Drum sander

[Dave Lee NC]

Ready to purchase a drum sander. Looking at Jet 16-32 and Jet 22-44.
Current sale puts 22-44 at $300 more than 16-32. Specs seem to show quite a bit of difference between these two besides just extra capacity.
Anyone have experiance with both? Reccomend?
Thanks

[Gary Muto]

I bought a 22-44" and as I recall it was less than a $200 delta so I went for it. The 22-44 has a larger motor (1.75 vs. 1.5 HP). It also has a beefier casting. When I was looking, the 16-32" did not have the "SANDSMART" system and that was the clincher for me. Since then I believe I've seen the "SANDSMART" system on the 16-32" but I'm not positive. The downside of the 22-44" is the footprint. It takes up quite a bit of space with the extension tables, which I highly recommend with either one. I would consider the 16-32 to be sufficient and a better deal at $300 less. I think I saw it on sale at Highland Woodworking for ~$900-950.
Either way, my research narrowed it down to these two machines.

[Anthony Whitesell]

Yes the current 16-32 has SandSmart,

[Robert Chapman]

I have a 16 - 32 with the Sandsmart and I really like it. The only minor problem is getting the feed belt adjusted to track straight. It just takes some patience. Sanding is my least favorite woodworking task and the 16 - 32 makes it much easier. I run 150 grit on the drum and than use the ROS with 150, 180 and 220 grit and I'm ready to stain/finish. I rarely need to sand anything wider that 32" so the 16 -32 works well for me.

[doug faist]

Dave - I got a Performax 22-44 about four years ago and I'm happy every time I use it. It's the same machine as the Jet.

For some reason I have found myself doing a lot of stuff (cutting boards, panels, etc.) in the 18-20" range and the 22-44 handles it very well.

I've had no tracking problems, have been able to adjust the drum within .004 end to end, and have finally got the tricks in place to change the paper without the typical stream of four letter words.

I got mine at a show price of about $1,100 including tax, but no delivery (I picked it up locally and assembled the closed stand myself).

I work out of a single bay in a three car garage and but because it's on wheels I haven't been unduly bothered by the size.

Good luck with your decision.

Doug

[Fred Ritchie]

I have Jet 22 - 44 Pro 3 for sale. Purchased new in 2009 for non-commercial, one man shop, excellent condition. 1 ph, 3 hp, variable drive speed, steel under carriage on lockable casters. Never encountered space problem due to casters, easy mobility. As for paper changing nightmares, I purchased the small quick change "gadget" which assures tight paper on drum in no time, with no need for swearing! Partial boxes of 150, 180 & 220 grit papers included. Relocation forces sale of my larger equipment, machine has served me very well and is in excellent condition. Machine is located in Southeastern Tennessee, weight is 400+ lbs. with removable under carriage and extension tables. Asking $1,700.00 (was $2,100.00+ when purchased new), machine currently sells in the $2,200.00 range from what I've seen. Reply to post or via e-mail to macmurf@charter.net.

[William C Rogers]

You might also consider the Supermax 19-38. I have had it about 10months and very happy with it. Has some nice features not found on other sanders and the paper is easy to change without tools. The feed table is the 22 inch. If you are doing wide sanding it just takes loosing on bolt and flipping a leaver, you don't adjust the drum. All steel construction which is nice hanging a dust hose off the hood and priced between the 16-32 1nd 22-44.

[james bell]

I have the 22-44 and love it. Easy to change paper and after purchasing a set of different grits, finally bought a long roll and cut it myself. No problem. Still haven't got tracking down perfectly, outboard side always seems a little lower, but I just reverse the board and run it through again. Probably not woodworker correct, but I find anything that works, is safe and saves time is well worth it, especially for a hobby woodworker.

[Wade Lippman]

You might also consider the Supermax 19-38. I have had it about 10months and very happy with it. Has some nice features not found on other sanders and the paper is easy to change without tools. The feed table is the 22 inch. If you are doing wide sanding it just takes loosing on bolt and flipping a leaver, you don't adjust the drum. All steel construction which is nice hanging a dust hose off the hood and priced between the 16-32 1nd 22-44.
Does anyone NOT like the Supermax? I used to have the 16/32 and sometimes felt it was too small; but the 22/44 seems too big. The 19-38 might just be the sweet spot, if there are no negatives to it.