Vintage machines as daily drivers

[citroenbx]

my vax 121

 

[kirbylux77]

Well, I do use vintage vacuums as daily drivers. However, the problem I have always found is the bags & filters they use. For instance, Filter Queen & Compact/Tristar vacuums, Kenmore canisters that use 5023 bags, uprights that use Hoover C & Eureka F&G bags....I have found that those vacuums, the bags clog more easily & make the vacuum lose airflow & suction faster than new vacuums that use HEPA Cloth bags.

My Electrolux canisters are a perfect example of this. Put in a 4 ply bag, & they filter well but clog easily, have to take it out & give it a good shake, then put it back in to restore suction. Use the Type C HEPA Cloth bags for them, though, & they filter much better & last longer before losing suction. Also, call me crazy, but I do like some of the features on modern vacuums....quick release wands & variable speed controls, for instance.

Will - Vintage vacuums aren't necessarily easier to maintain or clean better than modern vacuums. Look hard enough, & you can easily find modern vacuums that are equal to their vintage counterparts. However, having said that, the older cleaners are better quality than modern cleaners, unless you're willing to shell out big bucks & buy a high end brand, like Miele or Sebo.

Rob

 

[kirbylux77]

Reply 11

Robert, are you sure you like that pic for the Kirby? Hmm, something tells me you might be more interested in Danielle Fishel than the Kirby! . So turn in your gay card, LOL.

Rob

 

[packardmanken]

Vintage Daily Drivers

Living with my partner, who suffers from severe allergies, two dogs and a cat (none of whom will wipe their feet, I vacuum pretty much, every day! I have a good opportunity to choose a different vac for daily use. For true cleanliness, I regularly use my Rainbow. No matter how old it is, it is still a water filter and does what it has always done best, filter. My older vacs dont do much for out new deep, plush carpet. (wish I had never done this) but the filter queens famous rug tool does a pretty good job with NO dust escaping. But if I want compliments on the carpet (lines, fluffed up nap, etc) I fall back on my Eureka uprights. They do a beautiful job of grooming the carpet, cleaning etc. But I do stay on top of the vacuuming, so they do not have to work too hard! But my secret weapon in the old vac arsenal, is a "bo-jacked" Filter Queen that I mated a Rainbow power nozzel to. Now THAT will do the job!! Enjoy all of your collected vacuums, finding out the merits of each one, and the pitfalls. Its a great hobby with a great by-product!

 

[hismastersvoice]

I'm currently using my Kirby 508 as my daily driver, but I occasionally alternate. I'm looking for a Hoover 541 or a 700 at the moment which will be next in rotation. I like keeping my nice machines clean, so I don't use them all for sucking up dirt, but I do run the motors once a month or so.