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Thread: Help in choosing a drum sander
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27th September 2017, 07:11 PM #1SENIOR MEMBER
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Help in choosing a drum sander
I am looking at getting a drum sander and have narrowed it down to the new Jet 18-36 and the Supermax 19-38.
https://www.gregmach.com/product/swi...8-drum-sander/
https://www.carbatec.com.au/jet-drum...nd-457mm-914mm
They are very close in price so that doesn't help to seperate them and the build quality looks to be very similar, so I was wondering if anyone has a view on which one I should go for.
Thanks for any help.
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27th September 2017, 07:17 PM #2GOLD MEMBER
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Bit of a difference in weight.
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27th September 2017, 07:33 PM #3GOLD MEMBER
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The workshop footprint of the Supermax is very much larger than the Jet if that makes any difference to you.
Either way I'm GREEN with envy.
Brian
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27th September 2017, 07:33 PM #4
Get the infeed and outfield tables regardless of which one you buy, I would prolly go with the supermax. Have you looked at the Hare and Forbes twin drum machine?
There ain't no devil, it's just god when he's drunk!!
Tom Waits
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27th September 2017, 07:48 PM #5
I have the jet 22/44 oscillating sander and have used it for 22 months and would get the Supermax next time with digital readout and fixed both ends twin drums. Good luck
Acoustic & Electric Bass Guitars
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27th September 2017, 10:05 PM #6GOLD MEMBER
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Try and find out which machine is easier to change the abrasive paper. Some are a real challenge with awkward to manipulate clips etc, whereas some others are relatively easy. I am not familiar with your choices, so can't help other than giving you something else to think about.
Hope you are happy with the machine you finally choose.
Alan...
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27th September 2017, 10:57 PM #7SENIOR MEMBER
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Thanks for the replies! I didn't consider the twin drum sanders because I thought they would be a bit of overkill for my small workshop. I am leaning towards the Supermax. As Cavu said the weight difference probably means it is a more substantial better engineered machine( I hope).
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28th September 2017, 03:22 AM #8Senior Member
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28th September 2017, 12:09 PM #9GOLD MEMBER
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I could hardly believe the difference in weight - 155 compared to 71Kg. Had a bit of a search, most of the weight difference is down to the Supermax having a cast iron frame compared to cast aluminium in the Jet. Is one preferable to the other in a machine like this? I can see advantages and disadvantages for both.
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28th September 2017, 12:34 PM #10
Looks like that JET replaces their 16/32, which I have. Seems they have made several improvements.
Dust collection on the older 16/32 is just OK, but they have apparently made some changes to this. They also mention a new "tool-less" arrangement for securing the papers on the drum, presumably replacing the fiddly spring clip on older models?
As someone else said, I'd be trying to check out the ease of changing out abrasive first hand on both offerings before deciding. You'll be surprised how often you go through this operation !
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28th September 2017, 12:39 PM #11
Someone mentioned the twin drum sander - I considered this before buying a JET 16/32, but one big issue was the power required to run it. I would have had to put in a 15A point to run the twin drum, while the 16/32 runs off a standard outlet.
The JET 18/36 also looks like a standard outlet will suffice.
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28th September 2017, 01:02 PM #12GOLD MEMBER
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28th September 2017, 01:26 PM #13GOLD MEMBER
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Lighter weight can be an advantage if you have to move the machine around at all. With the Supermax there's a hell of a lot of weight in the drum mechanism that's only supported at one end. It looks like the height is only adjusted with a conventional screw thread. I'd be happier seeing an Acme thread moving all that weight as over time I would expect some wear in the nut. I'm not convinced that cast iron has any demonstrable advantages over aluminium in a machine of this style and size. If you were talking about a larger floor standing machine then I can certainly see the point, but at this size?
Both machines have similarly powerful motors and features, the Jet comes with an enviable reputation and the Supermax was well reviewed by Australian Wood Review. As others have said the ease of changing the paper may be a factor that makes the choice a lot easier.
It appears that both machines are made in Taiwan, which should provide some comfort as to the build quality.
David
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29th September 2017, 10:38 AM #14SENIOR MEMBER
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Thanks for the offer JMS 8087. I was at the woodworking club yesterday and one of the members said he had one. He also said he was very happy with his.
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29th September 2017, 11:39 AM #15GOLD MEMBER
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My understanding of the machines that have drums supported at one end is that they are not so accurate, is that the case or have things changed?
CHRIS
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