United dust collector?

[Kenny Marjerrison]

Hello members,

I have been lurking on the forum for several years and just decided to join. Seems to be some great people and info in this site! My question is this: anyone ever heard of a United brand dust collector? It is a 2hp model 502. Looks identical to a standard 2 bag job that you would see from grizzly or shop fox. Anyway it just came available on cl recently and I am interested. It's old, 1992, but says its in excellent condition and works perfect. I would just like some opinions and see if anyone has experience with this particular model. Thanks!

[Rick Potter]

Probably came from the same Taiwan factory as many other brands. If it the right size and budget for you, and it works well, why not? Motors were an issue on that era. There was a brand called SECO back then that had a warehouse outlet near me. They always had a pile of bad motors in the back, and machines sitting around without motors, because they robbed them to replace the bad ones. My point being that if the motor was bad, you would know it by now.

Welcome to the creek,

Rick Potter

[David Kumm]

Ken, many of those older baggers had a 12" rubber-plasic type straight blade impeller that actually gave pretty good service and although louder, more useable cfm. The bag is likely worthless and should be replaced so factor that in. My first unit was a SECO way back when and still works although it has been a million years since I've needed it. Dave

[Michael W. Clark]

Could this be United Air Specialists? I think they are still in business and make some off-the-shelf "semi-industrial" units.

[Kenny Marjerrison]

Thanks for all the info guys, no response from the owner anyway so I'm betting it's sold... Keep looking! Thanks again!

[Kenny Marjerrison]

Ok guys, one more question!

The owner got back to me and the United dust collector is still available. My question is this: Should I jump on a 20 year old machine that is still in perfect working order (that I am pretty sure was in fact made in the same place as grizzly) or go with a new Harbor Freight/Central Machinery one that is strikingly similar for the same price. The Harbor Freight stuff makes me a little nervous but I am not sure if it makes me any more nervous than a 20 year old dust collector! I am leaning towards the old one just because if its worked this long and hasn't been abused it must be fairly good quality but I would love to have everyone's opinion that would like to chime in. Thanks!