2 Kenmore Whispertone PowerMate canister vacs (one since new in early 1990s) and one I found about 2 yr ago @ Goodwill for $9. and had it looked at by a local vac repair man and he replaced something in the motor that cost me another $10.(a bushing??). I got it because I want my son to have one of these 'work horses' for his place when he gets out of college. They just don't make canister vacs like this now in his price range. The vac man also sells Riccar vacs so he (we) might be OK once our Kenmores are dead.
We also have a Eureka bagless upright I bought from a MD I work with who was moving and it was brand new. It's EZ to clean, works fairly well and I use it if I spill something like dog food or cereal and keep it in my kitchen area.
I'm looking at a Hoover Dial-a-matic that a neighbor has from her Mom who passed. It is pumpkin color and she has 20 green bags to go with it, so I will go and look at it and maybe buy it if I can get her price lower and if I see it works well.
What are your dream machines yet to be found?
none...I got my dream Singer 301 sewing machine with a cabinet and storage bench for $50. back in March! It was a 'right place/right time" find.
What are your earliest and favorite vacuum memories?
My GMa had a Eureka canister vac that she had for 25+ yrs or more. I used to help her by stepping on the on/off button and vacuuming the carpet. I WISH I had her vac, but I was not around when my mom emptied out her home of all the stuff....she probably put it in the trash.
What is the history of vacuum you have owned?
I've always owned a Kenmore canister vac.The ones I have now both have all the tools, in excellent condition and both work fine. One I bought new in the early 90s, and the other I bought 2 yrs ago at a Goodwill. It was under a lot of stuff and if you didn't know what it was you thought it was junk. My $9. find. I could not resist it and got it for my son to have one when he grads from college and has a home. It looks brand new. Nothing broken on either vac. The Goodwill find has the Power Mate Jr for upholstery,
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any vacuum cleaners?
No vacs but I have put a new pump this week on a Little Green Machine that is 20 yrs old. I hope it lasts me til I am dead or longer. I wouldn't be without one in my home...VERY handy for house or vehicles!
