Used Dust Collection System for $200

[Greg in Maryland]

I am looking for a used DC system and ran across this on Craigs List for $200:

• Penn State DC-250 Dust Collection system,

• 2-1/2 HP, (110/220 VAC) motor)

• 1800 CFM.

• In "excellent condition."

• It looks like it was manufactured in 2001

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...921947837.html

Has anyone had any experience with this unit? Any thoughts about what to look for before I inquire?

Thanks.

Greg

[Uncle Hook]

I don't have any experience with this unit, but Penn State dust collectors are well thought of.

[LCHIEN]

penn state units are generally well regarded. But a lot has changed in the last 7 years. I'd make sure that the filtration is adequate, meaning preferably the bags stop .5 to 1 micron (e.g. the so-called cut point) In 2001, the standard for performance was 5, 10, 20, or 30 microns allowing considerably more particulate thru.
Aftermarket bags then did maybe 2 microns- I think Penn state pioneered 5 micron.
But today as I said you want 1 micron or below, that means new bags or converting to a canister system. Penn state makes a canister for 20" ring that will probably fit that system, would run about $180. Also the Grizz or Jet retrofit canister kits would probably fit, too.
The rest of the system should be good. As with all DCs, the stated CFM is probably much higher than what is achieved in actual use. They base it on theoretical value and with no piping, bags, etc.

[dbhost]

I am looking for a used DC system and ran across this on Craigs List for $200:

• Penn State DC-250 Dust Collection system,

• 2-1/2 HP, (110/220 VAC) motor)

• 1800 CFM.

• In "excellent condition."

• It looks like it was manufactured in 2001

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...921947837.html

Has anyone had any experience with this unit? Any thoughts about what to look for before I inquire?

Thanks.

Greg

Like the others have mentioned, Penn State is highly regarded. HOWEVER, that unit is old tech, and will need to be updated in regards to filtration. I believe that the Wynn 35A Cartridge Filter kit should fit those older PSI units.

Think of it this way, lots of guys buy the new Central Machinery units for that price, and upgrade the filtration on them. You would be buying used, but getting a better unit, and then adding the money that would have still been spent on filtation, on filtration. No problem...

[sweensdv]

Actually, Central Machinery(Harbor Freight) has upgraded their 2HP DC with better bags. The 97869 is currently listed for around $200.

[pecker]

The current version of that DC is $280.
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/DC2000B.html
The 1 micron bags for it are about $75.
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/BC2-1V.html

Maybe just buy a new one, although the freight charge is kinda high.

[dbhost]

Actually, Central Machinery(Harbor Freight) has upgraded their 2HP DC with better bags. The 97869 is currently listed for around $200.

They are still 5 micron bags. Yes 5 microns is better than 20, but still just makes the DC a fine dust pump.. 1 Micron filtration or better is what is really needed...

[sweensdv]

They are still 5 micron bags. Yes 5 microns is better than 20, but still just makes the DC a fine dust pump.. 1 Micron filtration or better is what is really needed...

Once you get a layer of sawdust coating the inside of the 5 micron bag it will actually filter much lower than 5 microns. That is, according to what I've read on a number of occasions.

I happen to run Grizzly 5 micron bags on my HF DC and have no complaints whatsoever with the job they do. Of course the finer the filtration the better but, on a budget, $200 isn't bad for a 5 micron system. If money were no object, we'd all have state of the art canister systems but unfortunately that isn't practical for everyone.

[Thalermade]

I have a 2001 PennState 2.5 which is the 1 1/2 hp version and came with the then new 5 micron bags. I upgraded to the cannister a few years back, was well worth it.

I don't think a seven year old motor and impellar is worth $200. But my thoughts are clouded knowing that I have been happier with the cannister than I was with the bags - meaning if I were thinking of buying the unit listed on CL, I would be buying with the intention of adding a cannister.

Russ

[Greg in Maryland]

Thanks for all the replies and guidance.

I think I will pass on this -- $200 doesn't seem such a bargain as it did late last night.

Cheers!

Greg