Replies

1. 
   kdk | May 08, 2006 08:07pm | #1

   I just went through the same search.  I though I'd made up my mind and was ready to get the Performax 22/44 when I talked to a sales rep at a local new/used woodworking tool shop.  He recommended that I look into the 24" General dual drum.  Initially, I was concerned with the width limitation but decided I can live with it. 

   The paper wraps directly on the aluminum drums and, unlike the hook and loop systems, does not round over sharp edges due to compression of the hook/loop substrate.  The tensioning mechanism is easy to use.

   The second drum is adjustable with respect to the first.  My first inclination with respect to the dual drum machines was luke warm, thinking that it would be putzy to set them up to remove the proper amount of wood on each drum.  In reality, I use one or the other.  For coarse sanding, I raise the second (finer) drum out of the way completely.  For finer sanding, I lower it so that it does all the work and the coarse drum never touches the work.  That saves a lot of time in changing abrasive strips.

   I like the extra horsepower (20 amp @ 220V service required) of the General over the Performax.

   The dual dust collection ports on the top cover work very well.

   Hope this helps.

   -Kurt