Does Your Shop Need a Drum Sander? Long-Term Tool Review

[@GunflintDesigns]

Klingspor Woodworking - Use Code GunFlint10 for 10% off any 3" Rolls and conveyor belts when you spend $50 or more. Good Until October 16. 3” Rolls: bit.ly/3DjlqlV Conveyor Belts: bit.ly/3eMWYzk

[@mrsookie]

That block setup is exactly how we set up our Newman 382. Touch each edge just until it kisses. Its funny how the simple stuff really works. Great tip.

[@barryirby8609]

I have a Performax version of the same tool. The conveyor belt tore and I bought a after market one from a name brand wood working store. COULD NOT get it to track. Called Jet tech for help and they refused to even try, saying they had spent WAY too much time trying to make those brand X belts track. Bought one of theirs (twice as much) and installed it, ready for battle, tracked perfectly. I mounted my machine on a low cart so it will park under the wing of my table saw. Made infeed and out feed rollers for it. The Klingspor sandpaper is excellent and I also like Industrial Abrasives stuff.

[@FishersShop]

Nice upgrades! Love the Arnold clips, lol!

[@GunflintDesigns]

It was nice of him to stop by to record those soundbites.

[@treecarcasstweaking1555]

🤔 now where have I heard that Arnold impression before 😆

[@kevinwillis6707]

i have the same machine, i found you save lots of money buying large rolls of sandpaper and cutting it yourself, around 50% by my calculations. i had trouble with drum alignment once or twice but overall its a solid machine im glad i got it and use it all the time.

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Yes, I need a Drum Sander, and it is currently second on my tool list after my Mini Split. It has been a miserable summer heat-wise in the 90+ degrees daily in Nebraska.

[@GunflintDesigns]

Man that much heat takes all the fun out of doing anything!

[@johnhutton7708]

"Unnecessary Walnut!! Love it. Shout out to Fisher!"

[@GunflintDesigns]

Lol, Fisher is just copying me!

[@KBorham]

Great no-nonsense review with LOTS of good information.

[@GunflintDesigns]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@paulwaldrop]

I build guitars and bought the Supermax 19-38 4 years ago. It is one of my most used tools. I run it several times per week. Quite an asset and well worth the price.

[@GunflintDesigns]

Very cool!

[@celticwoodworking8706]

The older you get the more you will appreciate an overhead hoist. It makes those toll changes much easier on the back. Great video as always.

[@GunflintDesigns]

Thanks 👍 I wish my current shop had that hoist in it!

[@gaylewilliams7353]

I love my Jet drum sander. I also got it for cutting boards but use it for many other projects.

[@GunflintDesigns]

I haven't used any others to compare it to, but for my purposes its been great!

[@jamiekrautkremer9962]

A drum sander is very high on my want list (hopefully the next big tool I get). That’s good to know about the sand paper I wouldn’t have thought about that.

[@GunflintDesigns]

You will love it! Obviously I didn't think about it for a long time either. Major game changer.

[@rickd7008]

I borrowed your idea for the cart and storage under my jet drum sander. Everything was made from left over OSB and pallet wood. Great video, keep up the good work!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Great video, Mark! Good sandpaper on the drum sander really does make a huge difference. MORE ARNOLD!

[@GunflintDesigns]

Yes it does! And that discount they gave me to offer is outstanding! I might have to buy some stuff with it myself!

[@duanewinter8188]

Thank you I have been looking at this for my shop

[@GunflintDesigns]

I would recommend it!

[@tomim7187]

I love my drum sander and is a great compliment to the planer.

[@GunflintDesigns]

It really is!

[@oldfart83]

Have one and love it. Used a lot. I wish they had fold down infeed & outfeed tables

[@matthysloedolff]

I love your Arnold impressions you have in this video. Also, thanks for answering the age old question if I need a drum sander.

[@GunflintDesigns]

Any time!

[@matthysloedolff]

@@GunflintDesigns your stuff is awesome. I know you're busy and life (laser dramas) gets to you. Just wanted to encourage you and say you'll get a view and like from me whenever you bring out a video. Keep up the great content, Mark! 👍

[@andrewbrown8148]

Good video~! I purchased a "very gently used" 16/32 Performax several years ago at an estate sale for a great price. A drum sander was at the bottom of my power tool list of things to buy, but this opportunity launched it to the top. I have the same issues with the flimsy base/stand and have been planning to do something about it, so this video is great inspiration. I was thinking about constructing an entire base to move it to, but figured that would be overkill. Thanks for sharing~!

[@GunflintDesigns]

I'm glad it was helpful for you!

[@johnjss]

Great video Mark, what one of these in my shop so bad! Been keeping an eye out for a used one for a year and no luck.

[@GunflintDesigns]

I looked for used ones for a long time too. At the time, Jet had just come out with this model and all the used stuff was missing some features this one had that I wanted.

[@point2176]

Congratulations on your new workshop. I would like the same😀

[@GunflintDesigns]

Thank you!

[@stevecox552]

Sweet video,,, thanks,,, been having almost the same problems as you had,,, you gave me some great ideas for some updates on mine. THANKS!!

[@jraglob5924]

I also use my Jet drum sander all the time. I don't have the stand but I keep it next to my drill press which is on Blum drawer glides that move it easily. I plan on doing the same for my drum sander. I will give the new sand paper a try. By the way, don't use adhesive sand paper on the drum, it's a PAIN to get clean, lesson learned. Great video!

[@GunflintDesigns]

That sounds like a really handy way to store yours out of the way, but keep it easy to access.

[@jraglob5924]

@@GunflintDesigns I will let you know how it works. I am waiting for Blum glides to become available again.

[@brokenleadwoodworks]

Excellent DIY upgrade and repair video Mark. Now I want a drum sander.

[@chanson1224]

The second Arnold is what earned you the like 🤣🤣🤣

[@GunflintDesigns]

First take, first try.

[@robertlagrange6388]

I have the same sander and love it.

[@GunflintDesigns]

It's been a workhorse!

[@MCsCreations]

Really awesome machine, Mark! 😃 I really like your upgrades!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@GunflintDesigns]

Thanks, you too!

[@christopherdahle9985]

Thank you for the tips on the electrical tape and the Klingspor paper. Interestingly, the little "wishbone" shaped Klingspor logo does appear on the backing of the Jet branded paper i recently installed on mine, but I think Klingspor makes various grades. Anyway Im going to try the stuff you recommend ASAP. Do think about getting the infeed/outfeed tables, they make the sander easier to use, especially during production work when you are running lots of smaller parts through the machine and don't have a helper to "catch" for you.

[@jennieanddavis]

Loved this video, Mark! I used to think this tool was overrated... then we got one. Never going back. =) -Davis

[@GunflintDesigns]

You and me both!

[@quinnolsen8081]

awesome video. wish I had one of these sooner, time to start saving! thanks..arnold? oh yeah, I originally found your channel looking to make an archery target, and it works great. keep killin it

[@GunflintDesigns]

Haha, well thank you very much! I'm glad your target turned out well.

[@mcmathwoodworks]

I would love to get a drum sander! I don’t know if my shop had enough space for one though... Good thing Arnold was there to help you lift the heavy sander! Lol

[@GunflintDesigns]

That's why I bought the 16-32, because it was a bit smaller. If I was buying one now i'd look at the 18-36. I'm glad Arnold made an appearance too!

[@mcmathwoodworks]

@@GunflintDesigns ok, when I go to buy one, I’ll justify it with my wife by telling her it’s the smaller one ;)

[@scotschlinger3975]

Great video. In the market for a drum sander. Wondering if you regret not going to the 19/38 over the 16/32. I am currently trying to reason w/ myself if the extra 3/6 is worth $500.

[@dave_ecclectic]

I think it should be pointed out that it is excellent for finish sanding. Take all your parts and send them through the machine. Then assemble the already finish sanded parts. No orbital sanding needed later. It may seem boring standing there feeding boards through the mouth of this thing, but it is much better than using a tiny orbital sander through the grits manually. Dust is controlled and there is no vibration. You can step through the grits and be done faster. When done they all are flat and exactly the same width and thickness, unlike an orbital sander. How wide a drum sander? This only matters if you are sending finished table like things through it that need to be flattened. There are still a lot of things that don't need much width for it to do its job. A kitchens worth of door frames all sent through as pieces then assembled without the need to sand them (again). And they are all sanded _with_ the grain.

[@artagain8977]

The infeed/out feed tables on my ProMax are a huge pita.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

I have one, different brand. You need one. I love mine. Let the haters hate.

[@usagi_t]

Laguna 16-32?

[@Wildtonescustomcalls]

Best Arnold award should be a thing.

[@GunflintDesigns]

I have been working with a vocal coach on that for years. Actually, its just myself in a mirror.

[@Wildtonescustomcalls]

@@GunflintDesignsThe work shows!

[@linsen8890]

I always take super light passes on my cheap planer, because I'm afraid that it won't handle deeper passes well. So I'm thinking of actually getting rid of my planer and getting a drum sander instead. I think it will do everything my planer will do, though more slowly, and will probably do it better.

[@NomadMakes]

Hi Mark! Loved the Arnold moments :D I don't have a drum sander, and don't have the space either. But I would love one. One of the jobs that my excellent thicknesser can't handle are boards that are shorter than the space between the rollers. So many of my off cuts shorter than about a foot cant be planed on it. The design of this machine with a conveyour belt doesn't seem to have that limitation. Not that you would use it as a thicknesser. But still. Does it handle small parts well?

[@jeffshackleford3152]

I wouldn't suggest you do so. That being said, in cabinet shops, if you have to, you just stand with as much metal between you and the piece as possible when feeding it in. I am not sure about this particular model, but I have seen some parts shoot out the back like a table saw kickback.

[@kevinwillis6707]

i have the same machine, i too put better casters on it from new and havent had any issues, and i use a long roll of quality abrasive i cut myself, works out about a third of the price. i found the rollers needed a lot of adjusting when i first set it up, but since then its been a good machine. ill have to copy your drawer idea since my shelf just collects dust😄

[@patrickbink4617]

I am having a terrible issue with snipe on mine, both front and back end. I have adjusted the screws for the rollers tighter ( that didn't work!) And so loose the screws almost come out and still I get snipe for about 2 inches on either end. Are you having the same issue or what did you do to fix it?

[@kevinwillis6707]

i had to loosen mine a lot to sort out the snipe, and i only take very light passes, @@patrickbink4617

[@artagain8977]

Love Klingspor stuff!

[@bytesizedengineering]

I clicked on this video hoping to see you play the drum sander like an instrument.

[@GunflintDesigns]

What a letdown! Zero Stars

[@daigleswoodshop5159]

I think every video should end with the Arnold grunt!

[@GunflintDesigns]

Good idea, by my voice actor gets paid by the yeaahaw.

[@BearMaked]

My shop needs the space for a drum sander first.

[@GunflintDesigns]

Perhaps your shop should start taking over your house?

[@BearMaked]

@@GunflintDesigns well, maybe start by taking over the rest of the garage first. Then the house. We don't really *need* a bedroom, right?

[@veritas4us]

Great video, thank you

[@joedibble4199]

I love my Grizzly Bear Crawl mobile bases. Rock solid. Very affordable and highly maneuverable. No I’m not affiliated.

[@herbsu4330]

I have the same model and use it fairly regularly, especially for small pieces and thin stock that won't go thru the planer. I used the casters that came with it and have no problems. My gripe is changing the paper. I have tried to follow the instructions which are not very clear. I called the factory and they were no help. I see you use a needle nose plier which I have also do but I have a problem getting the paper tight. Most of the time I end up duct taping the end which cuts down the width but not by a lot. Any words of wisdom? I also have a roller dimple (sort of like planer snipe) on some boards but not always.

[@picklemetimbers3003]

What is the footprint measurement of the machine? Also what grit paper do you prefer to run?

[@casycasy5199]

great review

[@brucemaher7621]

Yes yes and yes... Thanks Sir

[@GunflintDesigns]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@cden-ec7cy]

Do you ever send barnwood or rough sawn wood through the drum sander? Or does it take too long? Burn through too much sand paper? Thanks

[@informacionrusticosymas2116]

Hello, Can you tell me the code or where to buy the KLINSPOR sandpaper roll that you mention in the video?

[@cden-ec7cy]

Do you ever send barnwood or rough sawn wood through the drum sander? I was thinking to just get a drum sander and save money on the planer but thought it would burn through too much sand paper. Thanks

[@pizzawarlord9232]

I have the same sander but I have a very very difficult time replacing the sandpaper because of the end clips. Such a terrible design. The tech at JPW agreed that the clips are horrible for those with arthritis or a weaker grip as there is it is a tight pinch instead of a lever. Was fine for several years until I developed arthritis. Now unused for months since I cannot get paper in tight

[@GunflintDesigns]

Its funny you say that... when researching it before buying, lots of people complained about changing paper on drum sanders across the board. I took a chance on this one, then wondered why everyone had such a hard time with it. I was changing grits constantly because it was so easy. Once I switched to this better brand of paper I learned my lesson. The backing on it is so stiff that I fought for about 10 minutes to get it wrapped tight enough and pulled through the clips. I imagine with arthritis its almost impossible.

[@ajames1585]

Hi, what is the sleeveless jacket you are wearing in the video

[@deogloriawoodworks]

Thank you for this video. I got a drum sander about three months ago and haven't used it much (still getting around to making it mobile, which will help). I have been wondering about how best to use it. I don't think I want to constantly be changing grits on it; if I were to leave one specific grit on there all the time, what would you recommend? It sounds like it may be more useful to leave a coarser grit to help flatten boards, but what do I know?

[@GunflintDesigns]

When I was using the Jet sandpaper, I swapped grits all the time, no problem. My new blue Kilinspor stuff has a much thicker backing on it, and that makes it much harder to get it tight in the little spring clips. I tend to leave 80 grit on all the time now, only changing it when I absolutely have to.

[@BruceAUlrich]

Chiming in here...if you were to leave one grit on there, I would probably leave 80 grit if you're going to be doing some dimensioning. If you're just smoothing stuff out a bit, keep 120 on there.

[@deogloriawoodworks]

@@BruceAUlrich thanks!

[@patrickbink4617]

I am having a terrible issue with snipe on mine, both front and back end. I have adjusted the screws for the rollers tighter ( that didn't work!) And so loose the screws almost come out and still I get snipe for about 2 inches on either end. Are you having the same issue or what did you do to fix it? I thought about completely removing the rollers but can't seem to get the drum out to do it.

[@SamWanamaker1]

Do you get any snipe when using?

[@Mostviews111]

If you use figured wood you NEED one otherwise just put good blades in your planer.

[@thefilthelement]

My belt motor burnt up after two uses

[@vladimirgolubkov]

Добрый день, скажите пожалуйста, машина сделана из металла или алюминия . Купил laguna 16-32 к сожалению слабая жесткость , сделана полностью из алюминия ( шлифует не плохо , но поверхность для склейки не пойдёт, остоется маленькая волнистая поверхность.

[@adamchesis7443]

I am not a fan of drum sanders, I prefer a wide belt sander

[@oliver299d]

wide belt sander is a far better tool