Thread: Has anyone bought the QWS Drum Sander and have any opinions on it?

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

This is for info only - from the Jet 10-20 Manual page 12 https://content.jettools.com/assets/...900_man_EN.pdf

I think you will find similar instructions on drum alignment in the Jet, Performax, Supermax manuals etc.

"Fine Tuning Drum Alignment
When sanding boards wider than the drum, drum alignment is critical and must be adjusted slightly higher on the outboard end. This will prevent any ridges from developing in the stock. Always check it on a piece of scrap wood, as follows, before sanding the work piece. "

The Supermax videos also state that.

I'm really surprised we haven't yet from anyone that's bought one, I would have expected at least a few owners to appear?

cheers, Ian

I've been trying to find a similar o/seas model as I assume it's coming out the same factory as a number of other brands, haven't found one yet but did find the Hare & Forbes one is the same model as the Craftex CX507 in the States. Lot's of complaints about the lack of grip on the belt though.

L110 - DS-1632 Drum Sander | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse
https://www.busybeetools.com/product...cx-series.html

It's similar'ish to the QWS, but with minor frame differences, HP rating and belt motor attachment. May be out of same factory to a different spec?

Originally Posted by aarggh

I'm really surprised we haven't yet from anyone that's bought one, I would have expected at least a few owners to appear?

Maybe that tells you something!

That's what I'm worried about!

Originally Posted by cava

Maybe that tells you something!

Well I'm happy with the Jet 10-20 and I was fully aware of some owners experiencing accelerated wear on the height adjustment on that model before I purchased. Its done a fair bit of work thicknessing thin boards & veneers with no issues so far. Had the smaller unit not become available again I do believe that I would have purchased the QWS unit.

I think that many of the issues with machinery are actually caused by operator error or inexperience, though some are through the "economies of mass manufacturing" which underestimate the typical "user" and the expected life cycle of critical wear components. Budget "multi branded" machinery is basically a throw away item due to poor after sales and spare parts support.

When I first looked at drum sanders I looked at that Jet model at Carbatec, but doing research did indicate a lot of problems with the leadscrew thread stripping badly by a lot of owners. Carbatec doesn't sell the Jet anymore, but looking at the new Carbatec model it's identical to the Hare & Forbes model, which in turn is identical to the Craftex model in the US.