DC-3300 Opinion

[jdonovan]

Looking to buy a DC-300 Dust Collector. Since it looks like there is a lot of plastic, I haven't made up my mind to buy new or used. Wondering if anyone has experienced the plastic becoming brittle ? Are the later models better/worse than the older ones ? What should I look for if I buy used. Thanks in advance..Joe

[claimdude]

I bought used 8 or 9 years ago with no issues.

Jack

[dusty]

I've had mine about 30 years and it is still working fine. I have done no maintenance on the unit other than routine care. Mine is exposed to some of the harshest conditions (full sun and heat). There is some discoloration but nothing structural.

It is big and it is noisy.

[berry]

I've had mine for several years without any issues.

[berry]

I've had mine for several years without any issues.

[masonsailor2]

Had one for about 5 years with no issues. It is used on a stand alone CNC router so it runs continuously for very long periods. For general sawdust collection I prefer something with a lot more CFM though.
Paul

[algale]

I picked up a used DC3300 built in 2001. I don't know how much use it received before I got it. I've used it and have experienced no problems with it.

[wa2crk]

I bought a used one and it was filled with sawdust from the bottom all the way up to and inside the filter bag at the top. I took it to an open field and emptied it out. Blew out the remaining dust with an air compressor and reassembled it. It has been working flawlessly for the past 5 years. I find the suction adequate for the intended purpose. It is a LOT quieter than my old Delta DC. Good for the Shopsmith system and a small or home shop.
Bill V

[br549]

I bought mine used in 2016 when it was already 15 years old and have been pleased. Even with it missing some accessories, I think I got a good deal at $75. I later picked up a used ShopVac locally just for another hose, extension wands, and attachments, and then resold the ShopVac without any accessories. The previous owner of the DC3300 was in CA, and I don't think he was the original purchaser, so no telling where it started out. Even at 16 years old, no issues with plastic. Mine came with the auxillary handle on top of inlet housing ... prior to 2001 or so I don't think that extra handle was "standard", so that may be a clue as to how old one is (in case the serial number is not a date code like mine). Without disassembling it, no way to tell if impeller is damaged, unless performance is really off or maybe sounds strange. I used mine for several months before taking it apart to give it a good cleaning and replace gaskets. Shopsmith sells a gasket kit, but I just used self-adhereing 1/8" x 2" foam rubber pipe insulating tape. If you buy used, might be wise to plan on replacing gaskets and give it a thorough inspection. The housing is held together with machine thread screws into plastic and one was not holding well ... that's one thing I revised to lock nuts when I re-assembled. Attached are a few pics of mine from when I replaced gaskets.

[RandyGunny]

But MUCH quieter than using a regular shop vac!