Ryobi WDS 1600 (Drum Sander)-Deal?

[peter lent]

Hi All,

I have been in the market for a used drum sander for several months. Been looking for a Performax 16/32, but have not been able to find any good deals locally.

I just found a Ryobi WDS 1600 (16/32 equivalent by Ryobi) for sale. Guy is asking $300, but I am sure I can get it cheaper.

I know that changing the paper on the ryobi is a pain, but I am looking for any other information on this drum sander.

If I can get it for $225-$250 is it a good deal? Unfortunatetly, I do not have $600 for a performax right now, so....

It will be mainly used to sand painted wooden signs and the occasional raised panel door and cutting board.

Thanks for any input.

Pete

[Eric Larsen]

I'll stick with my mantra: "If you have ask the Creek if it's a deal, it probably isn't a GREAT deal. If you buy the tool/machine excited to tell everyone on the Creek what a deal you got, THAT's a deal."

That being said, are you searching crazedlist.org for markets in your general area? I've seen Performax 16/32s in the $300 range.

[Phil Thien]

I think if you can get it for under $300 that it is a great deal. If you can get it for $250 or less, it is a gloat.

I have never had problems changing the paper on mine. Once you understand how the tension mechanism works it goes very quickly.

Some people have criticised the 1-HP motor. I have never found it underpowered. I havn't stalled mine, nor have I tripped the breaker.

I prefer the rubber belt on my Ryobi over the abrasive feed belt on the newer Performax/Jet units. And BTW, that rubber belt is an expensive upgrade option on the Performax/Jet units.