Thread Number: 39182  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
One of the very few: Vorwerk 115 volt
[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 415648   11/9/2019 at 08:19 (1,601 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        

broomvac's profile picture
Hi all,

I am becoming the proud new owner of a 115 volt Vorwerk model VK 117, complete with an ET30 powerhead. 😁

Were these sold DTD over here? Clearly, whoever was selling them did not sell many.

I’ll need to source a disposable bag, but that won’t be a problem. I could modify this machine for top fill, but I think I’ll keep it original and just cut the top off one of my Sebo X7 bags for use with the bottom fill setup. The belt (might) be more of a challenge, but after scouring the web, I discovered the hint that Hoover (Quadraflex?) powerhead belts 38528011 just might fit. Now, those belts aren’t exactly plentiful either, but at least one of the shops here has 6 or so in stock. I have one ready to try out on the Vorwerk once it arrives. However, if any of you have a better belt solution for me, please share!

It seems that this vacuum also has some kind of brush bar wear compensation mechanism. I’m sure I’ll figure out exactly how that works once I have the vac in my hands, but in the meantime, I won’t turn down any expert explanations. This is one of the few vacuums out there with which I have little knowledge/experience.

Will keep you all posted. It looks like it should shine up nicely!


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 5         View Full Size
Post# 415653 , Reply# 1   11/9/2019 at 14:39 (1,601 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
They sold very well over here in the 1970's

When I was a kid, I used to see these a lot in commercial use and I guess hotel manager liked them in particular for the housekeepers cart. It made sense because they were lightweight. I always liked them because they were quirky and so different from the larger, heavier American uprights. Vorwerk makes a lot of innovative machines. I'd love it if they ever brought them back to the U.S.

Post# 415663 , Reply# 2   11/9/2019 at 17:18 (1,600 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Pun

lesinutah's profile picture
The post is meant to be funny. The vacuum looks like an Oreck with a Hoover bag on it and the bottom looks like it's a power nozzle.
Vorwerk means before work in German. It's better than No Va which means no going Spanish to English.
It's similar to the electric broom that almost every vacuum company in US used same body style.
Okay hopefully I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.
Les


Post# 415665 , Reply# 3   11/9/2019 at 19:50 (1,600 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
We definitely could use a new brand in our vacuum stores and maybe even high end housewares retailers like Williams Sonoma and Best Buy and Lowes. The best part of the Vorwerk line-up is their assortment of unique cleaning attachments, such as the Polsterboy mini power nozzle and the powered bare floor mop head. The only design element I don’t like is the bottom-fill bag. There is no way that design can maintain a clean seal throughout the life of the vacuum. Eventually, the accumulated dirt and hair and dust at the bottom of the bag will affect the automatically-closing flap.

Post# 415666 , Reply# 4   11/9/2019 at 19:56 (1,600 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        

broomvac's profile picture
@luxlife—Cool! I had no idea! I was born ~25 years later than the era you describe, so I guess that’s why I never got much exposure to Vorwerk in America. Were the ones you saw were labeled “Vorwerk” or “Advance Mighty Maid?” Mix of both?

@Les—No hurt feelings here! I agree, actually; it’s a very unique “broom” style vacuum. I like small, unique direct air vacuums, so it’s no surprise that this one appeals to me, too!

In the (fingers crossed, hopefully unlikely) event I need to replace or clean/grease the motor bearings, I’ll need to remove the little black cooling fan on top of this vacuum’s motor. Does anyone know how it is fastened to the shaft? I don’t have the vac yet so I haven’t yet gotten a good look. Is it pressed or threaded on? I’d probably be SOL if I broke it.


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 415673 , Reply# 5   11/9/2019 at 23:46 (1,600 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Pic

lesinutah's profile picture
Looking at pics of the motor notice top center is a circular piece. The third pic shows the circular piece isn't attached to the fan. If you can remove the cap. It will pop up or push down. Once that is out of the way I imagine it is snug and you pull upwards.
I never worked on one or seen one but the little circle piece once removed it should come off.
Les


Post# 415675 , Reply# 6   11/10/2019 at 00:26 (1,600 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Sort of thought of Vorwerk as the German Kirby!

Post# 415896 , Reply# 7   11/13/2019 at 20:37 (1,596 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        

broomvac's profile picture
Well, the eBay seller has messaged me to tell me that the vacuum was stolen from their van. I’ll leave it at that.

Anywho, no Vorwerk for me. Oh well. This just leaves more room for a Kirby Sentria.



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy