8 Combined Hours of Work

[hoover300]

And here it is. Still no switch, there was no way to get one back in there. Never, ever work on an old Birtman handheld, they were NOT designed with the repairer in mind.

I hear these were only sold in Chicago(Federal Electric Co) and could be paid off in your bill if you paid on time. I cannot imagine many people opted for the handheld, given that this is the only one I have ever seen. The bag needed a lot of patching and a new bag support. It performs quite well for an antique handheld, though has some bearing noise on startup. Only .8 amps! Anyone else have a Fedelco Junior?

 

[hornet]

Hey Hoover300 what’s stoping you from getting a switch in it? Is the original switch pushed down inside or is it missing altogether ?

 

[hornet]

Could you post more pics of the rear area of the motor , like to see the configuration on how it’s assembled.
Are you able to remove the fan?

 

[dysonman1]

That's a lot of work. There's just no room. Wonder how they assembled it at the factory?

 

[hoover300]

Hornet

I had 2 original switches, one from a parts motor. I couldn't get either of those to work as they had crumbling wires(not the kind with screw terminals), and a replacement wouldn't work due to size. The old ones could also only go in a certain way, otherwise the stator would hit the wires exiting the switch and not go into the motor all the way.

It all goes in like a sandwich. Unlike a Premier handheld, where the brush holders are nicely attached to the stator, this has the wires soldered on to the holders, and the holders go in similar to a Royal. They are held in with headless bolts, that also hold the stator and bearing plate on with nuts. The only way to take these bolts out is by utilizing the threads in the middle that aren't needed, and using pliers to unscrew them and damage the unnecessary threads.

The fan comes off like a Royal, which means it is poorly designed and a tremendous pain. It is easier on the models without the belt spindle like this, as I have access to the open screw threads and can spray wd40 in. Then I jam the cooling fan with a screwdriver, and twist counterclockwise. On the models with a belt spindle, don't do it. Just don't. It won't end well.

Dysonman: It is a mystery how they did it, I am baffled.

Below are pics of the motor, tag, the patches, and the weirdly supple 2 part plug with absolutely no stress cracks. It is like new.

 

[hornet]

Have you thought of alternative switch’s that you could use?
On my Hamilton beach hand vac the switch was super loose and was a major pain to get it in its right position and hold it in place while I tightened it down , so totally understand the problems you are having with space, it is a very tight spot to play in.
If you can’t find a switch that’s going to work for you, try the push in kind , I have seen them in chrome but hard to find if nothing else works for you, I know it’s not vintage but some times you have to bite the bullet to make things work.
Do you have a pic of the original switch you can post?

 

[hornet]

This push button might work for you to?

 

[hornet]

Here’s another option, this one has side terminals and not as deep as most toggles ( body wise )

 

[hoover300]

The first one is too big, second is too long, although the toggle one may work. I think I'll put an inline switch on it for now, this vac isn't coming apart again any time soon lol.

Thanks for finding that!

 

[dysonman1]

I have a good number of handheld vacuums that I’m planning on getting rid of at the next vacuum cleaner collectors convention the 3rd weekend in September. I’m sure I have a Hamilton Beach straight suction hand vac in the collection. You can have it. I have about 100 of them, all makes and models. I’ll take a picture of the Hamilton Beach I have, and I’ll see if you want it.

 

[hornet]

No problem, I found that toggle on eBay, I understand about not coming apart anytime soon, they can be frustrating doing electrical on these little motors.
Good luck on your switch fix.

 

[hornet]

Hey dysonman1 do you have any little wonder whisk brushes?
I’m trying to restore this vacuum but can’t figure out how to get to the rear bearing, there is an oiling cover over it that I can’t seem to remove to get to the bearings, any ideas?

 

[desiredname]

Cool handheld, I have a Fedelco Upright that is currently my oldest vacuum.

 

[hornet]

Nice fedelco what year is it?
The oldest I have so far is a model 30 Graybar hand held.