New member with a weird idea...

[HeatGeek]

So thanks for giving me your attention because in order to pull this off with good results I certianly need help.

My objective is to build a "franken-vac" I'll explain briefly why and then go into my questions. I'm a HVAC techincian and I have found it rediculously dificult to find a good vacuum to use on service calls that is funcutional, self contained, and stores easily on my truck. For the last few years I have used an esoteric design that was produced briefly called the "eureka toolbox vac", but sadly that tool is no longer availible to me, so I go in search of another option. I've looked at the Hoover CH3000 handheld commercial and the oreck XL handheld canister series but they don't quite fit the bill.

It was at this point that an idea crazy as it is struck me. What not make my own? after all I deal with airflow, electricty, motors and filteration everyday!

So my abjectives are to build a service vacuum that is compact, has a permenant filter and is self contained (has hoses, attachments, components either inside the main body or attached to the outside for ease of transport in and out of houses)

In short, I want to stuff existing vacuum components inside a toolbox.

I was thinking of using either a cyclonic action or maybe the guts of either of the handheld units I mentioned above(Hoover/oreck) and fabricating my own cloth filter bag and "backup" filter myself.

any suggestions?

 

[eurekastar]

I don't have any suggestions, but it sounds like a fun project!  Can't wait to hear about its completion!


 

 

[Metaphor]

Why not a back pack vacuum or hand carried portable vacuum? They are out there already.

Maybe not this particular vacuum but something like it?

http://www.google.com/shopping/prod...a=X&ei=4004VN3vKYmroQT0q4DwAg&ved=0CFcQ8gIwCg

 

[Metaphor]

The Oreck commercial hand held vacuum is another vac that can be fitted into a storage cubby on a truck bed and carried to any job as required.

http://www.google.com/shopping/prod...a=X&ei=4004VN3vKYmroQT0q4DwAg&ved=0CFQQ8wIwCQ

 

[eurekaprince]

If you want a reliable, no frills, American-made portable vac, you should consider one of the many steel vacs made by Metropolitan Vacuum. This is the company that produces those portable Data-Vacs used by photocopier repairmen and portable steel handvacs used by lots of specialty auto detailers.

I am sure you can find a Metropolitan vac to suit your needs. Best of all, the hoses have standard diameter ends so you can add whatever generic attachments suit you best.

See this web page for one of the vacs in their line-up:



http://https//www.metrovacworld.com/The_Professionals_Metropolitan_Hand_Vacs

 

[eurekaprince]

You should also take a look at Shop Vac's website. They have a wide array of vacs and tools that are designed for commercial and industrial use. They even have a portable "tool-box" vac similar to your Eureka that you once had access to.

Here's the link to the Tool-Mate vac:

http://https//www.shopvac.com/wet-dry-vacs/vac-details.aspx?vacId=364&vacSKU=388-02-00

 

[kirby519]

I belive the banking industry also has a vacuum like you describe once having. Not sure what exactly it called. Also the travel camper and motor home industry has several types of tool box sized vacuums that can be build in to the camper. I think I saw a post about them on this site. I did check out their site and looked like a nice option for those with a camper/motor home where space i limited. small in size streatch hose.

Here is one possible option

http://www.campingworld.com/category/central-vacuum-units/1327

 

[Metaphor]

Dirt Devil and central vacuum in the same sentence. Wow. Whoda thunk? And a vacuum dust pan?

 

[vacuumsalesman]

I Have Always Wanted to do That!

I have always wanted to make a scrap vac or a monster vac or whatever else it is called. I have always wanted optimal suction and reliability with easy use. But storage hasn't been my strong point. If You want it to be easy to move, store, and hide away easily I guess; maybe instead of a toolbox you can kind of do something like a suitcase! carry it by a handle while it rolls along the ground, and pull a hose out of a storage compartment. It is basically like a Hoover Portable. You could even form a new body with plastic or metal if your are good at molding or whatever you would call it, and make a bag compartment and motor. I thin the motor should maybe be out of a Sanyo Transformax, which sounds weird, but it is like the strongest suction I have gotten from a stick-vac or hand-vac. You could even use a real suitcase and use the pockets for your bags, and add a caddy for attachments. I really doubt that helped, but if so, your welcome. And another idea! the handle of the suitcase could snap together to turn into a wand for floor tools! and the hose could connect to one of the ends! Well anyhow, let me know what you think of this wacky idea.

 

[kenkart]

In the dim and distant past..

I was a service guy for a heating service,we had a big old commercial with a silk type filter in it especially for picking up soot, I bet I cleaned out a thousand oil furnaces with that thing..but it was huge and heavy, it even had a canvas covered hose.