[JFPNCM]

I've been relying on my neighbors good humor to use his drum sander for the last 2 years and while there is no problem therein, I think it is time to invest in my own. So, any recommendations will be appreciated.


I'm not looking for an industrial strength system but rather one under 20" for example the JET or Supermax models.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Herb Stoops]

I have the Performax, which is now the Jet. Jet bought Performax and the old owners started the Supermax company, which makes a larger and improved model of the Jet.

This is my third one and I am totally happy with it, I have the 16/32. I had the 10/20 first, but outgrew it and went to the 16/32. and lost that one in the fire so replaced it with a new one before the jet came out, but it is identical to the jet. the Supermax 16/32, and 18/36 are suited for home shops,but the have a gaggle of larger models.
Can't go wrong with either brand.
Herb

 

[JOAT]

I don't need one, but if I did, I'd take a shot at making my own.
https://hackaday.com/2014/12/27/diy-thickness-sander-is-good-enough-for-a-guitar-shop/

 

[DaninVan]

Is this basically the same one?
https://www.kmstools.com/king-canada-16-open-drum-sander-106700

 

[woodworker47]

I have the Performax 16/32. I bought it many years ago at an auction. I resaw a lot of Walnut and plane the boards to thickness. I then go to the drum sander to get final thickness. Usually this is the last sanding required. My unit has the variable speed feed rate, but newer models have a load/feed speed controller. If I ever upgrade, this would be a feature I would look for. I cannot comment on the quality since Performax was bought out. I have no issues with my old unit and would recommend it. Would be a interested in hearing others comments on newer models.

 

[kp91]

Is this basically the same one?
https://www.kmstools.com/king-canada-16-open-drum-sander-106700

Dan,

that looks just like my Ryobi, which was later made by Steel City


It is a little bit of a finicky machine to set up... which is why I got it so cheaply from the previous owner, who got it cheaply from the original owner...

Getting the table parallel to the drum, getting the tracking of the feed belt down were my biggest challenges. And these things are heavy and awkward to move around by yourself

Once it is set up it does a great job, but there was a day or two I thought I was going to give up on it.

Hopefully they've made some improvements to make the set up easier, because they are real time savers.

 

[DesertRatTom]

If I were going to get one, based on the feedback in posts in the past, I'd go for the SuperMax. Laguna just bought them out, and that company goes for the high quality tools.

 

[difalkner]

We bought the SuperMax 19-38 last year and it's a great machine. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if we wear this one out.

David

 

[DaninVan]

Another clone?

Is this basically the same one?
https://www.kmstools.com/king-canada-16-open-drum-sander-106700

This one looks identical, BUT if you look at the specs for the one I posted earlier, there are small differences. The one from KMS has a more powerful stock feed motor @ 1/8HP as opposed to the Craftex at 1/15HP
The one from KMS is also slightly less expensive during the sale.
Buy Drum Sander 16in. Open End Csa Cx Series at Busy Bee Tools

 

[Herb Stoops]

I have the Performax 16/32. I bought it many years ago at an auction. I resaw a lot of Walnut and plane the boards to thickness. I then go to the drum sander to get final thickness. Usually this is the last sanding required. My unit has the variable speed feed rate, but newer models have a load/feed speed controller. If I ever upgrade, this would be a feature I would look for. I cannot comment on the quality since Performax was bought out. I have no issues with my old unit and would recommend it. Would be a interested in hearing others comments on newer models.

Frank the first 16-32 Performax I bought had the smart feature on the feed belt that regulated the feed rate with the power load on the sanding drum.If the motor load increased over 15 amps it slowed down the feed rate accordingly.
The one I have now I bought used in the carton off Craigs List and doesn't have that feature. So I had it set up with an ammeter digital readout mounted on the motor to show the power draw as I set the feed rate manually. when it reads 15a.-18a. I manually reduce the feed rate with the dial and keep the motor from heating and kicking out the over load button. With out any load on the motor it runs @10.5a.-11a.
If I am not paying attention and it goes up to 20a. then it kicks the overload button.

The newer Performax and the Supermax both have the smart feature built into them.

Herb

 

[JFPNCM]

Thank you one and all for the comments. On my shopping tour today I learned that Super Max has just introduced a new model, the 16 32, that has some very nice features as well as being priced competitively. I'm leaning that way at the moment and will probably return tomorrow to place the order. Then it is sit and wait...

Thanks again.
Jon

 

[Red Stick]

Have owned the Jet 16/32 and Supermax 19/38.

Supermax is easier to wrap sandpaper and have had no tracking issues.

Suggest the infeed/outfeed tables.

 

[difalkner]

We don't have room for the infeed / outfeed tables but I wish we had them. We did get the casters, though, and that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I move it more than I though I would need to. I can thank my wife for that decision 'cause I was going to pass on them.

David

 

[TwoSkies57]

For the money, the Supermax looks like a winner! If I were to buy a new sander, that be the one. I've been hammering an old Ryobi 16/32 for years now and that darn thing just won't give it up.

 

[JFPNCM]

All comments are appreciated.

I have been told that the in/out feed tables on the Super max 16 32 do fold up. If so that will be a big plus.

Once I have it in place I'll review it here.

 

[Herb Stoops]

All comments are appreciated.

I have been told that the in/out feed tables on the Super max 16 32 do fold up. If so that will be a big plus.

Once I have it in place I'll review it here.

I built a plywood dolly to set mine on and roll it around. I think you made a good choice, in ordering the Supermax, nothing wrong with the Jet,they are good machines, but are Asian made and the SuperMax is made in USA
Where did you buy it, if I may ask?
Herb

 

[JFPNCM]

@Herb Stoops

Herb: I would appreciate a photo of your dolly as mine will definitely need to be mobile.

I will place the order tomorrow at the local Woodcraft store, https://www.woodcraft.com/stores/portland. I visited them, Rockler and Woodcrafters and of the 3 they were by far the most knowledgeable and helpful in the evaluation. In fact they were they ones that brought up the new 16 32 package.

 

[Herb Stoops]

@Herb Stoops

Herb: I would appreciate a photo of your dolly as mine will definitely need to be mobile.

I will place the order tomorrow at the local Woodcraft store, https://www.woodcraft.com/stores/portland. I visited them, Rockler and Woodcrafters and of the 3 they were by far the most knowledgeable and helpful in the evaluation. In fact they were they ones that brought up the new 16 32 package.

I just went to take a picture, and found that I had just added casters to the stand, However I was thinking of my router table and band saw both I put dollys on. The router table just sits on the dolly, the bandsaw is bolted to the dolly. here are the pictures. First the router table then the band saw and last of my sander.Your sander may come with holes for casters.

Herb

I just went to their site and looked at the stand. Looks like you can just add casters to it.

 

[JFPNCM]

Thanks Herb. The system comes with a stand and casters can indeed be added.

All my power tools are on casters or mobile bases and similar to what you've done I've added shelves or drawers wherever possible.

 

[lucyajones]

I will need to take care of business and get a drum sander. Be that as it may, I don't know which are the best ones. I What might you suggest.

Albeit considered an extravagance thing by numerous, a drum sander demonstrates invaluable.We got the best complete with bolster rates of 6 feet for each moment (fpm) or less.on every one of the five machines (despite the fact that that cut surpasses the makers' suggestions.