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#1
07-20-2009, 07:07 PM
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Anyone use one of the smaller, electric pressure washers?
I need to clean up some redwood stairs and deck on two different jobs before the summer is out in order to see how much I need to replace. I've always heard that too much pressure will scar redwood. On the web I found opinions ranging from 600 to 1500 PSI for such stuff.
The rental units are around $80 a day around here, are gas powered and high pressure though I guess those are often adjustable. Home Despot has an electric model that puts out 1400 psi for around $100. Electric would be preferable as the neighborhoods are quiet and things like gas powered weed whackers are sorta banned around here. They also have a model that puts out 1850 psi with a variable pressure control, also electric, about $150.
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1986 300SDL, 362K 1984 300D, 138K 
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#3
07-20-2009, 07:34 PM
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Been there, done that. anything under 3000psi is a waste of time trust me.
__________________
For the Saved, this world is the worst it will ever get. For the unSaved, this world is the best it will ever get.
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#4
07-20-2009, 07:44 PM
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I have an electric unit that costs me the same to buy that HD would charge you to use one day. For cleaning the siding on my house it works well. I let me neighbor borriw it to clean his wood fence before he stained it and it worked very well. Cleaning concrete is slow but it gets the job done.
I agree that 3000+ psi is better, and a heavy GPM rating is better still, but for the coin you pay it works well.
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#5
07-20-2009, 07:58 PM
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I'm sure 3000 psi would be great for some things but redwood is pretty soft. Don't want the job to cost me more than I'm getting paid for it.
__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K 1984 300D, 138K
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#6
07-20-2009, 08:04 PM
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I've got 1300 psi pressure washer. It works great on wood decks, siding, cars. It has an adjustable wand for more delicate work.
You are very correct that 3000 psi will damage redwood, and lots of other materials-even brick.
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#7
07-20-2009, 08:34 PM
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Quote:
   + 3000PSI = 
__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-  '15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800) '17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k) '09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k) '13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k) '01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km) '16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)
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#8
07-20-2009, 08:36 PM
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I have used one, but it was for cleaning some pretty greasy and grimy stainless conveyor belt I made into a table top. It didn't do squat on that, but it's hardly the same thing as what you want to use it for.
I think it would be fine for what you're using it for, but I think your chemical is going to be doing most of the work. There's really no substitute for a good cleaner and good scrub with a plastic brush. Quote:
Say it ain't so.
__________________
1984 300TD
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#9
07-20-2009, 08:45 PM
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I just bought the 100.00 HD unit. I like it. (I only used it once so far though). You can damage redwood with this I am sure, if you are not careful. You might consider a chemical cleaner and brush. I have done it that way a lot and it works good. Just a little more work, but much less risk of damage.
The HD unit has 35' cord and 22' hose as I recall and adjustable nozzle. I can try to answer any questions you have.
__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine) 1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow) Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra
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#10
07-20-2009, 08:50 PM
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Quote:
__________________
For the Saved, this world is the worst it will ever get. For the unSaved, this world is the best it will ever get.
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#12
07-20-2009, 11:51 PM
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Quote:
I'm going to use the cleaner and brush as well. Both of these decks have boards that are closer together than I would have put in. Getting the junk out of the crevices so I can get some new sealer back in a lot of why I want one.
__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K 1984 300D, 138K
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#13
07-21-2009, 12:13 AM
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Quote:
Certainly many tools, if misused, can cause damage. You oughta see me with a cutting torch or an impact wrench.
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#14
07-21-2009, 06:37 AM
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We have the Karcher unit and it works well for quick jobs. Try to find one that is made in Germany rather than China, though....
__________________
80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)
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#15
07-21-2009, 08:41 AM
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I like the low pressure units for coil cleaning
The high pressure ones can be used for almost anything. It all depends on how close you get with the nozzle. Up close it can do a lot of damage. 2 feet away and you would hardly feel it. Danny
__________________
1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles OBK member #23 (\__/) (='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste bunny into your (")_(") signature to help him gain world domination
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