Modifying a brushbar?

[parwaz786]

I want to modify my Dyson DC07 Origin brushbar with 3 rows of kind of stiff bristles and to simply add beaters to it. How would you improve this? Shall I superglue some sort of curved plastic which will act as a beater? Yes, funny but I would like to try. Thank you

 

[davetranter]

Adding Beaters

Sadly, I doubt that any kind of glue will withstand the stresses involved, Parwaz. A 'professional' modification would involve machining a groove (or even a 'T' slot) into the brushbar, and fabricating a plastic strip to fit it. You may get away with drilling your brushbar and using (lots of) self-tapping screws to secure your beater(s). You will have to be careful not to upset the balance of the brushbar. The advantage of this approach is that if it doesn't work, you can just remove the screws and beaters and carry on using your brushbar. ;-)

All best

Dave T

 

[parwaz786]

Thanks for the helpful info
I think araldite is really good glue, costs approx £6 on Amazon. The DC04 Absolute+ I bought had the handle glued with that and the pressure of lifting the machine didnt break the glue bonds

 

[davetranter]

Use of 'Araldite' (Epoxy Resin)

Yes, an Epoxy is probably the best choice for this application. It may work if you drill a row of small (2-3mm) holes along the bar to provide a 'key' for the resin. Work the resin well into the holes, then press your 'beater(s)' into place, making sure that the resin really 'wets' the surface of the plastic. I would advise you NOT to use 'quick setting' Epoxy, as it will not give you time to assemble what will be a rather 'fiddly' job. Use slow set resin and hold your beaters in place with wire ties (as used by gardeners) or cable ties.

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

All best

Dave T

 

[parwaz786]

Cheers! Just wondering, what is a resin?

 

[davetranter]

Resin

'Araldite' is the brand name for one of the best known adhesives of the type known as 'Epoxy Resins'. These are 'two-part' type adhesives which must be mixed before use. Once mixed, the adhesive (or 'resin') will have a limited working (or 'pot') life. This is less than 5 minutes for 'quick set' types, but should be 20 minutes or more for 'slow set' or 'normal' types. For your application where you will need to apply a line of resin in a spiral around a brushbar, working some of it into pre-drilled holes, while leaving a big enough 'bead' to flow around and grip a plastic strip, which you must place and hold accurately in position, a 'slow' type epoxy resin will probably be best.

Hope this clarifies matters

All best

Dave T

P.S. If you've not used an Epoxy Resin before be aware that it has a quite unpleasant smell until set, and that it will NOT wash out of clothing, brushbar bristles, or anything else for that matter. It is a form of thermosetting plastic.

 

[sebo_fan]

Good explanation Dave.

However, don't brush rolls tend to get hot after usage? Wouldn't the glue melt if additional bristles etc are added? Not just with the vibration of the brushes, but also from the drive belt and motor near by?

 

[parwaz786]

Cheers Dave

 

[davetranter]

Adhesive decomposition

A 'hot melt' type glue will soften with heat, an Epoxy or Polyester resin will not. They are thermosetting types which will probably not decompose (or 'burn') until after the plastic of the brushbar burns/melts.

Thermoplastics melt before burning.

Thermosetting compounds do not melt.

I'm sure there must be LOTS about this on the 'net if you want further information.

Whatever type of plastic strip is to be used for making a 'beater' needs to have a high enough melting point to ensure that it doesn't just melt all over the carpet with the frictional heat.

All best

Dave T

 

[parwaz786]

Cheers Dave! It has helped a lot
I think I might forget the brushbar modification thing and buy a Kirby

 

[sptyks]

Getting a Kirby

would be a wise decision which you will not regret.

 

[sebo_fan]

Well, make sure your home can actually accommodate a Kirby. They are a bit bigger than your average domestic European upright. My hallways are a bit narrow for both a Kirby and the Sebo X5.

 

[parwaz786]

Yes thanks, Kirby will be good for my 5 bedroomed terraces 3 story house