Monday Motivation

            
   No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,/ No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds, - November!
                                                                       - Thomas Hood

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Happy Thanksgiving

W.L. May Company is closed today. We are celebrating Thanksgiving with our loved ones and will reopen Friday, November 28. Have a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us.

Holiday Shipping

2015 W.L. May Company holiday hours and shipping schedules from the major carriers (UPS, FedEx, OnTrac).

November 26 Thanksgiving: W.L. May closed. No major carriers making pickup or deliveries.
November 27 Black Friday: W.L. May open. All major carriers making pickup and deliveries.

December 24 Christmas Eve: W.L. May Closed. Carriers making deliveries, with priority (in past years) given to residential deliveries.
December 25 Christmas Day: W.L. May closed. No major carriers making pickup or deliveries.
December 26 Boxing Day: W.L. May Closed. It is a Saturday. Major carriers on Saturday Schedule.

December 31 New Years Eve: W.L. May Closed. Carriers making deliveries, and pickups.
January 1 New Years Day: W.L. May closed. No major carriers making pickup or deliveries.
January 2: W.L. May Closed. It is a Saturday. Major carriers on Saturday Schedule.

ONE MORE THING

December is the most difficult month of the year for the shipping industry. They are dealing with a much larger number of packages than at other times of the year. Early Winter storms can cause delays on many highways and at airports, effecting both ground and air shipments. W.L. May and our carriers are working hard to make sure you do not see any delays, but be aware weather events can happen fast and are beyond our control.

Thank You For Another Great Year!
All of us at W.L. May wish you a wonderful Holiday Season.

We hope it fills your heart with joy.

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Kelly's Korner - Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey, All,

It is crazy week here.  Last minute appliance repairs are keeping appliance repair companies and their technicians running full bore, and people who can't get their appliances fixed in time for the holiday running to buy new appliances or finding alternative ways to get what they need.

This is my grandmother's (far right) brothers, sisters
and greatgrandmother (center)

In the midst of all the craziness and confusion, please take time and remember what this holiday it for.  Be thankful for what you have.  Family, friends, job, a home - even if times may be tough, there are always things to be grateful for.

I am so blessed in my life - and even though I may complain - I really have nothing to complain about.  I have family and friends that I love and love me.  A good job that challenges me everyday and co-workers that I enjoy spending the day with.  A home and good kids and a mom that is there for me through thick and thin.  Who could want for more?

My Three Sons

But there a lot of people out there that don't even have the basics - do something this coming weekend to help those in need.  Donate food to your local food bank, volunteer at a shelter, spend some of your Black Friday shopping money on coats, clothes (Fred Meyer's 1/2 off sock sale it great), go through your kids' older toys and donate them to the children's hospital or Toys for Tots.  There are a lot of ways to help others - do just one thing.  Lots of grocery and retail stores have bins available right there to put your donations in and whatever you give will be deeply appreciated.

Above all, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Monday Motivation

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.-Erma Bombeck

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Throwback Thursday: News Recap November 19, 2015

If you have been reading the W.L. May Blog but haven't checked us out on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, you may not be getting the whole story. We use all of those social media outlets to share news stories that relate to our industry as well as appliance tips we have found from other sources. Here is a recap of some of the top stories we have seen lately. So without further ado:

We start with some consumer friendly articles we feel would be great for sharing:

• Suffering from a stinky refrigerator? Here are some possible causes and easy fixes. LINK
• With the arrival of sweater season, Bustle gave us tips for washing cashmere. LINK
• C-Net posted a list of 20 surprising things you can clean in a dishwasher-Including hubcaps!?! LINK 
• The Eugene Register-Guard gave some pre-Thanksgiving tips for a germ free kitchen. LINK
• Lifehacker India suggested running your shower caddy through the dishwasher for easy cleaning. LINK
• For those of you thinking about getting a French-Door refrigerator, Consumer Reports had some things to consider. LINK
• US News gave us 8 food safety tips to help you get ready for Thanksgiving. LINK
• Martha Stewart talked about the importance of planning when you host Thanksgiving dinner. LINK
• We found some tips for sharing an office refrigerator. LINK

Next, we look at the manufacturers and how they have been in the news recently:

• Frank Wagner, the senior vice president of industrial operations for Electrolux North America, spoke on the Department of Justices blocking of their GE appliance merger. LINK
• Insider Louisville gave us their report on statements by Frank Wagner, the senior vice president of industrial operations for Electrolux North America. LINK
• Electrolux's attorney said they would have to divest all US business to satisfy the DOJ in GE merger case. LINK
• WDRB in Louisville gives us a nice recap of where we were at with the Electrolux/GE merger. LINK
• The trial started for a confident Electrolux who is trying to merge with GE in spite of the objections of the DOJ. LINK
• LG staged Broadway-style puppets shows on the streets of New York to promote its Twin Wash washing machines. Apparently it featured a choreographed dance battle between delicates and regulars. LINK
• The trial got underway as NASDAQ reported. LINK
• The legal battle continued with an appearance from the former North American CEO of Electrolux, Jack Truong. LINK
• Whirlpool got an award from the EPA for their shipping practices. Congratulations Whirlpool! LINK

We found some articles that might be of interest to those of you who love all thing appliances:

• The experimental music group Matmos released an album that used one instrument to make it's sounds-a washing machine! LINK

Sometimes, the links we post are related to technology, business or happenings on the Internet:

• Lowes is selling a GE refrigerator that has a Kuerig coffee maker built right into it. LINK
• What will do makers of smart appliances do with all that data? Apparently, the early adopters are still trying to figure that out. LINK
• Adweek took a look at GE's social marketing campaign. LINK

We close with a few just for fun stories:

• In a touching "mom" story, we are reminded that it's never a bad idea to check to make sure nothing is in the oven before preheating. LINK
• If you take out the Israel specific stuff from this story, you are left with an example of why it so important to teach kids how to use the appliances. LINK
• A columnist finds that it isn't as easy to fix an appliance as some people think. LINK
• Smart appliances are an exciting development for some, others see them as threatening. LINK

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Kelly's Korner - Holiday Hassles (and how not to make it so)

Hey, All!

Ok, Halloween is over and it is now time to officially start planning "THE HOLIDAYS"!!!  Get your groaning over because, like it or not, they are here.

Creative Commons license on image.

I find planning helps out a lot - lists, lists, lists!  And a huge calendar.  First, I mark dates and times of events I have to be at or other special days.  Kids' school concerts, birthdays (yes, there are a bunch of us that have birthdays during the holiday season - we don't like it either), holiday parties, and anything else you've go going on.  This way you know what dates are taken.  Or if you are more technically savvy than I am, put it on your phone - then you won't forget the list at home (my personal favorite trick)!

Creative Commons license on image.

Then get with your family and plan who's where and what to bring.  Our family holidays are potluck and everyone brings something - appetizers, side dishes, desserts, beverages - plan it out.  Facebook messaging is great for this - that way everyone sees what the other is bringing and no one is left out.  Gets you a head count, too.

Get your gift lists together and start shopping - every time you go out pick up something.  Or go online and get things ordered.  If it is ok with your employer, have gifts delivered to your work - that way the kids (including spouses) don't get curious and into things they shouldn't.  As they come in or purchased - WRAP THEM!  Saves staying up till three in the morning Christmas Eve doing it.  Also, save yourself a lot of shipping costs for those out-of-town gifts and shop online and have it sent directly to the giftee.  In-store pick-up and layaway are also good.

Get your grocery list together and start picking up the non-perishable or frozen stuff when ever you hit the grocery store.  Saves a lot of hassle of holiday crowds and not forgetting the small stuff - whip cream, cranberry sauce, etc.

Creative Commons license on image.

Get any appointments you need to fix your appliances - technicians are VERY busy this time of year.  New drip pans for your stove, change your water filter on the fridge, anything you've been meaning to do.  Most of all - do not use your self-clean feature on your stove this close to the holidays!  Using this feature may blow a board and getting it fixed before the holidays is tough if not close to impossible.

Most of all - don't let the holiday stress get to you!  Schedule times for relaxing and for your family.  Have fun not headaches!

Have a great week!

Monday Motivation

                        Eating something fresh out of the oven is like a hug you can taste.-Regina Brett
    
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Happy Veterans Day

Kelly's Korner - Dishwasher Duel

Hey, All,

Creative Commons license on image.

I don't know how many of you have multiple people loading the dishwasher at your house, but I have several.  And we all load it differently.  My #1 son gets miffed with me most times because he thinks I load it wrong and he'll completely redo it - heavy sigh!  I just try to get the maximum amount of dishes in and make sure that the spray will hit all of the surface areas, right?  I don't prewash my dishes but do scrap as much leftovers off as possible.  In the case of rice, I will make sure that all the rice is off the dishes.  My dishwasher doesn't do well with rice.


The #2 son puts the minimum of dishes in he can get spread out so it "looks" full.

Creative Commons license on image

The #1 son's girlfriend almost completely washes the dishes before putting them in.

The #3 son just unloads.

And of course the grand-dog is more than happy to help with any "pre-washing" lol!

So what is your formula for loading the dishwasher?  Weigh in and let me know how you do it at kelly.m@wlmay.com or just leave a comment.

Have a great week!

Monday Motivation

In the midst of a busy life don't forget to live. ― Marty Rubin

              For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Friday Morning Videos: Refrigerator Organization (simple + cheap!)

Recently we found a stash of videos that talk about techniques for refrigerator organizing. This video features some good organization idea, but it also contains a factual error. At about 1:15 the presenter makes the comment that the back of the top shelf is the coldest spot in the refrigerator. She is only half right. The rear of the refrigerator IS usually cooler. HOWEVER, heat rises so it is the back of the BOTTOM shelf that is the coolest. That said, we hope you like the video and some kitchen organization ideas.

             For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Throwback Thursday: News Recap November 5, 2015

If you have been reading the W.L. May Blog but haven't checked us out on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, you may not be getting the whole story. We use all of those social media outlets to share news stories that relate to our industry as well as appliance tips we have found from other sources. Here is a recap of some of the top stories we have seen lately. So without further ado:

We start with some consumer friendly articles we feel would be great for sharing:

• XWow had some laundry room ideas for tight spaces. LINK
• Des Moines Water Works told us about a mysterious dishwasher built up film. LINK
• Most of us our probably guilty of believing some of the cooking myths presented by Paste. LINK
• HNGN posted tips can help keep your appliance running for years to come. LINK
• This article from the USA blog is few years old. Maybe something to show customers who think the problem is YOU when you cannot predict what will be needed for an electronic board repair. It also talks a little about the lack of industry standards for fault codes, which is a whole other issue that should be addressed. LINK
• Have you ever seen ice spikes in ice made with a tray? Appliance Video explained how they form. LINK
• If your dishwasher is acting up, you may not need a repairman or a new dishwasher. It could be something as simple as some cleaning and maintenance. LINK
• Stained or pitted plastic storage containers are unattractive and they may not hold their seal. Here are some tips to get the longest life from your plastic food containers. LINK
• This is, quite possibly, the best article I have seen about preparing your appliances for the holidays. LINK

Next, we look at the manufacturers and how they have been in the news recently:

• Electrolux made an offer to settle with the DOJ over the purchase of GE's appliance division. LINK
• In merger news, Louisville Business First reported that Electrolux is spending 64 million dollars just for transaction fees. It isn't easy to buy General Electric. LINK
• GE started a training program hoping to get young people into the appliance manufacturing business. LINK
• We heard that if you are looking for work in appliance manufacturing, Alliance, makers of Speed Queen, are hiring. LINK
• In further merger news, the DOJ declined Electroluxes offer to settle. LINK

We found some articles that might be of interest to those of you who love all thing appliances:

• We found a nice weekend project for the beer fan in your life-building a keg fridge. LINK
• Consumer Reports wondered if Black Stainless will be the new Stainless Steel. LINK
• In a particularly Portland-ish idea. Appliance Video turned a bike wheel into a laundry rack! LINK
• Consumer Reports takes a short look at front load washing machines and why they use so little water. LINK
• We showed you the R2D2 mini fridge a while ago. Here is the Darth Vader refrigerator and Vodka dispenser. LINK
• We also showed you a really cool concealed outdoor beer refrigerator. LINK

Sometimes, the links we post are related to technology, business or happenings on the Internet:

• Students in Calgary developed a refrigerator that uses no electricity. We observed that it works in Canada, but would it work in Death Valley? LINK
• The independent service company may soon have some new challenges to deal with. Servicers web reported on a new "Uber style" app for home repairs.  LINK
• The Master Samurai and Mrs Samurai shared some Total Appliance Enlightenment regarding cash flow for your appliance repair business. LINK
• In a follow story about an "Uber for Appliance Repair". The United Servicers Association looked at the situation and had recommendations for how to compete. LINK
• I3E Media discusses the new Google Home Services program. LINK
• A guy in France has invented a cure for the well known problem of "plumbers cracks". LINK

We close with few just for fun stories:

• Refrigerators are great for cooling, but even more important as bulletin boards. LINK
• A journalist used some field engineering to solve a dishwasher install problem. LINK
• Some husbands found out what the women are REALLY talking about in the other room. LINK
• Yet another lost sock story. LINK

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Range Items

Every week at W.L. May we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we look at a variety of  range items.

November is range month at W.L. May. You would be surprised at the age of some of the machines we get calls for at this time of year. Sometimes, due to the age of the range, parts are just no longer being made. We have a few switches and otherparts that might help if you find yourself servicing an older range.

WB21X5243

For many years, GE used a push button surface unit switch on their ranges. Eventually, they moved to a rotary infinite switch. The GE design has a few things going for it. One thing, as a part person, I have to love is that GE used the same switch for both large and small surface elements.

Another feature that makes it a versatile switch is the breakaway shaft, which helps it fit as replacement on variety of machine designs. Not all technicians like working with switches that use breakaway shafts, however, there is a certain distrust of the strength of the shaft. Fortunately, our return rates do not indicate that the shaft on these are the weak points those technicians fear.

903136-9020

Another common rotary infinite switch we are featuring this week can be found on ranges made by Frigidaire, Gibson, Kenmore, Kelvinator, Tappan, Crosley and Westinghouse. Designed for the large surface unit your part number is 903136-9020.

5500-200

Robertshaw makes a lot of controls that are used in the world of HVAC. They also have a lot of parts in their inventory that are appliance related as well. One of those parts are universal infinite switches. Robertshaw offers several styles of infinite switches. This week we feature the push-to-turn type, part 5500-200. This switch comes a breakaway shaft and adapters for both screw and palnut mounting. In addition it has a variety of slip fit adapters allowing for knob designs from a variety of manufacturers.

6700S0011

Of course, there are more than just infinite switches involved in a range console (with the exception of cooktops). There is also an oven thermostat on a range. Supco offers a useful replacement with part 6700S0011. We have talked about this part in the past, but it has been a while. It comes in a kit with knobs and adapters. It has a 60 inch capillary tube & can be used to replace most single-pole & double-pole thermostats.

RP2514G

Now that we have covered switches and thermostats that regulate the flow of energy to the various elements, lets look at the wires that current can travel on. Bulk range wire can come in very handy in a wide variety of circumstances. This week we are featuring a 25 foot box of 3 strand, 14 guage coil that has a glass insulation wrapping. Part RP2514G is very much something that should be your inventory if it is not already.

5303051519

OK, so this week we have looked at some switches and a thermostat. We have looked at range wire. Now lets look at few elements. A popular bake element that can be found on over 110 Electrolux and Kenmore ranges is 5303051519.

MP26KA

Frequently in the fall we get call asking about canning elements. What is a canning element? Well, it is basically a normal 8" plug in surface element. What makes it stand out for canning is the reinforced base that can support a heavier load-such as the pressure cookers used for canning. If you would like a canning element, ask your parts rep for MP26MA.

We have lots of other range parts in stock to keep you ready as we move through the "kitchen appliance holidays", just give us a call and even on those older ranges we can probably help  you get it back online.

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Monday Motivation

Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart. – Ancient Indian Proverb

             For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE