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webber BBQ parts washer

4K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  scocope 
#1 ·
I had an idea to use an old Webber kettle BBQ for a parts washer and electrical rust removing tank but I can't remember how they are made.

Is there openings on the bottom for air and seams that need to be welded ? thanks.
 
#2 ·
Yes, there are 3 holes that open when you turn a plate that is riveted to the kettle. Would be a simple process to use that plate, unless it's aluminum, for the filler to close the vents. Sounds like a good idea.
 
#3 ·
Thanks Brad, sounds like it wouldn't be hard to convert one. I need one for outside the shop for the really dirty parts.:)

I heard on the radio the other night Webbers were invented by a bouy factory worker that made buoys for Lake Michigan.:D
 
#5 ·
Interesting story Mark. Funny how some of the best inventions are not complicated.​

I can't remember seeing Julia Childs or any other famous TV cook using a Webber Kettle on their shows but I would guess they did.

"How you all are" Justin Wilson was my favorite TV Cook. I liked his stories as much as his cooking and recipes.:D
 
#7 ·
I like how he wasn't to proud to use leftovers, like left over french fries in his potato salad, down home cookin at it's best.:)
 
#9 · (Edited)
no pictures?
no updates?
no nothing more?

c'mon now, we all would love ideas on cheap and simple parts washers since buying them cost way too much for the average guy who doesnt own a repair shop

i just use a 5 gallon bucket or plastic tub with scrub brush but always interested in good ideas

i used to use a big 18" stainless mixing bowl but it kept spilling over but it was the same shape as a weber grill top

and yes, i noticed this is and old ancient thread
 
#10 · (Edited)
The electrical rust remover usually involves a plastic tank not a metal one. I've made them of all sizes the biggest being a plastic trash barrel when I was cleaning up an axle, wheels and various other parts from a boat trailer I used to make a garden tractor trailer. Basically I dissolved Arm & Hammer wash soda in water to make an electrolyte, used a old battery clamp with a solid copper wire attached to clamp the piece I was removing rust from then clamped the negative from a battery charger to the wire that was out of the water
Then used a old copper bar about 3 feet long for an electrode (I bent it to get it all in the water; rebar, metal mesh, anything steel/copper, but not stainless, can be used) with another copper wire attached to it then the positive clamp was attached to it (did not want to put my charger clamps in the water) made sure the electrode and the piece the rust was being removed from were not touching then switched on the charger and waited until all the rust was on the copper electrode. You usually want the electrode closest to the rustiest part. Depending on how rusty it is you might need to change the water and clean the electrode occasionally.
Wash the item down afterwards, conversion coat it, epoxy primer then top coat. This will remove even the thickest rust but of course if you knock off the thick stuff it does go quicker.
For a parts washer we've always have just welded up a box (with a higher shelf area to work on and a large deep area for soaking and to allow the grease to settle to the bottom and a can to dip solvent with) with a lid and legs and a drain (this is for our home shop; OSHA would have a fit if they saw it in a commercial shop). But to tell you the truth a $100(less a 20% off coupon for $80) Harbor Freight one would work just as well; they really don't appear to be much different than $200+ parts stores ones just don't expect commercial duty. Of course my Father's diesel powered service truck with a valve and line on the fuel line to fill a bucket with fuel always worked very well in the field ;-)! A plastic tote with a lid is also a good, quick and easy parts washer as well.
 
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