Strangely, I have suddenly developed an unnatural interest in VACUUM CLEANERS. Just bought a Tri-Star MG1 that I drove 120 miles in the boiling desert heat to get (but it was well worth it at $60!) Here in Los Angeles, you can go cuckoo with vacuum cleaners, CL has 500 online any time you look. What is it about them that is so mesmerizing. Nobody collects electric can openers, toothbrushes, lawnmowers, lawn edgers, table saws, food processors or pasta machines. The only similar interest I have in other mechanical devices is in my vintage DRILL PRESS which was made in the age of American Sears 50's quality construction. Same fascination. They're almost like little people. Very weird. Somebody explain this.
What fascinates us about vacuum cleaners.
- Thread starter mattinla
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Some folks do collect lawnmowers-they are on this forum!And I do have a collection of power tools-two table saws-or machines that can be made to work as a table saw,drill press,lathe,horizontal drill press,disc-belt sander-Shop Smith have a 500 model and a 10ERMy Dad had a Shop Smith 10ER got to use it on occasion.Have MANY portable saws,drill,sanders.Also have a small food processor collection-so I guess some folks collect them.Not as popular as folks that collect mixers-have some of those,too-from the late Kelly that was on the appliance forum.
collecting appliances
I think for everything out there, someone collects it. I like vacuums for a few different reasons. I'm a blind person, so I focus on sounds quite a bit, I'm facinated by all the different sounds of vacuums, that's one reason I don't like the trend that a lot of vacuums have gone, The trend now is that most vacuums use smaller motors that spin much faster, they are known as screamers. A vacuum that uses a larger two stage motor is very rare now, I have read that the screamers do produce as much cleaning power as the larger motors, but I would think motors spinning that much faster would wear them out faster as well. My second reason for enjoying vacuums is all of the different designs. Each vacuum is slightly different, I prefer canisters of all types, whether backpack, central vacuum, round, or tank type. Uprights just don't appeal to me which is why I don't have any in my collection, but it just shows that there's a vacuum out there for everyone. Kind of makes me wonder, has the quality of other appliances gone down the way it has for vacuums? You can still get good quality vacuums, but you have to either get it on line, from a vac shop or get one of the vacuums that is sold door to door. You won't find anything decent in the department stores now besides Sears perhaps. Has the quality of mixers, blenders, drills, saws and other appliances decreased as well? The problem is that no one is willing to pay for quality anymore, buy it cheap and replace it every couple of years is how many consumers think.
Mike
I think for everything out there, someone collects it. I like vacuums for a few different reasons. I'm a blind person, so I focus on sounds quite a bit, I'm facinated by all the different sounds of vacuums, that's one reason I don't like the trend that a lot of vacuums have gone, The trend now is that most vacuums use smaller motors that spin much faster, they are known as screamers. A vacuum that uses a larger two stage motor is very rare now, I have read that the screamers do produce as much cleaning power as the larger motors, but I would think motors spinning that much faster would wear them out faster as well. My second reason for enjoying vacuums is all of the different designs. Each vacuum is slightly different, I prefer canisters of all types, whether backpack, central vacuum, round, or tank type. Uprights just don't appeal to me which is why I don't have any in my collection, but it just shows that there's a vacuum out there for everyone. Kind of makes me wonder, has the quality of other appliances gone down the way it has for vacuums? You can still get good quality vacuums, but you have to either get it on line, from a vac shop or get one of the vacuums that is sold door to door. You won't find anything decent in the department stores now besides Sears perhaps. Has the quality of mixers, blenders, drills, saws and other appliances decreased as well? The problem is that no one is willing to pay for quality anymore, buy it cheap and replace it every couple of years is how many consumers think.
Mike
The quality
Of ranges, refrigerators and most washers and dryers is absolutely abysmal, none have the beautiful fit and finish they used to have, rough edges, cheap paint instead of porcelain,no chrome, flimsy plastic handles...I could go on and on...
Of ranges, refrigerators and most washers and dryers is absolutely abysmal, none have the beautiful fit and finish they used to have, rough edges, cheap paint instead of porcelain,no chrome, flimsy plastic handles...I could go on and on...
wyaple
Well-known member
I like testing them
and then posting the results. Some results surprise people and some don't.
Bill
and then posting the results. Some results surprise people and some don't.
Bill
Quality long gone...
I have a TOOLKRAFT small 13" drill press from the early 50's and the quality is just incredible; plus it has a conscious design to it. I was trying to figure out what it would cost today to build something like this and I'm thinking like $1500 at the least. It sold originally for $75 bucks. I see the trend...everything is GENERIC now. One size, one design, one feature fits all, that's what you get.
I have a TOOLKRAFT small 13" drill press from the early 50's and the quality is just incredible; plus it has a conscious design to it. I was trying to figure out what it would cost today to build something like this and I'm thinking like $1500 at the least. It sold originally for $75 bucks. I see the trend...everything is GENERIC now. One size, one design, one feature fits all, that's what you get.
dysonman1
Well-known member
I think the reason people collect vacuum cleaners is because the design has not been finalized. Every electric dryer you've ever seen looks identical to every other one, and they get the clothes dry. Vacuum cleaners are different. They are the only appliance that was ever sold by door-to-door sales methods. And the design of the machine quite measurably affects its efficiency. With a clothes dryer, dry is dry. Vacuum cleaners do not get all the dirt out of the carpet. Many factors affect their efficiency including condition of the bag, condition of the belt, and condition of the brushes.
real1shep
Well-known member
<a name="start_34848.376118"></a>I think for everything out there, someone collects it.
Absolutely and unless you collect rocks/minerals.....people collect everything man made. I have a neighbor that collects antique toothpick holders and goes to a national toothpick convention every yr. And some of those TP holders go for over a thousand between collectors. Even books written on the subject.....I find that bizarre, but harmless.
So really, nothing would shock me as far as collectors/collections. And lets face it, the traditional stuff to collect like cars & furnishings are sky-high and so people search for alternatives that they can afford.
I have lots of 'mini' collections....I realize the folly in going further with them. When I cease to be amazed and don't enjoy them, I stop. I don't have to have every model and iteration....like they say, one man's junk is another man's treasure.
Kevin
Absolutely and unless you collect rocks/minerals.....people collect everything man made. I have a neighbor that collects antique toothpick holders and goes to a national toothpick convention every yr. And some of those TP holders go for over a thousand between collectors. Even books written on the subject.....I find that bizarre, but harmless.
So really, nothing would shock me as far as collectors/collections. And lets face it, the traditional stuff to collect like cars & furnishings are sky-high and so people search for alternatives that they can afford.
I have lots of 'mini' collections....I realize the folly in going further with them. When I cease to be amazed and don't enjoy them, I stop. I don't have to have every model and iteration....like they say, one man's junk is another man's treasure.
Kevin
collection limits
When it comes to collecting vacuums, since I really don't see what they look like, I usually limit what vacuums I get based on the motor they use, there are some exceptions, if a vacuum was really unique or a very good model I may get it even if it uses a motor that I already have. For example, I have a Miele C1 olympus, all of the current Miele models use the same motor so would have similar performance, therefore I would probably not get another one. Similarly, I have an Electrolux Olympia, so I probably would not bother getting a Super J because it uses the same motor.
Mike
When it comes to collecting vacuums, since I really don't see what they look like, I usually limit what vacuums I get based on the motor they use, there are some exceptions, if a vacuum was really unique or a very good model I may get it even if it uses a motor that I already have. For example, I have a Miele C1 olympus, all of the current Miele models use the same motor so would have similar performance, therefore I would probably not get another one. Similarly, I have an Electrolux Olympia, so I probably would not bother getting a Super J because it uses the same motor.
Mike
alexhoovers94
Well-known member
I have asked myself this question so many times in the past, it is just as confusing as wondering what life its self is about!
I really couldn't say why I like vacuums or where the interest came from...I think in all honesty, I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't have the interest, vacuums have been such a large part of my life for as long as I can remember, I know that sounds odd! Lol.
I don't think the interest will ever go away, however, I have met some really good friends via the vacuum collecting community...
I often wonder what my life would of been like, had I not found an unusual interest (borderline obsession) in vacuum cleaners...Heck, I would have a lot more space and money, Sometimes, things are not always so black and white, you have to just accept them for what they are...
As they say "some mysteries are better left unsolved" It may be some sort of curse! Lol.
I really couldn't say why I like vacuums or where the interest came from...I think in all honesty, I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't have the interest, vacuums have been such a large part of my life for as long as I can remember, I know that sounds odd! Lol.
I don't think the interest will ever go away, however, I have met some really good friends via the vacuum collecting community...
I often wonder what my life would of been like, had I not found an unusual interest (borderline obsession) in vacuum cleaners...Heck, I would have a lot more space and money, Sometimes, things are not always so black and white, you have to just accept them for what they are...
As they say "some mysteries are better left unsolved" It may be some sort of curse! Lol.
real1shep
Well-known member
Well, in the chainsaw collector's venacular it's called CAD (collectors addiction disease). We don't know how else to explain it, but it drives us to collect the damn things. I have no less than four forums of 'lost souls' that hit the 'Buy' button on eBay without reason. I was able to pull in the reins on this hobby only because I lack the space these days. If I still had my farm and all that storage potential, it would be pretty bad.
I was a logger in my 20's in the PNW so I kinda have my own reasons for collectiong and I still use a lot of the saws for work. Vacuums on the other hand....I can't give a reason other than working on small electric motors. I have uprights and not even a rug....PN's and not even a rug.....weird. Been ages since I've had wall-to-wall carpeting.
Kevin
I was a logger in my 20's in the PNW so I kinda have my own reasons for collectiong and I still use a lot of the saws for work. Vacuums on the other hand....I can't give a reason other than working on small electric motors. I have uprights and not even a rug....PN's and not even a rug.....weird. Been ages since I've had wall-to-wall carpeting.
Kevin
real1shep
Well-known member
<a name="start_34848.376153"></a>Similarly, I have an Electrolux Olympia, so I probably would not bother getting a Super J because it uses the same motor.
True, but they are vacs made within specific time periods. And the Super J inspite of its lackluster color scheme, is an historical vac from the CT factory due to the retooling and expense of that larger motor/canister...
It would be very easy to get sucked into 'timeline" Lux collecting. I'm almost there except I don't have a Oly 1 or a Silverado. You know, pick two vacs; one early and one late and collect everything in between. I'd do it if I had the space.
The sad thing is that if I have friends that move into a new carpeted dwelling or have their own vac break down, they call me. They know I won't 'lend out' but will vac their place.....and have fun doing it. Sad that I'm used that way and like it...lol.
Kevin
True, but they are vacs made within specific time periods. And the Super J inspite of its lackluster color scheme, is an historical vac from the CT factory due to the retooling and expense of that larger motor/canister...
It would be very easy to get sucked into 'timeline" Lux collecting. I'm almost there except I don't have a Oly 1 or a Silverado. You know, pick two vacs; one early and one late and collect everything in between. I'd do it if I had the space.
The sad thing is that if I have friends that move into a new carpeted dwelling or have their own vac break down, they call me. They know I won't 'lend out' but will vac their place.....and have fun doing it. Sad that I'm used that way and like it...lol.
Kevin
Mike, May I ask?
Were you always blind, or did that happen later? My father was blind, (well, for several years), so, we were all very well aware of how to deal with that. Before it happened, he'd plant VERY vibrant, colorful flowers in the yard, so he could still recognize them. His other senses were VERY strong. He also had a fierce ear for music.
I
I've also taught blind students, (both children AND adults).
I, too, LOVE the sounds of the older vacuums. There's nothing like the hum of a vintage Hoover. I was always good w/ the old Electroluxes, too.
Were you always blind, or did that happen later? My father was blind, (well, for several years), so, we were all very well aware of how to deal with that. Before it happened, he'd plant VERY vibrant, colorful flowers in the yard, so he could still recognize them. His other senses were VERY strong. He also had a fierce ear for music.
I
I've also taught blind students, (both children AND adults).
I, too, LOVE the sounds of the older vacuums. There's nothing like the hum of a vintage Hoover. I was always good w/ the old Electroluxes, too.
texaskirbyguy
Well-known member
What has fascinated me about vacuums is the looks – bright polished aluminum, a no-nonsense classic style, great power. Kinda like what draws me to Harleys! I had grown up using Kirbys and this is what I had seen. And after using Kirbys for over 40 years, I am fascinated even more at the quality. Restoring my daily driver opened up a new interest!
As for collecting stuff, almost everything is collected by someone, for whatever their reasons.
I say put your time, effort, and money where your passion is.
Everyone is different and have different interests, and have different things that make them happy. And in life, we need to do what makes us happy, as long as it is legal and moral and not causing a total headache for themselves or family members... Collecting is just one of those things. Many people I know collect different things - shot glasses, beer bottles, wine bottles, beanie babies, antiques, clothes, toys, washing machines, and so on. It only becomes a real issue if you are short of money or space to feed the addiction or where almost anything can be added to the collection.
Personally, I have been a collector of many different things, but all vintage. Seems like every 6 months I would collect one thing, then move to another. At least this has kept them as ‘mini collections’.... First it was tools, then nautical stuff, then ship parts, then bottles, then old radios, then vintage phonographs, then records, then console stereos, then 80's boomboxes, then chrome kitchen appliances, then old fans, then clock radios, then old Kirby vacuums... Luckily when I got most of this, I restored each item after getting it and then displayed it for use. I wanted all of it to be working as best possible to make my own museum of the past. Knowing most of it is in top shape makes me satisfied for keeping it, as it is usable, or worth something to a new collector. I have some junk for parts, and it is out of sight - have to have it though! I just discipline myself to know what or what not to get, as my space at home is limited and will be moving in about 5 years. I am doing pretty good.
My ladyfriend is on the edge of the other limit though. She collects teddy bears & stuffed Easter bunnies, and vintage (80s-90s) fancy clothing. However she has been doing so for 30+ years with little discipline! I did not mind the bears and bunnies as they are cute and are arranged in decorative ways. However the clothes are out of control, as she has started on the #4 closet, which is the last. I have been doing my best this year to help her control it and get ‘more picky’ at what she gets. I love how it looks on her but here is where space becomes an issue. The root of the problem is that the stuff is so darn cheap it is hard for her to resist!
As for collecting stuff, almost everything is collected by someone, for whatever their reasons.
I say put your time, effort, and money where your passion is.
Everyone is different and have different interests, and have different things that make them happy. And in life, we need to do what makes us happy, as long as it is legal and moral and not causing a total headache for themselves or family members... Collecting is just one of those things. Many people I know collect different things - shot glasses, beer bottles, wine bottles, beanie babies, antiques, clothes, toys, washing machines, and so on. It only becomes a real issue if you are short of money or space to feed the addiction or where almost anything can be added to the collection.
Personally, I have been a collector of many different things, but all vintage. Seems like every 6 months I would collect one thing, then move to another. At least this has kept them as ‘mini collections’.... First it was tools, then nautical stuff, then ship parts, then bottles, then old radios, then vintage phonographs, then records, then console stereos, then 80's boomboxes, then chrome kitchen appliances, then old fans, then clock radios, then old Kirby vacuums... Luckily when I got most of this, I restored each item after getting it and then displayed it for use. I wanted all of it to be working as best possible to make my own museum of the past. Knowing most of it is in top shape makes me satisfied for keeping it, as it is usable, or worth something to a new collector. I have some junk for parts, and it is out of sight - have to have it though! I just discipline myself to know what or what not to get, as my space at home is limited and will be moving in about 5 years. I am doing pretty good.
My ladyfriend is on the edge of the other limit though. She collects teddy bears & stuffed Easter bunnies, and vintage (80s-90s) fancy clothing. However she has been doing so for 30+ years with little discipline! I did not mind the bears and bunnies as they are cute and are arranged in decorative ways. However the clothes are out of control, as she has started on the #4 closet, which is the last. I have been doing my best this year to help her control it and get ‘more picky’ at what she gets. I love how it looks on her but here is where space becomes an issue. The root of the problem is that the stuff is so darn cheap it is hard for her to resist!
real1shep
Well-known member
Totally agree......
Rob! It really is about personal discipline. It's really easy to see where people go overboard.....especially the poor hoarders who have stacks to the ceiling and paths through their junk. I have been accused of being a hoarder by my youngest son. I invited him to watch the TV shows that illustrate real hoarding.
But he made a relevant point; all my stuff to him is just junk. So I need to make arrangements for disposal when I'm gone because he's not going to take the time to liquidate anything properly.
Kevin
Rob! It really is about personal discipline. It's really easy to see where people go overboard.....especially the poor hoarders who have stacks to the ceiling and paths through their junk. I have been accused of being a hoarder by my youngest son. I invited him to watch the TV shows that illustrate real hoarding.
But he made a relevant point; all my stuff to him is just junk. So I need to make arrangements for disposal when I'm gone because he's not going to take the time to liquidate anything properly.
Kevin
KenKart has to be the champion appliance collector-HAS THEM ALL!Collecting chainsaws-well a tool variant.I collect guns,ammo and yes have a small mineral collection-and seashells!Instead of a house one of my friends says I need to move into a castle!Oh yes-my collection of lights!portable or fixed.Mostly HID,LED.
blindness
I've been blind since birth, it was genetic, although no one else in the family has it that we know of. I'm also a music lover. There are certain vacuums that I really like the sound of, the Electrolux 1205 and Olympia are very nice, I also like the sound of the two stage motor that was used in the Electrolux plastic vacs, I'm not sure if all of them such as the advantage, diplomat, embassador etc. all used the same motor but they sound similar. I also love the sound of the Ametek motor that was used on many of the canisters from the late 1950's through the 1960's, that one and the 1205 sound similar although they are totally different motors. I will use the high pitch screamers, I have several canisters that have those motors, but the sound just has a cheaper quality to it. I also like the sound of the Sirena and rainbow. Even though I'm not an upright person, there was a particular upright at the museum that I really like the sound of, the motor in it actually sounded like a canister, it was either a Riccar or Simplicity 8000 or something similar, if I was in to uprights, I would have tried to get one of those although I don't think they are made anymore. Another motor I really like is the motor in the 1950's Kenkarts, a very soft gentle sound but quite powerful for the time.
Even though I only have a couple area rugs, I also have all of the major power nozzles in my collection, mainly because I find it interesting to compare the sound of their motors as well, and you never know when you may be able to help someone out by cleaning their place. I don't like the sound of the turbine nozzles, very annoying and they don't clean anywhere near as well as an electric nozzle anyway.
Mike
I've been blind since birth, it was genetic, although no one else in the family has it that we know of. I'm also a music lover. There are certain vacuums that I really like the sound of, the Electrolux 1205 and Olympia are very nice, I also like the sound of the two stage motor that was used in the Electrolux plastic vacs, I'm not sure if all of them such as the advantage, diplomat, embassador etc. all used the same motor but they sound similar. I also love the sound of the Ametek motor that was used on many of the canisters from the late 1950's through the 1960's, that one and the 1205 sound similar although they are totally different motors. I will use the high pitch screamers, I have several canisters that have those motors, but the sound just has a cheaper quality to it. I also like the sound of the Sirena and rainbow. Even though I'm not an upright person, there was a particular upright at the museum that I really like the sound of, the motor in it actually sounded like a canister, it was either a Riccar or Simplicity 8000 or something similar, if I was in to uprights, I would have tried to get one of those although I don't think they are made anymore. Another motor I really like is the motor in the 1950's Kenkarts, a very soft gentle sound but quite powerful for the time.
Even though I only have a couple area rugs, I also have all of the major power nozzles in my collection, mainly because I find it interesting to compare the sound of their motors as well, and you never know when you may be able to help someone out by cleaning their place. I don't like the sound of the turbine nozzles, very annoying and they don't clean anywhere near as well as an electric nozzle anyway.
Mike
alexhoovers94
Well-known member
There is difference between hoarding and collecting...
Collecting is a passion for and recognition of ones items, a collector takes care of their collection and tends to keep it is some sort of order and knows a lot about their pieces.
Hoarding is holding onto objects...Anything and everything, to try and fill an empty space in their life, which is a mental issue...Hoarders often have a hard time letting go of their "stuff" unlike a collector.
It is a fine line between the two, but is enough for them to be totally different and hardly related at all, when it comes down to it.
Collecting is a passion for and recognition of ones items, a collector takes care of their collection and tends to keep it is some sort of order and knows a lot about their pieces.
Hoarding is holding onto objects...Anything and everything, to try and fill an empty space in their life, which is a mental issue...Hoarders often have a hard time letting go of their "stuff" unlike a collector.
It is a fine line between the two, but is enough for them to be totally different and hardly related at all, when it comes down to it.
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