Replies

1. 
   Dave | Jun 30, 2005 07:05am | #1

   I just got the performax 16-32 a couple months ago. 

   I avoided them for a long time bacause my head (I should never trust it!) told me it was destined to fail.  However, after using it pretty hard on multiple projects, I'm absolutely pleased. 

   Now, I've not done any project boards wider than 16 inches, but I played with it a bit and it seems to work fine on wider stock.  On the 16 and less width, it's been incredible.  You can't feed the work too fast, nor try to sand down too much as it trips the thermal overload.   But with use, and understanding of the limits, it will save you so much time! 

   Changing paper takes me about 30 seconds by the way.  Very efficient and effective system.  I like it.

   Good luck

2. 
   desertrat | Jun 30, 2005 05:28pm | #2

   I also have the Performax 16/32 and love it. Just remember that it is not a planer, it is a sander. With that in mind, working with it is a pleasure.

3. 
   Dan | Jul 08, 2005 03:56am | #3

   I recently purchased a used (but new model) Delta 18" x 36" drum sander from a Delta dealer here that had been returned to them.  They had two units and I was a bit leery about buying but the price was right (about half) and I figured, what the hell, they're Delta.

   After getting it home, it took me about 6 hours to get it adjusted and in working order.  Along the way, I appreciated why it had been returned.  Adjustment was very involved and difficult.  I surmised that the fact of the critical nature of the adjustments was the reason for their return.  A production shop would not have the time to fool with this, especially if they had some heavy handed operators.

   Once adjusted, however, it works OK.  I don't have any experience with other drum sanders so I don't know if they have the same limitations as the Delta.  I have used it to sand a 24" x 48" chest top with satisfactory results but also had problems (learning curve) with 10' lengths of 5" alder baseboard that I did on a milling job.  It is essential that the infeed ends and the outfeed ends are supported.  A downward deflection of the ends will raise the table part causing a gouge.  The veneer for the chest top was sanded to about 1/16" thickness before gluing and the whole top was run through after and I was happy with it.

   I know I have some more learning curve to experience but have already gotten a bit shy about trusting it.  Like any power tool, things happen quickly, resulting in an "oh, sxxx"

4. 
   MBNACK | Jul 09, 2005 04:55am | #4

   Burt check out woodmaster ,best value and performance.Plus it is made in USA.