[Shop-talk] Trash compactor uses

[Wayne]

RandE wrote:
> I'm replacing an old trash compactor.  It still seems to work but the wife
> says it doesn't match the rest of the kitchen.  It was here when we bought
> the house and we've made some updates so it has to go.  If I move it out the
> shop, any ideas what it could be used for?

Wow, that's interesting...  in the 1970s & 80s compactors were quite the 
popular item in kitchens of high-dollar homes;  but I haven't seen one 
on display at the fancy (expensive) local appliance store, let alone 
Lowes in *years*.

The folks that are now my in-laws had one 20 years ago, and I remember 
thinking it was rather unimpressive, even pointless.

IIRC, the things just have a screw-driven compactor plate.  Can't think 
of anything fun or crazy to convert it into.  It didn't even crunch 
trash that well.

Just looked at Lowes.com and the things are *expensive*.  If yours still 
works and the wife wants to continue to have one, maybe you could update 
the faceplate?  www.Sears.com has a good appliance parts site -- might 
be able to get a different color/finish panel.  Or just spray paint it. 
  Or various Ebay sellers have "faux stainless steel" contact paper 
stuff for appliances.

   -Wayne