Three machines from their manuals
| Model | Max width | Thickness range | Feed | Dust | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly G0716 | 9-1/2 in | 1/4–3 in | 0–10 ft/min | 4 in port; 400 CFM at the port | 1 HP; 110/120 V, 15 A minimum circuit |
| SuperMax 16-32 | 32 in in 2 passes (16 in drum) | 1/32–3 in | 0–10 ft/min | 4 in port; collector of at least 600 cfm | 1-1/2 HP; 110 V, 15 A, 20 A service |
| SuperMax 19-38 | 38 in in 2 passes (19 in drum) | 1/32–4 in (typical) | 0–10 ft/min | 4 in port | 1-3/4 HP; 110 V, 20 A |
From Grizzly's G0716 and SuperMax's 16-32 and 19-38 manuals. Minimum length: 4-3/4 in on the G0716, 2-1/4 in on both SuperMax machines.
What to compare
- Width, in one pass and in two. SuperMax's 32 in and 38 in are two-pass figures on 16 in and 19 in drums; a single pass covers the drum's length. Grizzly's G0716 gives 9-1/2 in. Measure the widest panels you will make, and expect an overlap line to correct on two-pass work, as SuperMax's manual warns — see drum sanders.
- Thickness and length. The thinnest and thickest stock it takes, and the shortest piece it can feed: 2-1/4 in on the SuperMax machines, 4-3/4 in on the Grizzly.
- Dust collection. All three have a 4 in port, and both makers size collection for a dust collector. Read the figure the maker gives: SuperMax states a minimum collector capacity; Grizzly states the airflow needed at the port and warns not to confuse it with a collector's rating.
- Power and circuit. All three run on 110–120 V, but the circuits the makers call for differ, from a 15 A minimum to a 20 A service.
- Space and support. SuperMax's manual says to support long stock at the outfeed side; plan room in front of and behind the machine.
Before buying
A drum sander brings boards to an even, flat surface; the finer grits before a finish follow the same sequence as any sanding — see how to sand wood — usually with a handheld sander, compared in choosing a sander. Bench belt, disc and spindle machines are a different job, covered in benchtop sanders.
Before buying a drum sander
- Width on one pass (the drum) and on two
- Thickness range and minimum length
- Conveyor speed range
- Dust collection, in the measure the maker gives
- Motor and the circuit it requires
- Room for infeed, outfeed and support
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is from the maker's manual for the model named; 'typical' and 'two passes' are the makers' words. SuperMax's dust figure is a collector capacity and Grizzly's an airflow at the port; they are different measures and are not compared. No machine was tested, none is ranked, and no prices are given.
- 1.
16-32 Drum Sander, Owner's Manual. SuperMax Tools (Laguna Tools).
Used for: The 16-32's 32 in maximum width in two passes on a 16 in drum, 1/32–3 in thickness, 2-1/4 in minimum length, 0–10 ft/min conveyor, 4 in port with a 600 cfm minimum recommended dust collector, 1-1/2 HP motor on 110 V, 15 A, with a 20 A service required.
- 2.
19-38 Drum Sander, Owner's Manual. SuperMax Tools (Laguna Tools).
Used for: The 19-38's 38 in maximum width in two passes on a 19 in drum, 1/32–4 in typical thickness, 2-1/4 in minimum length, 0–10 ft/min conveyor, 4 in port, 1-3/4 HP motor on 110 V, 20 A; and the overlap line or ridge on stock wider than the drum.
- 3.
Model G0716 10" Drum Sander, Owner's Manual. Grizzly Industrial.
Used for: The G0716's 9-1/2 in maximum width, 1/4–3 in thickness, 4-3/4 in minimum length, 0–10 ft/min feed, 4 in port with 400 CFM recommended at the port — not to be confused with a collector's rating — and a 1 HP motor on 110/120 V with a 15 A minimum circuit.
- 4.
Wood Dust: Possible Solutions. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Used for: Exhaust ventilation at the source as the preferred control for wood dust.
About this buying guide
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