Thread Number: 36027  /  Tag: 50s/60s/70s Vacuum Cleaners
Kirby bag conversion
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Post# 386425   2/19/2018 at 23:36 (2,229 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        

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I have been reading about bag conversions for shake out bags. The most popular way is use heritage 2 mini emptor. I have used this very nice. I wanted a conversion for 2 prong emptors and conversion for d80 using d80 emptor.
I have extra fan bearing plates not used. I looked at it pretty similar shape to top of emptor. So I put the plate over the hole. If you used a liquid gasket the plate would cover entire hole. It has 4 screw holes jb weld or silicone or gasket would seal making it air tight.
If you used a drill bit circumference of a fill tube you could attach a fill tube to plate. On top get newer sentria fill tupe and you could use micron magic hepa bags newest the avalir uses.
The outer bags can be your choice.
My d80 I have a green top fill bag. My 505 508 510 I have kirby black too fill bag using top bag clamp.
Harbor freight has circular drill bits up to 3inches for under $10. I.m going to drill out plates hopefully have finished product soon.
It's no tradition 2 but your not using bearing plate and you don't have to buy new emptor. Top fill bag is my preference. You could use shakeout and cut out sani pocket or bag with full length zipper. Just gives you a few more options.


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Post# 386437 , Reply# 1   2/20/2018 at 08:46 (2,228 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

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In addition to this I think I would keep original bag and have a full length zipper put on it so you can easily change the bag just like a tradition and still have your beautiful original green D-80 bag.

Post# 386449 , Reply# 2   2/20/2018 at 14:40 (2,228 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey

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That's true I'll be sure to put one on have one laying around somewhere.

Post# 386458 , Reply# 3   2/20/2018 at 17:47 (2,228 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Red cord

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I'll bump this thread instead of making a new one. I received my 510 today. It has new black cord brown sanatronic top fill bag. It has original nozzle and bumper trim. The coolest thing is it has mickey mouse wheels. The wheels could fit on a toy car.
I have a red sanatronic bag I have red c3 wheels. I want a red power cord that fits older machines. The only cord red is c3 and if it's won't fit I'm wondering would a 2cb red fit. I think red 2cb came around same time tradition did but not positive. Well anyways red cord fitting a 510 info would be good to know thanks.
Les


Post# 386805 , Reply# 4   2/26/2018 at 20:36 (2,222 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Update

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So I got sentria 2 fill tube and full assembly. I went to cut plate and no. I would cut my hand off. I have the solution. I got cardboard basically made a template. I took to local paint and glass store. I showed template and said I need 3 in plexiglass. They brought in cutter and he said only material that would work is lean 1/4in
So I ordered 3 came to $65. It's 4 inch diameter circle with center 2 3/4 center curve out. Looks like a doughnut. It will fit perfect on emptor. I might silicone pvc pipe on hole opening and attach fill tube to it.
I'll show finished product and I think it will work well. Set up original emptor with best bag assembly.
Thanks for reading
Les


Post# 386918 , Reply# 5   2/28/2018 at 13:23 (2,220 days old) by jpsbgt (Oregon )        

Les you are a magician !

Post# 386938 , Reply# 6   2/28/2018 at 19:55 (2,220 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Lol

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I'm no magician the bearing plates did not work but lexan glass I'll seal using 3m double sided tape. If you put a bug gaurd on your car this double sided tape is what is used. It's in paint department at home depot. It's about 8 bucks for 50 or 100 feet. I may use same tape to seal the tube to lexan. I don't think I know this will work. I'll be able to use my emptors which fit vacuum and have kirbys best bagged hepa system even better than legend 2. Thanks for compliment I just wanted my d80 to have green emptor and my 505 508 to be able to have a bagged system. The mini emptor is 3 prong and doesn't fit 2 prong older machines.

Post# 387477 , Reply# 7   3/7/2018 at 22:41 (2,213 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Update

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I have received the lexan glass. I found parts at plumbing section of Hardware store. I'm waiting 2 days for adhesive to dry. This setup works. I used double sided 3m tape on 505-512 version and the tired vacuum had more sun tonight power.
If I could produce lexan piece less than 23 a piece it is super idea. I know lexan works but if I want to sale some to people I need cheaper material.


Post# 387484 , Reply# 8   3/7/2018 at 23:12 (2,213 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Price

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If I can get costs down. I can change lexan out for 6.50 product. Like a double sided tape but is also a gasket. I'd say about a dollar. Hose assembly I could get to
$5. Generic shake out 8 bucks. Zipper $12. Little fabric to hold top of bag 50 cents. Bag topper 2.50.
So I could produce a sentria 2 style bag assembly including outer bag for 30-35.
If I could Install zippers myself save $11.
This could drop costs to 20-25.
The Kirby legend 2 bag was mini emptor runs right around $50. They Include emptor. I could sale a superior product for same price $50. Say $7 for shipping brings total 32.50 add 13 percent ebay charge. $40 leaving 20 percent margin.
If became big margins could go down. I'm thinking of selling a few. I know it's not a huge market but it would fit 505 to classic. People could use older vacuums without changing anything. You could convert any system to bagless and older machines would get used instead of thrown Away.
It's unrealistic pipe Dream.
But who would spend $50 for bagging system of newest kirbys' you could interchange between any square emptors. I like heritage 2 setup but it doesn't let you use original emptors. It also has limited bags THAT FIT. AM I Crazy yes but if concept works I'd buy one.
I'll take pictures soon of lexan version.
Lss


Post# 387647 , Reply# 9   3/10/2018 at 00:36 (2,211 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Finish product

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I have one bag assembly totally complete. The other bag assembly just needs fill tube and f style sentria 2 bag adapter.
I. Tried on. My 510 before I realized toe touch broke with no tune up it still had alot of suction power. Not only does it pick up better much better its easier on motor since not restricting motor it has the best bagging system kirby makes. Even better than vaunted legend 2 bag system with minimal I emptor. Heritage 2 tube is 2" this is 2.75 inches giving 37.5% more air flow. It uses hepa bags not micron magic paper bags. Making even more efficient.
I'll try to show videos in near future.


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Post# 388682 , Reply# 10   3/21/2018 at 17:14 (2,199 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey

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I have an update.
I have had 5 top fill sanatronic bags with invisible zippers sewn on. I ordered material to have sewn inside the bag to hold top of f tube.
I was debating on whether or not to continue to use lexan for seal on emtor. I am and I'm going to try to cut it myself. I am going to change size hopefully perfect fit. If it's a perfect fit I won't have to sale emptor. I have found adhesive to hold tubing to lexan. It's various pieces fit together and I'm using 2.75 in fill tube I bulk ordered and sticking with the sentria 2 fill top. I'm just waiting for parts. I have my d80 using bag setup.
The flow is awesome only issue is cannister mode I think pops bag. This is easily solved with zipper to verify. But straight vacuuming my d80 picks up just as good as my late model sentria. I' found a 4 roll brush roll for my d80 too. This will help even more with carpet agitation.
I need a tripod to mount phone to make videos. I thought I video editing my latest vacuum with d80 nope I got 2 seconds in. Hopefully I'll get tri pod and have videos shortly.
Les


Post# 388730 , Reply# 11   3/22/2018 at 09:45 (2,198 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

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Can't wait to see more

Post# 389145 , Reply# 12   3/26/2018 at 23:49 (2,194 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Update

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I have received lexan sheet going to cut my own.
The vacuum outer bags have invisible zipper installed. I received nylon fabric. It's getting sewn on. It will attach to f adapter top and snap into place. This will hold bag tubing up.
I think with right size lexan glass I won't have to sale emtor it will be snug and seal with adhesive..
I got a 4 row brush roll for my d80. I have bag assembly on vacuum took shakeout bag off. I was going to make a YouTube video. I bought a tripod for phone. I have a pixel xl2 so camcorder is good for you tube. I'll get lexan cut in by Wednesday. I'll seal it up. I hope later this week bags will be finished. I should have bag and finished product.
I have some kirby vacuum bags that are missing spring goes inside bag holds bag to emtor.
I was wondering if anyone knows where to get springs.
My YouTube account is utah vacuum guy.
I'll try to upload my d80 with 4 brush roll in action.
Sorry this is taking so long. I really appreciate people interested. I just want to buy best mouse trap make sure design has all issues fixed with final product.
Les


Post# 389349 , Reply# 13   3/28/2018 at 22:20 (2,192 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Small update

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I have lexan it's not cut. The bags are all but finished just need piece of material to hold top of f adapter.
So I need to cut lexan. I need to cut small pieces of pvc to attach to lexan.
I have vacuum fill tube and topper ready. I can't cut fill tube yet until I get the bags.
I have received tripod to record.
My d80 I put new 4 roll brush roll. I put on a newer belt. The tension spun the fan bearings.
So while I wait for bags I complete teardown and rebuilt 2 d80s. I made sure everything was correct.
On 1 d80 I just need to install safety switch put on fork nozzle and it's done. The other needs front axle 4 wheels switch and nozzle.
I did this so I can do a video on d80 with 4 roll brush roll show can doa


Post# 389820 , Reply# 14   4/4/2018 at 16:46 (2,185 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Update

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I have a video of vacuum assembly on 561. Its uploading to YouTube now. Ill post the link when it gets done downloading.
The sewing lady i haven't heard from in a week. She just has to so material on the bag to hold f adapter assembly. I got lexan and i cut it myself. It was not to hard. I used bimetal hole saw bits. Long story short the diameter of the hole is still too small. I ordered more lexan and almost certain that its right diameter i need.
Without the bags no new pics. I just wanted to show video.


Post# 389826 , Reply# 15   4/4/2018 at 18:59 (2,185 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Update

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Post# 390020 , Reply# 16   4/7/2018 at 00:12 (2,183 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Bags

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I have 4 bags finished ready for bag assembly.
They are too fill bags with zipper installed. They have a nylon material that holds the too of f adapter. The material goes through hole and back up snaps onto itself.
I should have final finished item maybe Wednesday of next week at the latest.
I did post a video of bag system on my 561 i just purchased.
Its a little busy but you can hear the motor running strong. The suction was superb. It has more power and i mean a lot more power than shakeout.


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Post# 390690 , Reply# 17   4/18/2018 at 23:45 (2,171 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Update

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I have parts vacuum to fix d80. I posted a couple videos showing bag. The d80 im taking out everything except armature and field coil. Installing new bearings washers everything except armature and coil will be new. I got bearing plate with bearings installed. Ill put armature on drill using commjter stone clean it upvrease everything.
The bags are done getting 3 more done will be done in 10 days.
I uploaded e videos 2 are d80 using bag assembly. I have everything ready for production or sale.
I just need to get bit adapter off dril bit to cut othef adapter plates.
Im a bit timid showing people as i know conversion could be replicated by someone and my work would make someone else money. Im going to talk to a pattwn person.
I have a few other things that are potentially game changer idea. The other ideas are amazing and could make collectors excited.
Enjoy videos. The bag conversion kit im probably selling for $120. That includes bag fill tube and entire bag assembly. You just have to use an adhesive seal into place.
In video i show my 510 emtor with kit in it. I might get 519 you see as my logo and vacuum with it showing it in action.
Am i crazy any thoughts.
Les on my you tube channel 3 new videos. Feel free to subscribe.
Les


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Lesinutah's LINK


Post# 394069 , Reply# 18   6/29/2018 at 23:26 (2,099 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
Les, I love it

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Where are you now on the conversion? Are you gonna sell them as you wrote about?

Post# 394119 , Reply# 19   6/30/2018 at 21:47 (2,098 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey

lesinutah's profile picture
I have 4 of 8 just have to assemble as i have all the pieces. The lexan has been giving me fits on the last few. I just been busy working and organizing vacuums.
Yes i will be selling them.
Hopefully mid next week ill have all bags completed.
Im glad people are interested in them..
Ill get in it and finish them.
Les



Post# 396973 , Reply# 20   8/19/2018 at 17:05 (2,048 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Opinion

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Post# 396976 , Reply# 21   8/19/2018 at 17:41 (2,048 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Reply

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Ok
The text hasn't been working on replys.
Okay these are complete bag assembelies.
I have 5 or 6 different bags. I have a couple top fill and a couple sanatronic style. They all have invisible 10-12 inch black zipper to access bag. I have toppers for all bags. I just wanted to gauge what everyone thinks. I'll state only once I am patent pending this I had to for sewer to even touch these. The bags have a tent material inch across. The material is durable and lightweight. It is about 8-12 inches of material folded in half. The 2 ends have snaps built in. So the material goes down loops in top of f type bag adapter. It loops around snapping into place it holds up f bag adapter and snaps together finishing loop.
The bottom plate is lexan glass. I have some 1/8 and some 1/4 inch in depth clear and white colors. I used this clear hose for fill tube. The black Kirby sentria 2 looks great but does not function as well. The Kirby tubing when I put d80 in cannister mode used portable handle clicked top of bag in appropriate position the black tubing kinked blocking everything. This 2.75 inch tubing has wire built into the hose. The hose is industrial tubing used in cabinet shops for dust collecters. The hose I had to snip on one side to fit around PVC and fill tube. I put 2 zip ties and used white flex seal tape. I admit the tape isn't pretty and in future I'll fix that. The tubing is sealed and it's ready to go. It sits on top of the emtor hole. I will give name of adhesive to whoever I sale it too. The adhesive takes 24 hours to dry and air tight seal.
I'll tell you the costs of everything to gauge price.
Lexan $13 for 12x12 sheet.
Cutting bits for lexan was $60 between 5 plates(these are mother truckers to cut).
$7 for bottom tubing
$6-8 for fill tube
9 for 5 adapter
$3for button $15for zipper and install
The bags 25-35 each. I bought new replacement aftermarket bags.
The price is above it's between 12-15 shipping. I didn't include adhesive because it's flammable and post office makes you send them ground taking much longer.
Ill be adding more pics of other bags. I'm ready to sell I'm just trying to get opinions.
Les


Post# 396978 , Reply# 22   8/19/2018 at 18:11 (2,048 days old) by Phaeton (Los Angeles )        
HEPA F&G Bags

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Hello All,
Until someone figures out a simple easy way to use Kirby F bag on 519 or D80 I am using these with one of zipper bags that are a non-Kirby branded item.
So I lose the Emptor, but I can always put it back on and I have not destroyed it. Works for me.
Good luck to all of you,
Pete


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Post# 396983 , Reply# 23   8/19/2018 at 19:28 (2,048 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey

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That works. You can use a pantyhose to line bag too.
You probably could get f bag adapter hook like f and g to exhaust.
The f and g restricts air flow by as much as 50%. This is as close to have no bag as it gets. I could do test on Baird meter with hose showing results. This fits 505 to d80. There is alternative to this but hepa bags and the most airflow not bogging down the motor. It basically improves efficiency of Motor. The f and g wears out motor. This is like motor having performance exhaust. It is same concept it improves exhaust aiflow not causing back pressure on motor. I got my 4amp motor within 20cfm of sentria. My d80 I have not tested and my tradition within 4cfm of sentria. The tradition is 5-5.5 amp motor and sentria I believe is 6-6.5or 7 amp. To get a 13 inch 4amp vacuum that close is impressive. The setup has 3/8 more airflow than heritage setup. I have a 1cr with 5amp motor I'm going to test in next couple days.
There are alternatives but the vacuums run at peak performance and save money on parts. This in almost all cases is more than you bought Kirby for. My 505 is only vacuum I paid over $100 for. I can't justify it's for everyone. I just wanted to use same emtor and original vacuum without shake out bag or f and g. I want to use my d80 and not ruin bag over time motor etc. I appreciate feedback though. In vacuum with f &g your about$50 and even back logged motor will pick up better than most vacuums out there. It's not for everyone it's for collectors who want to use vacuum have benefits of hepa bags performance and machine looks maintained.
Les


Post# 397014 , Reply# 24   8/20/2018 at 12:25 (2,047 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
LEs,

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Thanks for posting this... I may be interested... I like the idea of you already sealing it all up (the epoxy or whatever). I've attached the more modern mini emptor and hepa bag set up on my 516 and D80 with great results ( like others have). I DO LIKE the idea of keeping the original metal/pretty emperors though but with HEPA bag.... I"d be real interested in your flow test results on the 1-CR too as I have 2 of them as well.

Post# 397036 , Reply# 25   8/20/2018 at 18:38 (2,047 days old) by Phaeton (Los Angeles )        

phaeton's profile picture
Hey Les,
I like your idea of using pantyhose. What brand did you use?
At this point I have not had a Kirby stop working and they seem to pick up great.
Keep up your good work,
Pete


Post# 397053 , Reply# 26   8/21/2018 at 01:09 (2,047 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey pete

lesinutah's profile picture
I didn't come up with pantyhose it was Chris I thinks his sign on is hmc. I know they have pantyhose in little containers for about a dollar. I think 3,*5inch circumference is what you would need. I didn't come up with just idea he passed along. That's all I have now. I'm getting fan for my 1cr I'll do complete tune up see if I can get plate cut for circle emtors. Ihavr everything to do f and g setup I'll try a few texts maybe get volt meter see how they run. Thanks for positive feedback.
I sold the d80 bag I'm going to have to take pics of other bags.
Les


Post# 412311 , Reply# 27   8/2/2019 at 20:12 (1,700 days old) by Gj9696 (Prosper)        

Hi,Lesinutah. I plan on doing this HEPA bag project for my model 517, Classic 1-CR, Omega, and III. Should I use lexan sheet 1/4 thickness or 1/8? And I was wondering what size PVC pipe I should use for the fill tube. Thanks!

Post# 412315 , Reply# 28   8/2/2019 at 22:53 (1,700 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Lol

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I'd worry about cutting Lexan. I've burned up 2 drills doing it. 1/8" half the time break. 1/4" is so hard to cut. Pick your poision. I'll not give away the size of pipe I'm pretty sure you can figure it out. I've done them all all models. There are multiple ways they can be made.
Les



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