I have the Performax 22-44 and while it works well enough, if you can find one of the smaller widebelts, go that route. The drum sanders are slow, you can't take more than maybe .015 (.4mm) at a time or it will be inconsistent and you will need spring passes at the end. It works great on tear prone wood and pieces of edge banding to dimension them off the saw. I find the paper a real pain to change, maybe they have upgraded the clamping system on the newer machines, but mine is a chore. Always run one pass to seat/stretch the paper and then re-set the clamping.
Hard knots in the wood will definitely create a burn spot on the paper, IF you are lucky the rubber sanding belt cleaner can remove it, if not, it's time for new paper. It also really sucks for a burn to appear on the last pass....
The Jet (depending on the stand you choose) is roughly $3000 US, the North State is $6900... I'd honestly spend the extra, or find a used machine rather than go for the drum, just my opinion.
Brian Lamb
blamb11@...
lambtoolworks.com
On Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 08:08:11 AM MST, Mike Blake via groups.io <me.blake@...> wrote:
We have a 19-38 that does a fine job of cleaning up and preparing for final sand. ?It¡¯s not a production machine, as it takes several ¡®passes¡¯ to achieve final thickness. ( Does a great job on figured maple.) ?We adapted an inexpensive digital readout and it is very accurate. ?Paper changes are easy, once you get the hang of it. ?We cut our own and use 40,60, and 80 grit. ?
