Steel City 16/32 Drum Sander = updated Ryobi WDS1600?

[Toolhound]

http://www.utterguys.com/xcart/produ...cat=576&page=1

1 1/2 Hp vs 1 Hp, shape of the top of the elevator tower is flatter, and it looks like they added some kind of a support for the open end of the arm. Still using the same 2 1/2" dust port though.

[bigfoot]

Probably is, from what I have read, the Steel City guys have their stuff made in China, more than likely the same manufacturer.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

and it looks like they added some kind of a support for the open end of the arm.

I wonder why more companies don't do this? Deflection is the biggest problem I see with these open end drum sanders.
How much was the Ryobi (which it does indeed look very similar to) before they got rid of the line?

[RodKirby]

Love that support - and I just know I can make a wooden version !

Gotta go...

[SARGE..g-47]

If you have questions concerning any differences, give Steel City a call at their hooch down in Murfreesboro, Tn. @ 615-225-9001. Ask for tech and you'll probably get Scott Box, one of the co-owners. He'll tell you the exact differences and why they did what they did.

I checked out the Steel City line at IWF show here in Atlanta and again at Redmond & Son here in Atlanta several weeks ago at an open house at their new facility. You will find differences in their machines if you look at them even though they may look like someone elses on the surface.

Those differences are pretty impressive in several of the products. Enough that I will be headed out early tomorrow morning to pick up my new Steel City band-saw. Go to their web-site at www.steelcitytoolworks.com and you will notice that a few days ago that REBATES are in effect starting November 1st thru... just what I was waiting for to pull the trigger on that 18" BS even though it is worth every penny of retail, IMO!

Regards...