Best Leafblower for cleaning

Defiant said:

Here is the unit I just purchased for $59.98, looked at all of them including a cheap $28 green thing that the latch broke off when I was checking it out. Thanks for all the input gonna try it out later.

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Thats the same one I got. 6 speed 240 MPH and 450 CFM. Love it. I run it on High after brushing the vent, then turn it down to its lowest speed while I clean the entire stove inside.

Your gonna be happy with it.

PA_Clinker said:

I had to come up with a way to use the leaf blower upside-down, since my setup has cleanout-T with a short rise. I bought a 4†to 3†DWV pvc adapter at HD which was a snug “fit†into the vacuum side (secured it with some Gorilla tape). From there, a short length of 3†pvc into a 3†by 3†neoprene coupler which seals nicely around the 3†diameter vent pipe. You can kind of see the hose clamps on the neoprene couple in this pic.

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I was wondering if I could hang one like that, since I also have a short vertical rise going up and that would be the easiest hookup. Did you do anything to block off the terminator cap at the end of the rise? I was wondering if all the air pressure would take the path of least resistance through the short pipe and not actually suck as much out of the other end.

I bought an 4 to 3 inch adaptor, metal. I then cut slits up the small end a couple times. The adaptor was able to slip right in the 3 inch exhaust. I keep duct tape with the leaf blower vac. as this is the only use I have for this machine. I also use one of those remote switches (about $15). That way I get well away from it before turning it on. I like to turn it on, then off, then tap the pipes and so on. (every ton) . You will be amazed by how little ash there is in the stove when you go to do the deep cleaning. (annual)

Heres what a 25$ shop vac and a small cup of coffee can do...

http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee141/Bwerm/?action=view&current=pelletclean.mp4

Question, which maybe stupid, but do you take the baffle off when you do this or leave it on or does it matter? What about the ash pan leave it in or take out?
Thanks

Well I use it after I have cleaned most of the crud out of the stove (aka normal cleaning, this means I carry my ash pan outside and add it to the compost piles).

I also do it with my door closed and latched and vacuum line is attached.

If your shop vacuum is really strong you can use that as well instead of the leaf vacuum even with filters.

If I wanted to buy a leaf blower, would this be a good one to work with? What else may I need to make it work, I am using 3" exhaust.
http://www.amazon.com/Toro-51609-Variable-Speed-Electric-Impeller/dp/B007POATV4/ref=lh_ni_t

thank guys, you have been a great help with my purchase and everything else, I put about 13 bags through it this year and have about 5 ton for next year.

shtrdave said:

If I wanted to buy a leaf blower, would this be a good one to work with? What else may I need to make it work, I am using 3" exhaust.
http://www.amazon.com/Toro-51609-Variable-Speed-Electric-Impeller/dp/B007POATV4/ref=lh_ni_t

thank guys, you have been a great help with my purchase and everything else, I put about 13 bags through it this year and have about 5 ton for next year.

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That looks good... I bought quite that model for my buddy. You may need to buy a 4"-3" PVC reducer and cut the vacuum section down, so it will fit snug. But it will work great.

slangtruth said:

I was wondering if I could hang one like that, since I also have a short vertical rise going up and that would be the easiest hookup. Did you do anything to block off the terminator cap at the end of the rise? I was wondering if all the air pressure would take the path of least resistance through the short pipe and not actually suck as much out of the other end.

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I have a Sears Craftsman vacuum cleaner (16 gal) If you put the hose into the clean-out "T" & block off any airspace in the pipe with a rag. Then put the other end of the hose into the vacuum where air is blown out (not sucked in), that should clean the exhaust pipe. While the vacuum is running, tap on different parts of the length of the pipe. That'll loosen any ash on the inside of the pipe.
If you want to vacuum out the inside of your stove (when it's cold), it doesn't matter which shop vac you use - the key is the filter(s) inside. I have a HEPA filter, & a vacuum bag on the inside of mine. They bags can be bought anywhere - WalMart, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes,... There are 3 grades of bags - good, better, best. Get the best. It says right on the package - "made for wall plaster dust & cold stove ash". If I make a mess in a customer's house, I don't get called back next year.

I keep thinking I want an outside electrical outlet near the stove vent. Everytime I do the leaf blower thing I have to open a window and toss out an electrical cord. Really can't complain. Only takes about 15 minutes from the time I go after what ever I need for the job until I have put everything back.