Has anyone fabricated a parts washer heater?

[DaddyGlenn]

I have a parts washer I got at Harbor Freight. I use a water based solvent and would like to add a heater to improve the efficiency.

If you have built a heater or purchased a heater, please share your solution. Pictures would be greatly appreciated.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

I have a parts washer I got at Harbor Freight.

Which one? Are you talking about one of these...



I have thought about a heated parts washer that uses pressure, much like a pressure washer. One where you insert the part and then close the lid of the washer.

In your case, what about a heavy duty aquarium heater. You are going to need some watts though, because whatever you heat up will be lost easily.

[DaddyGlenn]

That looks like it but without the wheels.

I was thinking about adapting a hot water heater element but can't figure out the best way.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

I was thinking about adapting a hot water heater element but can't figure out the best way.

Good idea but you will need to control it. Maybe a 120V hot water heater element from a smaller tank; I think most of them are 240V.

Another possibility; one of those engine heaters that uses a magnet to hold itself to the block. Problem again is heat loss that the tank will give off.

[BoxsterGT]

Great idea. This is something I would like to do as well.

The heater element would need to be immersed in the solvent and have a thermostat to control the temp.

Len

[dipso]

Where does the water come from on that thing? Do you fill an area and then it recirculates.

I wouldn't put electrical any where near something like that, but what about a propane barbecue underneath.

Maybe just put the parts in the dishwasher.

[wayner]

Why not use an in-line car block heater?

[dipso]

Something like this underneath or to the side would heat that thing up pretty quick.

I use these at work all the time. They heat things up.

[BryanM]

Caswell Inc. - Heaters & Thermostats

[DaddyGlenn]

I'm thinking along the lines of a 120v water heater element like Traveller suggested. I don't need anything complicated. Just something I can plug in/turn on for short periods of time. It has to heat the solvent directly.

I've thought about a spa heater but that would involve a second pump ($$$) to circulate the solvent through the heater.

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by BryanM

Caswell Inc. - Heaters & Thermostats

That is what I'm looking for.

Any idea how fast the 300 watt unit ($15.99) would heat 30-40 gallons of solvent? Correction: 20 gallons.

[tharbert]

You can spend a bundle on heating and controlling the temp...or you can get a cheap/used dishwasher. The high pressure pump is built-in; there are racks for lots of parts/bits. It has a heater built in. And, it's 120v. You can get standalone units or just enclose an under-the-counter unit with plywood. Pour in your solvent and put the drain in a 5 gallon bucket.

[BryanM]

30 gallons huh? you might need 4 or so. it takes about 1 - 2 hrs with 2 to heat my 5 gallon plating tank. that's with a starting temp around 50 degrees.
tharbert probably has a better idea unless space is too limited.

[vlocci]

I simply added a 120 volt hot water heater element (the largest I could find, which was something like 2000 watts) and the associated hot water heater thermostat. Total price of parts was something like 30 bucks. I can get my tank to 120 degrees without too much issue. Like yours, it is a generic 40 gallon Chinese unit.

Obviously, you only want to use aqueous based fluids. I'm very happy with some ZEP purple power concentrate, which one heated does an amazing job.

see:

Camco 2000 Watt, 120 Volt Screw-In Water Heater Element - 15120 at The Home Depot

and

Camco Metal and Plastic Single-Pole Thermostat with High Limit Control - 15449 at The Home Depot

Add some wiring and an appropriate switch and you are done.

[djpateman]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

Any idea how fast the 300 watt unit ($15.99) would heat 30-40 gallons of solvent?

An extremely long time.
Why not use an electric hot water tank? That is what they are designed for.

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by vlocci

I simply added a 120 volt hot water heater element (the largest I could find, which was something like 2000 watts) and the associated hot water heater thermostat. Total price of parts was something like 30 bucks. ...{snip}

This is what I was originally thinking. Can you give me some detail on your installation? Pictures would be great, too.

[johnnywishbone]

the little local hot water heater that goes under the bathroom sink. home depot? 110v.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

That is what I'm looking for.

Any idea how fast the 300 watt unit ($15.99) would heat 30-40 gallons of solvent? Correction: 20 gallons.

I know they call it a 20 gallon parts washer, but I think you are confusing the volume of the parts bath with the actual amount of fluid within it.

I doubt there are much more than 5 gallons in it.

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by Traveller

{snip}....I think you are confusing the volume of the parts bath with the actual amount of fluid within it.

I doubt there are much more than 5 gallons in it.

Now that I actually "think".... You're right.

Still like the idea of fabricating something from a water heater element and thermostat.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

Now that I actually "think".... You're right.

Still like the idea of fabricating something from a water heater element and thermostat.

So do I and I'm glad some ideas were brought up.

As for using a hot water tank heater as it is, I would not be thrilled having the hot terminals so close to water, especially when using my water based degreaser which I believe is very slightly conductive. Those heaters are meant to be screwed into a hot water tank.