Replies

1. 
   walnutjerry | Dec 01, 2004 03:16pm | #1

   when I went into my shop fulltime-a drum sander was the first major addition for me. After attending woodworking shows and researching, I settled on the 38" wide, single head WOODMASTER. It was the most sander for the money I could find at the time. You can opt for a second head if you wish but it increases the cost significantly.

   The width will allow you to sand table tops. face frames, and chest panels after glue up. The hook & loop drum/paper makes it simple to change sanding paper. there is also a traveling bed with variable speed feed rate. It also has a reverse switch which allows you to send the material back and forth through the machine if you wish. A good dust collector is mandatory with this machine.

   You must keep in mind that this machine works in thousandths NOT sixteenths. It was designed as a sander-not a planer. I have had mine nearly 10 years and it has been trouble free. I am a one man shop so I do not see the abuse of machines that often occur in larger shops. I do not use the machine every day either but I feel like it would hold up if I did.

   It boils down to what you want to do with the sander----if it is small item production then a smaller sander may be qiuite adequate.

   Good luck on your decision

    

    

2. 
   Bobaeng | Dec 07, 2004 08:27am | #2

   I have the General 24".  After quite a bit of tuning, it works phenomenally. 

   Nothing beats getting your hands on one and trying it.  I know this is hard, but ask around.

   Bob