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You're right Doug, I was only thinking about one side of the line. I suppose it would work if I installed a polorized plug. I was thinking a dropping power resistor because this still would be smaller than trying to fit an isolating step down transformer inside the body of the vacuum. But I totaly agree, using a transformer would be the safest way to go.

So this morning the Lewyt powers up again, but now there are 44 volts on the wands! ouch LOL. Something tells me I better not be vacuuming the cement workshop floor barefoot next to a leaking washer with this baby.
 
Sounds like the winding insulation is melting off. The more the insulation melts off the better the connection becomes. I dont know if the motor itself will keep running either as the primary must also have a bare spot that is shorting over.
 
Hey Robert,
Glad to hear you haven't been shocked by the Lewyt.
Does sound like you've been close to some shocking opportunities.
My concern was the reason for my call, but then again dealing with vintage machines is something you do well.
What a shame they (Lewyt designers) didn't use more common sense when attempting to accommodate a power nozzle.
Very interesting to read your commentary as you explored attempting to work with this machine.
I can't imagine the number of housewives, back in the day, that were almost "taken out" as they beater swept their homes.
Unbelievable.
Still, a very interesting machine to have in your collection.
Got your voicemail ... will be calling back this week.
Take Care!!
Pat
 
It looks to me as though (like most power nozzle motors), it's a universal motor, indicating it can run off of DC or AC. AC in the high voltage ranges is more safe, but lower voltages, I don't think it matters. The resistor would not work, like Doug said. If I ever end up designing a vacuum, I'll definitely design it like a Lewyt, but the power nozzle will run on a low voltage, but the wand will have small wires running in it. It will also use a transformer. Due to Ohm's Law, if the resistance remains the same, the current increases as voltage decreases, which means there should not be a drop in power (watts). I was able to mess with Toby's electric, but it has the same fate as many...such a shame! I am surprised they didn't last longer...

~~K~~
 
Oh...I forgot to mention. Maybe you could replace the motor with an older Lewyt motor and just put in a transformer. That'd probably be the best to get it to work correctly. Good luck!

~~K~~, future E.E.! :-)
 
OK - My Lewyt

I got this machine complete from Charles Richard Lester. One of the first of my collection. Tania and Fred S. helped me restore it. It does not have an original hose or cord (I still have them), but the machine is beautiful. I have all the original attachments somewhere, I just have to find them. Here is a glam shot. Luckily (or unluckily, it is not the Electronic, so it doesn't shock you) but not a bad vacuum! We'll have to trot this out this weekend. Those machine hose ends rotted and became useless (they were held in by the suction.) Luckily we found a good one!

4-7-2008-20-33-8--compactelectra.jpg
 
Finally

Something I haven't seen before. A genuine Lewyt hose and attachment holder. Proudly up on the wall in the vacuum room. I now have a new appreciation for it. The finish matches the machine. How many of these do you see?

4-7-2008-20-40-32--compactelectra.jpg
 
Solid & Robust

Another great find there Robert, soon have as many vacs as washers!! this looks a really solid machine, love the hammerite blue...

Those Lewyt Speed Sacs where also used over here in the Bylock Table Vac, dont know how the tie between these two companies came to be..

Fred , is red inner lining of the lid a "Fabric" or paint??

Cheers, Mike
 

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