My daily driver is a Miele S5280. My shop vacuum is a Stihl SE122. I also have a late-60's Filter Queen 31, a Royal 6103, and most recently an Air-Way Centurion 80th anniversary edition. I have owned other vintage vacuums including Silver King, Fairfax, Compact, Tristar, Royal, Sears, and Hoover.
What are your dream machines yet to be found?
I'm not looking for any additional vacuums. When I last moved I donated or sold most of my vintage vacuums in the interest of de-cluttering. Although I still have a weakness for Electrolux model G's.
What are your earliest and favorite vacuum memories?
My mother used to tell of before I was born when she used her Electrolux model XXX and the bag needed emptying, I would kick non-stop until she finally gave in, and then I quieted right down.
What is the history of vacuum you have owned?
I bought my first vacuum, a Eureka 560, in 1975 and added a power brush to it that K-Mart was selling separately for $8.60! A power outlet and an electric hose later, I was in business. After I was married we bought a Eureka upright to keep up with the cat hair. Over about a 10-year period I bought many vacuums from flea markets, made any needed repairs, used them a while, and then donated them. For quite a while my daily driver was an Electrolux Silverado. I bought the Miele in 2008.
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any vacuum cleaners?
I have worked on many vacuums including a lot of Electroluxes, replacing motor bearings and other wear items. I first disassembled my parent's Electrolux models XXX and E to clean the fans and re-grease the bearings when I was 13. I rescued a Hoover Convertible from the trash when I was 14, and re-wound the field coil because it was stuck on high speed. I have not restored any vacuums, although I would like to return the Air-Way to new appearance.
