MIB Day at the Estate Sales

[jdinstl]

Greg, it depends...

...which is why I called out the caution on the tabs, which kick in the switch for the motor. I assure you, if you go eBaying for these, you're going to have to ask the seller to post a pic of the backside, or provide an accurate description of its location on the back of the unit. And don't you DARE snipe me! Hehe...just kidding!

Good question about it picking up any residue from the operation, I'll have to check that one out.

Meanwhile, below is a scan of the page from my Omega manual about covering the Handi-Butler and toys...er, attachments. Greg, this puppy will have your washers buffed to showroom shine in no time

Cheers!

John

 

[tolivac]

Speaking of the odbball vac attachments-does anyone have any of the "Polish-aire" and the similar air powered tools for polishing floors-these were used on electroluxes and early Compacts.I was looking for some of those.No luck in finding any in this area.Does anyone know when Kirby stopped providing the Handi-butler attacments-I am not clear as to when they discontinued them.I do know that the "Turbo-Tools" were used with the "G" series machines. also with a Heritage vac I got from a neighbor-it had an air powered hair clipper with it.The hair shears were turbo power from the airflow of the Kirby-a vent on them picked up the hair clippings-a Kirby version of a FlowBee?

 

[air-waycharlie]

Handi-Butlers, Shag Rug rakes, Miracle Heads and the Like!

Robert and other interested parties,

You have all pointed out wonderful differences with the tools/attachments that helped make Kiby famous/fabulous. I am letting it be known here, for the first time, that I have the one and only attachment that makes mounds and mounds of fries and cold slaw for family and friends. And it easily attaches to your vacuum cleaner! Maybe someday I'll put it on ebay.

Kirby did have in addition to the Handi-Butler, the Miracle Head Polisher, (no smart ass comments folks!), Handi-Waxer, Power Polisher, Flexible Shaft, (needed for the Handi-Butler), Rug Renovator and Shag King attachment. Just makes you want to be a housewife when you hear all those fabulous add ons.

Most, I repeat, MOST, Handi-Butlers will fit all Kirby's but there may be small differences between the small head models and the later large head models. I have a least one extra if someone feels they can't live without one.

Kirby, according to my sources, (and I could very well be wrong and do not confuse with the Weather Girls singing it's Raining Men), stopped making the Handi-Butler due to two major reasons. One was lack of use by the owners and second was injury due to use of the owners. Go figure. So, for art sake, if you have one keep it and if you don't have one you probably should try to find one to make your vintage Kirby complete.

 

[tolivac]

I can see why some users would hurt themselves with the Handi-Butler-Grinding wheels can be VERY dangerous if misused.And yes the HB I have appear to have been unused.there would be diffrences in the small head and large head Kirbys-all of the Large Nozzle ones had the two speed motor.Attachments for older single speed motors(pre Dual Sanitronic) would not have their switch tabs positioned right to run the machine.also the hook lugs on the front may not fit either.I don't know what motor speed the later Handi-butlers ran from.I would know overspeeding that grinder wheel would cause a nasty wheel explosion.Centrifical force would tear it apart. All grinding wheels are marked with the max speed on their labels.I have some of the Miricle Head floor polishers-you can then convert your Kirby to a floor machine-polish and wax floors.And the polisher is truely dustless-the Kirby vacuum and bag filter system collects the wax "dust" from polishing.Many commercial floor machines (propane and electric) have a vacuum dust collecting filter setup on them to meet new safety standards.The wax and felt dust are considered a hazard.The commercial machines use felt wheels or pads for polishing.

 

[kenmore1978]

Polish-Aire

"Speaking of the odbball vac attachments-does anyone have any of the "Polish-aire" and the similar air powered tools for polishing floors-these were used on electroluxes and early Compacts."

Is the attachment that has three pads on a rotating disc?

 

[tolivac]

Yes- The attachment itself was powered by the airflow from the vacuum.No electric motors.They were used in the days before motorized powernozzles-and electric wire equipped hoses.Their air powered mtors almost allowed you to use them on any vacuum-as long as the attachment could fit the hose or wands.surprized the idea hasn't been revived.The pads allowed you to polish, scrub hard floors.

 

[kenmore1978]

Polish-aire

Well, I have ne, and probalby will never use it, so it's yours if you want it.

 

[tolivac]

Jaune: Yes I would be interested-well have to make up arrangements on it.I would be more than willing to pay for packing and shipping.I live in Greenville,NC -27858.

 

[Washinsheen]

mugs

I am so envious over those mugs!!! They're wonderful!!

David