A bit late to the party, but I formerly had a Delta 18" open end. Sold it to the SIL because it was a bit lightweight.
Decided to get a Woodmaster 38" single drum, as I thought I would use the width to run the faces for my big new kitchen project after assembly.
I did not like the cross grain sanding scratches on the stiles doing it that way, so I went back to sanding the individual pieces prior to assembly. This led me to a couple years of wishing I had gotten the 26" unit.
It finally was suggested that I install two different grits on the drum, so I did. My sander currently has half 80 grit, and half 150, which effectively gives me 17 usable inches of each. You need to allow for an additional winding of packing tape between the grits. I simply put a line of 2" blue tape above the input area to delineate the 'no go' zone. It's like having two sanders.
This has worked out well, and by running all work pieces through the same sanding regimen, face frames are assembled needing only finish sanding with a ROS. I have done this for a couple years now, and almost everything I do is oak.
I have had the machine for over ten years with no problems, built simple and sturdy.
It came with a Shop Fox mobile base, which is WAAY too light, as in...won't even roll. Can't recommend that.
PS: You really need a good DC for this.
Last edited by Rick Potter; 03-07-2018 at 6:53 PM.
Rick Potter
DIY journeyman,
FWW wannabe.
AKA Village Idiot.