Otis Singleton
Electric clothes dryers are a common household appliance, but what happens when they break or become outdated? Instead of simply discarding them, there are several ways to repurpose and reuse them. From fixing minor issues like lint accumulation to complete disassembly for parts, there are many ways to give old dryers a new lease of life. With some creativity and handiness, you can turn your old dryer into something useful, such as a fire pit, a cider press, or even a concrete mixer. Let's explore the various ways to repurpose an electric clothes dryer and give it a new purpose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose the drum | Cider press, fire pit, compost bin, beer cooler, storage for garden supplies |
| Repurpose the motor | Bench grinder, power tools (grinders, belt sanders, lathes), concrete mixer, reloading case tumbler/cleaner, grain grinder |
| Other | Sell off parts or as scrap metal, fix and resell, use for spare parts |
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What You'll Learn
Use the drum as a cider press
If you have an old electric clothes dryer that you no longer use, you can repurpose its drum as a cider press. Here's how you can do it:
Firstly, ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned all parts of the drum that will come into contact with your apples and cider. This is an important step to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Next, you will need to collect a bunch of apples. It is okay if the apples are bruised, but make sure they are not rotten. You can use a food processor or apple crusher to crush the apples into a pulp. You can also use a grinder to mash the apples, breaking down the cell walls and releasing more juice than pressing sliced apples.
Now, it's time to assemble your cider press. Set up the drum with a mesh sack inside to hold the apple pulp. You can also add round cutting boards inside the drum to create smaller sections for the apple pulp, increasing your yield. Shim up the back leg of the drum to improve the pouring process.
Once your setup is ready, start pressing the cider. You can use a hydraulic jack to apply pressure and extract the cider from the apple mash. Collect the cider in a bucket or container placed below the press.
Finally, you can choose to ferment your cider to make hard cider. Simply leave the fresh cider untouched, and it will start fermenting on its own. After about a month, your cider will have a slight alcohol content, and you can enjoy your homemade hard cider.
Repurposing your old electric clothes dryer drum as a cider press is a creative and resourceful way to make delicious cider while reducing waste.
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Use the drum to store garden supplies
If you have an old electric clothes dryer that you no longer use, you can repurpose the drum to store garden supplies. This is a great way to securely store your garden supplies and keep them safe from critters that may tear into bags and make a mess.
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools for the job. You will need:
- Different sizes of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
- A side cutter
- Strong pliers
- Containers for sorting wires, screws, and other parts
- Safety glasses
First, disconnect all power to the dryer. Almost all clothes dryers have a large starting capacitor, so be sure to discharge this and any other capacitors before you start cutting or hacking.
Next, start stripping the dryer. Take photos or write down any information located on the back cover, such as the model number, Watts, and Volts. Remove all the screws from the back cover and place them in a container. Then, remove any debris, dirt, seals, and rubbers.
Now, you can start to remove the wires, buttons, dials, and switches, taking care to note the wires and connections before you start cutting. You can choose to either keep the motor with everything connected or cut the motor wires and use them for other projects. If you choose to cut the wires, hold the motor with one hand when removing the last screw to prevent it from falling and damaging it.
Once you have removed the motor, take out the front panel by removing the screws from the back. You can then remove the safety switch located in the door, being careful not to cut any wires.
With the drum removed, you can now repurpose it to store your garden supplies. You can add plastic Command™ hooks on the side to hang gloves and hand tools. The top of the dryer also offers a solid, easy-to-clean work surface for your gardening needs.
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Use the motor to make a bench grinder
Repurposing an electric clothes dryer motor to make a bench grinder is a great way to give new life to an old appliance. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Disassembling the Dryer:
Start by disconnecting all power to the dryer to ensure safety. Wear protective gear, including safety glasses, and have the necessary tools ready, such as screwdrivers, side cutters, and pliers. Take photos and make notes of the wiring connections before you begin disassembling. Remove the back cover of the dryer and take out all the screws, some of which may be hidden. Then, remove the front panel by taking out the screws from the back.
Salvaging the Motor:
The next step is to carefully remove the motor. Take notes on the wiring connections and choose whether to cut the motor wires or keep them intact. If you plan to use the wires, buttons, and switches in other projects, cutting them may be a good option. When removing the last screw holding the motor in place, hold the motor with one hand to prevent it from falling out and causing damage.
Wiring the Motor:
Once the motor is removed, you can begin wiring it for your bench grinder. The wiring process will depend on the specific type of motor and grinder you are using. Make sure to identify the wires correctly (live, neutral, and earth) and consult a detailed guide on wiring a clothes dryer motor to an external power source. Pay close attention to safety precautions, especially if you encounter a large capacitor.
Mounting the Grinder:
Now, you'll need to mount the grinder securely to a workbench or similar setup. This may require modifications to the grinder's axle or the use of \"bushings\" to ensure a proper fit. You'll also need to consider how to keep the motor from moving around during operation. One user suggested using a piece of steel with holes drilled in it to secure the grinder.
Final Steps:
Before using your new bench grinder, check the rpm of the dryer motor to ensure it does not exceed the maximum rpm of the grinding wheel. You may also need to make adjustments to prevent the grinder disk from slipping due to friction. Finally, test your setup to ensure it works as intended, and make any necessary adjustments for safety and performance.
By following these steps and adapting them to your specific setup, you can successfully repurpose your electric clothes dryer motor into a functional bench grinder.
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Use the barrel as a fire pit
If you have an old electric clothes dryer barrel lying around, you can repurpose it into a DIY smokeless fire pit. The barrel is made of stainless steel, which is a durable material that can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting. This makes it perfect for a fire pit.
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools, such as a drill, screws, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection. You will also need sand, gravel, river rocks, fire pit glass, or heat-resistant bricks to create a base for your fire pit, which will help prevent the fire from spreading and protect the ground from the heat.
First, you need to access the drum by unscrewing the dryer cabinet and detaching the drum from its motor. Make sure to disconnect the power supply and unplug the dryer before beginning any work. Once you have removed the drum, clean it thoroughly, removing any debris and rust from its surface. You can also paint the drum with high-heat spray paint to give it a unique look.
Next, create a base for your fire pit using sand, gravel, river rocks, or heat-resistant bricks. This will provide drainage and help contain the fire. Place the drum on top of the base and you're almost ready to start your first fire. Just remember to avoid using any flammable materials, treated wood, or chemical-based items that can produce poisonous flames. Fill the drum with logs and enjoy your new fire pit!
With a few simple steps and some creativity, you can transform your old electric clothes dryer barrel into a stylish and functional fire pit that will become your new favourite spot in the backyard.
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Sell the parts or scrap metal
If your electric clothes dryer is beyond repair, you can sell its parts or scrap metal. Before you start dismantling the dryer, make sure to disconnect it from all power sources. You can then start by removing the back cover and taking out all the screws. It is important to keep the screws and other small parts, like wires, safely in a container.
The next step is to remove the safety switch located inside the door. This is the switch that turns the dryer off when the door is opened. You should also remove the dial or timer by pulling it out. Take notes on the wires and connections before cutting anything, especially if you want to use the switches and motor together in the future.
The motor is a valuable part that can be reused or sold. You can either keep the motor with all the wires connected or cut the wires and use them for other projects. To remove the motor, you will need to take out the screws at the bottom of the dryer.
Other parts of the dryer, such as the sheet metal from the sides, can also be saved and sold as scrap metal. The drum of the dryer can be repurposed in various ways, such as using it to store garden supplies or fertilisers.
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Frequently asked questions
Before repurposing an electric clothes dryer, make sure to disconnect all power to the appliance. Most clothes dryers have a big starting capacitor, so be sure to discharge this and any other capacitors. It is also recommended that you wear eye protection and safety glasses.
The motor of an electric clothes dryer can be used for various purposes. Some people have used it to power tools mounted on top of the dryer, such as grinders, belt sanders, and lathes. Others have used it to power a grain grinder or a reloading case tumbler/cleaner. If you're feeling creative, you could even try to build something entirely new with the motor.
The sheet metal from the sides of the dryer can be saved and used for various projects. The drum of the dryer can be used as a burn barrel or fire pit, or even as a cider press. If the dryer still blows heat but doesn't spin, it can be used to heat up a small storage shed or barn.
If your dryer is still in working condition, you could sell it to an appliance repair shop or an individual looking for a used dryer. You could also sell off the parts individually or as scrap metal, especially if it is an older model.
If your dryer is no longer drying clothes effectively, you can try repurposing it by using a house fan or blower with a trash bag duct. Tape or tie the open end of the bag around the fan and cut the other end off. Make a screen out of hardware cloth that fits your dryer door opening, and use it to hold the cut end of the bag in place. Disconnect the exhaust piping from the dryer, and turn on the fan and dryer without the heat setting. This method uses wind power instead of expensive resistive heat to dry your clothes.
