Can Machines... Opinions?

[CoolCat]

I would like to get a machine for cans.  What is the best machine?  I don't want a large machine.  I was thinking of one in the size-range of the V63.

[collecture]

A V-56 or V-63 with a can stack in it or go with the USS-64 Cavalier, which I understand will vend cans or bottles. My personal favorite is the Westinghouse WB60 or WC-78, which can also vend cans or bottles. Having a machine that can vend both is much more practical for everyday use, but it all depends on what is near you and priced right.

[bubba]

Like Tom mentioned, the USS-64 I think is probably my favorite machine out of the 56, 63, and 64. The 64 does cans and bottles at the same time with nothing to change except the backstop on the shelf, but I don't even do that on mine. Most of the 56's I've come across seem to be rusted out a lot more than the 63.. not sure if it was a cheaper steel or what... Most of the 63's I have or had have been in pretty solid. I think the compressors are a bit quieter in the 56's for some reason though.

[rayg]

I agree. I got the USS64 big brother the USS96 and I have can pop, can beer, bottled beer, wine coolers and bottled water all in the same machine. For labels I hot glued some small squares of metal on each knob. Then I down loaded every possible brand of pop, beer, wine cooler etc I might buy and then used MS Word to print them on heavy photo stock paper 1"'x1".  I then backed them with magnetic  tape  and used heavy clear packing tape as a laminate. So who ever loads  the machine can  just grabs the labels from the side of the machine  to mark  the selection  they loaded....a blank knob means that selection is empty.

Ray

[BrianB]

Ray,

That's a really good idea. I currently use a late 60's Coca-Cola Menu Board and re-write the new selections using chalk each time. Honestly, I think I like your method better.

[CoolCat]

I didn't realize theWC-78 is able to vend both bottles and cans.  Does it vend both natively or do you have to convert the machine?

[collecture]

Does it vend both natively or do you have to convert the machine?

I was fortunate enough to come across these can adapters that simply clip onto the back spacers. I think I have four of them. They have a spring steel piece that pushes the can forward keeping the Empty Feelers actuated (see pic). If you don't have the can clips, you can secure a 2" piece of PVC to the back spacer to take up the space. I usually have mine set for three can columns and three bottle columns.

[90grad]

If you don't have the can clips, you can secure a 2" piece of PVC to the back spacer to take up the space. I usually have mine set for three can columns and three bottle columns.

The PVC method is what I use and it works great.  I have a WB-102 in the garage, and during the summer it's filled with water bottles and canned soda.