compwhiz128
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2005
- Messages
- 185
Ugggh, Robert give me that Pepsi,the summer heat leaves me thirsty, *Drinks pepsi* Still good after years :-9
MIB Day at the Estate Sales
- Thread starter Unimatic1140
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Hi Robert, You sure are a lucky guy!! I love those mugs. Won't they be fun for your morning coffee..I'd like mine in the turquoise mug please! That turquoise sink is just beautiful..Now we are all wanting to see pictures of you entire kitchen. Did the Handi Butler have a flexible cable with it? There were more attachments that you could attach to it. You will really need to find a Kirby next. What a fun day you have had. Must have been something in the air as Greg had a great day at the sales in Omaha as well. Terry
Hey guys, yes the pink and white tile and the shiny new turquoise sink are all part of our Kitchen Remodel. I've been meaning to take pictures as the kitchen is 99% done, I just have to fix and reinstall the range hood. I'll try and get some pictures real soon.
Terry, I didn't see a hose or extension for this device. I've never had a Kirby before, I'm definitely a "Tank" man anyway. I just picked up that Handi-Butler in case one of you vacuum boys might need it. I wasn't sure if it was rare at all, but better safe than sorry.
Terry, I didn't see a hose or extension for this device. I've never had a Kirby before, I'm definitely a "Tank" man anyway. I just picked up that Handi-Butler in case one of you vacuum boys might need it. I wasn't sure if it was rare at all, but better safe than sorry.
westytoploader
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
WOW, I can't believe I forgot to ask you about the kitchen!!! I didn't recognize that turquoise sink in previous pictures...fabulous!
wmlask
Active member
Glasbake Mugs
We grew up with the same set of mugs. We used them for soup and they were great to color easter eggs in. (Blue eggs in the blue cup etc...... Ok....I was anal as a kid!!) You may know this but don't put them in the dishwasher, they are painted and the detergent will ruin them in 1 cycle. The mugs were offered through the mail as a premium for Lipton Instant Soup. You had to save the foil envelopes and complete a "Mail In Offer" process to receive them. Great find Robert.
We grew up with the same set of mugs. We used them for soup and they were great to color easter eggs in. (Blue eggs in the blue cup etc...... Ok....I was anal as a kid!!) You may know this but don't put them in the dishwasher, they are painted and the detergent will ruin them in 1 cycle. The mugs were offered through the mail as a premium for Lipton Instant Soup. You had to save the foil envelopes and complete a "Mail In Offer" process to receive them. Great find Robert.
Glasbake
Glasbake (I needed my reading glasses for that! LOL) is indeed a different word and doesn't exist in Dutch. As I said a friend of mine had those, I think he had about ten of them. I've seen them here occasionally on fleamarkets too, albeit not very often. I saw they are on eBay as well, much cheaper than fifties stuff like that overhere.
Glasbake (I needed my reading glasses for that! LOL) is indeed a different word and doesn't exist in Dutch. As I said a friend of mine had those, I think he had about ten of them. I've seen them here occasionally on fleamarkets too, albeit not very often. I saw they are on eBay as well, much cheaper than fifties stuff like that overhere.
Hi Robert, The two oldest manuals for Kirby's that I have are for the model 512 and the dual 50. In the 512 manual they don't give a detailed illustration of the handi butler but they do mention it. Here is what it has to say, "Sheeting buffing wheel for polishing sporting equipment and household metals.Flannel buffing wheel for polishing precious metal jewelry, silver and chromiumtable and hollow-ware. Grinding wheel for sharpening knives or other edged tools. Wire brush wheel for cleaning dirt, rust and scale from pans, tools and sporting equipment. Lambswool polishing pad for polishing waxed surfaces on wood, metal, or leather...automobiles, shoes,suitcases and furniture. I would think that you would have to have some type of flexible shaft for this but who knows. At any rate I am glad that you picked this up. Maybe someone can identify what model Kirby this goes with and someone will want it. As they liked to boast back then, "Kirby...The Nearest Thing To Push Button House Cleaning". LOL Terry
Pyrex
Hi Robert
Lovely set of mugs, and perfect for the kitchen decor!!!
We had similar ware over here under the Pyrex name,not as many colours though...
The Hand Butler looks to be missing its Flexi-Drive, I have one on my Kirby Tradition and it has a jig-saw, drill and buffer polisher to twist on the end....
I believe there was even a "Bedroom Set" that the "Lady of the House" would use....lord knows how , the noise of a Kirby would be enough to distract who knows what...
Hi Robert
Lovely set of mugs, and perfect for the kitchen decor!!!
We had similar ware over here under the Pyrex name,not as many colours though...
The Hand Butler looks to be missing its Flexi-Drive, I have one on my Kirby Tradition and it has a jig-saw, drill and buffer polisher to twist on the end....
I believe there was even a "Bedroom Set" that the "Lady of the House" would use....lord knows how , the noise of a Kirby would be enough to distract who knows what...
Kirby Handi-Butler...
NICE Handi-Butler, Robert! Yup, the grinding wheels are for sharpening knives -- I have a band-aid on my finger right now as proof! The Flexi-Shaft attachment attaches to the backside of your Hand-Butler (note the small hex-like hole). On the other end, you could attach an offset weight and a cap to use the Swedish Massage unit. Or, you can use the universal chuck for buffing pads, wire brush wheels, and the like. The two-rubber cup-like things are go under the front wheels to keep the vac stationary when using the Butler. They even supplied sticks of Tripoli Compound and White Rouge, as well as spiral-sewn and flannel buff wheels.
Personally, I like the Handi-Butler stuff. My place is small, and it's nice to have a grinder, buffer, Dremel Tool, etc. -- that goes with a fun hobby!
I don't know about the "Bedroom Set" it would be interesting to find out more about that. The Swedish Massage unit apparently was the butt of many wink-wink-nudge-nudge jokes. I'm still thinking about that one. My Sanitronic with the Handi-Butler sure looks a lot better than some of the men I've dated. It beats every one of 'em hands-down for durabilaty and strength over the long haul. And of course, it loves to do housework. What more could you ask for?
Cheers,
John
NICE Handi-Butler, Robert! Yup, the grinding wheels are for sharpening knives -- I have a band-aid on my finger right now as proof! The Flexi-Shaft attachment attaches to the backside of your Hand-Butler (note the small hex-like hole). On the other end, you could attach an offset weight and a cap to use the Swedish Massage unit. Or, you can use the universal chuck for buffing pads, wire brush wheels, and the like. The two-rubber cup-like things are go under the front wheels to keep the vac stationary when using the Butler. They even supplied sticks of Tripoli Compound and White Rouge, as well as spiral-sewn and flannel buff wheels.
Personally, I like the Handi-Butler stuff. My place is small, and it's nice to have a grinder, buffer, Dremel Tool, etc. -- that goes with a fun hobby!
I don't know about the "Bedroom Set" it would be interesting to find out more about that. The Swedish Massage unit apparently was the butt of many wink-wink-nudge-nudge jokes. I'm still thinking about that one. My Sanitronic with the Handi-Butler sure looks a lot better than some of the men I've dated. It beats every one of 'em hands-down for durabilaty and strength over the long haul. And of course, it loves to do housework. What more could you ask for?
Cheers,
John
Very interesting you guys, sounds like many other vintage Appliance companies, Kirby kept its R&D employees very busy!
Handi-Butler - Be Mindful of those switch tabs folks!
Regarding the Handi-Butler, be mindful of the tabs that activate the safety switch. Kirby, ever the capitalists didn't want folks taking these from their old machine to the new one, apparently.
This is the backside of my Handi-Butler for the DS50 -- note the tab appears offset, whereas on Robert's Butler, the tab appears centered. This tab activates the safety switch, and on my DS50, engages the lower motor speed to drive the wheel or Flexi-Shaft. As you see, the Flexi-Shaft is attached to the backside of the Handi-Butler.
Regarding the Handi-Butler, be mindful of the tabs that activate the safety switch. Kirby, ever the capitalists didn't want folks taking these from their old machine to the new one, apparently.
This is the backside of my Handi-Butler for the DS50 -- note the tab appears offset, whereas on Robert's Butler, the tab appears centered. This tab activates the safety switch, and on my DS50, engages the lower motor speed to drive the wheel or Flexi-Shaft. As you see, the Flexi-Shaft is attached to the backside of the Handi-Butler.
Handi-Butler installed on the Dual Sanitronic 50
Here's a pic of a number of the Handi-Butler goodies, as well as the Handi-Butler grinder/sharpener installed. It appears that I have the plastic safety guard upside down. However, this is to cover the grinding wheel when using the knife sharpening stone, as is instructed on the plastic guard. I use these safety devices because I'm a total klutz and would probably grind off my elbow otherwise. Turn it 180 degrees, and the grinding wheel is exposed.
I included the Flexi-Shaft from my Classic in this pic to point out the Swedish Massage attachment. Note the silver disk-like object below the wire brush wheel -- that's actually an offset weight that threads onto the Flexi-Shaft stem. Once installed, the cap is snapped onto the Flexi-Shaft, as shown in the bottom of the picture, and it's ready for use.
They thought of everything, even the little white disks to put under the legs of your furniture when shampooing! How cool is that? I had set up the machine for shampoo operation, hence the tank on the exhaust and the head for the shampooer at the left of the picture. The Kirby Tripoli Compound and Rouge packages are nestled next to it. One buffing wheel is flannel, the other spiral-sewn.
I love the keyless chuck, shown under the lambswool pad on the Flexi-Shaft at the right. I inserted a buffing head I had from a cheap Dremel knock-off tool, and went to work on my Classic. It caused years of sleeze to surrender a beautiful shine in no time. The Sanitronic's motor never strained or changed pitch.
If you ask me, there should have been rioting in the streets when Kirby quit making the Handi-Butler.
As you know, I get a total kick out of this vacuum -- I'm 41 years old. I think I'm going to make provisions in my Will to be buried with this baby! I swear they built it to last into eternity anyway!
Cheers,
John
Here's a pic of a number of the Handi-Butler goodies, as well as the Handi-Butler grinder/sharpener installed. It appears that I have the plastic safety guard upside down. However, this is to cover the grinding wheel when using the knife sharpening stone, as is instructed on the plastic guard. I use these safety devices because I'm a total klutz and would probably grind off my elbow otherwise. Turn it 180 degrees, and the grinding wheel is exposed.
I included the Flexi-Shaft from my Classic in this pic to point out the Swedish Massage attachment. Note the silver disk-like object below the wire brush wheel -- that's actually an offset weight that threads onto the Flexi-Shaft stem. Once installed, the cap is snapped onto the Flexi-Shaft, as shown in the bottom of the picture, and it's ready for use.
They thought of everything, even the little white disks to put under the legs of your furniture when shampooing! How cool is that? I had set up the machine for shampoo operation, hence the tank on the exhaust and the head for the shampooer at the left of the picture. The Kirby Tripoli Compound and Rouge packages are nestled next to it. One buffing wheel is flannel, the other spiral-sewn.
I love the keyless chuck, shown under the lambswool pad on the Flexi-Shaft at the right. I inserted a buffing head I had from a cheap Dremel knock-off tool, and went to work on my Classic. It caused years of sleeze to surrender a beautiful shine in no time. The Sanitronic's motor never strained or changed pitch.
If you ask me, there should have been rioting in the streets when Kirby quit making the Handi-Butler.
As you know, I get a total kick out of this vacuum -- I'm 41 years old. I think I'm going to make provisions in my Will to be buried with this baby! I swear they built it to last into eternity anyway!
Cheers,
John
fnelson487
Well-known member
Kirby Handi-Butler
John - That flexible shaft and Swedish Massage unit are from a later Kirby, the Classic or Omega. They did switch the colors around however, depending on what they had left over. The machine pictured is a Dual 50 and would have come with tan attachments. Not that it makes any difference. As much as I love Kirby's, I don't think I have ever used the Handi-Butler. My Classic III even has a jigsaw that goes on the end of the flexible shaft. Besides the regular attachments, one of my favorites (and most effective IMHO) is the floor polisher. That thing works like a charm. You can also use it to fluff the carpet nap.
My college roommate knew how nuts I was about Kirbys and when we were ready to head into Chicago for some weekend fun at bars, he would say "Skip the car, let's just put the helicopter attachment on the Kirby and fly there!"
Fred
John - That flexible shaft and Swedish Massage unit are from a later Kirby, the Classic or Omega. They did switch the colors around however, depending on what they had left over. The machine pictured is a Dual 50 and would have come with tan attachments. Not that it makes any difference. As much as I love Kirby's, I don't think I have ever used the Handi-Butler. My Classic III even has a jigsaw that goes on the end of the flexible shaft. Besides the regular attachments, one of my favorites (and most effective IMHO) is the floor polisher. That thing works like a charm. You can also use it to fluff the carpet nap.
My college roommate knew how nuts I was about Kirbys and when we were ready to head into Chicago for some weekend fun at bars, he would say "Skip the car, let's just put the helicopter attachment on the Kirby and fly there!"
Fred
You got it Fred!
Yup, the shafts are both from later models. I should have brought that up, thanks for pointing it out. Come to think of it, the shaft on the bottom of the pic is from an Omega -- it has a touch of a wine color in it. Not to worry though, an Omega is en route...and a G3. I'm sniffing at a Dual Sanitronic 80 as well, wish me luck. Gotta have a green one!
I have friends who run from the room screaming when I talk about Kirby's. I seem to be hoarding them as fast as I can. I've read about the jigsaw, and would love to see pics of that! A drill is spoken of as well, but I don't know if that was a different device, or you just inserted bits into the chuck.
I mourn the loss of the days when manufacturers sought novel ideas to make their product more appealing and inviting to the consumer as well as outperform the competition. Fast forward to today where all energies are intensly focused on production at the cheapest cost, marketed at the highest price.
Cheers,
John
Yup, the shafts are both from later models. I should have brought that up, thanks for pointing it out. Come to think of it, the shaft on the bottom of the pic is from an Omega -- it has a touch of a wine color in it. Not to worry though, an Omega is en route...and a G3. I'm sniffing at a Dual Sanitronic 80 as well, wish me luck. Gotta have a green one!
I have friends who run from the room screaming when I talk about Kirby's. I seem to be hoarding them as fast as I can. I've read about the jigsaw, and would love to see pics of that! A drill is spoken of as well, but I don't know if that was a different device, or you just inserted bits into the chuck.
I mourn the loss of the days when manufacturers sought novel ideas to make their product more appealing and inviting to the consumer as well as outperform the competition. Fast forward to today where all energies are intensly focused on production at the cheapest cost, marketed at the highest price.
Cheers,
John
They are a hoot arent they. I got so frustrated with all the attachments I just put them away. I can't imagine someone like my mom getting any further than learning how to attach the hose let alone any polishers, shampooers etc.
But Pete!
That's all part of the fun!
I bought a shampoo system from a lady on eBay. She's a Sanitronic fan as well. When I offered to provide a good home for her Sanitronic if she ever decided to put it up for adoption, I received the following in response:
I won't part with my Sanitronic - not even if my kids were starving.
That's all part of the fun!
I bought a shampoo system from a lady on eBay. She's a Sanitronic fan as well. When I offered to provide a good home for her Sanitronic if she ever decided to put it up for adoption, I received the following in response:
I won't part with my Sanitronic - not even if my kids were starving.
polkanut
Well-known member
That name is familiar...
My wife inherited an 8x8, and a 9x9 square baking dishes by Glasbake from her Mom. They have Currier & Ives outdoor scenes on the sides. She received them from one of our local furniture stores as a premium in the mid-'60's. They are dishwasher & microwave safe. We use them all the time, and just love them. Wouldn't trade 'em for the world. Great keepsake too.
My wife inherited an 8x8, and a 9x9 square baking dishes by Glasbake from her Mom. They have Currier & Ives outdoor scenes on the sides. She received them from one of our local furniture stores as a premium in the mid-'60's. They are dishwasher & microwave safe. We use them all the time, and just love them. Wouldn't trade 'em for the world. Great keepsake too.
WOW! I had no idea how this thing worked, talk about handy! A couple of questions though...
Will any Handi-Butler fit any Kirby vac (older style)?
When using the wheel on the vac (not with the extended shaft which I love BTW!) will the vacuum still pull in the dust and mess from the task you are performing?
I must have one now.
Oooohhhh Eeeeeeeeeeeeeebaaaaaay.....come to mommy...
Will any Handi-Butler fit any Kirby vac (older style)?
When using the wheel on the vac (not with the extended shaft which I love BTW!) will the vacuum still pull in the dust and mess from the task you are performing?
I must have one now.
Oooohhhh Eeeeeeeeeeeeeebaaaaaay.....come to mommy...
I also have a couple of Handi-Butlers. Very nice devices-The Flex shaft then converts your Kirby into a Dremel tool!!-A word about the use of the grinding wheel on the shaft though-they show the "bench grinder" wheel being used on the flex shaft-DON'T DO IT-if the wheel breaks you would get showered by the fragments.The guard protects you in case the wheel breaks.On the flex shaft there is no guard for the main wheel.Fragments from a broken bench grind wheel can have the energy of a .22 cal bullet!!I have seen them embedded into a concrete block wall in a high school shop behind their grinder!It was lucky the kid using the grinder wasn't hurt or killed when the wheel fragmented from improper use in his part.You can use the Burrs and small grind wheels(like those for a Dremel tool) on the Kirby Flex Shaft.In one of the Handi-Butler kits I have-came from a Classic-it even has a small jigsaw you can use on the shaft-can be used with standard universal tang blades.You can then use your Kirby as a Scrollsaw!!the one I have wasn't used-came from the Kirby folks as a trade in.Nowadays the Handi-butler has been replaced with the Turbo-Tool sander-polisher massager.
fnelson487
Well-known member
Fitting Handi Butlers
I am not sure of which Handi-Butlers will fit which machines. The one speed units will not fit the two speed (D80 and later) and they switched things around on the two-speed models. Greg - Let me know what machine you have and we'll see if we can fix you up. I have a basement full of these things!
Fred
I am not sure of which Handi-Butlers will fit which machines. The one speed units will not fit the two speed (D80 and later) and they switched things around on the two-speed models. Greg - Let me know what machine you have and we'll see if we can fix you up. I have a basement full of these things!
Fred
