Somebody once gave me the address to Air Way's web site, but I can't find it for my life. Would you please give it to me again?
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Air Way vacuums
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westytoploader
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Air-Way
Thanks!!!
Thanks!!!
kevinpreston8
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Interesting....
What does the group think about these vacuums?
100% American made and all metal?
Curious why these are not talked about more.
What does the group think about these vacuums?
100% American made and all metal?
Curious why these are not talked about more.
Uhhhm,
Kevin, they do get talked about here, and they appear to be generally loved by those who know them.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
Kevin, they do get talked about here, and they appear to be generally loved by those who know them.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
fnelson487
Well-known member
Air Way
Check in with Air-Way Charlie who is a distributor. These machines are built like Sherman tanks with lamb motors. The amazing thing about these machines are that they are built exactly like they were 40 years ago. All metal and a great design. The true testimony to these machines are that when you find one that is 50 years old and if it had been always used with genuine Airway bags, when you open it up, the motor and after-bag dirt path is absolute spotless. Truly one of the first real high-efficiency filtration systems.
Here's a picture of some of them in my collection. This was before Charlie and the gang reorganized them. They range from the one on the back left from the early fifties and the way through to current machines in the front.
The regional sales distributor for Airway in the Milwaukee area (a big Airway area) tells of one of his sales techniques which was to pull out the bag after a demonstration and lick the outside of the bag with his tongue. Yikes!! But for anyone that knows the machine, knows that there was no dirt on the outside of that bag. The machine that has been used to make those bags for years is still in service at the factory in Alabama.
It has true cyclonic action and really doesn't lose too much suction even when the bag is packed. It has been updated with a Centec power nozzle. It is rather bulky (the Centurion) but truly if you buy one and take care of it, you will have a vacuum for life.
Check in with Air-Way Charlie who is a distributor. These machines are built like Sherman tanks with lamb motors. The amazing thing about these machines are that they are built exactly like they were 40 years ago. All metal and a great design. The true testimony to these machines are that when you find one that is 50 years old and if it had been always used with genuine Airway bags, when you open it up, the motor and after-bag dirt path is absolute spotless. Truly one of the first real high-efficiency filtration systems.
Here's a picture of some of them in my collection. This was before Charlie and the gang reorganized them. They range from the one on the back left from the early fifties and the way through to current machines in the front.
The regional sales distributor for Airway in the Milwaukee area (a big Airway area) tells of one of his sales techniques which was to pull out the bag after a demonstration and lick the outside of the bag with his tongue. Yikes!! But for anyone that knows the machine, knows that there was no dirt on the outside of that bag. The machine that has been used to make those bags for years is still in service at the factory in Alabama.
It has true cyclonic action and really doesn't lose too much suction even when the bag is packed. It has been updated with a Centec power nozzle. It is rather bulky (the Centurion) but truly if you buy one and take care of it, you will have a vacuum for life.
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Air-Way vaccums................
Kevin,
As you can see by my posting name, I am very fond of Air-Way vacuums. As an Air-Way distributor, I can only say wonderful things.
As you mentioned, Air-Way is an all metal, hand built American made vacuum in Talledaga, AL. The company has a long and colorful history and was in it's zenith from around 1945 till the early 1970's.
Most door to door, high end vacuums are easily sold for $1500 on average. Even high end names like Miele, Bosch and Aerus are over $1000. Typically, Air-Way's are much less and I sell the top of the line for about half of those prices. And, THEY ARE ALL PLASTIC!! So one fall down the stairs or your kid riding on them like a train, the housing cracks and your vacuum investment is shot. I'll never undertand paying that much money for a plastic vacuum. To be fair Kirby still uses quite a bit of metal as does Filter Queen but Aerlus/Lux wands are PLASTIC for crying out loud!
Back to Air-Way--you get a quality canister with a twin fan 12 amp motor with a 25 year warranty,(some conditions apply), 30 foot cord, crushproof hose with ergonomically designed hand hold with an on/off switch for the power nozzle making is easy to go from carpeted to non-carpeted surfaces with "quick release", on the power nozzle end, two position vacuum, (upright or flat), HEPA filter, microbial filter, charcoal filter, beater bar power nozzle with 4 position adjustment, geared belt and wood pulp cellulose bags. Essentially, a lot of bang for the buck.
Air-Way was never into, "gimmicks", like bag full "indicators", automatic cord winders, (30 ft. cord makes it too long anyway), and buttons, whistles and lights to indicate that the floor is clean. They make vacuums that clean and DO NOT leak dust. They have been recommended by physicans for decades for sufferers of asthma and dust allergies. They are the ONLY vacuum with, and always have been, wood pulp cellulose paper bags for the highest and most effective filtering in the industry.
At this point I guess you tell that I like them....I really like them! (Thank you Sally Fields wherever you are!) My last comment and it is poignant: I've taken apart hundreds of vacuums over the years from the cheapest, crummiest dust blower to some very high end machines. The Air-Way's, whether the model 55A from the 1940's or model 77 from the 1950's, when you open them up and take them apart, they are not loaded with dust and dirt. The motors and interiors are clean. Open a Hoover, Rainbow, Eureka, Kirby, Lux and you find all kinds of fine dirt and dust, sometimes packed/caked in the motor housings and around the field coils. That should speak volums about the quality of the vacuum that brought, "Sanitation to the nation since 1920."
In days gone by, Packard Motor Car Company used to say in their advertising, "Ask the man that owns one." I would say to a potential buyer of an Air-Way, "Ask the person that owns one."
Kevin,
As you can see by my posting name, I am very fond of Air-Way vacuums. As an Air-Way distributor, I can only say wonderful things.
As you mentioned, Air-Way is an all metal, hand built American made vacuum in Talledaga, AL. The company has a long and colorful history and was in it's zenith from around 1945 till the early 1970's.
Most door to door, high end vacuums are easily sold for $1500 on average. Even high end names like Miele, Bosch and Aerus are over $1000. Typically, Air-Way's are much less and I sell the top of the line for about half of those prices. And, THEY ARE ALL PLASTIC!! So one fall down the stairs or your kid riding on them like a train, the housing cracks and your vacuum investment is shot. I'll never undertand paying that much money for a plastic vacuum. To be fair Kirby still uses quite a bit of metal as does Filter Queen but Aerlus/Lux wands are PLASTIC for crying out loud!
Back to Air-Way--you get a quality canister with a twin fan 12 amp motor with a 25 year warranty,(some conditions apply), 30 foot cord, crushproof hose with ergonomically designed hand hold with an on/off switch for the power nozzle making is easy to go from carpeted to non-carpeted surfaces with "quick release", on the power nozzle end, two position vacuum, (upright or flat), HEPA filter, microbial filter, charcoal filter, beater bar power nozzle with 4 position adjustment, geared belt and wood pulp cellulose bags. Essentially, a lot of bang for the buck.
Air-Way was never into, "gimmicks", like bag full "indicators", automatic cord winders, (30 ft. cord makes it too long anyway), and buttons, whistles and lights to indicate that the floor is clean. They make vacuums that clean and DO NOT leak dust. They have been recommended by physicans for decades for sufferers of asthma and dust allergies. They are the ONLY vacuum with, and always have been, wood pulp cellulose paper bags for the highest and most effective filtering in the industry.
At this point I guess you tell that I like them....I really like them! (Thank you Sally Fields wherever you are!) My last comment and it is poignant: I've taken apart hundreds of vacuums over the years from the cheapest, crummiest dust blower to some very high end machines. The Air-Way's, whether the model 55A from the 1940's or model 77 from the 1950's, when you open them up and take them apart, they are not loaded with dust and dirt. The motors and interiors are clean. Open a Hoover, Rainbow, Eureka, Kirby, Lux and you find all kinds of fine dirt and dust, sometimes packed/caked in the motor housings and around the field coils. That should speak volums about the quality of the vacuum that brought, "Sanitation to the nation since 1920."
In days gone by, Packard Motor Car Company used to say in their advertising, "Ask the man that owns one." I would say to a potential buyer of an Air-Way, "Ask the person that owns one."
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Licking the Bag
Thanks Fred for mentioning that, because, (as you know), as a matter of fact, in my demo, I lick the outside of the bag and I have NEVER had dirt in my mouth as a result.
One time I vacuumed this women's living room, dining room and all the loose cat litter in the dining room as that was where she kept her cat box--who knows why. Anyway, I pulled the bag out and licked it. That was the end of the demo. She got out her checkbook and said how much.
There you have it.
Thanks Fred for mentioning that, because, (as you know), as a matter of fact, in my demo, I lick the outside of the bag and I have NEVER had dirt in my mouth as a result.
One time I vacuumed this women's living room, dining room and all the loose cat litter in the dining room as that was where she kept her cat box--who knows why. Anyway, I pulled the bag out and licked it. That was the end of the demo. She got out her checkbook and said how much.
There you have it.
Airway Cyclone
Here`s the pic of Charlie & Fred (The Disturbulator Salesmen) demonstrating Gregs AirWay at the convention...
I for one was most impressed with the cyclonic (no dyson in sight) action within the bag. You really could see the dust spinning...
Guys, is this to do with the bag being held within the "metal cage with holes" etc...apologies if there is a proper name for it..
Mike
Here`s the pic of Charlie & Fred (The Disturbulator Salesmen) demonstrating Gregs AirWay at the convention...
I for one was most impressed with the cyclonic (no dyson in sight) action within the bag. You really could see the dust spinning...
Guys, is this to do with the bag being held within the "metal cage with holes" etc...apologies if there is a proper name for it..
Mike
Another model?
I agree about these vacuums they are great. What is the small cylinder type black Air-Way. I have seen one demonstrated. The small too the cover off the vacuum, stuck it to the wall, switched it on and the vacuum actually stuck to the wall. Tim
I agree about these vacuums they are great. What is the small cylinder type black Air-Way. I have seen one demonstrated. The small too the cover off the vacuum, stuck it to the wall, switched it on and the vacuum actually stuck to the wall. Tim
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Small model
Tim,
The smaller model you speak is the 11 amp cannister that sits on 4 wheels and is known as the Sani-Clean or now, the New Century. Exactly the same as it's upscale sisters except motor size, different bag cage/evacuator access and lack of exhaust air diffuser. It also has a "halo" for wrapping the cord around--a feature I do not like as it wears out the cord faster and puts kinks in it.
Still, a superb value and a great Air-Way product. They are very good for commercial use.
Tim,
The smaller model you speak is the 11 amp cannister that sits on 4 wheels and is known as the Sani-Clean or now, the New Century. Exactly the same as it's upscale sisters except motor size, different bag cage/evacuator access and lack of exhaust air diffuser. It also has a "halo" for wrapping the cord around--a feature I do not like as it wears out the cord faster and puts kinks in it.
Still, a superb value and a great Air-Way product. They are very good for commercial use.
I've never seen an Air Way vac only in pcs here. Do you use them standing up like that or are there wheels?
kevinpreston8
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2006
- Messages
- 371
Well this is interesting
American made and all metal were the first things to interest me.
I may pursue this in the not too distant future. (Sorry Charlie, have seen your name here, but never put it together with the vacuum).
All I have now is a Eureka upright--I have had it forever and it does get dusty inside, I am always having to clean it. We are getting ready for getting rid of 1/2 our carpeting for wood floors, but we will be recarpeting all the bedrooms. At that time, I would love to invest in such a nice item. I will keep you in mind definately.
I do have that wierd salesman's demo Electroluxe (with demo rack and demo bag) but I really don't want to use it!
American made and all metal were the first things to interest me.
I may pursue this in the not too distant future. (Sorry Charlie, have seen your name here, but never put it together with the vacuum).
All I have now is a Eureka upright--I have had it forever and it does get dusty inside, I am always having to clean it. We are getting ready for getting rid of 1/2 our carpeting for wood floors, but we will be recarpeting all the bedrooms. At that time, I would love to invest in such a nice item. I will keep you in mind definately.
I do have that wierd salesman's demo Electroluxe (with demo rack and demo bag) but I really don't want to use it!
Pete you can use them either rolling around or standing. My mom bought one in 1972. The Airway-Sanitizor Mark 2 88. She still has it. Hers did have the outlet for a power nozzle but she did not get one for many years. Her's had a very long hose, so she used it standing up most of the time. It is a great vacuum and very well built. She later had bought a power nozzle. The guy she bought it from sold her a Eureka roto-matic power nozzle. I really do not like it becasue the belts slip. The power nozzle works fine with new belts but they do wearout and stretch quickly.
hoover1060
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2005
- Messages
- 3,309
I've got the Sani-Clean New Century
I bought it from Charlie last year. Its light, powerful, and really does a nice job.
For the $$$ you can't get a better value.
I highly recommend it!
I bought it from Charlie last year. Its light, powerful, and really does a nice job.
For the $$$ you can't get a better value.
I highly recommend it!
perc-o-prince
Well-known member
EARLY TWIN MOTOR
Does anyone know the story behind the twin motor AirWay upright? I just love the look of AirWays!
Thanks,
Rich
Does anyone know the story behind the twin motor AirWay upright? I just love the look of AirWays!
Thanks,
Rich
Yes I have both current Air-Way Sanitizer models-the purple one and the White Centurion model.Both are excellent-and yes--as Charlie says-ALL METAL.I hate the current "all plastic" trend in vacuums-and esp the DTD models.If you are selling a premium DTD vac-should be mostly metal-buyers expect that.I too have a thing against the plastic wands-the flexing of the plastic as the wand is used will cause the powernozzle connector pins to fail.And WOW-that air-Way is just as quiet as the Miele-and just as good or BETTER filtration.No plastic body to flex or crack when put under vacuum from the powerful motor.when the vac body flexes from the suction-that could give air leaks between the body parts.And another disturbing thought-the All plastic current filter Queens actually have a LESS powerful motor than the older all metal ones.Guess the plastic bodies can't take the suction power of the older more powerful motor.I too,am on the hunt for older AirWay vacs-esp one of their uprights.Sounds like it could be a very effective machine-in its time and today-esp using that hi-filtration Cellulose bag-And Air Way Cellulose bags actually got a HEPA rating.
I LOVE MINE
My mom had one and was very dissapointed when the Kirby salesman carted it off!!
Now I have the purple super duper sucker and I can tell you no sneezing on vacuum day anymore!
JET
My mom had one and was very dissapointed when the Kirby salesman carted it off!!
Now I have the purple super duper sucker and I can tell you no sneezing on vacuum day anymore!
JET
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Upright Twin-Motor Airways
Rich,
I will share with you what I know about the 2-motor Air-Ways and if anyone can add, please jump in.
Air-Way started in 1920 with straight suction or suction only vacuums. They patented the wood pulp cellulose paper bag and that patent remained in place until 1940! The uprights were similar to the other vacuums of the time. The rug nozzle had a height adjuster, removable wheels and a bare floor felt/brush insert for non-carpeted areas. What made Air-Way different was the "dome" over the fan. I'm not sure if that was on the very first models or came later, however, it helped put Air-Way on the map.
If you see any dust or dirt in the "dirt dome", you knew the floor was not clean. And, by turning the arrow on the dome, 180 degrees, the suction was directed to the hollow handle and you would insert the hose and voila! Your above the floor cleaning needs were now met. Air-Way manufactured some of the finest tools, motors, fans, brushrolls, etc. in the industry. That is why they are still here today and STILL cleaning.
The 2-motor came for competitive reasons. Other companies were introducing "revolving brushes" on the previously straight suction vacuums. Air-Way did the same BUT and this is a BIG but, they used 2 motors--one for the vacuum motor to create suction with the fan, the other in the top of the rug nozzle to strictly turn the brushroll in the OPPOSITE direction of the competition. The only other company that did that, that I know of, was Singer with the R-1 and perhaps, R-2. It was thought, argruably, to be more effective for cleaning/grooming carpets in that era. Air-Way also added "beater bars" much to the unhappiness of Hoover. In addition to one-upping the competition with the 2 motors, Air-Way had that brilliant patented paper bag!
There were 3 models during the 2-motor production years. The first was. "The Chief", then, "The Super Chief" and finally, "The DirtMaster". What great names and very train like--the first two anyway.
Pictured is my Chief from about 1935-37. A very pristine and rare model that works beautifully. Since the brushroll turns in the reverse direction, (away from the vacuum), the cleaning action is in a forward motion as opposed to other vacuums of the time. The motor for the brushroll could be disengaged by pulling the plug on the right side of the motor, allowing the suction portion to keep operating for your above the floor cleaning needs by rotating the dirt dome. Quite clever for 1935.
The Super Chief was much the same with a headlight added. The DirtMaster was a monster of a thing that was NOT a very effective cleaner. They are like hen's teeth. I only know of 2 survivors as the production number was very low. It had two belts and a large headed rug nozzle. During it's production run, Hoover instigated a lawsuit against Air-Way for infringing on it's patented beater bars.
That lawsuit almost took Air-Way off the vacuum cleaner map. Hence the Air-Way model 55 and later the 55A--circa. 1940. The lawsuit was so financially devestating to Air-Way that when it was settled the higher powers put their creative energies into making the best canister available.
However, the lawsuit created a grudge match with Hoover. Hoover infringed on Air-Way's disposable paper bag patent and they then proceeded to get even with Hoover with their own lawsuit. What Air-Way won got them back on the map and in healthy condition while hurting Hoover financially. But not for long. Then, in 1940 Hoover debuted with the model 60 upright that used wood pulp cellulose re-usable Handi-sacs, later known as "W" bags.
The lawsuits were over and paper bags were being used. Hoover made predominately uprights, (the Aero-Dyne canister model 50 debuted in 1947), and Air-Way made canisters only. The rest is history.
Long story short, Air-Way was light years ahead in the industry. By bringing about the 2-motor vacuum with disposable paper bag and with beater bars, the were truly at the peak of design and function for the pre-War vacuums. (It should be noted, that Hoover's model 150, circa. 1936, a brilliant achievement for them designed by Henry Dreyfuss, will usually take the blue ribbon in cleaning competitions at the VCCC conventions.)
I'll add some pictures of my Chief to illustrate some of the features.
Rich,
I will share with you what I know about the 2-motor Air-Ways and if anyone can add, please jump in.
Air-Way started in 1920 with straight suction or suction only vacuums. They patented the wood pulp cellulose paper bag and that patent remained in place until 1940! The uprights were similar to the other vacuums of the time. The rug nozzle had a height adjuster, removable wheels and a bare floor felt/brush insert for non-carpeted areas. What made Air-Way different was the "dome" over the fan. I'm not sure if that was on the very first models or came later, however, it helped put Air-Way on the map.
If you see any dust or dirt in the "dirt dome", you knew the floor was not clean. And, by turning the arrow on the dome, 180 degrees, the suction was directed to the hollow handle and you would insert the hose and voila! Your above the floor cleaning needs were now met. Air-Way manufactured some of the finest tools, motors, fans, brushrolls, etc. in the industry. That is why they are still here today and STILL cleaning.
The 2-motor came for competitive reasons. Other companies were introducing "revolving brushes" on the previously straight suction vacuums. Air-Way did the same BUT and this is a BIG but, they used 2 motors--one for the vacuum motor to create suction with the fan, the other in the top of the rug nozzle to strictly turn the brushroll in the OPPOSITE direction of the competition. The only other company that did that, that I know of, was Singer with the R-1 and perhaps, R-2. It was thought, argruably, to be more effective for cleaning/grooming carpets in that era. Air-Way also added "beater bars" much to the unhappiness of Hoover. In addition to one-upping the competition with the 2 motors, Air-Way had that brilliant patented paper bag!
There were 3 models during the 2-motor production years. The first was. "The Chief", then, "The Super Chief" and finally, "The DirtMaster". What great names and very train like--the first two anyway.
Pictured is my Chief from about 1935-37. A very pristine and rare model that works beautifully. Since the brushroll turns in the reverse direction, (away from the vacuum), the cleaning action is in a forward motion as opposed to other vacuums of the time. The motor for the brushroll could be disengaged by pulling the plug on the right side of the motor, allowing the suction portion to keep operating for your above the floor cleaning needs by rotating the dirt dome. Quite clever for 1935.
The Super Chief was much the same with a headlight added. The DirtMaster was a monster of a thing that was NOT a very effective cleaner. They are like hen's teeth. I only know of 2 survivors as the production number was very low. It had two belts and a large headed rug nozzle. During it's production run, Hoover instigated a lawsuit against Air-Way for infringing on it's patented beater bars.
That lawsuit almost took Air-Way off the vacuum cleaner map. Hence the Air-Way model 55 and later the 55A--circa. 1940. The lawsuit was so financially devestating to Air-Way that when it was settled the higher powers put their creative energies into making the best canister available.
However, the lawsuit created a grudge match with Hoover. Hoover infringed on Air-Way's disposable paper bag patent and they then proceeded to get even with Hoover with their own lawsuit. What Air-Way won got them back on the map and in healthy condition while hurting Hoover financially. But not for long. Then, in 1940 Hoover debuted with the model 60 upright that used wood pulp cellulose re-usable Handi-sacs, later known as "W" bags.
The lawsuits were over and paper bags were being used. Hoover made predominately uprights, (the Aero-Dyne canister model 50 debuted in 1947), and Air-Way made canisters only. The rest is history.
Long story short, Air-Way was light years ahead in the industry. By bringing about the 2-motor vacuum with disposable paper bag and with beater bars, the were truly at the peak of design and function for the pre-War vacuums. (It should be noted, that Hoover's model 150, circa. 1936, a brilliant achievement for them designed by Henry Dreyfuss, will usually take the blue ribbon in cleaning competitions at the VCCC conventions.)
I'll add some pictures of my Chief to illustrate some of the features.
