I found a TriStar CXL at a garage sale that I couldn't pass up for $40. I've never owned one before though I tried selling them once when I was in college. Thought it was impressive at the time, but standards for power were also alot lower then. This machine doesn't have any tools with it, but it's very clean and not even a scratch on it. I was going to refurbish it with used hose and tools which I can get from a dealer friend. My intention was to make it a daily user in my second home. The machine can't be more than 10 years old. Were these machines as powerful as the new ones? What about filtration? Is this worth it for this machine or do you see it simply as a future collectible?

I can't find nothing wrong with Compacts or tristars at all they are one of my all time favorites. They all work really well to me. I have the first compact to last the last one in my collection as well as the first tristar to the last one also

Skip...

Thanks skip. I've been a little concerned because the suction seems weak. Do you think a larger-amped Ametek/Lamb motor would fit in the machine?

Check your motor filter it could be dirty and also the bag could be dirty as well, I find that in alot of my vacs that the filters are usually dirty and the bag needs changing.

Skip...

Skip:

I understand the need to replace paper bags, but can the cloth bag be washed left to air dry?

John

The bag can be washed, but also look at the material the bag is made of. The newer microfiber type bags have breathe much better than the older cloth ones. The CXL should have the Lamb high efficiency motor, if not, one will fit. I have a CXL, and it is one of th most powerful vacuums I own and it cleans very well.

Be sure to ck and see that the top and bottom of the metal case is sealed into the bumper seal, all the way around the
machine. I have put new motors in compacts and not got them
sealed, even after servicing them. I have also seen motors not being sealed, just tilted or angled, or seal not right!
They are great machines, ck the suction at the machine and
then install hose and ck suction at the tool end. If the
hose is not the problem suction should be the same???!!

I want your opinions:

1.) Would you consider the TriStar to be effective at filtering the exhaust air? I'm curious about the "micro" filter attachment which fits over the blower port. Is it necessary, or even effective? Mine seems to reduce the suction a bit, though I know it's dirty.

2.) Are there any ways I can improve the filtration without compromising the suction? I had thought about maybe "double bagging" the paper bag inside the cloth bag??

3.) The cloth bag seems thicker that I remember from the older machines. It's one of the newer ones that's made out of that quilted fabric material (looks alot like the material Oreck uses to make their cloth bags for their uprights). Does it have any above average filtration characteristics of it's own?

As you can tell, I'm not too familiar with the specs of the machine. I guess I've always just been blown away by it's looks. Sure would appreciate some answers. Thanks!

Yes,the filtration of the TriStars is verey good-an optional "HEPA" exhaust filter is available to replace the standard one.the newer cloth bag is better than the old ones.sadly the new bag won't fit older machines-the bag lip is too thick.I have used "double bags" in Tristars-a drywall contractor I know off does that when he is cleaning up after a job-better filters out the drywall dust.If your exhaust filter is dirty-replace it.same with the foam filter that goes over the fan intake on the motor.The machines work beautifully with clean exhaust and motor "safety" filters.I have sold these DTD at one time.Oh-the older "Pignose" filter is excellent-wish they still used them-the complaint was is the filter fell off when the machine hit a wall or furniture.The foam element in it could be washed and reused-the pleated filter and carbon filter have to be replaced-they are not reusable.

What about the HEPA type filters that are made to fit over the fan intake on the motor? Do these restrict the air flow more or less than the "pig nose" filter that goes over the exhaust?

I haven't seen HEPA type filters that go over the motor intake.where do you get them-I don't beleive they are a TriStar product.sounds like aftermarket.If the machine is still under warrantee-would void the warantee.I have seen HEPA motor filters for Vortech vacuums but not for TriStar.

It is an aftermarket product and I don't have a warranty. I was just wondering if it looked better than it is.

I'm just doing some research here, as I am training to sell the new Tristar MG2.
What I know about the filters that are current is that the 'polyurethane dome filter' for over the motor (inside)is for filtering whatever might get through the bag.
The exhaust filter is now a first-layer activated charcoal filter, followed by a second-layer submicron filter, which filters anything larger than 0.03 microns.
"Incidentally, the flu virus is 0.05 microns, so this little baby can catch the flu before you do!"

:D

John:
The Tri-Star CXL had a Lamb High Efficiency motor. It's a very good one. If you need any help with it, just contact me. Will be happy to help you with it. I'll get you the repair parts (like a new bag, filter, etc.) at wholesale cost.

everything is fine with it for now. I don't have all the tools and it's not high on my list yet. I'm actually thinking about trying a more powerful Lamb motor because I'm not pleased with the suction. On the back burner for now.

Yes I am great fan of Tri-Star and Compacts. I do have quite a few in my colleciton. The one I do not have and not sure of the model number but someday I would love to have one is the orange one with the clear speckled attachments. Those are so cool to me. It is silly how little things can attract me like those clear speckled attachments...

David