Thread: Help in choosing a drum sander

Bit of a difference in weight.

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

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?

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

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...

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).

Originally Posted by safari

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).

I have the Supermax and its a pretty nice machine, happy for you to come and check it out before you make the investment if you like. PM me.

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.

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 !

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.

Originally Posted by aldav

I can see advantages and disadvantages for both.

Enlighten us oh wise one.

On a serious note, I would genuinely like to know the +/- of cast iron in this application.

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

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.

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?