuff through the wringer goes damn fast. Your wringer will last longer if you leave the tension off, hit that release bar, when you are all done for the day. And the roller can be easily rebuilt if you have problems. All hoses are 1" Inside Diameter, easily replaced. Make sure you have a properly grounded 3 prong plug on the machine. Once you get it, check out the pump, take a darn good look, then search "washer pump" on Ebay. The exact same pump was used on many older washers, so many auctions don't list it as Speed Queen, just visually look for same pump, buy one for around $25 at the most and hold on to it. Someday they'll be obsolete, and they are a sort of a weak point of the design. So go get that machine and enjoy! The stainless steel tells me it's a VERY deluxe model, pump and all, and maybe the model with a timer that actually does stop the machine. Mine are both "reminder" timers, they ring that bell to REMIND me to come over and turn off the machine. I find that hilarious and quaint. And I may be wrong, but I think some late model Speed Queens have a 2 speed switch, it strictly turned the motor into 2 speeds, had nothing to do with additional gears in the transmission, simplistic but effective nonetheless. Take pictures and let us know just how deluxe it is, I'll get happily jealous since both of mine are standard issue white porcelain tubs. Can you tell I've already had 3 cups of coffee this morning? Enough typing for now, you'll have fun, go get it! Mark

Post# 469691 , Reply# 2 10/16/2010 at 12:29 (4,933 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)
Checkrate/Likes Thank you for the response! I will be getting the machine! I won't be able to play with it until Spring unfortunately though... But I will take some pics and post them as soon as I can!

Post# 469748 , Reply# 3 10/16/2010 at 19:11 (4,933 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)
Checkrate/Likes The shape of the wash-bowl makes for some very fun washing - powerful currents with that shaped tub. You'll have a great time using it. Be sure to ask for your complimentary stainless mixing bowl that went with it when new!