Should I start 3d printing vacuums.

[oldcrankman]

I have been planning on getting a 3d printer for the last 2 months. I was generally wondering if I should get one for Christmas, then I could remake old vacuums to look like the original one although it wont look 100% accurate. You tell me if this would be a cool idea.

 

[kirbyklekter]

3-D Printing

Scott, It's a cool idea, I think you should also ask this over in vintage/contemporary where there's a lot more foot traffic. It's okay, it's relevant in all three categories.Do you have any background in this, looks like there's a bit of a learning curve and a little spendy up front. Just sayin'.

 

[human]

When certain parts are unobtainium, it could be the only way to go. Of course, the quality of the 3-D printed part is going to depend largely on the type of material you're using. It should work great for trim parts, but structural parts that have a lot of stress on them could be another story altogether. Suffice it to say that, intriguing as the concept may be, we're still quite a way off from Star Trek's replicators.

 

[bob_smith]

Its definitely cool.
Being able to print rare parts would be unimaginably helpful, especially for others on here if you so choose. You could be the personal savior of so many vacs missing their wheels and bits and bobs.

As to if its worth it? You are investing in a new hobby, and a really open one at that. People have done far crazier with printers than just sturdy wheels, its something you can really get around with.

 

[vacuumman]

I haven't tried 3D printing an entire vacuum, but I have repaired several vacuums using 3D printed parts. I have successfully printed out wheels, clips, and brackets for various vacuums, but 3D printed plastic isn't quite strong enough to support parts with large amounts of tension on them, such as brushrolls or motor shafts.

 

[anthony]

i printed a new

back wheel for my very old hoover 700 .It worked a treat and looks identical to the original .I have also printed a copy of a broken bakelite pump housing from an old wringer washer .I did all this on the printer at work

 

[panasonicvac]

One of these days I'd like to print out some metal fans for my Kirbys.

 

[lesinutah]

3d

Printing parts is what I wantt to do.
You could make
-kirby wheels, handle grip, ends of cords, belt caps
-Old vacuums wheels wear out and are brittle.
-Adaptors for bags
There's people that would pay good money for parts.
If you become good you could charge a premium price.
I want to do it like I said and probably will in the fall.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

LesinUtah

Les,

Among the rarer parts I'd like to see you 3D-print, whenever you get around to it, are:
18" brush roll for Super Sweep (p/n 330376)
13" double bristle brush roll for COMVAC 1300 and Heritage (84) 1-HD, Heritage (II) Legend 2-HD and Legend II (p/n 500505)

Thank you,



Ben (KirbyClassicIII)