If you’re a handyman, an enthusiast, or like woodwork, then you’re probably aware of how helpful drum sanders can be.
For that reason alone, it’s always a good idea to have one nearby. However, choosing the best drum sander isn’t an easy task.
With so many products currently in the market, it’s a bit of a hassle to end up with something you like.
However, don’t worry. We’re about to change that. In this segment, we’ll go over the best drum sanders currently available in 2021.
Before we get right into it, let’s cover a few bases first so that we’re ready for cherry-picking at the end!
Buyers Guide
If you’re planning on getting the best drum sander for yourself, you’ll need to follow protocol.
Just like all things, it’s best to know What you want, and Why you want it. Once you’re past that, there’s a little checklist you need to go across and see if you can work with that feature or not.
Let’s get right into it!
Horsepower
The first thing that you should account for and keep in mind is the Horsepower with which the model operates. Generally speaking, drum sanders come in a range of 1-5+ Hp and can handle different loads of tasks.
If you’re planning on working professionally, it’s a good idea to get something that is more than 2+HP to help you get the job done with ease.
However, if you’re just using it for your own use, anything between 1HP and 2HP will make the cut.
Portability
Since drum sanders are big instruments, portability is a great feature to have.
Check if the model comes with wheels or handles. This will allow you to move things around easily, especially if you’re planning to re-set the workplace.
Furthermore, this also means you can bring the sander to the wood, rather than the other way around.
Setup
If you’re planning to get the sander set up by a technician, this shouldn’t concern you.
However, if you’re the DIY type of guy, it’s a good idea to pick a model that comes with a manual that can help you with the setup process.
Top 10 Drum Sanders
Now, we’ll go over the best drum sanders that 2021 has to offer. With each brief review, there are a few pros and cons as well that will help you in making the best call for yourself.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 drum sanders of 2021!
1. JET 629004K Drum Sander
Starting off with the premium recommendation, the JET 629004K is equipped with a 1 – ½ HP motor that sands stock up to 32 inches wide.
A great and sturdy choice, the model also features an aluminum self-cooling drum to make its maintenance so much easier.
Plus, it also comes with everything needed for a complete setup. Just make sure you pay extra attention to the conveyor belt since it is fragile, and the drum might need a little adjustment.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Includes all accessories
- Self-cooling drum
- Easy to operate
- Simple setup
Cons
- Drum requires modifications
- Conveyor belt separates easily
2. JET 628900 Benchtop Drum Sander
Next up, we have the JET 628900. Easy to handle and with a 1HP motor, this model is geared for fast stock removal.
It features a dust port as well that allows for easy collection, and the large hand wheel works like a charm since it makes adjustments so much more convenient.
However, the JET 628900 has a few reset issues and can be a hassle to deal with. On top of that, the presentation is a little bit lacking.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy dust collection
- Simple adjustment measures
- Fast stock removal
- Good manual
Cons
- Reset issues
- Bad presentation/packing
3. Powermatic PM2244 Drum Sander
Smart and elegant, the Powermatic PM2244 is a great consideration if you want to mix up functionality and aesthetics.
The best thing about this model includes its integrated LED control panel, Feed logic, and secondary absolute depth scale.
Altogether, this makes sure that the Powermatic PM2244 works like a charm since you have live feedback on how the internal machinery is operating.
However, it can’t handle a big cut at once, which takes off its value. On top of that, the manual isn’t that helpful either.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good finish
- LED control panel
- Dust port
- Additional height reading
Cons
- Bad manual
- Can’t do big cuts
4. Grizzly Industrial G0459-12″
The Grizzly Industrial G0459-12″ is a strong and sturdy drum sander that is best suited for heavy-duty projects.
It has a few features to accommodate versatile operation, such as variable speed conveyor and overload protection.
However, that’s pretty much it, and you shouldn’t anticipate much down the road.
On the opposite end, the Grizzly Industrial G0459-12″ is susceptible to snipping, and the Velcro on the drum comes off at one end.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Sturdy frame
- Easy to operate
- Variable speed conveyor
- Overload protection
Cons
- Weak Velcro adjustment
- Susceptible to snipping
5. Supermax Tools Drum Sander
The Supermax Tools Drum Sander is a smart and elegant model that is the best pick if you’re looking for something that lives up to its level of aesthetics.
The setup of this model is pretty easy and doesn’t require too much technical finesse.
On top of features such as adjustable speed control and easy cutting, this model is also simple to operate.
Nonetheless, there are a few issues with the fit of the machine on the stand. Other than that, the Supermax Tools Drum Sander is as good as it gets.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to use
- Aesthetics
- Simple setup
- Adjustable speed control
Cons
- Stand related issues
6. Supermax Tools Drum Sander With Stand
If you’re looking for something both professional and household hobbyist applications, then the Supermax Tools Sander is a solid one to go with.
It has an overall drum speed of 1740RPM, which is more than enough to get virtually all types of jobs done.
On top of that, the assembly is also pretty easy to keep up with, so if you’re the DIY type of guy, the Supermax Drum Sander is the one for you!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Quick lever adjustment
- Turbo Vented dust port
- Good presentation
- Digital height readout
Cons
- Tricky to load
- Assembly issues
7. Shop Fox W1678 26-Inch Drum Sander
The Shop Fox W1678 is a heavy-duty model best suited for all the industrial enthusiasts out there.
It’s a pretty good choice given all its features, which include a hinged hood, powder-coated paint, an amplifier meter to indicate load, and a dual dust port.
Altogether, it makes operation smooth and effortless.
To be fair with you, there aren’t that many downsides or anything. Just make sure you pay attention to the setup, and you’re good to go.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Dual dust port
- Load indication
- Hinged hood
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- Difficult to move around
- Bad manual
8. Grizzly Industrial G0716-10″
The Grizzly Industrial G0716-10″ is a pretty handy model that is best for users looking for a portable sander that they can move around.
Owing to its wheels and handles for mobility, this is a pretty versatile choice.
Its other features include a well-powered variable speed conveyor, quick disconnect dust port, easy-access elevation handwheel, and motor overload protection.
The downside to it is that the right clamp is a little difficult to use, and the model comes with a bad instruction manual.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Motor overload protection
- Rubber conveyor belt
- Variable speed conveyor
- Portability
Cons
- Bad manual
- The right clamp is hard to use
9. Jet JWDS-1020 Benchtop Drum Sander
If aesthetics do it for you and you’re looking for smart and elegant, look no further than the Jet JWDS-1020 Benchtop Drum Sander.
Made from heavy-duty die-cast aluminum, this model is fit for rigidity and heavy-duty operation.
It has variable speed control parallelism adjust dials and a patented dust hood for optimal performance.
However, calibration is a little bit of an issue and requires meticulous attention to detail. Plus, the motor fan sometimes rubs on the shroud.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Aesthetics
- Variable speed control
- Excellent dust hood
- Patented adjust dial
Cons
- The motor fan is loose
- Difficult calibration
10. Shop Fox W1740 12-Inch Drum Sander
Last but not least, we have the Shop Fox W1740 12-Inch Drum Sander.
This model is an easy-to-use option that is best suited for all types of users out there.
With performance geared for efficiency, this model has micro-adjustable graphite felt platen, a safety shut-off bar, and a great manual to help you through it all.
On the contrary, however, the motor pulley comes loose more often than it should. It’s best to keep the relevant tools nearby to fix this whenever it happens.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Hefty frame
- Durable
- Safety shut-off bar
- Micro-adjustable
Cons
- Motor pulley comes loose often
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a drum sander used for?
The main purpose of using a drum sander is to smoothen out wood to give a proper and dazzling finish that you see in furniture. It has replaceable abrasive sheets in it, which do the bulk of the work through constant exposure and rubbing.
How do you change the sandpaper on a drum sander?
Generally speaking, this process is model-specific, and there isn’t one convenient way to get the job done. For the best effect, it’s a good idea to go through the manual of the particular model you’re dealing with and work from there.
How much does a drum sander remove?
A good drum sander will remove about five to seven thousandth of an inch per pass. This might not seem a lot, but in the long run, and as the end product, you’ll definitely come to see how well this works out in the end.
How much sandpaper do I need for a drum sander?
This depends entirely on you. However, in most cases, this is attributed to the size of the drum sander.
For example, large drum sanders require about 12 sheets of 24 grit, eight sheets of 40 grit, eight sheets of 80 grit, and five sheets of 120 grit.
This is more than enough to cover for the weekend.
How do you start a drum sander?
Since the machine is mechanical, it follows a simple turn-on the mechanism that allows for easy operation and uses. However, it’s still a good idea to acquaint yourself with all the intricacies and go through the manual first.
What is the difference between a drum sander and a belt sander?
Drum sanders generally take longer to work and require more maintenance and checkups to get the job done right. On the other hand, belt sanders simply allow slipping sanding belts on and off without any effort.
Is it hard to use a drum sander?
Yes, and no. This depends entirely on your level of expertise, your comfort level with the machine, and your willingness to learn. Like all machines, the drum sander can be made easier to operate once you’re familiar with how it works.
How long does it take to drum sand a floor?
This task will take roughly about five hours. However, this figure accounts for a room of 140 sq. Ft. if the dimensions are different, then the numbers would obviously be different.
Can you over sand wood?
Not really. After a particular point, there is no apparent increase in the quality and texture of the wood. So what’s basically happening is that you’ll be wasting time and resources after something that’s been completed a while back.
Are drum sanders dangerous?
Drum sanders can be dangerous if you let them be, so it’s best to practice caution.
The latest models come with a protective measure feature that is geared towards keeping the user safe, and it’s definitely a good idea to lean into this development.
Conclusion
A good drum sander will make handling wood so much easier, so what are you waiting for?
If you already own any of the models mentioned above and have feedback, or have any other general recommendation or suggestion, do share them in the comment section below!
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