Kirby Classic Omega bag conversion

[daveaust]

I *think* I need something like this to convert my Omega from shakeout to disposable (I'm asking for confirmation)? I also do not want to have to spend 200 bucks to do something this simple. Is it possible? If this is the correct route, would I really need to buy like 5 or 6 separate components? I've been reading posts etc and am not sure I completely understand all of the pieces of such a project.

 

[vacuumman]

Bag conversion

The assembly in the picture will work on your Omega.

If you want to buy a single assembly to get most of the pieces you need, you can buy a Kirby Heritage II or Legend II bag with the plastic Mini Em-Tor attached to it. You will need to swap the top of the Omega bag onto the Heritage II bag to make it fit. You can also remove the bag from the Sani Em-Tor on the Omega, and sew a full-length zipper onto the bag to make it usable.

If you would like to build a bag from scratch, you will need the following
Components:
Kirby bag with full-length zipper (pre G-series) (Tradition, Heritage, Heritage II, Legend II).
Kirby Heritage 2/Legend 2 Mini Em-Tor
Kirby Heritage 2/Legend 2/Early G-Series Fill Tube
Kirby Bag Guard
Kirby Bag Adaptor (only the Heritage II bag adaptor will easily fit, but the twist type and F type bag adaptors can be modified to fit.)
Cable ties


Steps:
Screw the fill tube into the Mini Em-Tor.
Secure the fill tube with cable ties.
If using a Heritage II bag adaptor, screw it into the fill tube and secure with cable ties.
If you want to use Hepa bags, you will need to purchase either a twist type bag adapter or an F-Type bag adapter. When using this type of adapter, shove it into the fill tube, secure with tape, and then add cable ties.
If you want to use the old bag, remove it from the Sani Em-Tor assembly by removing the rubber bag guard and using a screwdriver to lift the elastic ring out of the lib on the Sani Em-Tor. Wash the bag thoroughly and add a full-length zipper, as well as a strap to the top of the inside of the bag for keeping the fill tube in place.
If using a new bag, make sure the top of the new bag matches the top on the original bag. If not, remove the top from the new bag and replace it with the top from the original bag.
Take the bag and place it onto the Mini Em-Tor, making sure to align it correctly.
Hook the bag adapter into the strap inside the top of the bag.
The disposable bag can now be used in the Omega.

 

[daveaust]

Thank you for the very detailed information! This is EXACTLY what I needed to know. Now that I know what I need, I looked on ebay for possible options that might already have all components together as a "unit". I see a few listings that appear to include all of the needed components that you mentioned. I figured getting them together would save quite a bit of money on shipping since it has gone up so high.

One important question I still have and also haven't been able to figure out is regarding the types of bag adapters. I see what appears to be 3 types. An oval-shaped, and 2 round.

The two round styles are probably what you mentioned to be "F" vs "twist". Are they the same sized opening using the same bags? Either way, sounds like I would probably want one of the two round styles to be able use more modern bags(?)

Thanks again!

 

[vacuumman]

Bag Adapter

You want to get the F Style bag adapter (picture 1) or the Twist Style bag adapter (picture 2) These both work with the bags in picture 3. There are some older bags that only work with Twist Style or F style adapters, so I would recommend going with the newer bags. If you want to use Hepa bags, you should avoid the Heritage II bag adapter in picture 4. The oval bag adapter is for an earlier type of bag and is not as good.

 

[lesinutah]

If

You get the heritage 1 emtor just switch the black heritage or grey tray with the omega brown tray. You get the omega bag and have a zipper installed. You put the type f bag adaptor and your done.

 

[daveaust]

Thanks, that makes total sense. I didn't realize there are actually *four* adapter styles. I am probably going to pick up a H-II/L/L-II bag (with full zipper) along with mini-emptor/tube/adapter. The bags I currently see on ebay have the adapter seen in ohoto 4, but I will likely just get an F-style adapter and swap. The adapters seem to be the lowest cost variable in the mix (some out there now for 6.00 shipped). There's a Heritage I setup out on ebay as well, but they want quite a bit more for it and it looks to have the oval adapter. Plus, I would have to modify or buy a full zipper bag. If I don't like the looks of the new bag, I might get a zipper sewn into on of my old bags. Multiple options here now that I know more about the pieces!

I think this is going to be great thanks to the knowledge passed to me here!

 

[human]

This is exactly what I did with my Classic III. I used a red Legend II bag assembly to better match the Classic III's color scheme. It was a very easy conversion and came out looking great. I had done it previously with a Heritage 1HD to get rid of its much detested factory dump bag.

 

[electrolux137]

"its much detested factory dump bag"


When I was a little boy it was always a big thrill to see someone dumping a Kirby bag. Most people stood the machine over several layers of newspapers to do so. I now enjoy doing this myself. It's fun!

Yeah...I'm nuts. Who in here isn't?!

 

[daveaust]

@human: Good to hear it worked well for you. I found a Heritage II bag with mini-emptor, and internals on ebay for 34 plus shipping. It is in excellent condish and the seller even (properly) laundered it. I didn't have to pay extra for any included dog hairs! Getting ready to install and try this out. Probably also swap in a 4-brush bar with bearings too.

@electrolux137: Yes, we are a little nuts around here, but I do look forward to the disposable bags! I sneeze for a few days after a good Classic/Omega emptying session. Well, I'm exaggerating, maybe just a few hours lol.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Dump bags are a little fun...

Taking the machine outside to empty the dump bag had the advantages of keeping the dust outside, and if you positioned yourself upwind, the wind would blow any dust away. Not much worse than emptying a bagless vac container.

I remember when I was very young my mom would empty her D50 out in the garage but I do not remember lots of dust being stirred up. Yep, she always used newspaper as recommended in the manuals.

All of my working dump-bag equipped Kirbys had the outer bags lined with a disposable 'cloth' Kirby bag, modified to clamp between the emtor and the outer bag. This gives much better filtering and keeps the cloth bags clean. Only downside is that they are a bit more involved to change, every 3-4 dumps or so. However that takes me a LONG time, given there are only up to 2 adults here and no pets.

I do prefer disposable bags though, just because it is faster, cleaner, and easier. However I do pay the price...