Build a better....

[Mickwhitt 4,621]

Hi all.

I titled the thread so we can post our versions of tools, equipment or projects we have done. 

Warm weather over here so been doing a few shop chores that I've been meaning to get on with.

I set out to build a better can crusher than the cheap pressed steel versions on Amazon etc.

With a few lumps of scrap steel, off cuts and a bit of lathe work I cobbled together this press affair that does the job admirably well.

I decided to wall mount it close to my recycling bins so I can flatten cans prior to popping them in the bin. 

 

 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,545]

Cool idea but here in Michigan we get $0.10 return on each can… if crushed no $$$…

 

Here’s my better build: sailboat mast as flagpole. Way stronger and recycling a broken mast that would have been scrapped…

 

 

[Pullstart 62,838]

One of my favorite build it betters… a 1962 Wheel Horse 502.  It’s got 8 hp in place of the original 5 hp, 1964 chassis and front axle for better steering quality, late ‘70’s 8 speed transmission with low range and stronger axles, and plenty of extra weight for more traction.  And a customized Cherry Bomb muffler with a tink tink for betterness too.

[Pullstart 62,838]

This is a valve spring compressor, made to fit small block Kohlers mainly.

 

It’s tougher than most store bought and only cost me time, scrap supplies and a broken C-clamp.

 

 

[Handy Don 12,215]

1 minute ago, Pullstart said:

One of my favorite build it betters… a 1962 Wheel Horse 502.  It’s got 8 hp in place of the original 5 hp, 1964 chassis and front axle for better steering quality, late ‘70’s 8 speed transmission with low range and stronger axles, and plenty of extra weight for more traction.  And a customized Cherry Bomb muffler with a tink tink for betterness too.

 

So, please clarify exactly which 1962 502 parts are left? 

[Pullstart 62,838]

Just now, Handy Don said:

 

So, please clarify exactly which 1962 502 parts are left? 

the body, seat, seat spring, and steering wheel… along with the memories it’s built along the way 

[Handy Don 12,215]

And the all important belt guard with the decal! 

[ri702bill 8,316]

And the Fool Tank!!! Cap is from a C10 - right??

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

the body, seat, seat spring, and steering wheel… along with the memories it’s built along the way 

You left out blood and skin that happens when you get near motorize tools or any thing else.

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

1 hour ago, Mickwhitt said:

a better can crusher

 

No engine?  Hydraulic ram?  Auto can feeder?  

 

1 hour ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

if crushed no $$$…

 

I understand that logic... NOT !  WTH is the difference?

 

 

[Pullstart 62,838]

13 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

No engine?  Hydraulic ram?  Auto can feeder?  

 

 

I understand that logic... NOT !  WTH is the difference?

 

 

It costs less than 10 cents to make a bottle or can (well maybe not now) and we have to pay a mandatory 10 cents per carbonated drink.  We might as well get it back, and keep less metals in the landfill..

[Pullstart 62,838]

Oh Jeff you meant no $$ if crushed?  They need to read the barcode to verify it was carbonated.

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

3 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

read the barcode to verify it was carbonated

 

OK... I think... but I still don't understand what difference it makes what was actually in the can... long as it's Loom-a-numb ?

 

How does carbonated or not make a difference?

 

 

 

 

[Pullstart 62,838]

No idea.  Sorry for hijacking Mick! 

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

I carry all my aluminum to a recycler , made $59.70 earlier this month. I will I could figure out a motorized crusher. Try a WH once but it used too much gas. 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,545]

1 hour ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

I understand that logic... NOT !  WTH is the difference?

 

 

No bar code on can if crushed to verify Michigan deposit… they think of everything to make it less efficient and more expensive… 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,545]

1 hour ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

OK... I think... but I still don't understand what difference it makes what was actually in the can... long as it's Loom-a-numb ?

 

How does carbonated or not make a difference?

 

 

 

 

Politics makes the difference… water, Gatorade, juices etc… law exempts them… so - no deposit and straight to the landfill (maybe some recycling but not much)… 

[8ntruck 6,998]

  the bar code also indicates where the can was sold.  We've got property in different states, so we frequently mix cans from different origins when we travel.  The automated can smacker at the store where we turn the cans in rejects the out of state cans.  Rather than carry the rejected out of state cans while finish shopping, I will toss them into the trash container next to the can smacker with the rest of the bags and boxes used to tote the empties into the store.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,545]

 is what happens… tons of aluminum going to landfill because of this issue… sadly I also have neighbors who will just toss the cans and bottles - some recycled some trash - just because it’s a hassle to return them for deposit…  All around a tough and sad issue… 

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

Good old bottle deposits...  when we were kids we used to go around the neighborhood door to door with our 'Radio Flyer" wagon and collect empties.  Then we'd head down to the corner store and cash in our booty for cigaret....  uhhhh, no,  CANDY !  I said CANDY!  

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

7 hours ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

all my aluminum to a recycler

 

I've been doing some scrapping since I retired ...  Cleaned out the garage... and pick stuff up along the road when I see it...  I've made over $2K in the past year.  But I'm runnin' outta stuff. 

 

I could make a fortune if garden gnomes were recyclable !

 

 

Edited June 20, 2022 by Jeff-C175