Any of you guys have a Hamilton Beach Model 51 Drinkmaster? Looking for cleaning tips!

[u/He_Himself]

I scored a 1956 Model 51 and want to clean it properly before I put it to work. I've seen a few of you guys post yours, including some who have done some significant refurbishing.

At first glance, it looks pretty good. The paint is original, and I got the definitely toxic plastic cup. I can see there's an oil inlet on the read of the motor housing, but I'll assume it's never been lubricated. Other than that, there's definitely some crusty wiring, and that gives me pause. I ran it for about a minute and you can smell it cooking a bit, but the motor isn't already burnt.

So the question is, what next? I'm going to hold off on further meddling until I collect some info, but this model doesn't have as much documentation as its venerated commercial cousins.

[u/ehisforadam]

It's an old school brushed motor, expect sparks and a smell, it's just how those motors work. Biggest wear point is those brushes. Probably just a few drops of something like 3 in 1 oil (not WD-40) is going to be the best for lubricant (it's what I used when I cleaned up my very similar HamiltonBeach) and clean the commutator with contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.

[u/TraderNicoOB → u/ehisforadam]

Be sure to not get oil on the brushes nor the small copper rectangles (armatures) the brushes touch. My mixer has a couple of dead armatures so sometimes it won’t start. Simply giving the spindle a slight rotation by hand finds a good armature and it fires right up.

[u/He_Himself → u/ehisforadam]

Thanks so much, this is great help!

[u/waxmuseum]

https://www.maltmixerman.com

[u/He_Himself → u/waxmuseum]

Thanks! I might have to bug him. He has tons of Model 51 refurbishments on his facebook page so he definitely looks like my guy.

[u/theGAS710 → u/He_Himself]

He is in fact, the guy!

[u/Boshie2000]

That look like a full on mouse in there.

[u/He_Himself → u/Boshie2000]

You better believe it. IIRC the old insulation breaks down and gets sticky over time, so anything that comes through the vents makes itself at home. Not sure what (if anything) there is to do about it.

[u/Boshie2000 → u/He_Himself]

Warm soapy water mixed with white vinegar.

My old Hammy from 57’ smelled like cigarettes. Took awhile soaking all the parts I could and wiping down the rest.

Smells okay but it’s clean AF and now works better.

[u/He_Himself → u/Boshie2000]

Looks like I have some work to do then, thanks!

[u/Boshie2000 → u/He_Himself]

Worth it. Godspeed.

[u/Windsdochange]

Just lick it! That’s some drink mixing history in all its glory right there! Could probably have a bit of Beach Bum’s dandruff in your next Mai Tai if you’re lucky 🤔

[u/jami354 → u/Windsdochange]

😬