My new kirby 518

[brandon_w_t]

Hehe

This is fun to watch. It does not even move if you push on it.

Its actually hard to get close to things on the right side, as the bag is so big, it sticks farther than the nozzle! lol

 

[brandon_w_t]

Testing- testing- one two there -- testing!

And here is me testing this vacuum.

I first vacuumed both rooms as well as I could with my Vax X5 bagless. Cost me $60. And was a TOL for them.

 

[brandon_w_t]

RESULTS!

this is the kirby after I already had just vacuumed with the vax.

NOW THAT IS ONE HECK OF A KIRBY!

What a great machine.

 

[brandon_w_t]

another shot

Eww. thats just gross. glad the kirby helped out.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Videos Wanted

Hi Brandon, could you please submit videos of your 518 to YouTube? I would like to see it running, please.

Thank you,



Ben Edge (KirbyClassicIII)

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

Bag and Cord

Brandon if you love using that machine and don't want to mess up the original bag and cord I would suggest picking up a replacement cord to use and keep put the other one aside to preserve it. Also you can pick up the sani-emptors on ebay and install a Kirby replacment bag on it for use to preserve that really nice bag.

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

Bulb and Book

Brandon I just bought a replacement bulb for my Classic and Dual 50 at the Hardware store today. Two bulbs and CA tax was $4.26 out the door. I have a 518 or 519 book which I am not willing to part with but can scan or copy for you.

 

[brandon_w_t]

Sweet!

I would love to see the manual!

The guy I bought it from told me how cool it was to see the ladys in their dresses and high heels posing with a vacuum. Cheesey but fun.

 

[brandon_w_t]

bulbs

I need a bulb too. What kind does the 518 use?

 

[tristar]

Bulb

You can get the bulb at just about any hardware store. They're 125V, 15w and usually marked as a Vacuum Cleaner or "Appliance" bulb. It'll have a brass barrel around it with 2 contacts on the end. They're common as dirt.

That bag shouldn't be hard when the machine is running. If it's hard, it's because the pores are clogged and it's not working as well as it should. You can hand wash it in warm water, although I've successfully washed them in the washer on the delicate cycle. I don't have a modern washer, so I'm sure that has a LOT to do with my success too. No "Shredmore" for me, thanks!

If you wash the bag, be sure to use fabric softener in the final rinse, or when you wash it with clear water in the sink (depending on how you're washing it). It'll make the fabric softer and it will actually filter better. If the bag is washed well, you won't see dust escape when you thump it while the machine is running.

 

[brandon_w_t]

Umm... not going that direction

Sorry, its far to risky to wash these bags. Not happening.

I may turn it inside out, and vacuum it. But its not getting washed in a washer.


Its not really rock solid, I kind of exaggerated that. But it is like above- the bag stays upright when on, and not connected to the handle.

 

[tristar]

So wash it in the sink. I wash these bags all the time and haven't ever had a problem. Even my 561 bag went through the washer. All that came off of it was enough dirt and lint to choke the filter basket in the washer. The decal on the bag is surprisingly stout on the Kirby bags. They don't wash off like the Hoover bags do.

 

[brandon_w_t]

errm...

no I just dont want to risk it. I dont want to live with a tan bag on my kirby.

 

[hygiene903]

Nice 518, Brandon!!

I love the 500 series Kirbys, as well as the D-50, D-80, Classic and Classic III. All great machines! And so nice of Dave to give it to you! Looks like polishing it should be an easy job, as it already looks pretty nice. Just a little Mother's Mag and some terrycloth towels and you're all set! Congratulations,
Jeff