Thread: 16-32 drum sanders

My only thoughts are how much use and the availability of after service back up. If it is for DIY projects I have found both Hafco and Carba-tec products perform well. If I had a professional workshop I'd go for better quality. Depreciation etc helps offset the additional cost. As far as how low it will finish this can be overcome with a packer on the bed as I do with my thicknesser to get my Carba-tec down to 2 instead of 4.5 mm.

John

Chech to see if there is any movement up/down in the free end of the various units.

Compare the robustness of the sliding head of the various units.

I have a Jet 22/44. I had a choice of 2 brands to choose from, the $800 unit had the above faults, the Jet was by far superior and 3 times the price.

I don't mean to be patronising, so if you already know this please don't be offended.

Those sanders are finishing machines and in no way duplicate the function of a thicknesser or planer.

Just thought it should be mentioned.

Also they come up second hand regularly and timbecon sell the same machine and sometimes have good specials.

2c.

Thanks for the replies. I went for the Jet model. The extra dollars hurt, but from what I've done with it so far I don't think I will have any regrets.

Hey burraboy don't do what I did see here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f67/in...arning-116562/

Originally Posted by rod1949

Hey burraboy don't do what I did see here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f67/in...arning-116562/

Yes Rod,
I was thinking of your predicament when I turned it on and started using it. Perhaps a spring loaded fence across the front? What were you thinking of when you stuck your fingers in there? (Apart from the fact that it was off.)

Originally Posted by burraboy

Yes Rod,
I was thinking of your predicament when I turned it on and started using it. Perhaps a spring loaded fence across the front? What were you thinking of when you stuck your fingers in there? (Apart from the fact that it was off.)

Your unit probably has the same switch set up as mine being the infeed table variable speed switch with the big word OFF on flat top and the switch for the drum motor on the vertical front, and because I know the infeed table was off and having the dust extractor running it was a combination of phylogical thinking the whole unit was off and not hearing the unit above the noise of the dust extractor.

I've also learnt that when you hear the slightest flutter/flapping noise coming from the sander to stop it after the current material has passed throught and re-tension the belt if you don't you'll lose the belt.

You'll see in this post https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/wo...bit-me-119786/ I'm putting it to work. I also brought some collapsiable roller which worked a treat to handle the 3m long jarrah tops.

You are right about the switches, same set-up, they take a little thinking about, perhaps it would be safer with just one master switch somehow.
The other thing that slows me down to think is the height adjustment and the little diagram which shown + & -, I keep getting the direction wrong, I'll probably overwrite it with texta Up & Down.
How often do you find you need to tighten each belt? After a initial short run I've found it necessary but not to any great degree after that. It's probably just as well too , there's a bit of a learning curve assosciated with that operation, I suppose it will get easier with practise.
The rollers look great!

I have the Carbatec 16-32 and am very happy with it. I considered the jet but wasn't prepared to pay double the price for the use I was going to give it. The Carbatec model is made in Taiwan ( like Jet), and is a good quality unit. Most Jet owners seem to be happy with theirs so they obviously have a lot going for them.

If I was doing it again I would also consider the Jet 22-44. I think its actually good value considering the specs for the price.