The Grossest Thing I Have Ever Repaired - 1940's Desk Fan Restoration

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  • Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
  • Restoring and preserving an old 40's Elcon table top fan.
    Had some urgent things to attend to this week so while the video is a repair video, its on something a bit different. But still I hope you enjoy it!
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  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 520

  • @HughJeffreys
    @HughJeffreys  Рік тому +595

    If you would like to see restorations or repairs on things like this more often, be sure to let that UA-cam algorithm know with a like. The algorithm is often not a fan of variety in content.

  • @terrydavis2552
    @terrydavis2552 Рік тому +206

    You can heat the fan coupler with a torch and then spraying it and the shaft with WD40. The expansion of the coupler tends to crack and release the rust and the oil just makes things slide out easier. Note that you may have to do this more than once, but its does work. Cool project though.

    • @sushimshah2896
      @sushimshah2896 Рік тому +8

      WD40 can do anything at this point!

    • @andyruse4670
      @andyruse4670 Рік тому +10

      @@sushimshah2896cooling with WD40 after you use a can of mapp gas to heat up a part does wonders for breaking rust bonds.

    • @davidhamm5626
      @davidhamm5626 Рік тому

      That may not work, if there is a rubber bushing, in the hub.

  • @walpoleandworcester
    @walpoleandworcester Рік тому +404

    I enjoy it when you surprise us with repairing other stuff like this!

  • @meetv7700
    @meetv7700 Рік тому +49

    I loved that you used cable from an old washing machine saving it from going in scrap, and you kept this repair as easy and straight forward as possible.

    • @LexYeen
      @LexYeen Рік тому +7

      This! It's always better to reuse that which can be reused before buying new.

  • @theeduummpp
    @theeduummpp Рік тому +137

    you should do more repairs on old, non smartphone stuff, it's very interesting and informative in a way.

  • @samuzamu
    @samuzamu Рік тому +138

    Really jealous of that one. Love the art-deco design and solid construction. That fan could probably last another 100 years

  • @joeblow5037
    @joeblow5037 Рік тому +10

    Hugh later finds out that the cord was serialized and key'd to the device. 🤬

  • @TheSpotify95
    @TheSpotify95 Рік тому +23

    Really nice interesting repair! I'm all for saving old stuff and restoring it back into a functional state again, even though a lot of people would think this is too far gone and chuck it out.
    And yes, on an item of this era, I too would go for the functional, but not 100%, finish, keeping the item's character and history. Remember, this isn't a brand new item, it's something from many, many years ago - long before I was born, and even long before my parents were born.

    • @scottrobertson6663
      @scottrobertson6663 Рік тому +3

      A lot of times the old stuff has more character than the new, and certainly more durable

  • @MayaPosch
    @MayaPosch Рік тому +9

    Those old AC motors are pretty much indestructible as long as the bearings are kept greased and corrosion kept at bay. It'd be interesting to do a direct comparison in terms of airflow and power efficiency between this old fan and a new one. Might be that the blade design has more effect than anything else. Great to see another classic saved from the scrap pile at any rate :)

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 Рік тому

      Well thechuge gaps in the guards males it way more harmful to human fingers unlike modern electric fans which are way safer and 600 times more durable too

    • @planetphatness
      @planetphatness Рік тому +2

      ​@@stephensnell5707kids back then knew not to stick fingers in moving parts and machines. People got more dumb for some reason.

    • @SoupyMittens
      @SoupyMittens Місяць тому

      @@planetphatness probably because all the focus on safety has messed up natural selection

  • @umbrellacorp.
    @umbrellacorp. 11 місяців тому +3

    That's the nice thing about old tech, it doesn't care what year it is, it's built to work.

  • @DecayingReverie
    @DecayingReverie Рік тому +17

    I love restorations of pretty much anything so if restoration in general is a passion of yours, I'm all for more videos like this.

  • @WyvernDotRed
    @WyvernDotRed Рік тому +17

    Good that you took the time to properly grease it, even new fans need this to last.
    If I'd own a fan like this, I'd just use it as intended and maintain it in this way as it'll work just as well as any new fan.
    These repairs of other devices certainly is something I am interested in, it's nice to see well-built devices continue to last.

    • @malice6081
      @malice6081 Рік тому

      I love old fans. They just always work. And cleaning them every year keeps stuff from seizing together.

  • @bladder1010
    @bladder1010 Рік тому +18

    Those bushings on the motor shaft are often sintered bronze which is porous and the bushings should be soaked in 30 weight oil to "recharge" them. This can be speeded up by heating the oil slightly (not boiling!) or using a vacuum chamber. It helps to wash out the bushings first with solvent to get rid of the old dirt-loaded oil. Simply applying grease to the outside of the bushings won't last.

    • @Ragnar8504
      @Ragnar8504 Рік тому +1

      Exactly, they were also known as Oilite bearings. The general rule of thumb is things that move slowly take grease while things that spin fast need oil.

    • @greencheeksconure
      @greencheeksconure 11 місяців тому

      Thats why those fans have oiling holes in the top. I'm surprised hugh didn't pick up on that, you definitely don't grease those bearings

    • @BAFVintage
      @BAFVintage 2 місяці тому

      Grease should not be used as the bronze bearings are porous. Oil must be used

  • @bryans8656
    @bryans8656 Рік тому +9

    That was an enjoyable change of pace, and I wouldn't mind seeing more videos like this.

  • @narutobroken
    @narutobroken Рік тому +5

    Should have used a blow torch on it, heat always helps get seized parts off

    • @HughJeffreys
      @HughJeffreys  Рік тому +2

      I dont have access to one unfortunately.

    • @andoletube
      @andoletube Рік тому +4

      @@HughJeffreys You can buy cheap little butane blowtorches at Bunnings for not very much. Very handy for odd jobs.

    • @S0nicHax
      @S0nicHax Рік тому +2

      @@HughJeffreys i think even a jet flame lighter or worst case just a kitchen lighter would have provided sufficient heat to expand the cast piece just enough to make it break free.

  • @Boogie_the_cat
    @Boogie_the_cat Рік тому +10

    I enjoyed this one. I hope that your view count makes it financially sensible for you to do more of these type videos. I made sure to click "like".

    • @HughJeffreys
      @HughJeffreys  Рік тому +4

      I appreciate that! I hope i could do more similar videos to this.

  • @cdos9186
    @cdos9186 Рік тому +2

    I'm all for the content like this every once and a while! I recently restored a I guess not too old Whirlpool microwave from the 90s, it was in immaculate shape but didn't work and was almost thrown out, love fixing stuff that is near being thrown out or gone, it gives me a sense of I actually saved something useful and still usable from the landfill. I love the older styling on some appliances, it is so nostalgic and calming with the boxy styling appliances used to have with the woodgrain and all, so cool! I'm honestly super happy to see more people caring for the antique and vintage stuff and restoring it, makes me happy to see others do the same no matter what item it is.

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 9 місяців тому

      You would have been better by throwing it away

    • @cdos9186
      @cdos9186 9 місяців тому

      @@stephensnell5707 Ok, take your boring modern style and pay for overpriced junk that won't last as long as the one I have. Might as well buy your EV car as well that will have the battery go out in 10-15 years and it will be worth as much as scrap metal. I appreciate your input I certainly will be replacing all my appliances with new ones now.

  • @Aphelia.
    @Aphelia. Рік тому +12

    Loving the variety of restorations

  • @kylepersaud9525
    @kylepersaud9525 Рік тому +5

    I'm surprised your restoring something luke this as a fan collector I must say you didn't do a bad job at all. I feel that something like this isn't from the 40s most likely 50s and I hope uk your not suppose to use grease in these things... your suppose to use SAE 20 lubricant and to answer the question of why you should not use grease is because it will turn into a hard sticky substance lock up the motor and burn out

  • @M1U5T0N3
    @M1U5T0N3 Рік тому +6

    Great addition to Your usual Videos Hugh! Awesome work, really nice to watch...

  • @SombreroKnight
    @SombreroKnight Рік тому +3

    Great restoration! I own my dads old 1950s GE desk fan thats seen some better days but still works! With the original cable.

  • @Jupiter2ignite
    @Jupiter2ignite Рік тому +3

    What an awesome fan! I love older art deco style pieces like this. Also, the names of the companies are always cool. Great video!

  • @itssharkeyboi
    @itssharkeyboi Рік тому

    I love your phone restorations, but I love you repairing vintage things even more! Especially that fan!

  • @setaindustries
    @setaindustries Рік тому

    I would love to see more of these old appliances being repaired, this was fun to watch!

  • @BeIlG
    @BeIlG Рік тому +2

    That is gorgeous! I love the industrial look. I have a similar era mirror found in the backyard and it looks gorgeous in a modern bathroom!

  • @maanx01
    @maanx01 Рік тому +1

    Interesting! I'd personally love to see more stuff like this. I think it keeps the channel fresh. Content variety is always appreciated. Good job and greets from Spain!

  • @burntalive
    @burntalive Рік тому +2

    So satisfying to see old things start working again. They really dont make things like they used to!

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 9 місяців тому

      You prune modern Fans are 3,000 even better and even more reliable and the modern Fans are way more durable(especially as the Power Cable is made way better as it isn't made of rubber)
      Rubber power cables are just bad

  • @aaronaustrie
    @aaronaustrie Рік тому +2

    It's cool that you made an attempt to restore something other than everyday tech 👌🏾❤

  • @bulldogboy100
    @bulldogboy100 Рік тому +1

    I really liked the fact you kept the background music really quiet so you could hear the brush on the metal blades when you were cleaning them. A small thing but one that made the video more immersive

  • @fixative-xyz
    @fixative-xyz Рік тому

    I've always loved these fans, & it's great to know how easy they actually are to repair!

  • @ellisgarbutt1925
    @ellisgarbutt1925 Рік тому +2

    Hey a vintage item on video cool
    It's nice to see old items brought back to life wasn't the dodge from the 1940's

  • @DBVintage
    @DBVintage 2 місяці тому

    I use older fans in my house. They work great after getting some fresh wiring, servicing of the mechanisms, etc. A lot of the really good ones are quiet and smooth runners.

  • @MarcelSchr
    @MarcelSchr Рік тому +19

    I think it's awesome that you now repair/restore other things besides cell phones, and I find the videos very entertaining. I hope there will be even more in the future:)

  • @libertyordeaf
    @libertyordeaf Рік тому

    Always good when a UA-camr does things for his fans.

  • @williamharris8367
    @williamharris8367 Рік тому +1

    I had a much newer fan in my bedroom growing-up. It became caked in dust and grime just through regular use. So, every Summer I would disassemble it and take the blades and guard outside to be washed with the garden hose (and then let dry in the sun).

  • @ptp79
    @ptp79 11 місяців тому

    i love it. Make more videos like this man Jef

  • @ShoelessJP
    @ShoelessJP Рік тому

    I love seeing repairs outside of your usual stuff. I know it's probably not going to get as many views for you, but please don't stop doing them!

  • @djbearrr
    @djbearrr Рік тому

    Love this Hugh! I'd love to see some repairs/restoration of stuff other than tech every now and then.

  • @pf-scottied0g969
    @pf-scottied0g969 Рік тому +3

    I would check whether the capacitor is still good as well. Its surprising how many still test good after all these years, but many have gone bad with age. The fan still works however, so......

  • @TJThomas116
    @TJThomas116 Рік тому

    Loved this restoration! Would love to see more older equipment. May the algorithm gods bless you

  • @AllLoudNation365
    @AllLoudNation365 10 місяців тому +1

    I love your restorations! It's way better than the fake restoration videos.

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 9 місяців тому

      You prune,there is no such thing as fake restoration Videos,all restoration Videos on UA-cam are all 100% REAL

    • @AllLoudNation365
      @AllLoudNation365 9 місяців тому

      u fr bro?

  • @Sebby_CHN
    @Sebby_CHN Місяць тому

    I think you done the right keeping it as original as possible! Looks amazing.

  • @wobber999
    @wobber999 Рік тому

    Nice change to the phone repairs Hugh, I do watch quite a few restoration videos and you have done a really great job keeping the fans long history.

  • @VSteam81
    @VSteam81 Рік тому

    This is much different. I like it! Please keep doing things like this!

  • @MCGamer-tj9nr
    @MCGamer-tj9nr Рік тому

    Love this 🔥🙏🏼I’m a huge fan of these restoration videos

  • @pufah2009
    @pufah2009 Рік тому

    For a Fan collector like me
    This is Awsome!
    i Never seen Huge Jeffreys work on a fan before
    Nice work man!

  • @TheUltimateRecycler
    @TheUltimateRecycler Рік тому

    Excellent Hugh, great to see you tackle some vintage stuff as well as modern tech. The blade assembly probably would have freed up with some heat - and also you didn't need grease on the outside of the bronze bushes, but great effort all the same! 👍😊

  • @cuentaeliminada7176
    @cuentaeliminada7176 Рік тому +3

    Hmm... I believe that one revolting computer from the 70s you cleaned a year and a but ago still takes the cake of "most disgusting"

  • @jasonnadeau1330
    @jasonnadeau1330 Рік тому +1

    Awesome! I love it when people try to preserve the character instead of get rid of it. By the way, the type of paint that is on that fan is called hammerite. You can still buy it today in various colors.

  • @agusorellana5551
    @agusorellana5551 Рік тому

    5:59 “the only sockets are in real measurements. None of that imperial garbage” Love it!

  • @cheythompson740
    @cheythompson740 Рік тому

    Oooo I love this video! Would love to see more resto videos

  • @nbrowser
    @nbrowser Рік тому

    Patina makes an old fan like this authentic, I hate those restoration channels that go to the end to make things look perfect. Old things don't need to look perfect, they need to look old and vintage....adds to the charm. Nicely done resto Hugh, just classy.

  • @nancyoffenhiser4916
    @nancyoffenhiser4916 Рік тому

    I absolutely love it!!!
    What a wonderful job!

  • @Connectitthefancollector
    @Connectitthefancollector Рік тому

    This is a lovely restoration. And that is one beautiful quality made fan. Glad to see someone getting it up into brilliant condition

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 9 місяців тому

      It is awful looking,Hugh should have disposed of it altogether

    • @Connectitthefancollector
      @Connectitthefancollector 9 місяців тому

      @@stephensnell5707 still better than what china makes today

  • @aleksandersats9577
    @aleksandersats9577 Рік тому +2

    I actually got a 1960s Russian desk fan that I got from my grandpa. It's in amazing condition! The blades are made of rubber which are still very soft and bendable and there is no rust anywhere. If I'm being honest it looks brand new! The only thing I've done to it is replaced the cable and given it new grease. Unfortunately the osculating gears are made of nylon and they have been bent so that function no longer works. I did try to model new gears and 3D print them but they didn't last long for obvious reasons. I might be able to order custom nylon or metal gears as I still have the 3D model files. But other than that, I use it daily and I absolutely love it! You will never find something as high quality as this ever again. It weighs around like 6 - 8kg as the whole thing is made out of thick metal

    • @OldSlabSides
      @OldSlabSides Рік тому

      If you have a decent 3D printer that accepts many materials there is some pretty exotic reinforced 3D printer material for some extra money.
      Seems to be better material coming out every year for different purposes like heat resistance or rubber like for bushings.

    • @aleksandersats9577
      @aleksandersats9577 Рік тому +1

      @@OldSlabSides well I wouldn't use a 3D gear anyway for the oscillating mechanism. The gears need to be very smooth otherwise the osculation is choppy due to the worm gear. Making a fine print worm gear that smooth is near impossible at least on my 3D printer. Besides it's broken at this moment anyway. It needs a new motherboard as it's kinda corrupted and gives overheating errors despite sensors showing the correct temperature which is weird but annoying

  • @LSniumUwU
    @LSniumUwU Рік тому

    You know time’s getting rough when Hugh Jeffreys has to repair and clean a 1940s fan.

  • @halvtysk
    @halvtysk Рік тому +1

    I'm happy that you didn't "ultra-restore" it like many other youtubers. I've watched too many restoration videos where they "pimp it" way past its original looks. Thanks for keeping it in its original state!

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 9 місяців тому

      Even so,it is still VERY DANGEROUS and unsafe as its blades are totally exposed,modern Fans are 90,000 times safer as the blades are safely contained behind 2 Fan Guards

  • @konk407
    @konk407 Рік тому

    Hi Hugh, I had the same exact same fan that you had. I was ten years old 50 years ago I tried to open it, I used a hammer to open it. the cord was rope cable instead of the plastic cord. It was good to see the fan again.

  • @sarapiqui_educational
    @sarapiqui_educational Рік тому

    A 80 year old fan still working! Now days you buy any fan at any store and they stop working few months later. Thanks for sharing this content.

  • @CS_Uravity_PRO
    @CS_Uravity_PRO 11 місяців тому

    i still have one of these in pristine condition on my desk at work. In teal green tho, but it's really nice to see more of these in the wild!

  • @zerocks88
    @zerocks88 Рік тому

    awesome to see you branching out to more things to restore

  • @n0rbert79
    @n0rbert79 Рік тому

    Loved this. ❤

  • @MilesProwerTailsFox
    @MilesProwerTailsFox Рік тому +1

    This is what I work with every day, I am an emergency extreme repair technician
    I fix whatever people don't want to fix till it just stops working and no one else wants to even try

  • @omnislayer55
    @omnislayer55 Рік тому +2

    Hi Hugh, have you checked if the paint contains lead? One of the reasons why some of those restoration videos you talked about is testing for lead before doing anything.

  • @uconsaa
    @uconsaa Рік тому +1

    This one was the most "Huge Air Freeze Video" ever. 💪🏼🤙

  • @johnruschmeyer5769
    @johnruschmeyer5769 11 місяців тому

    The design of that motor casing reminds me so much of a Westinghouse fan that we had when I was growing up.

  • @french.satisfactory
    @french.satisfactory Рік тому

    Awesome ❤️

  • @nomore-constipation
    @nomore-constipation Рік тому

    My father had a great fan from the 40-50s too. I cannot tell you how many times he "repaired" it because of nagging issues as years went by
    By the time the 2010's rolled around he was trying to get it back into working order by had zero patience with it because certain pieces did rust or pit on his too.
    It was sanded and painted multiple times and the last time it was done he got lazy and just did it in all black. Which wasn't a good idea at night considering the size of the openings in the front
    He did have the gear for putting it on the wall, whoch definitely was nice at the dinner table, but as I said, as time went on it definitely was getting very old to carry a fully metal fan just to cool off.
    It brought back a lot of memories, including those that explain why it was beat because me and my siblings would shoot things at it (because it was a great metal sound as it was hit 😂)

  • @queenmarynovelwriter5397
    @queenmarynovelwriter5397 Рік тому

    This was a surprise and super cool.

  • @IntelliPocalypse
    @IntelliPocalypse Місяць тому

    It’s good you let it run. Old things need to bring themselves back around. I recently bought an old fan. Took 2 hours to get it to oscillate. Just needed some patience

  • @sacidick
    @sacidick Рік тому

    Good take to keep it original as possible

  • @isaacguerrero9722
    @isaacguerrero9722 Рік тому

    I've been away from this channel for some time cuz now am busy at work but as soon as i saw this it got me interested. Like wait what ? Now he fixes other things too ? Cool video as usuall !

  • @5gk3ll3
    @5gk3ll3 Рік тому

    The best part of this video are the socks and sandals. 10/10 would sport this style too.

  • @rafaf777
    @rafaf777 Рік тому

    awesome video! i want more repairs of non tech devices repair from you!

  • @joshxkerrigan
    @joshxkerrigan Рік тому

    So cool to see an appliance like this in your set!! I expected the ifixit kit to make an appearance in this 😂

  • @epiclikealess
    @epiclikealess Рік тому

    It actually turned out pretty nice, good job!

  • @highgardentwo6977
    @highgardentwo6977 Рік тому

    Really love it when the funny phone man hits us with a random tec video

  • @1993MAZDAMIATA
    @1993MAZDAMIATA Рік тому +1

    I know this probably goes without saying but if there are every any kids running around your house for whatever reason please make sure to unplug and place the fan up high due to the lack of a grate

  • @marshadow205
    @marshadow205 Рік тому +3

    Respect the effort bro...Respect all the way from jamaica

  • @x-x
    @x-x Рік тому +1

    I'd love to see more!

  • @haramaschabrasir8662
    @haramaschabrasir8662 Рік тому +1

    Back when planned obsolescence wasn't needed because there were still enough people who didn't own a fan yet.

  • @ashok_chandra
    @ashok_chandra Рік тому

    Love your videos Hugh, i must say i am a FAN

  • @Metahec
    @Metahec Рік тому +5

    My brother brought home an equally old fan he found at a junk sale once. The gear box was cracked and leaking grease, which worked its way to the blades and ended up spraying a thin film of grease over everything. Back to the junk pile with that one.

  • @ceilingfanantlionguykiller2937
    @ceilingfanantlionguykiller2937 10 днів тому

    Great restoration

  • @bilbp41
    @bilbp41 Рік тому

    I’m impressed with what you doing. You’re only young but look at what you can do. I wish all the people were inspired and do what you do. I’m rich to blind but I can see everything on the screen so I’m enjoying your videos. I like the third and videos, especially on the phones.

  • @DomainRider
    @DomainRider Рік тому

    I find videos like this quite inspirational - partly because it's a worthwhile restoration, and partly because I hate to see functional items scrapped :-)

    • @stephensnell5707
      @stephensnell5707 9 місяців тому

      Well anything HAS TO EVENTUALLY BE THROWN AWAY

  • @adiposerex5150
    @adiposerex5150 Рік тому

    Great work.

  • @jayringo77
    @jayringo77 Рік тому

    The occasional variety is welcome and appreciate the lesson in proper grounding!

  • @Rich_1
    @Rich_1 Рік тому

    Finally a real restoration video not a full on resto-mod

  • @FlamingGoose911
    @FlamingGoose911 Рік тому +1

    I love this kind of vids

  • @barrysowle2694
    @barrysowle2694 Рік тому

    your coolest repair to date!

  • @j.b.3113
    @j.b.3113 Рік тому

    Do more of these, please and thank you! 👍

  • @HG80369
    @HG80369 Рік тому +1

    Great video Hugh. I've got one of those too. Westinghouse branded, from early '60s. Works great! One thing you should change is the capacitor. It would be open circuit by now, & it's function gives the motor better starting and run torque. You can us a mains rated motor start capacitor of suitable value to replace it. Cheers, Adam.

  • @giedrius6726
    @giedrius6726 Рік тому

    So this is it a brand new good looking table fan great video hugh

  • @De4dSp0t
    @De4dSp0t Рік тому +1

    liquid wrench and heat. Bolt buster will do wonders, although that is a pretty expensive tool but boy is it amazing.

  • @tommytron2000
    @tommytron2000 Рік тому +1

    I like the imperial measurement jab there mate.

    • @HughJeffreys
      @HughJeffreys  Рік тому +2

      Us Aussies are also cracking jokes about it.

  • @ChrisSmith-mh6vk
    @ChrisSmith-mh6vk Рік тому

    This week no i-Fixit, but rather a can of spray paint from Bunnings and an old electrical cord from a dead washing machine. Well done Hugh - love your work.

  • @MegaDrainProductions
    @MegaDrainProductions Рік тому

    This gives me iron man 3 vibes in where Tony's making all those non iron man stuff to invade the mansion. Tony makes all these high tech gadgets and iron man suits but is still able to work on regular things.

  • @phillipleeds296
    @phillipleeds296 Рік тому

    The same fan in my father’s office in his theatre in the 1950s and 60s. We had some at home, too.

  • @Synest2
    @Synest2 Рік тому

    Hey man, thanks for the shout-out at the beginning of the video!