One of the very few: Vorwerk 115 volt

[broomvac]

Hi all,

I am becoming the proud new owner of a 115 volt Vorwerk model VK 117, complete with an ET30 powerhead.

Were these sold DTD over here? Clearly, whoever was selling them did not sell many.

I’ll need to source a disposable bag, but that won’t be a problem. I could modify this machine for top fill, but I think I’ll keep it original and just cut the top off one of my Sebo X7 bags for use with the bottom fill setup. The belt (might) be more of a challenge, but after scouring the web, I discovered the hint that Hoover (Quadraflex?) powerhead belts 38528011 just might fit. Now, those belts aren’t exactly plentiful either, but at least one of the shops here has 6 or so in stock. I have one ready to try out on the Vorwerk once it arrives. However, if any of you have a better belt solution for me, please share!

It seems that this vacuum also has some kind of brush bar wear compensation mechanism. I’m sure I’ll figure out exactly how that works once I have the vac in my hands, but in the meantime, I won’t turn down any expert explanations. This is one of the few vacuums out there with which I have little knowledge/experience.

Will keep you all posted. It looks like it should shine up nicely!

 

[luxlife]

They sold very well over here in the 1970's

When I was a kid, I used to see these a lot in commercial use and I guess hotel manager liked them in particular for the housekeepers cart. It made sense because they were lightweight. I always liked them because they were quirky and so different from the larger, heavier American uprights. Vorwerk makes a lot of innovative machines. I'd love it if they ever brought them back to the U.S.

 

[lesinutah]

Pun

The post is meant to be funny. The vacuum looks like an Oreck with a Hoover bag on it and the bottom looks like it's a power nozzle.
Vorwerk means before work in German. It's better than No Va which means no going Spanish to English.
It's similar to the electric broom that almost every vacuum company in US used same body style.
Okay hopefully I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.
Les

 

[eurekaprince]

We definitely could use a new brand in our vacuum stores and maybe even high end housewares retailers like Williams Sonoma and Best Buy and Lowes. The best part of the Vorwerk line-up is their assortment of unique cleaning attachments, such as the Polsterboy mini power nozzle and the powered bare floor mop head. The only design element I don’t like is the bottom-fill bag. There is no way that design can maintain a clean seal throughout the life of the vacuum. Eventually, the accumulated dirt and hair and dust at the bottom of the bag will affect the automatically-closing flap.

 

[broomvac]

@luxlife—Cool! I had no idea! I was born ~25 years later than the era you describe, so I guess that’s why I never got much exposure to Vorwerk in America. Were the ones you saw were labeled “Vorwerk” or “Advance Mighty Maid?” Mix of both?

@Les—No hurt feelings here! I agree, actually; it’s a very unique “broom” style vacuum. I like small, unique direct air vacuums, so it’s no surprise that this one appeals to me, too!

In the (fingers crossed, hopefully unlikely) event I need to replace or clean/grease the motor bearings, I’ll need to remove the little black cooling fan on top of this vacuum’s motor. Does anyone know how it is fastened to the shaft? I don’t have the vac yet so I haven’t yet gotten a good look. Is it pressed or threaded on? I’d probably be SOL if I broke it.

 

[lesinutah]

Pic

Looking at pics of the motor notice top center is a circular piece. The third pic shows the circular piece isn't attached to the fan. If you can remove the cap. It will pop up or push down. Once that is out of the way I imagine it is snug and you pull upwards.
I never worked on one or seen one but the little circle piece once removed it should come off.
Les

 

[tolivac]

Sort of thought of Vorwerk as the German Kirby!

 

[broomvac]

Well, the eBay seller has messaged me to tell me that the vacuum was stolen from their van. I’ll leave it at that.

Anywho, no Vorwerk for me. Oh well. This just leaves more room for a Kirby Sentria.