March 2, 201313 yr I have a old kirby vacuum and I was thinking of using it with a router speed control from harbor freight as a blower on my coal forge. Has anyone used a kirby for a blower before?
March 5, 201313 yr I started out with the lower unit of an upright vacuum as my blower. I used one of the cheap overhead light dimmers for control. I was told that it wouldn't work for long, but it was still going when I got my real blower (2 or 3 years at least). It wasn't pretty, but it did the trick.
March 5, 201313 yr normally they dont last long, but at the same time my local group has used the same one for over 15 years. go figure IF you have it and no other use for it, what ya got to lose :)
May 29, 201313 yr I used one for 10 years myself. had a light dimer switch Worked great. Would blow coal out of pot if full force.
May 29, 201313 yr The only draw back to Kirtby vacuum as a blower is the design of actual system.... VACUUMS tend to be noisier sucking air and pushing it out discharge than a blower designed to actually PUSH air .... Has something to do with impellers or blade styles/design.... Will it work, you bet, will you be happy with the noise, only you will know.... The HF router speed control has been used for many applications other than just routers, it will be more robust than using lamp dimmer... Its all about electrical rating of motor you are running and "whatever " the ratings are on any particular controller you are using.... High amperage (wattage) motors and low rating on controller usually end up in controller going "poof".... Actually something as small as a hair dryer with heating element disconnected will probable supply enough air and with motor/blower only, it will be well below amperage rating of "dimmer" switch... Think if you scale blower size down a bit you will be happier... Dale
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