Singer A-1 & A-2 Brochure Copyright 1929

[phaeton]

Hello All,
Just thought that some of you would find this interesting. I believe the brochure was used for both Singer A-1 and A-2. I had an A-2 a few years back.
I think these were designed or built by Sturtevant. Other Members most likely know more about these early Singer vacuums.
Thank you for looking,
Pete

 

[dysonman1]

The difference between the models was the model 1 had a sleeve bearing motor and a large rectifier to reduce the speed. The rectifier was strapped to the handle. The Stuartevant didn't have a two speed motor. The model 2 had a ball bearing motor and no rectifier.

 

[phaeton]

Singer A-2 Vacuum

Hello All and dysonman1,
Thank you dysonman1 I now understand. If I am right the A-2 used what became the R-1 handle with 2-Speed switch.
I sold the A-2 many years ago and while that might have been a mistake I am okay with it.
When I bought it I was told both wheels had bad flat spots which can be seen in the last picture.
Also in the last picture you see something like a 4 inch long comb behind the nozzle which might have been what they called the "Air Brush"?
Thank you for looking,
Pete

 

[dysonman1]

That was the ball bearing model. Thanks for the pics. That comb was for lint and hair that the 'air brush' (which worked like the Rainbow Jet-Air rug tool) missed.

 

[madman]

A 'rectifier' to reduce the motor speed? Could you elaborate?

 

[rolls_rapide]

@phaeton:

Referencing your photos #5 & #4 in Reply #2, and photo #3 in your original post, the 'Air Brush' seems to work as follows...

The cleaner draws air through the soleplate narrow slot in the middle (photo #5).

When brought into contact with the carpet pile, the majority of the air is still drawn towards that point, however that airflow becomes restricted and then finds an easier route...

Air is then drawn through gaps in the soleplate next to the rubber bumper area (photo #4).

This airflow is directed downwards at angles, towards the centre suction slot. You can make out a slight gap between the actual suction slot and the soleplate itself; notice that there are small 'spacers' fitted to maintain this gap - three on the front and three at the rear (photo #5).

The diagram in the original post, photo #3 shows the principle.

Dyson used the same general principle on the crevice and upholstery tools of the DC07 model. Notice the air slots, designed to dislodge the surface dust.

 

[phaeton]

Hello Rolls_rapide and all,
I tried that after I made some wooden wheels when I owned the A-2 and I never really saw the advantage.
I believe in 1924 or so I think I would have bought a Hoover 541 over the Singer A-1 or A-2.
While saying that I do believe my Singer R1 is a great dirt picker upper and possibly as good as my Hoover 800 2-speed.
If one wants they can check this out on YouTube: Sturtevant Vacuum Cleaner circa 1915
It is similar to the Singer A-1 and A-2.
Thank you for looking,
Pete