Today for the first time there was dust INSIDE the Fein filter (2 years old). On closer examination there were 2 – 3 splits or developing in the plastic ring at the top that hooks over the container.
Fortunately we noticed because we were ready to vacuum some drywall dust – besides blowing it through the house it would rip the motor.
This is reasonable since the filter probably “waves” constantly in use – plastic fatigue.
Gorilla tape (I’m likin’ this stuff more and more) worked perfect to fix it. One key: put the filter back in the container (insure correct shape). Lining up the tape with the plastic inside, then slitting the tape 1 1/2 in apart ALMOST to the rim.
Replies
We currently have 2 turbo II's that work and one that's being saved for parts. Since the first one turned into a jet engine after that same filter cracked along the rim, we switched to bags and the canister filter and will never go back. Bags cost more but they're easier to change. The filter and the inside of that vac is practically spotless after picking up drywall dust. The vac will still work fine it's just unbearable to use even with ear plugs. Other than looking like R2D2 and the extra long hose, being quiet is all those things have going for them.
Ben
I guess the reason I never bought the Fein Vac was because it seemed too complicated from all the things I kept hearing about it...in spite of the wonderful things.
And I also noticed too many people that had theirs go Kablooey...I just don't wanna have to think about a vacuum (especially one that expensive ) so much.
I just wanna turn it on, clean it out and that's it. So many different options to consider...seems like more work than its worth for the money.
Its too bad. Almost bought one...more than once...but almost doesn't count does it?
"Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular decade. It is a perpetual process embedded in the human spirit."
Abbie Hoffman
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Complicated? Who you talking to?It's got a few diff ways you can set it up for filtration, but if you don't want to bother than use it as it comes - it's as simple as a vac can be.I use the bags and pleated filter when I'm doing drywall dust, the cloth bag when doing basic stuff.It's the quietest vac out there and almost as important, has the most powerful amp rating plug on it so you can use it with far more tools when using it tool activated.It's a simple, durable design and is QUIET!I've had mine for 5 years now with no problems.Buy one with no hesitations - I'd buy another in a minute if mine took a crap.Also, although pricey, the Fein floor attach kit is very high quality and will vac a wood floor or carpet quite well - carpeting just about as good as a regular home vacuum - they're good attachments.JT
Thats why your vac has lasted. The original poster said he was going to suck up drywall dust with the cloth filter, not the right thing to do, use the bags for drywall dust.
We don't do a lot of drywall dust but it does fine with it I'll have to say.
I also have this neat feature set up on it we are liking more and more - remote control. My wife gave me the remote control outlet she uses for the xmas tree lights, I plugged that into the "auto - on" outlet, plugged a bulb in the outlet (for a load) and we have remote control.
Sometimes we stick the hose in the lockset hole in a small bathroom, turn the vacuum on by remote. It's nice to not have to go 15 feet to turn it on.
By the way, the drywall dust wasn't what cracked the plastic at the rim of the filter. It was just the vibrating action of the suction.
You are risking your vac with drywall dust. I'm certain the instructions are pretty clear about using the Fein for drywall dust. It gets by the cloth filter and sooner or later kablooey patooey.
Like I said...I almost bought it more than once so....I do think the people that had theirs blow was b/c of drywall dust.
Maybe when I sell this house in August or next year Spring(??) I'll pick one up.
"Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular decade. It is a perpetual process embedded in the human spirit." Abbie Hoffman
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
You sell THAT place you can probably buy the entire company.Remodeling contractor who once visited the Glass City.
You sell THAT place you can probably buy the entire company.<<<
Jimbo
I'm praying. I feel sick to my stomach on and off daily...lol..really! Thought we'd wait till next spring but we're gonna try this August...taxes JUST went up to over twenty grand which starts in December but Katrina showed me a house that sold today three houses away from us up the hill. she's using it as a comp although it is a more expensive house it wasn't in great shape "at all" or on any more property...needed total updating etc...just sold for about 3Mil..yikessss. ..but still...freaky things do happen...other houses just sit there...ugh...One thing going for us is this house is REALLYYYYY looking good now and its no cookie cutter house...ok...going back to feeling sick...lol...gulp.
"Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular decade. It is a perpetual process embedded in the human spirit." Abbie Hoffman
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Hey andybuildz,
I really like this vacuum. It is amazing how it just keeps giving a powerful suction with all the stuff you know about on the job and you have to remind yourself to service the filter - I've never had a vacuum like this. The shop vacs seemed to plug up within about 3 minutes.
This weak point just showed up. Last week. The plastic at the top of the "top hat" or "inverted lampshade" filter hooks over the rim and the vac normally never puts out any dust. Of course if this had gone unnoticed it would have meant drywall dust in the motor itself - which would have killed it as you mentioned.
The Gorilla Tape (8.50/roll) seems to have been designed the perfect width for fixing this problem. I think it's fixed for good. Fein knows how to charge for their stuff (although I got this vacuum for 230$ on Amazon) - maybe this flaw will get back to their engineers, who knows.