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Looking at adding a drum sander to my shop, and have narrowed it down to Jet or Grizzly. Been happy with both brands in the past and with current tools. Question is, do the open-ended sanders *really* give consistent thicknesses across the entire surface, as opposed to the grizzly models which have adjustment rods on BOTH ends of the drum? Seems the advantage is you can get a slightly smaller (ie, MUCH less expensive) open ended machine and just run pieces through twice.....IF it gives accurate results. Any thoughts? Thanks

I would go with the Jet. While open ended sanders can "flex" if you take your time and remember to flip the work and don't hog, take small bites it will do fine. Also use 80 grit paper or even 60 for rosewoods. Keep the paper clean and replace as soon as it gets loaded up. It will do you well. This is a thickness sander , not a finish sander so just allow a few extra thous for hand sanding.

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John Hall
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I have the Jet. It can be adjusted/set up by removing the sandpaper and running the drum down until it contacts a block of some kind equally on both ends of the drum. I use a 6" ruler set on edge. The manual that comes with it explains this adjustment very well. I have found that it REALLY improves performance if you take your time and don't try to take too much off at a time.

I have the Jet also and I tend to set the drum to take off a little more on the drive end so that I can put a little taper into the top and back.

I've had the Jet/Performax 18/36 for about 8 years. It's been fine. Loading dramatically decreased when I upgraded to a 3hp Oneida cyclone with 6" lines and put the sander on the first drop.

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I've got an 18/36 Hausmann (rebadged Grizzly) and it is functional. As has been said, go slow.
They can be set up quite accurately.

I bought a Delta 18-36 as well and like it a lot more. Mostly for paper changes which is very quick compared to the other.

Thanks for all the great advice. Seems like the manufacturers know there is a significant jump around the 20" width, and make that a quantum jump in price! Given the advice above, I will feel quite comfortable trying the 18" open models. Just by looking at photos, it would appear that the delta and grizzly are the same machine with different paint/logos? I did not realize the drum was adjustable--making it thicker at one end to bevel is a great idea. Nice to know I can save around 800 by not needing the 24" models...but then again "save" is a misnomer, as it will just be put towards other tools!

No, I do not believe the delta and grizzly are the same machine. I believe the grizzly and the Hausmann (Rona's house brand in Canada) are the same machine...

Nope, definately not the same. I think I was looking at a smaller machine--maybe 16"? More likely to be outsourced than the nicer big machines. Anyhow, Jet has a factory 10% sale going on, so there's an extra 100 off, so that helps the decision process a little. Not that price is the only factor, of course.

Better off with an 18" for sure.

Yeah, that's what I figured. 18" better than 16", but will have smaller footprint in my small shop than a 24", and will leave around a grand in my pocket....which will promptly burn a hole I'm sure....

Thanks again for all the replies. Just wanted to make sure there were no major regrets with an 18, and I feel much better about it now.

Dave F

Shops are an endless money pit.

Shhhhh. Don't tell my wife

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It gets worse when it stops being a hobby....

Have you looked at the Supermax 19-38?

What small amount of flex you see can be canceled by flipping the board and run it through a second time. I ran across this idea a while back and thought it would be a good idea (and void the warranty on a new sander) if flex was a big concern:

The photo on the infeed table shows a Ryobi WDS1600 sander from before they made disposable tools with a sliding metal brace attachment. Fortunately I was satisfied with my sander's performance and never had to use it.

Those are fancy. I built my own. Even with a 3hp motor I've found to go smooth and slow. Works better that way.


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I have the Supermax 19-38 which is open ended and it is absolutely dead flat across the entire surface. It is a very robust and well built machine.

http://www.supermaxtools.com/products-s ... um-sander/

If you have room and can afford them, the sanders that can fit a whole top or back at once are great. However, if you either don't have room or that much money, a Jet (Performax) 10-20 works fine. I really like mine. Having to make two passes for each plate is not that big of a problem. Proper adjustment is important with the open end sanders. My 10-20 has never given me problems. Happy user here.

Absolutely nothing wrong with the 10-20 or 16-32. They get the job done for less. I have the 16-32 and never run a full 16". Always run half and turn it around.

"It gets worse when it stops being a hobby...."

Kinda like drugs......

I have a Ryobi 16/32 that I bought used. I don't think I'll upgrade until I really find a need. I try to keep my addiction at a manageable level.

I have just purchased the supermax 19-38 as well, have not recieved it yet. It came highly recommened.

My Jet (performax) 22/44 is very reliable. Never had a flex issue. Joe Woodworker has a great technique for setting up. I posted a link to it in the tutorial forum. Once set, u should never have to redo it.

Mike

I have the Ryobi 16/32 and love it. I'm sure bigger would be nicer, but I don't see where I need it.

I bought mine used and the previous owner did a great job setting it up. I never had to touch it even after the trip from his place to mine and the move onto the cart I built. My understanding with the Jets is that the adjustment process is easier than on the machine I have. If I were buying new, that is the brand I'd be looking at.

If I go slow I don't have issues with the flex. The biggest thing I have seen is watching the paper. Changing it when it needs it and going slow. Actually thinking of a larger sander makes me think of the extra cost in changing paper. If you burn a 2" strip out right in the middle, then you still have to change the entire drum.

You should never burn out a segment. Always pass stock through at an angle so entire drum is in use. This keeps local temperatures down and contributes yo even wear of paper. Yes, straight pass on final cuts to align grit lines with grain, but u only need 2-3 passes like that.