Black & Decker 12 Amp 2-Speed Electric Leaf Hog Blower / Vacuum With Leaf Bag #

Pros: Very powerful vacuum. Easy to empty bag.
Cons: Difficult to switch from vacuum to blowing.

I purchased this product in Sept 2008 (although my product has a variable speed dial instead of a 2 speed switch) and have used it now for 4 months.  I was initially very skeptical about the claims of this product because I have found Black ...

Pros: Light weight, good airspeed
Cons: premature failure, bag could be bigger for the vacuum pick-up

I purchased this unit three weeks ago and used it several times just to blow off our small front walk. I went to use it today for vacuuming up leaves. After about two minutes I noticed the speed was slowing down with the throttle at full, then I noticed an electrical smell. Looking into the area where the motor is I saw a pretty substantial electrical arcing about the size of a nickel that went from bright blue to orange. I called the 1-800 number but they are closed on Sundays so I will be returning it to Lowes where it was purchased for a replacement unit. Hopefully this was just a bad apple as I was a bit dissapointed with the longevity.