Best Drum Sander for home shop; or wide belt used ?
After some recent threads on drum sanders, I spent a night reading all the posts I could find on SMC for these, trying to figure out what was "the best" drum sander I should be looking for, for use in garage shop. I really couldn't find any "best" threads, or comparisons--just data points on individual machines, mostly Performax 16-32, Jet 22-44, Jet 16-32 (did they buy Performax??).
I'd also like to know if it's reasonable to get a wide belt sander for a home shop, if they're better than drum sanders (threads seem to say yes), and what models would be reasonable for a home shop. I read that motors are much bigger, usually 3 phase, and they take up space, so I'd be looking for 5HP single phase (maybe 7.5 if that's all there is), and apparently I want one with a platen.
Looking at the new pricing, it appears drum sanders are fairly expensive, on the order of a table saw which surprised me. And the WBS seem much more expensive, I looked at the Grizzly lineup for low-price data points. I'd like to look on CL for a used one, but need more info on what I should be buying. Here's the use: all personal build, furniture, 3-6 built-ins including full-wall bookshelf/cabinet ones for office, and kitchen cabinets, likely frame and raised-panel, perhaps shaker fronts, but non-euro. Future projects likely include guitars.
My ares of interest are:
1. I've read lots of great posts for 16-32 (performax or jet?) but then a lot of BAD posts on them concerning drum leveling.
2. I've read from virtually everyone that the 22-44 is better.
3. Most everyone says the wide belt is better, but it should have a platen etc...
So, with $2k budget, 2 car garage shop, 60A 230V panel that I could boost to 100A, 5HP Oneida cyclone, and quite happy to shop CL at length for the thing, WHAT do I buy?
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Wide belt or Drum Sander?
The big question is: "How much sanding will you be doing? Hours every day? Doubtful! You have a home shop, not a business. Wide belt sanders are built for speed and endurance. Big 15 or 20 hp motors. You won't find many "plug n play" wide belts for $2K. Most in that price range are worn-out castoffs. The good ones will bring much more unless it is an isolated local sale. Drum sanders are not as agressive, but so what if you spend an extra half hour sanding?
Look for a used Woodmaster DS. The 26" sanders do most anything a home shop needs to do. The 38" does bigger stuff, or allows your sanding roll to last longer. Woodmasters are built like a Tank compared to the Grizzly double drums. AND Woodmaster is still made in USA! Check 'em out...you won't be sorry!
Here's my bargain Woodmaster 7.5hp double drum 3820 bought earlier this year, well below your $2K budget. I Love It!
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