Kirby DS 50 Safety Switch

[paul]

Ok, Ben. I am wondering if you would rate the cleaning ability of your D80 as just OK, or did OK imply that you haven't had any issues with the double-bristle brush rolls?

After checking out some other threads, I am leaning towards having a long zipper installed in my original filter bag, so I can use it with a disposable bag. So would a Tradition's Sani Em-Tor (with a fill tube) fit on my machine, or would my only option be a Mini Em-Tor? I am typically a stickler for keeping items in their original condition, but I'd rather enjoy the original filter bag while using it and seeing Air-way Charlie's DS50 on this thread got me to rethink my position:

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?618

However, I don't think I'd be apt to do it if the cleaning capacity would only be fair. I realize that I can't expect a 50-year-old machine to have the best rating, but I'm aiming for good.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm also wondering if you know of a thread that shows photos of all the Kirby box colors and patterns over the years? I have a the large, attachments and Handi-Butler ones that have the same red print but the background is slightly different on the Floor Polisher one. The pattern seems to have only been used on Model 518 boxes. Sorry, I don't have a decent camera to post photos. Anyway, it would be nice to see a photo line-up of ALL the box patterns up to this point if it exists.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Paul,

What I mean is that I haven't had any outstanding issues regarding the motor when it comes to the issue of double-bristle vs. single-bristle rolls.

But again, I am not much of an expert on motor life using different brush rolls than those intended.

~Ben

 

[sptyks]

Paul, from everything I have read on the subject of converting the D50 or D80 to use disposable bags is that you will sacrifice some performance if you do it. The disposable bag restricts more of the airflow than the shakeout bag, therefore you will lose some suction.


 


The disposable bags were designed for use in the newer Kirby's that have more powerful motors that will compensate for the restricted airflow of paper or cloth disposable bags.


 

 

[oldkirbyman]

D50

What you have is a Kirby D50. Your trying to make a Heritage Heritage 2 or Legend out of the D50. Can you do it? Yes----for fun maybe ---most people try to get more power. Your going for less. I didn't sell H H2 or L with paper bag ASSEMBLY's on those machines because you had more power with the cloth bag. Take one of those machines -----Put a cloth bag assembly on it--turn it on---listen to it--then put paper BAG ASSEMBLY ON--- listen---you don't have to clean with it . You can hear the difference. You just lost maybe 25% of your power. So you say---dust comes threw the cloth bag. Well when you use the hose vacuum off the out side of the bag. Keep it clean. If you use paper bags in H H2 or L use G4-5 better bag.
But have fun playing with your D50.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Greg,

I'm currently using the G4-style Micron Magic inner bags in my Legend II Mini Emtor assembly.

~Ben

 

[sptyks]

Ben, FYI - you'll get more airflow and noticeably  better performance with your Classic III if you use the newer cloth Micron Magic HEPA inner bags instead of paper ones. They should fit on your fill tube just fine.


 


When I got my H2 Legend, it had a Micron Magic paper bag in it. I took that out and put a new cloth type HEPA bag in it. I could really see the difference on my Baird Airflow meter.  It went from 7 to 8.5 out of 10 on the Baird meter. That's about a 15% increase in airflow. BTW my G3 and Sentria both pull a 10 on the meter.

[this post was last edited: 3/27/2015-18:53]

 

[paul]

Ben:

Thanks for the clarification about your D80's performance. By the way, I found a 4-row brush roll for $12.24 at http://www.discountcleaningproducts...05G&gpla=pla&gclid=CMmGoqfx18ECFQVffgodl3IAOA

Stan, Greg:

I appreciate your knowledge about lessened air flow when converting older Kirbys to disposable bag set-ups. While I like the idea of cleaner air with a disposable bag along with keeping the original filter bag in use I'll trust your judgement and look for a new tan filter bag and use the original set-up.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Paul,

That is the same outlet I'd found mine!

~Ben

 

[paul]

Cool, Ben!

Well, I got the carbon brushes replaced today, and my DS50 is back in business!

Thanks again to all for your help.

Does anyone have any recommendations for repairing the bag? Do the iron-on patches work (I'd put them on the inside where they wouldn't show).