Drum Sander

[Bill Bulloch]

I may have the opportunity to buy a used Grizzly 18" open end drum sander (G0458) for $300.00. It is said to be in good condition. Does anyone own one of these? And, if so, have you had any major problems with it? I have heard that "open end" sanders are hard to adjust to level. Has anyone experiened this problem with thier "open end" sander?

http://www.grizzly.com/products/18-1-1-2....um-Sander/G0458

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I have the Preformax/Jet sander. That looks like it's a movable bed design. THere are pros and cons about the bed moving or head moving. The main problem, I think, on a movable bed design, is cannot make infeed or outfeed tables for it unless they move along with the bed. Pretty tough to do. I you plan to sand long pieces, this is of major concern. If shorties, not much of a concern.

[Jim Silva]

I have an 18" Delta (it's open end).
Leveling the bed wasn't bad on this unit but I do have a bit of a time keeping the feed belt perfectly straight. It likes to crawl a bit to the inside over time so I'm playing with feeler gauges to straighten it out. Other than that it's a fine unit and I find it indispensable.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Just moved this thread over here in the hopes someone can help Bill out with some answers. Thanks!

[Pete Hay]

I have that sander -- got it on CL a couple years ago at $350. No problem keeping it parallel - just follow the manual's instructions completely. My concern is underpower. This machine needs at least 2hp, maybe 3hp. It trips under what seems to me to be normal operations

[Cary Falk]

I got one on CL a few years ago for $450 and thought I got a good deal. My motor is running a little hot and popping breakers lately. I need to see if moving it to a dedicated circuit will help. I have no problems with belt tracking.

[keith micinski]

I have found that if I try to use sand paper that is worn it pops the breaker constantly. I have always had a hard time swapping paper out at the right time because I am a tight wad but with the Drum sander I have found once the paper goes and it starts popping the breaker there is no sense in trying to keep going.

[Clarence Miller]

I paid 400 for my performax 16-32 and consider that a darn good investment, I would probably buy it if I were in you shoes.

[Paul McGaha]

Hi Bill,

I have a similar sander from Delta. I find it worth having. Spend far less time with a ROS.

At that price I would think you could resell it easily if you didnt like it.

PHM