Replies

1. 
   FoamMan | Aug 02, 2005 08:47am | #1

   I use the same vack system that is used for cleaning out duct work. I get a dumpster and tarp it. tape the seams and blow it in the dumpster as you would do your atic. if you wet it now and then with watter it wont blow out.  

1. 
   GCourter | Aug 02, 2005 06:33pm | #2

   Okay, really in the dark.  What type of vac system do you use to clean out ducts?  Are they availabel to rent?  Thanks for the reply.

1. 
   FoamMan | Aug 03, 2005 06:39am | #5

   i will get you the name of the vack system tomorrow when i get to work. the dust collector might work but it will be vary slow. a garden rake would be quicker! yes you might find one for rent or a company like mine (Advanced Foam Insulation) the does it preitty cheep. if you are in the Chicago land area i should be able to help you out.

   Edited 8/2/2005 11:46 pm ET by FoamMan

2. 
   csnow | Aug 02, 2005 07:43pm | #3

   I have heard you can hire a vacuum truck for this.

1. 
   Treetalk | Aug 03, 2005 12:27am | #4

   Dont see why a dust collector for a wood shop wouldnt work.U could use cheap 4" black corrugated  drain pipe for the hoses.

1. 
   GCourter | Aug 03, 2005 07:44pm | #9

   Thanks for the input, it is another option.

2. 
   foolsrushin | Aug 04, 2005 02:42am | #14

   Did this once with a 2HP shop dust collector and it worked pretty good, even with about 30 feet of 4" hose. We put a hose on the discharge and ran it into a trash trailer with a tarp over it to control the dust. If I remember correctly it kept the dust in the attic to a manageable level too. There are contractors here that will do it also but I can't remember what they charge.

3. 
   TRice | Aug 03, 2005 03:58pm | #6

   Grain shovel, large garbage can.

1. 
   GCourter | Aug 03, 2005 07:46pm | #10

   Not an option for this job, saving the ceiling and the electrical.  thanks for the reply

4. 
   FoamMan | Aug 03, 2005 04:24pm | #7

   The vac system is a Nikro you can find them on the net. it has a 9 hp vanguard gas motor that spins a steel impeller that is around 20inch in diameter. that creates a suction strong enough remove all lose insulation and most stapled in batt insulation and shoot it through a 8 inch hose. i hope this helps. if you need more help on this let me know.

1. 
   GCourter | Aug 03, 2005 10:47pm | #13

   Thanks for the info, found the web site.  I wish I was in the Chicago area.. .NE Florida.  I will contact the manufacturer  and see if there is a local dist.. .again thanks for the info.

5. 
   CapnMac | Aug 03, 2005 04:51pm | #8

   Option 1

   Go round to the neighbors & relatives as poke around in their garages & tool sheds.  Find some beat up rakes (the ones no body can quite toss out even though they are not used).  If you can find a portable sprayer, this is also good.  Trade/borrow/cumshaw a sprayer and all the rakes you can.

   Take the rakes, and snip off tines to make them 14" wide.  Nip at least one down to 6-8" (note how some of the beat-up rakes may already halyway to these dimensions.  Take one rake, and cut the handle off about 12" back.

   Cobble together a 1/4 or 3/8" ply box that fits through the scuttle or drop stair ('cause there just won't be a nice attic window or dormer that can be used--friggin Murphy!).

   Go to the farthest away spot to be cleared.  Bring the box nearby, and all the rakes, and the sprayer.  Wet down a batch of the blown-in, then wet it down a bit more.  Stop, go back downstairs and put on your googles, dust mask, and tyvek suit if you have one.  Drink a couple of glasses of cold water (because you forgot before going up earlier).

   Now, go back, and gentlely rake the material into your catch box.  If it gets dusty, give it a light spray to wet it.  Repeat unti the box is full.  Take box down to the dumpster.  Empty box.  Get some water.  Repeat above until done.

   Option 2

   Find & hire some one young, strong, poor, and possibly less-than full bright.  Send Wilbur up to do the hard, sweaty, grunt work.  Supervise helpfully from the scuttle stairs, doing the leadership tasks of supplying water, breaks, emptying the box, that sort of thing.

   If possible, get Wilbur's brother Darryl & his other brother Darrel to help, too.

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
1. 
   GCourter | Aug 03, 2005 07:47pm | #11

   Option 1 & 2 don't work for me now.

1. 
   CapnMac | Aug 03, 2005 09:52pm | #12

   don't work for me now

   Me either <g>

   The 3" hose on the shop vac just wont run for long enough with most blown-in I've worked with.  Either it will get to the can, then fluffs up and fill the can, or the hose packs up solid.  Which always seemed to depend on which was going to be more of a PITA to correct.

   With Option 1, the tines on a leaf rake are generally gentle enough to cope with wire, pipes, etc.  Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

6. 
   ponytl | Aug 04, 2005 06:24am | #15

   if your leaf blower can work as a vac also that will work if you use dryer duct vs the bag and shoot it into a dumpster... I've seen what looks like no more than a billy-goat type yard vac  with a hose use to suck it up and blow it out....  look at jrproductsinc.com  they sell em... at least you'll know what ur look'n for

   p

1. 
   GCourter | Aug 04, 2005 06:28pm | #16

   Thanks for the input