I'm a hobbyist woodworker and considering the SuperMax 19-38 Drum Sander for my projects, which include furniture making and small keepsake boxes. I'm curious if this sander is a good all-around choice. I've heard that drum sanders aren't the best for very fine grits, with some suggesting a maximum of 150 grit, but I'm okay with finishing off with a random orbital sander if needed. My main concern is ensuring that my materials remain flat after milling and using the drum sander. Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
I've had my Performax drum sander for over 30 years, and I love it! I use it mostly for sanding thin plates, but it works great for furniture too. It's super precise, accurate to a few thousandths. Drum sanders like yours can handle boards as wide as 38 inches, which is awesome, plus they minimize tear-out. I usually start with 80 grit and finish up with an orbital sander. Good luck with your search!
Have you thought about using a planer instead? If you’re dealing with end grain or veneer, planers can give a pretty good finish. A helical cutter head on a planer will provide a smoother result than just 150 grit sanding, making it worth considering.
That's a good point! I am milling, so maybe a planer could be the better option.