Thread: Performax Drum Sanders

Johnno

I have had a 16/32 Performax sander for some years now, once you get them set up you will wonder how you ever did without one.
I have sanded bench top that are 30inchs wide with no problems.
I do not buy there sanding strips as they cost to much. I travel around the markets and buy every roll of 3inch sand paper I can find.
I don't think you will be sorry.

DonN

Hi Don,thanks for your reply,I was at first dubious to the claims on this machine until I saw it demonstrated and was satisfied that it will suit my needs.
Cheers

hi john ,
ive had 1 of these for 18 months now and its a machine i use an awful lot.
a tip that i found helpful when machining rough sawn boards with it is to put your wood through on a slight angle (using coarse paper), it seems to flatten stock quicker & also uses the full width of sand paper.
ive attached a 4 inch pvc joiner so the dust extraction works better. also put a base with wheels so its easily moved out of the way.
happy sanding
seeyasoon mik.

Hi Mik,Thanks for the picture,I haven't had the chance to set it up and drive it as I'm putting up a new patio.
I understand that the main concerns with the machine is the tracking of the Conveyor belt and the cost of the belts for replacement.
The first is obviously a set=up problem,the second can can be reduced by extending the life of the belts by using a rubber across them to clean them.
Cheers

And use a hearth brush to remove the residue rubber from cleaning stick.

hi john & all,
tried to reply the other night but the comp. went funny!
anyway , the tracking of the conveyer belt with mine is a regular thing but not to the point of bothering.
the gears on the conveyer belt motor on mine has just given up the ghost (well worn) but luckily timbecon have come to the rescue. (just dont know how much yet, hope it doesnt hurt!)
seeyasoon mik.

John,

I am thinking about buying the Performax 16/32 Drum Sander in the (hopefully) not to distant future and was wondering:

a) Who did you buy it from
b) How much you paid
c) Was the stand included
d) Are you happy with it
e) Do you think it is worth the extra $ compared to the Generic ones like Mik's

Hi Wayne,I've no regrets with the 16/32 ,it has lived up to my expectations.
The eveness of the finish is terrific and has left me wondering why I took so long to but it.
I bought it from Power Tool & Machinery Sales here in West OZ.

www.ptms.com.au

Paid around $1350 all inclusive of the stand.
Paid around $50 for set of duty castors for it.
Also paid for the infeed and outfeed extension tables which I thought were great for stability for sanding longer pieces.

I cannot in all honesty compare it with the generic cheaper models, I have good faith in Jet products even if slightly dearer along with the range of accesssories available to enhance their product.It is with this choice that I believe a fair amount of quality control goes into their product and is worth the few extra $$$$.

Good Luck in Your Choice
Cheers

Could a drum sander be considered as a substitute for a thicknesser? As I understand it, the drum sander is more suitable for boards with "cranky" grain, so if shed space is limited would the sander cope with all of your thicknessing requirements with the only trade off being more time required to do the job? Last question. How much noise do they make?

Dan

Hi Dan, by definition these drum sanders are quiet but could not be construed as in the same vein as thicknessers.

Thicknessers remove a lot of material relatively quickly whereby these sanders are slow in comparison in removing the same amount of material.

The drum sander is a finishing option on fine dimensions whereas a thickneser is essentially reducing material to be worked before requiring some finishing in regards to sanding.

hth Cheers

Thanks John,

Mik mentioned machining rough sawn boards and I thought maybe a drum sander might end up being a better option if it is quieter and handles boards with uneven grain/knots better(?). I've noticed luthiers seem to always have a drum sander in their workshop with thicknessers being less obvious. I should explain that I'm into boxmaking (resawing on bandsaw then smoothing with hand plane) for most of the time and I work fairly slow anyway, so maybe I could get away with only having a drum sander (when I get tired of using hand planes).

Dan

Wayne, just noticed an AD on the back page of the Australian Woodworker for the 16/32 Performax @ $1295 inc GST from Gegsons, with stand included which is a darn good price.

HTH Cheers

Yep - saw that ad John. Unfortunately, a broken Washing Machine has just put my purchase off a ways

(Special price is on till 30/11 if other are interested)

I'd be interested to find out the prices they go for at the Melb Show.