Performax drum Sander

[Robert Newton]

I am thinking of purchasing a used Performax 16-32 sander Model #629003 Serial#062068
Ant thoughts appreciated.

[Darcy Warner]

They are pretty decent Sanders, but I still don't care for the open ended ones.

[Mike Henderson]

I have one of the 16-32 sanders and it works fine. But I'm looking for a bigger one. I'd like to get a 22-44. I'm too cheap to buy new so I'm watching Craigslist.

Mike

[John K Jordan]

I have one of the 16-32 sanders and it works fine. But I'm looking for a bigger one. I'd like to get a 22-44. I'm too cheap to buy new so I'm watching Craigslist.

I bought a new 22-44 over 10 years ago and I love it, especially for small things. Well, I love it more after I learned how to change the sandpaper without frustration - throw away their little tool.

I was worried about the open end flexing but once I got it adjusted that doesn't seem to be an issue.

The dust collection is good too (with a ClearVue cyclone.)

JKJ

[Art Mann]

I struggled and struggled with changing the sanding strip until I finally realized what John just said. The little tool is worth less than nothing because it is a distraction on the way to learning how to do the job.

[Nick Decker]

I've heard that that little tool is actually useful...if you can ever figure out how to use it. It was beyond me, and mine is sitting at the bottom of a box that holds my sanding rolls. Changing the paper "by hand" is no big deal after the second or third time.

[Kurt Kintner]

Nick.... I'm glad I'm not the only one that never could figure out how to use
that tool.... Only took me a few tries to realize how to hold the spring back
with a finger, and slip the end of the roll in ....
Other than that, my 16-32 is a machine I wouldn't be without ....

[Charles Taylor]

I used to make sure I had the tool nearby during a paper change, but after a couple times without ever needing to pick it up and use it, mine is at the bottom of a box somewhere, just like Nick's.

[Bill Adamsen]

I use the little tool, and then my fingers and then the tool again. Could probably get away without using it at all. Makes me covet a wide belt ... but then they have their own set of adjustment issues. I have a 22/44 I bought used, and it works great. Better than I expected it would.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I love mine.
Its not a planer. You cannot expect it to remove lots of wood. The tracking is problematic, but if are patient and read the instructions, you can get it to track. It removes a minimal amount of wood each pass. Removing lots of wood causes it to trip. You can sand veneers. You can flatten inlays. For the one job it does, SANDING, I think no other tool that can do the job. Yeah bigger sanders can. You can get bigger ones, they are better. The paper changing is not a challenge as far as I'm concerned. Read the instructions. You can dimension sand very figured wood or chippy wood like curly maple and koa. It takes a really long time. But when the wood costs more than the sander, it's worth it. Good luck in your search.

[Jim Becker]

I had the larger 22-44 and it was a very nice machine. (I wasn't really using it, so I sold it to gain back the space, but wasn't unhappy with the tool when I did make use of it)

[Peter Aeschliman]

With the right expectations, it's great.

Don't expect it to be a planer or for it to leave a finish-ready surface. My main use is for cleaning up shop-sawn veneer, and it works great for that. It's also good for taking off material on highly figured woods, but don't expect it to be fast!

[Mike Henderson]

For certain woods, my planer will leave a rough surface - chips in the wood. The drum sander is great for finishing pieces like that (actually, it's not finish sanded but it's flat with no dings in the wood). I finish sand with hand sanders.

Mike

[Chris Fournier]

I bought a 22/44 way back when there were no Canadian suppliers. Brave lad I imported that machine from of all places the USA! Set it up properly and learn to use it for the best results and it is a great machine. Mine has paid for itself many times over. It isn't industrial. Use a coarse grit and spring passes and you will get terrific results. I give this machine a 10! Get one and understand that it is really like a handplane, you have to get a feel for it and keep it in tune.

[Art Mann]

Actually, I have two Performax sanders. I have a 16-32 and a 10-20. I bought the 10-20 new to finish CNC carved plaques, trivets, coasters and similar small items. I almost immediately traded an old Ridgid 6 inch jointer for the 16-32 and the sander was nearly new. I think the guy couldn't figure out how to adjust it. I am happy I have two machines. I need precise coplanarity. I keep 80 grit on the 16-32 and 150 grit on the 10-20. It cuts way down on finishing time on some items with a slim profit margin.