Interested In Advertising? | Contact Us Here
Warning!

 

Welcome to Clean It Up; the UK`s largest cleaning forum with over 34,000 members

 

Please login or register to post and reply to topics.      

 

Forgot your password? Click here

*thomas james

  • Posts: 56
does jeff brimble have something New
« on: May 06, 2007, 10:22:23 am »
aaa

Mr. S

  • Posts: 418
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2007, 12:32:40 pm »
problem 1 i see is getting into corners!

DONT WANT MY CUSTOMERS SAYING I WORKED ON A SHIP!! ha ha

No seriously i thought of this and sort of tried on my own house fixed an applicator to pole with jets spraying over top. as i say corners were a prob!

Mr. S

  • Posts: 418
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2007, 12:34:17 pm »
by the way i used a porcupine sleeve

niceandclean

  • Posts: 1897
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2007, 01:29:00 pm »
How would you do the frames, bottom of door sashes ect??

Mr. S

  • Posts: 418
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2007, 01:42:57 pm »
exactly!

when i attempted it it was because ive used 3 different brush heads and not completely happy, so thought id give it a go.

Ive not read jeffs input, but good luck if he susts it.

In reply to thomas james, pure water alone will not clean the corners it still needs agitating.

I still have a few ideas but not sure how to get it made!

If anybody knows a manufacturer who wants to give it a try, or even jeff?

Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2007, 05:55:07 pm »
Riverside you have my full attention  :)
Thomas James, I dont know whether I have something or not, I am not a Mr Perfect with all or any of the answers- I just try things out and see if they evolve. What I am using now is far different to what I was using more than a few years ago, but its all sort of progressed through trial and error.
The pad is for a specific problem of getting something very light on the end of a 50ft+ pole that you can clean windows with all day long. The manuf. were not coming up with any answers so I made my own. You cannot do frames with it, it was never intended to, but because its absolutely square the bristles go right into the corner. One of the industry complaints I have heard as an excuse for not developing it, about why you shouldnt use pads because grit could scratch the glass is answered with this type because its made of millions of soft short bristles that still allow it to float over grit etc.
Thanks for the interest, as its a boring sunday, heres a bit more about it from my archives over on diy site.

3.5oz "Z" Pad
When working at heights of 40' or more - 75ft weight becomes a serious issue and you have to take precations to prevent injury. I started developing a pad head that would self adjust to the angle of the glass at any height or angle in early February 06 . The pad sits vertically flush on the glass using micro bristles that cover and follow the pole angle thoroughly. This makes scrubbing easier. Over a period I adapted and experimented with many paint pads that are commonplace in the market. It has a torque joint to allow change of angle and I realised that this was the single most imortant attribute of the Z head.
Because its used vertically and the hose outlets are at the tip, the dirt is pulled down by gravity and the force of water and helps flush the pad and keep the micrp bristles clean.
If there is no torque device the pad just flops downwards because of the weight and is then difficultto put back on the glass, if its tightened slightly the angle is able to adjust and follow the glass without being too floppy. This allows the pad to contact ther glass when using at extreme angles - say horizontally 25ft away from the user, which allows a cleaning angle that would be otherwise difficult, if not impossible.

About April I remembered that Lewis Doubtfire had also been using some sort of z device so which I had not seen. I contacted him to see how his idea had developed and if it was similar to mine or not. Here is an edited copy of his reply.
Part 2 to follow.



Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #6 on: May 06, 2007, 05:55:31 pm »
Part 2
Lewis, Hi Jeff,yes,things are going well with Peter`s `SqueegeeMate`.There are many advantages to them.I even do some leaded
windows with them.My mate prefers the `SqueegeeMate` pad above the jet bar,he says rinsing is better because ya don`t
bring dirt from the frame down onto the glass.I tried it(it dos`nt take a minute to convert it over to that `mode`) but prefer the
pad below the bar.( It`s all personal preference ) If your going up to 60 feet plus with your fishing poles ya do need something
lightweight,and this `pad` set-up is really lightweight.Every conceivable angle can be acheived,no problem.If your doing houses
and ya say a quarter of a bucket does em`,well,this is the way to go I recon.As an example,lets say, ya doing some windows
70 feet up,each pane is huge.( A mile high,wide and handsome!!!!!!!) A 20 to 30 inch `SqueegeeMate` would be a `breeze`.It
would burn our little pumps out in less than week!!!!!! I had one of mine down at Dual Pumps last week.Stewart in the workshop
said I`d completley burnt out the motor! I` don`t use it all day everyday either.! Your writing on the groups about going up to `the
clouds` with your fishing poles.What pump would ya reccomend the next size/ scale up? If ya can send me some close up
photo`s of your pole/cone end,in my next e,mail I`ll tell ya the parts ya need to make any size model ya want.It`s a half to an
hours job making up a very professional looking and practical working tool.Peter has`nt got back to me about it,so he must not
be interested.The secret `key` to it to avoid `spotting` is manual ease lifting the `pad` off the glass to rinse.Its so close,and
lightweight.Ya need to use one,I recon you`d do better than myself or my mate.It`s really difficult to explain in either an e,mail
or even a phone call,its why I hav`nt phoned ya.

P.S. Today I`ve done some windows 6 inches wide with a 30 inch `SqueegeeMate` pad set-up....Go to it.

We continued to Email, I still had no idea how his z looked. Here is another reply in May.

Lewis. Hi Jeff,I`ve just in a few minutes `knocked up` a flat pad which is a Ettore strip washer sleeve
flat,and velcro fastned to a perspex backing plate.That in turn is fixed to a swivel `ledger`.
I`ll try it out on my own bungalow tomorrow,( its too dark now) then tomorrow I`ll e,mail ya
to let ya know how its working out.If things look oaky I`ll take it over to that commercial job
I`m on with to do some really awkward windows.Write later.

Later Lewis replied,

Well Jeff,this is the start and the finish.It is for me anyway.Like you say they won`t do small
georgians and small cut up panes,but on normal type window glass I recon I won`t be using
a brush again! I`ve finished off that commercial job today.In the past I`ve pure watered it,mostly
off a ladder for the real awkward to get to windows.With the versatility of this new set up I`ve
done three quarters of the awkward windows from the ground!!!!!!!!! and got the best spot free
finish yet!!! I recon if I had a fishing pole set up it would be easier still!!! I used my Unger 4 section
for the real `baddies`( Hav`nt been done for nearly three months either ) It was a well worn Ettore
Golden Glove sleeve as the `pad`.I might,although its not neccessary look around and try to find
some kind of material that is totally non absorbant,sew on some velcro and see what transpires
from that.Although will be for a rainy day I guess.I do suggest you yourself,ya `push forward` with
a `pad` project.The lightness of the tool is incredible.Much,much more control lifting the `pad` off
the glass to rinse and `see where ya going etc.`The `SqueeGeeMate` set up,is good,but honestly
this `flat pad` set up beats it hands down,taking everything all round and into account.If youv`e any
questions,put them in an e,mail,or even phone me if ya think its benefical.
Lewis.

I show the above to acknowledge the help that Lewis gave towards my little project. Thank you Lewis Doubtfire/


Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #7 on: May 06, 2007, 05:55:57 pm »
Part 3
I then continued with the 3.5oz Z head. Here is a pic, (click on it the second time and it increases in size) Someone contacted me and asked if I could help with a gutter fascia cleaning tool and so the two little projects progressed, each contributing to the other. Here is an initial idea for a gutter fascia brush,  it developed into this Anzo tool, the top swivels and with the ability to swivel 360 degrees aroung the Unger alu tube and combined with the unger elbow it can go round corners.  To be continued............

The original paint pad has no torque device because you can control it in your hand, it has a locking lever that is not needed because you need a horizontal hinge effect for the first movement. I fitted the jets initially through and into the back of the plastic backing. They will push fit into a 6mm hole if you persuade them, gripping neatly into the hole. I moved them to the very top of the pad and fitted it straight onto an unger No1 section. When you clean the glass because its parallel with the glass it has a bit more scrubbing power. In use the dirt flows to the botom of the pad and the top part is semi self cleaning. Because the "hinge" allows the angle to adapt to any position. I used it for 4 weeks constanty. Its very light. Its only 5" and 3.5oz but ok for domestics (and remember this is meant for 60ft Plus) Its a pity its not made in longer strips so that you could cut to the length you need. I found that the original yellow joint would come apart so fitted a piece of hose and used a cut off handle as a wedge torque device. This solved the problem of it flopping down by gravity.

I found that this torque action was also on its bigger brother (see pic) and that this one was a larger pad. I got excited, the controllable screw torque action was just what I wanted, so fitted the jets and put it in use. However the material that the Stanley professional is made of is different somehow and when wet it sort of vacuum "sucks" onto the glass and you have to pull it off. Thats ok I thought cause its going to hoover the glass better. But gradually became a pain. Its also a lot heavier at 11oz and as I wanted it lighter, I very reluctantly abandoned it.

So back to the original (I have tried many other makes and ideas). How to make it bigger and therefore more acceptable ? Tried a bracket along the back and various ideas. Then found that light and simple electrical conduit fitted between the pad slots. So I put 2 side by side together, along with a universal joint.(You could use 3 pads.). This allowed it to swivel at any angle you like. Put on the end of an unger elbow and it will reach up and over. This has advantages for balconies (see pic to come).
The pad will also turn90 degrees so it will do 2.5+ inch vertical glass slats or georgeians etc  
Because it will "float" on the glass at height I used it very succesfully for 2 months and found that it has a squeegee like effect and you can control it Like a Mr Longarm swivel pole. It can be used vertically without having to apply pressure.
About this time I realised I still had not seen Lewis Doubtfires working pad so he kindly sent one to me so that I could compare. I found it interesting that he had an ott water jetting system.

Its on going because I now also have a brush that will do the same torque trick using an Unger tool for lesser heights ......more to follow over on the diy forum. Thanks for your patience and hope its helped a bit.


L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner

  • Posts: 822
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #8 on: May 06, 2007, 06:45:28 pm »



Jeff,I think we have to bear in mind that this site is`nt really a site for d.i.y.
Enthusiasts,although there are a few of us on here.RiverSide and Thomas,
Jeffs pads and brush arrangements are very practical.I suppose anyone who
Does frames will just have swap over to a lightweight Bentley brush perhaps
Especially at heights above say 35 feet.If your using modular fishing poles
They have to be used at any height I recon.

Lewis  Doubtfire
L. Doubtfire
Window Cleaner

Mr. S

  • Posts: 418
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #9 on: May 06, 2007, 07:10:17 pm »
L Doubtfire, i wasnt knocking jeff, anybody who can make our lives easier needs praising!!!!

Is there any info or pics on jeffs device?

Jeff if i get time this week i will have a go at my idea myself when i find what im looking for, if not i may contact you shortly! (Ive set this week aside for accounts) It may not work yet so ill try myself first.

Cheers Craig

Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #10 on: May 06, 2007, 07:21:55 pm »
http://img82.i.us/img82/5360/09122006008fw8.jpg
Hmm anyone any idea why I can no longer  post pic links using Immage Shack ?

Mr. S

  • Posts: 418
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #11 on: May 06, 2007, 07:30:04 pm »
no sorry mate, and there was me thinking it was my computer

Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #12 on: May 06, 2007, 07:59:28 pm »
Ok hope Peter doesnt mind be loaning his forum again, see Reply 9 on this forum thread for pics.
Jeff
http://www.window-tools.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=admin;action=display;num=1178398918;start=0#9

dai

  • Posts: 3503
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #13 on: May 06, 2007, 08:37:02 pm »
Jeff, were you able to do anything with that Aldi floor cleaning pad, the one with the rubber bellows? I know the pad is a bit small, but the rubber bellows idea seems to be the way forward. If we could get some rubber moulders to make them that could easily be attached to brushes, they would be on a winner. Dai

Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #14 on: May 06, 2007, 10:27:27 pm »
No the pic wasnt what it appeared to be,   :'( think it was 2-3  months ago, ) I did get hands on  just a st device, no good.another dead end.

jouk45

Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #15 on: May 07, 2007, 12:58:56 am »
guys after talking to jeff on the internet do you think he has something with using pads instead of brushes, imaging a large pad with jets over the top for rinsing, no more taking the brush off the glass, just one downward swipe

what about a sleeve that goes over the pad that you can change, this is used for cleaning laminate flooring could the same priciples not be used in cleaning glass

just food for thought

please feel free to add your ideas, maybe this is the way forward instead of heavy brushes
i have already look into this idea, and made my own prototype, a few years ago, with automatic water flow, like peter fogwills brush
i never abandoned the invention,   just that it never cleaned the frames, that was its only  downfall, but it did work well

Jeff Brimble

  • Posts: 4347
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #16 on: May 07, 2007, 06:57:23 am »
Although developed for the Featherlite modular poles there are two other advantages of the Z pads.

The action of the universal joint similar to a floor cleaning pad is that you can "fan" large glass very quickly just like an applicator . I live in a rural enviroment so dont get much call for it but its great on large plate, showroom windows etc and absolutely eats the glass speed wise.

The other advantage on windows is that because the pad follows the glass you can easily go from top to ground level in one movement  on shop windows.

The 2 pad arrangement is 15" wide, it could be developed to 2 or 3ft wide  8)

If you want to see one but without the Universal swivel action go and look at a Ronseal decking paint/seal applicator as there are now thousands out there that come free with the wood presever- as seen on TV  :)

Mr. S

  • Posts: 418
Re: does jeff brimble have something
« Reply #17 on: May 07, 2007, 09:57:21 am »
Cheers Jeff i think its worth giving the diy z pad route a try soon, need to get out and canvass some commercial though!

Craig