Subject: Vacuum cleaners
Misa Tamura <mtamura [at] britishmuseum__org> writes >I am currently looking for a vacuum cleaner which withstands long >hours of use to clean large objects such as canoes and boats. The >specifications required are: variable speed control, HEPA filter as >well as the motor powerful enough to carry out up to 8 hours of >vacuuming a day. ... Vacuum cleaners are great for their portability and for occasional use, but for constant use, day in and day out, there are better alternatives. The high pitched noise of vacuum cleaners is damaging to hearing over time and appropriate hearing protection is uncomfortable and tedious for many hours use. These high speed motors aren't designed for long operation. Nilfisk are in my experience about the best of the lot but even they burn out with constant use though can be rebuilt economically. And vacuums are lumbered with a HEPA filtration system that must be properly emptied and cleaned regularly, possibly several times a day. I suggest you consider a central vacuum cleaning system where the motor is located remotely. You don't need a variable speed motor as you can control the airflow at the hose, noise isn't an issue in your studio as the motor is located elsewhere, and emptying the dust would probably be a weekly chore rather than one done daily or even more frequently. You will need to check with suppliers to find a motor capable of sustaining the long hours of operation and you will also want to have a trap installed in your studio for buttons or other items you might accidentally pick up, but you won't need a very powerful unit for your work. Thomas Dixon Melbourne Australia *** Conservation DistList Instance 26:51 Distributed: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Message Id: cdl-26-51-006 ***Received on Tuesday, 21 May, 2013