Thread Number: 45346  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
3D printed Hoover 20 blade fan 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 469659   2/16/2024 at 22:39 by VacsofProsper (TX)        

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Post# 469666 , Reply# 1   2/17/2024 at 15:40 by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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It's just a download template, you need the machine to make it. I would bring into concern how it would hold up to high RPM forces and not explode into pieces. As I understand, 3D printed plastic is weaker than actual factory formed plastic.

Post# 469670 , Reply# 2   2/17/2024 at 18:28 by CaptChar (Niagara Falls)        

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now since I dabble in 3d printing, I've replicated the 500 series kirby wheels, im not sure what the RPM of the hoover elite motor is, I think the standard hoover fans today are ABS or something similar
Post# 469678 , Reply# 3   2/17/2024 at 23:09 by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hey

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Cap
Check your email please thanks
Les

Post# 469682 , Reply# 4   2/18/2024 at 03:46 by Vacuumman (California)        
Materials

 I've done quite a bit of 3D Printing and I won't really trust a fan made of normal, home-use 3D printing materials, just because I don't know what would happen if I accidentally suck up something hard. However, there are some services that print with stronger materials (using a laser to solidify powder), which may be able to withstand impacts better. There are also services that can make metal objects based on a 3D Model via methods such as lost wax casting, so it may be possible to create a metal Elite fan if you really desire (However, this may cost much more than the vacuum).

Post# 469684 , Reply# 5   2/18/2024 at 17:35 by CaptChar (Niagara Falls)        

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now I know nothing about metal printing but pcbway has these options, now the one thing I will say, i have to agree making a new fan for an older machine might be a headache, another solution would be to look around for a fan that will fit and still work the vacuum even if not correct
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Post# 469685 , Reply# 6   2/18/2024 at 19:08 by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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Cost is not an issue, you do whatever it takes to repair the vacuum. It's about preservation. That's why people are paying $60-$90 for Hoover Elites now, nobody preserved them and they are all gone, so when they come up for sale, they command big money as people fight to get one.

Post# 469688 , Reply# 7   2/18/2024 at 20:52 by CaptChar (Niagara Falls)        

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does anyone know what the original fan for one of these units looks like?
Post# 469689 , Reply# 8   2/18/2024 at 22:55 by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

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Vacuumman - A metal fan in a Hoover Elite? That would be awesome if one could be 3D Printed and made for those uprights! The increase in performance and durability would be noticeable.

And just imagine, a metal fan might just give it the same performance as a Kirby or Royal Metal upright with the metal fan. Oops, cue the outraged Kirby fans now for even suggesting that LOL :) .

Post# 469692 , Reply# 9   2/19/2024 at 03:30 by Vacuumman (California)        
Metal Fan

 I looked on Craftcloud3D and it will cost $136.97 for an aluminum fan and $213.88 for a stainless steel fan. Pretty expensive, but it probably wouldn't be the worst idea if you want something that is more durable.

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Post# 469693 , Reply# 10   2/19/2024 at 08:42 by kloveland (Tulsa)        

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What about balancing of the fan? How would you go about making sure it's balanced?

Post# 469694 , Reply# 11   2/19/2024 at 09:57 by CaptChar (Niagara Falls)        

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I got a quote from a local company here, for nylon carbon fiber, should put it on par with a kirby fan, so yeah there exists a means, its just a matter if 

A how strong this will be, and the durability life prices are in CAD
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Post# 469721 , Reply# 12   2/20/2024 at 14:40 by CaptChar (Niagara Falls)        

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as for balancing you could try a lawnmower blade scale, granted if the blade is made or printed professionally it might already be pretty balanced

also im seeing two different fans for the Elite, a 6 blade which was replaced by the 20 blade it seems
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This post was last edited 02/20/2024 at 14:58
Post# 469722 , Reply# 13   2/20/2024 at 16:11 by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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The issue with the metal fan would be if the motor is built to take that much weight and load. I wouldn't replace it with a metal fan, there's a chance you would increase the wear damage to the motor or overheat it.

Post# 469723 , Reply# 14   2/20/2024 at 19:26 by repairman (Woodridge, IL)        
Elite Fans

 I experimented a few months ago with this. I took a fan from an Oreck XL21 and expanded the 1/4 hole to 5/16 with a drill bit. No further modifications were necessary. I found the corresponding nut at Menards for less than a dollar. It's a 5/16-18 REVERSE thread.

Measuring suction from the intake with a 7 blade fan read 50" of water lift.

The Oreck fan read around 42". It was only used in the early XL21s that had a split fan case. Later units integrate the fan inside the fan chamber and it's sold as one piece.

I also tried a Eureka Bravo fan, but found it to be too tall even though the diameter was roughly the same.

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Post# 469732 , Reply# 15   2/21/2024 at 08:06 by kloveland (Tulsa)        

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Mike,

That is really smart! Thanks for the info. I will try using an Oreck XL 21 fan the next time I need a fan for an Elite.


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