Help with Drum Sander Choice, Jet Vs. Supermax

[Bill Dindner]

I’m in the market for a drum sander, it will be used for general woodworking out of my small 1 car garage. Space is at a premium, I’m looking at the Jet and Supermax 16-32, the Jet is on sale at the moment, would need to get the casters for either unit.

Any my advice would be appreciated.

[Scott Stafford]

Hello Bill,

My input might be dated since I own the original, American made, Performax 16-32. The only change I've made to it was to replace the original hood so I could have a 4" dust port. I have put over twenty thousand linear feet of lumber through it; mostly walnut, 8 to 14 inches wide. Never a problem. And I have always been amazed that it never requires adjustment to keep the drum parallel bed.

So you've got a dilemma; do you buy the Jet which is basically the original 16-32, or the Performax from the company who invented the original 16-32? Can't help you there. I can only endorse the general design as a workhorse that I wouldn't be without.

One thing, I would never consider this machine without the infeed and outfeed tables, it would be miserable to use. That said, when you install the tables this machine it grows considerably. So keep this in mind since your space is limited.

Oh, and a dust collector isn't optional. A shop vac will fill rapidly... too rapidly.


Best of luck,

Scott in Montana

[Gary Petersen]

I bought the SuperMax 16-32 from Woodcraft about a year ago using the 10% off coupon they mailed me around my birthday. They also put them on sale for 10% off every few months.

I've been completely pleased with its performance. I agree about having the infeed and outfeed tables. They help move wood through it quite well, especially on the outfeed side for smaller parts. I've only ever had one issue with it and that was self-inflicted the first time I loaded sandpaper onto the roll. I didn't get the tail end clamped properly which caused it to flap around like crazy when I turned the unit on. I've not had that issue repeat, which tells me I basically learned how to load it properly.

I almost always use 220 grit paper in mine to ease to a final thickness. I do like the two methods of adjusting the roller height but admittedly almost always use just the crank. I don't use the digital gauge all that often, but it has been helpful on some projects.

I've never used the Jet, so I can't speak to it but I've been very pleased with the SuperMax. I recommend it without reservation.

Gary

[Lisa Starr]

I have a newer 16-32 SuperMax, and although I've never had a Jet, I would recommend the SuperMax without any qualifications. Mine came out of the box close to perfectly adjusted and has performed flawlessly for almost a year. I've sanded everything from heavy stock 2+ inches thick x 15" wide and 12' long to finer stuff 1/2" x 2" x 12". It has done it all. Mine is on casters and stores neatly out of the way when not in use.

[Nick Decker]

Another vote for the Supermax. Zero problems with mine, just a solid machine. The quick height adjust feature is nice which, if I'm remembering correctly, the Jet doesn't have.

[Bill Dindner]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I guess not too much experience with the Jet Unit, I’ll just wait till the next Supermax sale and make sure to pick up the extension tables along with it.

[Wade Lippman]

I had a Jet 16-32 about 10 years ago. Found it impossible to get the clamp to work properly.
Sold it when I moved and bought a Supermax 19-38. The clip works better, but otherwise there isn't much difference between them. Hopefully Jet has improved the clip by now.

I had tables on the Jet and found them to be useless; so I didn't get them on the Supermax and don't miss them. I can't understand why others find them so valuable. You just hold the other end as you feed it in, and when it is half way, grab the end coming out. What do tables change?

[Larry Frank]

I bought the Supermax and very happy with it.

[Joe Hendershott]

I took delivery of a Supermax 19/38 last week and am pleased so far. The parts fit and finish are very nice and it went together easily and adjusted in a few minutes. I did not get the infeed and outfeed tables yet and so far do not see a real need for them, although that might change. Casters are a must as it is quite heavy.

[Zachary Hoyt]

I bought a 19/38 just over a year ago and am very happy with it. I don't have tables, it's big enough as it is and I mostly run short pieces through it anyway. I was looking at the 16/32 but it only opened to 3" and the one I bought opens to 4", which makes a big difference for the work I'm doing. I don't know what the Jet specs are.
Zach

[Donn Ward]

I bought the Jet 22/44 about a year ago and have been very pleased. Irrespective of which way you go, changing paper is a bit of an art. You think it's tight but it isn't. After changing, suggest that you run a piece of scrap through, then check to see if you have any slack in the paper...I typically do.

[Bill Dindner]

Thanks everyone again, I think I will wait for a Supermax sale, with something this expensive, if I don't hear from allot of people with positive experience with the Jet, seems prudent to wait for a Supermax Sale.

Any ideas when the next sale is coming out?

[tom lucas]

[QUOTE=

Any ideas when the next sale is coming out?[/QUOTE]

Probably right after the next price increase. :)

I have the newest SM 16-32. Like it a lot with the folding tables and casters. Doesn't take up too much shop space. Tables are a pain to get initially adjusted, though. Paper change is easy. Quick adjust is nice, as is the auto feed adjust. Not sure if these are affected by latest tariffs. If it were me, I wouldn't wait expecting to save money.

[Jay Kepley]

Scott,

I have an old Performax 16/32, and I'd like to replace the hood to increase the size of the dust collection port. Can you provide any information on what part you bought?

Jay


Hello Bill,

My input might be dated since I own the original, American made, Performax 16-32. The only change I've made to it was to replace the original hood so I could have a 4" dust port. I have put over twenty thousand linear feet of lumber through it; mostly walnut, 8 to 14 inches wide. Never a problem. And I have always been amazed that it never requires adjustment to keep the drum parallel bed.

So you've got a dilemma; do you buy the Jet which is basically the original 16-32, or the Performax from the company who invented the original 16-32? Can't help you there. I can only endorse the general design as a workhorse that I wouldn't be without.

One thing, I would never consider this machine without the infeed and outfeed tables, it would be miserable to use. That said, when you install the tables this machine it grows considerably. So keep this in mind since your space is limited.

Oh, and a dust collector isn't optional. A shop vac will fill rapidly... too rapidly.


Best of luck,

Scott in Montana

[Lisa Starr]

Just as an "extra" note. I did not purchase the extensions, and am happy without them. I didn't want the extra footprint and find I don't need them for the vast majority of the work. The occasions I need extra support, I just set a pair of roller stands and it works great.

[Nick Decker]

I have the extension tables on the Supermax 1632 and feel like they're an excellent accessory. They fold down when not in use, so add virtually nothing to the footprint of the machine.

Another recent thread discussed the installation problems some experienced. The guy that started the thread ended up calling support, who admitted that the instructions were terrible and provided him with better guidance. Maybe Supermax (Laguna) has taken steps to fix that.

[Scott Stafford]

Hello Jay,

I ordered a replacement hood from Jet. I drilled out the four or five rivets on my original hood and replaced them with nuts and bolts on the replacement hood. Didn't take me a half hour.


Best of luck,

Scott in Montana

[Jay Kepley]

Thanks Scott!

[Alex Zeller]

Rockler often has a 10% off sale every few months. There's a thread started by someone a few days ago saying they got a 15% reusable coupon code in the mail. Too bad there's not one close to you. I know the one in NH has the 19/38 in stock.

[Tony Zaffuto]

I have two sanders-a Performax 16-32, made during the Jet transition and a General International (no comments about the General, since this is not a thread about that style of sander). My 16-32 has been a great machine. I have the table extensions on it it (no issues). I also have the magnetic ceramic guides that keep the drive belt running true. I have no issues changing sandpaper, but I also have the optional changing tool that makes it easy-Peasy.

[Earl McLain]

Rockler often has a 10% off sale every few months. There's a thread started by someone a few days ago saying they got a 15% reusable coupon code in the mail. Too bad there's not one close to you. I know the one in NH has the 19/38 in stock.

I got the 15% and free shipping offer a week or 2 ago. Among the exclusions listed are "power tools, Porter-Cable dovetail jigs, CNC machines, leigh products, SawStop, Tormek, Ready2Rout, select Rockwell products, taxes, Apollo sprayers, shipping charges, sales items and other promotions." I'm guessing the "power tools" takes out all the drum sanders--but it can't hurt to ask!!
earl

[Bill Dindner]

If anyone has a Discount code, please direct message me, I’d love to pick one up ASAP.