     
     
     
     Paper Weight Or...
     Indispensable Workhorse?

                                             Gary Bryant


        Some of us own several.  Most of us possess one of  
     each. I'm talking about the big hunks of white metal  
     we've tucked away in the basement or utility room: the  
     washing machine and it's reluctant spouse, the clothes  
     dryer. 
       
        For many people the broken or ailing washer/dryer
     combination presents a personal dilemma.  Should we buy 
     a new pair, or have the old one repaired? A third choice,  
     fixing them yourself, never seems to enter the picture.  
     And when we call for repair estimates, we eliminate that 
     option.
      
        Many people see the only choice available as  a
     visit to the local Sears showroom, where they proceed
     to adopt a new washer and dryer.  Why am I telling you 
     this? Because these people  just put a classified ad in 
     this paper.  
     
        In an effort to  sell the old washer and dryer, they 
     must make room for the new washer and dryer.  They might've 
     spent a thousand dollars for the old pair when it was new, 
     but  right now they'll be happy if they get a hundred dollars. 
        
        Get your brother-in-law Dave to go over with his  pickup 
     truck and retrieve these neglected machines.  Test drive them 
     in your basement to see if there is  something wrong with them.  
     Often times,  washers won't spin just because they're not level.

        Dryers may not dry because the exhaust hose is blocked,
     retaining all of the moisture. There are books in the library 
     on repairing these things.  There are  dealers in your town who 
     will provide the same parts to you as he would to a service person.    




