Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mini Vacuum Attachment

A few of you commented on my W.I.P. post, asking for more information about the mini vacuum attachment set that I recently purchased, so I'll leave you with this little post so you know where I bought it from and what I think of it so far.

I purchased the set from Sara's Vac Shack on eBay. It was the most reasonably priced that I could find online, including shipping costs to Canada. I had not ordered from this shop before. As you will see from the link, they sell sets for various makes of vacuum cleaners but from what I can see, I wouldn't be surprised if it was really actually quite universal. The set that I bought is for Eureka, but it also fits on a different vacuum we have of a different brand.

As you can see, it comes with several different attachments including 2 with brush ends. The angled adapter (in the center of the photo) has been useful because of course you still have to deal with the upper part of the machine getting in the way as you try to suction out the bobbin area!! It allows you to get in there just a bit better.

The one problem I have with the system is this....

This is the adapter that obviously the flexible hose fits onto one end, and your regular vacuum cleaner hose fits in the other end. See those little "vents"?? That part turns so that more or less of the "vent" is open. It can only be turned as far as halfway closed, and it doesn't stay in place. I wonder if this is necessary since you are putting a regular cleaner's suction power through such a small hose, but it seems like a lot of suction is lost because of those vents. It does still seem to suck up lint, and I've been holding my hand over the vents while I use it which does increase the suction a bit more, but that is the one foible that I have with the system. I feel like it could work just a bit better. I may still email the shop owner and ask, and will keep you updated.

But overall, it does seem to do what I need it to do and I am happy that I am able to get in there and get all that fuzz out of my machine. It does work MUCH better than trying to do it with a regular vacuum.

6 comments:

CJ said...

I have a vacuum system similar (or maybe identical) to this one...I should actually USE it though. :S

Jenelle said...

It also came with all of those attachements? This looks pretty handy!

Debbie said...

very cool!

sharnymcclarny said...

I was drawn to your blog through "Sew Many Ways" Friend Friday post. Your quilts are so inspirational. In my younger days, I made full size quilts, but now I'm down to table toppers, minis and wall hangings. Fingers just don't work like they used to. Hope you will check my blog out as well. Your Friday Friend, Sharon

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

thanks for the info, Heather!

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

I bought the same one at the show that sells the Janome machines locally. Most sewing machine stores sell it for $14. I took a course from a tech 2 years ago when I bought it, and he said it's like that so it doesn't suck too hard and damage anything. I like it - I use it all the time. Canned air is bad b/c it blows crap deeper into the parts. Crap... I mean lint : ) Sometimes if it isnt' sucking up what i need it too, I block the vents with my hands for extra oomph.