Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi All

I have been using a Performax 10-20 drum sander and am going to replace it. I'm looking at a Performax 16-32 or a Grizzly 18" G0458. I would greatly appreciate any information or personal experiences that any of you have with these two Or if you have another preferrence please let me know - Thanks Mike

I like my Jet 16-32 (previously Performax). It has worked reliably, dust collection is good with a 1.5 HP, double bag Grizzly collector, and the feed belt has stayed on track. I have had to adjust the alignment of the drum on occasion.

I don't know anything about the Grizzly, so this info is one-sided.

_________________
Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

I also like my Jet 16-32. I had to spend a little time initially adjusting the feed belt but once it was adjusted I haven't had to readjust it. The drum has stayed in alignment also. I like the auto feed speed on it, so if I set the speed too high it automatically slows it down.
Mike

Thanks Mike & Jim

I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Looks like the Performax gets high marks - thanks - Mike

_________________
guitarsbygiltzow.com

You know, for the money, there is no better thickness sander than the Jet/Performax series. I bet most would agree. You should be able to sell ur 10-20 in the classifieds quite easily. Is Brock still looking to trade? He wanted a 10-20 for a 16-32 he has! (d?) the Grizzly moves the table up and down VS the drum.

My opinion is , the 16/32 works well, but the drawback is, if you are sanding a joined plate, and it is not perfectly flat , you can get a trough from the end of the drum, if the plate rises up there ( if the plate is wider than 16" ) ... I would definatly go for the 18" sander , Jody

Oh yes, if not perfectly aligned, troughs are inevitable. But constantly flipping and reversing the order almost completely eliminates the problem. Technique with the drum sander is incredibly important. The alignment technique that I linked in the tutorial section is essential. I have built several harp guitar tops using a well aligned 10-20 and you cannot find troughs or gouges anywhere.