Build electric washing machine from saw motor

[LadyEyeWire]

Hi everybody,
I've been trying to find instructions on how to build an electric washing machine but am not having any luck! I found non-electric manual operated makeshift washers, but I need something with a little more oomph! The closest thing I've found is someone made a power saw from a washer motor. Not quite what I was looking for but it did get me thinking that I could use a circular saw motor for the spin action on the washer. But I'm not sure if it's possible to get it to go in reverse---then forward--then reverse--then forward, to achieve that crucial agitator function, without burning up the motor. Does anyone have any ideas for what I could do? I'm not sure exactly how it would work, as I haven't gotten to that point yet. Just seeing if it's possible first! I guess I'm just so tired of hauling clothes down to the laundromat every week, and this sounds like a fun project to attempt. Any help or guidance you can offer me is truly appreciated! Thanks guys!

 

[Dr. Courtney]

I think most washers reverse the motion with a gear coupling trick rather than by actually reversing the electric motor.

 

[LadyEyeWire]

I think most washers reverse the motion with a gear coupling trick rather than by actually reversing the electric motor.

Good to know! I will make note of the "gear coupling" being related to rotational shifts. Thank you! The more names and terms for components etc that I have, the closer I can get to building it and actually getting it to work! Would you happen to know what the actual "trick" is?

 

[unclebuck]

Or use a design that incorporates the crucial agitation.

 

[Baluncore]

The closest thing I've found is someone made a power saw from a washer motor.

Circular saw or reciprocating saw? I do not think you need a saw motor to reverse the above example.
Any electric motor with a few V-belts and a crank could produce the agitation action.

The Fisher and Paycal, Smart Drive series uses a 48 pole stepper motor to directly drive the drum during both agitation and spin cycles. The approximately 1HP, 750W rated stepper motor is controlled by a microcontroller through a three phase H–bridge, all powered from single phase AC, rectified to DC. Those used motors are often re-purposed as wind generators. Search the web for ideas.