Herbert Miller
Whether you work with wood as a hobbyist or a professional, you need the right tools. Else, you cannot have the results which you want. There are plenty of tools that you need. Among these, a drum sander is a must-have device that every woodworker should have for fast and ideal results. At present, there are numerous models from different brands in the market. You, therefore, have plenty of choices. However, as is with the case of all other machines, not all are exceptional. Besides, everybody needs a different design for their purposes. Here is a list of the best and various types of drum sanders that you will find useful and suit your needs.
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Best Overall:
723520K JET Drum Sander
- High performing design
- A convenient conveyor table
- Lightweight
- Useful for various sanding projects
- Easy to move around and comfortable to use
Premium Choice
Powermatic Drum Sander (1792244)
- Cast Iron and sturdy steel construction for durability
- Built-in feed logic
- LED control panel
- Can handle large and thick or small and thin wood
- Can work as a planer too
Best Budget
Benchtop Mini Jet Drum Sander
- Very affordable
- Useful for light sanding projects
- Light, portable and small
- Can take very thin wood materials (1/32″)
1. 723520K JET Drum Sander
If you are planning to buy a high-performing and efficient drum sander, the 16-32 Drum Sander will is a great choice. It is also the overall device on this list. This machine’s cost is quite reasonable, so it made it to the top of this list.
This drum sander’s motor is one of the smallest, but it generates sufficient power for most sanding projects. Hence, it will be suitable for most of you out there. It is also a very light device, and so you can move it around your workshop with ease.
The drum size of this machine is 16 inches with different speed rates. Hence, you can choose the right one as per necessity.
Another feature of this tool is the 43-inch long table, which has a dial that you can adjust. This allows you to put the belt to a level position fast.
You can also measure and readjust the sanding depth for each work material. For enhanced efficiency, the sander’s belt is designed to pull the work material rather than push it.
Pros
- High performing design
- Speed control system present
- A convenient table
- Lightweight
- Useful for various sanding projects
- Easy to move around and comfortable to use
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- The motor is not very powerful
2. Powermatic Drum Sander (1792244)
If you are looking for an excellent working high-end machine, the PM2244 Powermatic is your tool. It is one of the best and most expensive designs in the market but worth every cent. The drum sander has plenty of positive features that you cannot overlook.
It is a sturdy and durable machine with a smooth finish. The construction materials of this tool are cast iron for the drum and robust steel for the hood. The design is also attractive. Hence, if looks matter to you, this drum sander is an ideal choice.
The drum size is at 22 inches and an adjustable speed rate. Hence, you can manage the speed according to the projects. Though the sander is on the heavier side, it does not take up plenty of space. So, you can place it in a convenient area.
The LED control panel is one of this device’s unique features because only a few designs have it. The panel will show vital details like power and belt speed, besides others. With the fitted feed logic, the machine will never overload. At the same time, it will also give a fantastic finish.
Pros
- Cast Iron and sturdy steel construction for durability
- Fixed feed logic
- Different feed rate
- Smooth and lovely finish
- LED control panel
- Can handle large and thick or small and thin wood
- Simple to set up
- Can work as a planer too
Cons
- Costly
- A little heavy
3. Benchtop Mini Jet Drum Sander
The Mini 628900 from JET is the best budget choice on this list. As the name suggests, it is one of the smallest machines in the market. But it is useful for many sanding projects, so it comes highly recommended. It is also cheaper than many other models. Hence, if you need a device that is inexpensive but handy, you should get it.
The 628900 is, however, suitable for light work. So, whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, keep this aspect in mind. You can work with wood materials that are 20 inches wide and 3 inches thick and get to 1/32 inches thin materials.
Though this model is affordable than most and can handle light tasks, there are some issues. You might find it difficult to change the sandpaper. It could shut off in between projects. You also might have to take extra care with the conveyor belt.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Useful for light sanding projects
- Light, portable and small
- Can take very thin wood materials (1/32″)
- Takes little space for storage
Cons
- Difficulty in changing sandpaper
- Might shut-off while in use
- Conveyor belt may not work properly
- Not suitable heavy projects
4. Benchtop Jet Drum Sander (JWDS-1020)
It may seem like this list is biased towards JET. But such is not the case. The brand’s products are very efficient items, and that is why they are finding a place on the list. The JWDS Sander is another useful machine suitable for different sanding projects.
The heavy-duty die-cast aluminum and steel construction make it sturdy and durable. It also has manageable speed control, and so you can adjust it according to your requirements. This is also a design that features a dial for adjusting parallelism. Hence, you can bring back the conveyor belt to a flat position swiftly. You will not have any dust outside to mess up the working area. All the dust will go to a collection port that measures at four inches.
You can sand wood up to three inches thick and twenty inches wide. Hence, you will be able to use the device for many purposes.
Pros
- Strongly built for durability
- A dial to bring back the conveyor bed/belt to a flat position
- Four inch dust port to carry the dust
- Speed control is changeable
Cons
- Calibrating is difficult
- Some features may not be perfect on arrival
5. 26-Inch SHOP FOX Drum Sander
If you are a professional who wants a high-quality and expensive device, the 26-inch W1678 from SHOP FOX is the right choice. It is one of the most costly machines, but it is worth its price. Hence, professionals choose this model over many other similar designs.
This drum sander has a powerful motor at 2300 rpm speed and a changeable feed rate at fpm of 20. The drum size is one of the biggest on this list at 26 inches. Hence, you can work with any material size at a time. You can also change the sandpaper fast without any difficulty.
The device is a double sander, which offers a quick and an organized system. It has a control panel with several functions and a long-lasting rubber belt. Two dust ports with the size of four inches and a hooked hood complete the machine’s design.
Pros
- Powerful motor at 5.0 HP
- Top-grade rubber conveyor belt
- Dual drum sander
- Hinged hood design
- Changeable feed rate
Cons
- One of the most expensive sanders
- Comes with short warranty
6. SUPERMAX Drum Sander
No products found.The (SUPMX-71938-D) from SUPERMAX TOOLS is another efficient device with a changeable feed rate. If you work with wood a lot, then it will serve your needs very well. Heavy-duty cast iron construction makes it robust, strong, and vibration-free.
Some devices are quite challenging when it comes to alignment. However, with this machine, you can do the alignment quickly and easily. The alignment fixture is another great feature that will serve for both broad and slim stock. The table is also long and wide enough to work on with any size wood material.
The technique of adjusting the height is again a good feature that will allow you to adjust the height as needed. The device can also automatically adjust the speed of the belt. So, it is quite efficient when you work with materials of various sizes.
No products found.
Pros
- Strongly built
- Comfortable to use
- Height adjusting mechanism
- Changeable feed rate
- Conveyor speed adjusts automatically
Cons
- The stand is a bit wide and takes plenty of space
7. 10″ Grizzly Industrial Drum Sander
This device is on the list mostly because of its price, which is quite cheap compared to many. However, it is not useful for all purposes, and so it does not come highly recommended. You can get this machine if you are incredibly tight on a budget. It is suitable for only light work, so professionals might not find it quite handy.
The 10″ G0716 from Grizzly has only 1.5 HP motor. It can work with 9.5″ wide and 3″ thick materials. But it cannot work with materials thinner than ¼”. The device is also a bit heavy, even though it is smaller in size than several other models. Regarding the conveyor belt speed, you have to do it manually, which can be tiresome.
A positive aspect of this device is it comes with a stand. But some users say it is a bit short. Users also find changing the sandpaper quite tricky. So, unless you cannot spend more money than what this device cost, it is up to you whether you wish to buy or not.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable only for light work
- Comes with a stand
Cons
- Changing sandpaper is a challenge
- Users find the stand a bit short
- Cannot handle less than ¼” thickness
8. 16-32 SUPERMAX Drum Sander
No products found.The drum sander 16-32 from SUPERMAX is often considered the best drum sander among the small-sized designs. Users and experts cannot be too wrong regarding this. The machine is indeed tiny, but it is useful and efficient. It is a high-performing sander suitable for hobbyists and professionals. So, it will surely suit you perfectly.
The machine has a 1.5 HP and drum size is 16 inches. Yes, it is definitely a tiny device but also very good. It has several interesting features like a system for adjusting height, built-in digital read, and turbo vented dust port, etc.
The downside about this device is the power cord is a little shorter. But you can remedy that problem without much difficulty.
No products found.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Can adjust the height quickly
- Accurate and efficient sanding
- Conveyor alignment is quick and easy
- Suitable for professionals and hobbyists
Cons
- Power cord is short
- Motor is not very powerful
9. Delta 26-Inch Drum Sander
If you do many DIY projects or are a hobbyist, the dual drum sander 31-481 from Delta is a product that you should have. The built is a heavy-duty steel frame, and it operates on a 3 HP motor. The 26-inch dual drums, along with the powerful motor ensure accurate and consistent sanding.
A convenient latching door provides direct access to the drums for quick sandpaper change. The design of the rear drum is such that it is separately adjustable for single pass sanding capability. Dust management also becomes simpler with the presence of the dual dust port.
The on/off switch and a removable key switch for the changeable speed belt motor makes it simpler to operate the drum sander. Since the tool is not heavy duty, it is not suitable for professional purposes. But as mentioned above, you can buy it if you are a hobbyist or a DIY enthusiast.
Pros
- Suitable for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts
- Sturdy steel frame
- Easy to remove and change sandpaper
- Rear drum adjustable
- Dust management is simple
Cons
- Machine is heavy
- Not suitable for commercial purposes
10. SHOP FOX 37-Inch Drum Sander
The drum sander W1772 from SHOP FOX is the last device on this list. As per reviews and testimonials from users and experts, it is the best dual drum sander. The device runs on a 10 HP motor, and the drum size is 36-1/2 inches. Hence, it is capable of handling all kinds of sanding tasks.
This double sander allows you to perform your sanding tasks comfortably and efficiently. You can also adjust the height and level according to your sanding needs. The balanced drums also offer efficiency.
You can also select any feed rate (FPM) between 6 and 18 with the help of a belt whose speed is adjustable.
It is one of the most durable devices and contains many great features. It is expensive, no doubt, but it is worth the price.
Pros
- Heavy-Duty construction
- Powerful motor
- Efficient and fast dual drum
- Sanding capacity is high
- Handy changeable speed conveyor belt
Cons
- Costly
- Heavy and big
Drum Sanders Buyer’s Guide
Different machines are useful for different people. Professionals will need a different model from a hobbyist. But everyone needs to consider the necessary and vital aspects. Efficiency, durability, ease of use, and price are the basic things you have to consider before anything else. A device may have many great features, but completing tasks can be difficult if they lack the primary qualities. In this list, the top three are best overall, premium pick, and best budget.
They are the Jet 16-32 Drum Sander, the PM2244 Powermatic, and the Mini 628900 from Jet. Hence, you can pick one of these according to preference and requirements. However, if you are interested in something else, you can compare the essential aspects and get one that is most suitable for you.
Conclusion
Having an ideal drum sander will help you perform your sanding tasks smoothly and quickly. So, never compromise on what you need. Make sure to pick a design that conforms to your standard for best results and long-term use.
