1997 Sharp Twin Energy EC-12TWT4B

[huskyvacs]

Back again with another machine deposited into the collection, this time it's a Sharp! I was so excited to find one, I wanted to add a Sharp to my collection for a long time and this was just the one! It's in really good shape considering, just the usual scuffs and scrapes (which should polish out).

It's my first and only Sharp now so far. It feels really nice using this vacuum, it feels solidly built and even without being restored it does a good job at picking up dirt.. It has that "Japanese" feel to it when you push it around, it feels like a Panasonic.

I got it for $13.50 at the Habitat For Humanity ReStore on 8/7/2021. It's about what the typical price is for vacuums in my area. The highest price I've ever seen is $25. The lowest was $4.99.

Without further ado, onto the pics!

 

[huskyvacs]

Front profile shot of the vacuum. It has a nice shape to it, it feels like a sturdy vacuum but not overly clunky and cumbersome.

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:36 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Here's a closeup of the front fascia and bumper. The trim is hanging off but I think that just clips back onto the plastic? The scuffs are not too bad, they should come out. Also I had no idea it was 1300W! It's no wonder when I was running it off the extension cord the cord was getting hot! It might have been just a tad over the ratings limit of that cord, whoops!

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:36 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Closeup of the cool little decal that was left on the vacuum. I believe they called these "shelf talkers" is that right? For display models that would have been used on the shelf? I cannot really vouch for it being "library quiet" but it does have a less harsh motor whine.

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:36 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Side shot of more deeper damage and the old standby bodge of choice - duct tape.

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:36 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Rear profile shot. Missing the tools, which is common for thrift store vacuums. I actually didn't even know it was available with onboard tools, which was a surprise seeing tool slots on it! I am not that fond of how tightly the cord loop is set up, though, I feel it just puts more strain on the cord, but I guess they were going for a seamless appearance aesthetic.

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:37 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Shot of the model tag and serial #. I have noticed the middle letters where it says "TWT in mine, change from model to model. Not sure why, maybe some kind of plant code or they made separate models with additional features? I assumed "297" meant Feb 1997 which lines up with advertisements I found from Jan. 1997.

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:37 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Here's a bottom shot of the vacuum. It actually does not look that bad, the brushroll is in great shape (assuming its original).

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:37 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Here's a shot of the bag after I opened the bag door. It just kind of "spilled out" of the vacuum body. I guess the baby will be due any day now, lol

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:38 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

"Type PU2" "PU" is right! It definitely smelled of must and funk for sure. I wonder how long that bag has lingered in there?

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:38 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

And finally, here's a shot of the price tag. It sat in the store for over a week and a half, almost 2 weeks before I found it. I would have thought someone would snatch it right up, especially compared to the bottom end model Bissell and Dirt Devils that were around it, but I guess not. It's funny when they put out some Eureka Bravos they were gone within 2 hours of being put out on the floor, but not this. lol

Photo taken on: 8/8/2021 4:39 AM

 

[huskyvacs]

Here's the earliest advertisement I could find for it. It was featured in a January 5, 1997 advertisement for H.H. Gregg out of Nashville, TN. It was advertised for $149.99 in 1997 which adjusted for inflation would be $247.35, which sounds about right for a high end midrange vacuum based on how pricing is structured today.

 

[ladydobermann]

amogus

Did you just get called a twit by a vacuum? Haha!

Interesting how you described it as feeling "Japanese" to use - I guess I'll have to wait until I find one to know what you mean. Looks pretty dang chunky for a modern vac. I'm assuming it was kind of a transitional model in terms of design?

 

[blackheart]

Nice.

We don't see a lot of sharps being posted to the forum. They IMO were pretty solid machines and the twin energy models had decent amount of power to them.

You may want to check on the carbon brushes. the metal sheath surrounding the brush was known to come loose from the plastic holder and eventually it would wreck the commutator. See about 1:35 in the video below for more detail on this.

 

[bagintheback]

Isn't it crazy how these now fit in the "vintage" territory?

I definitely understand what you mean by the "Japanese feeling". The Panasonic and Sharps from this time were so smooth. The motors and wheels were quiet and even though they didn't cost much it felt high quality. Tacony machines are basically the same design but are heavy and overbuilt imo.

Congrats on your find!

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

Find the sharp vacuums were very well built and solid performers. 1300w is Hugh considering 840 watt Sanitaire is 7 amps. 1300 is 10.8 amps which is a big power plant. It may be Sharp is known for electronics and people aren't aware there great vacuums.

 

[huskyvacs]

Thanks for the advice, Blackheart. I will keep that in mind when I work on it and check that part out.

Yes, sad to think that 1997 was over 20 years ago now. Feels like just 10.

Yeah 1300W and 12 amps is pretty hefty, this was around the time vacuums were having "motor wars" at who had the biggest motor and best power, a lot of times they were just screamers and had more bark than bite. I think Sharp did this best, and found out how to make a powerful vacuum that didn't sound like you were on the taxiway of LAX. haha

 

[madman]

Don't cut yourself.

 

[kirbyklekter]

huskyvacs,

I'm glad you were able to get one of these. They do have a great "feel" to them as you glide across the carpet. What I especially liked about this model and similar was how fast you could get a large area vacuumed, like a big empty house soon to be on the market! This house was listed at 7000 sq.ft! 90% of the interior was carpeted.

This Sharp made vacuuming that huge house a lot faster and easier than anticipated.Same model as yours, brand new. My realtor friend who was selling the house , left it up there for me to try and when I said I was impressed, she gave it to me as a bonus for taking the job on short notice.

Had it for years, gave it to a brother who still has it. Hope to see yours when you finish restoring it. Nice.