Gonna put in a good word here for the Orek XL handheld vacuum....
I've been very happy for the most part with my Orek XL handheld, which I bought at the start of 2022. Has a Hepa filter, and paper bags that catch and hold dust very well. Previous vac was DirtDevil that lasted ~20 years. Bearings were finally going bad on it. Orek has lots better suction. Standard size tools came with it, but are augmented by a computer cleaning set of small attachments purchased long ago. Also long ago, I replaced the original hose that came with computer set with cross-woven reinforced hose to keep it from collapsing. The Orek can have the hose attached to either in- or out-put ports, but it only locks into place on the input. The shoulder strap is comfortable.
Downsides have been few. The electric plug is backwards to what I grew up with, i.e. the large prong on the left. And it can overheat if the computer brush and small hose are used for too long. When overheated, the unit just shuts off and must cool for 5-10 minutes before resuming with no problems. The bags are easy to change, hold quite a bit, and cost around $1 each.
The Orek is a bit larger than the DirtDevil was, so I had cause to replace and upgrade my entire cleaning toolbox, which became part of upgrading the professionalism of my entire tool and supply box setup.
I stopped trying to use customer's vacuums when Dustbusters came out. Give me a good old Kirby any day though!
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Dwight D Denzer, RPT
Dwight's Piano Works
Springfield, IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-03-2022 19:13
From: Loren Kelley
Subject: Vacuum Cleaner
I see that others have recommended the Metro Vac n Blow, and I agree
that it's a great vacuum. I use the model VNB-7B, which is 1.17 HP I
think. Others said they use the 4 HP model, but I find this one to be
very good for almost everything. These vacuums are great for blowing
out actions. Earlier this year I bought one of their smaller models and
regretted it. It didn't have enough power and it used paper bags, which
I thought was sucky. The VNB-7B cost $269 I think - worth every dime I
paid.
Original Message:
Sent: 11/2/2022 12:39:00 AM
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Vacuum Cleaner
Hi all,
Ever since I started my business I've always used my client's vacuum cleaner anytime I need to clean out the piano. However, there have been a few instances lately where either the vacuum is so old and weak that it barely functions, or the nozzle is so big I can't get it to fit where it's supposed to go.
Two questions. First, do you use your own vacuum, or do you make do with the client's, even when it's barely useable?
Second, if you use your own, what do you use? I'm hoping to find something that's fairly small and portable, has good suction, has a relatively thin hose / attachment, and doesn't shoot everything it sucks out of the piano all over the room. (If you don't know why that last requirement is in there, bless you, you've lived a happy life.)
Thank you in advance!
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
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