Old Performax 16-32

[poolhound]

Does anybody own one of the original Performax 16-32 drum sanders or knows how they would compare to the current jet versions?

When did Jet take over the product line and what changes have they made?

[garymuto]

I bought the 22-44 model a couple of years ago and it was basically the same unit with different logos. My dust shroud might actually still have Performax molded into it IIRC. Jet provides a 5 yr Warranty and I've had great customer service. I also have the patented SandSmart conveyor control and I think that was added to the 16-32 model. It may be more important on the wider model, but I consider that to be a nice feature.

My research was mostly between the Jet and Delta and in the end I decided that I like the Jet models better. I up-sized to the 22-44 Model since it had a beefier frame, more capacity and a bigger motor and was only another $150. That's not a lot since I was already in for $800. I'm really happy with it. The dust collection works great with my little 650 cfm collector and a 10' hose.

[LarryG]

I bought my Performax 22-44 in March 2007, as the changeover was underway. The machine was advertised as a Performax, and that's what the decals on it say, but the invoice says it a JET and if memory serves one of the boxes had JET on the outside, too.

Both Performax and JET were/are part of the WMH Tool Group and AFAIK the change went no deeper than the decals, at least with the then-current models. I don't know the reason for the name change but I suspect it was to simplify their marketing. The Performax brand name was basically limited to drum sanders only and as I recall JET didn't have any of those in an otherwise full-spectrum lineup (if they did, it was the exact same machine as the Performax but with JET decals, ala Chevy/GMC trucks).

[Uncle Cracker]

Mine has the Performax badges, but today's Jets appear to be exactly the same machine.

[poolhound]

I have been talking to a guy who has an original performax 16-32 he thinks is around 10 yrs old and is asking $600. He does have quite a few paper rolls to go with it. It does have the extnesion tables but the storage spot I have available would not be big enough with the tables fitted anyway as I only have approx 25" of depth available. I would guess the 16-32 is approx 24" without the tables but 40"+ with them. Can any owners confirm this?

This is rather over my budget and seems like a little high for a ten yr old unit. The current going price for a new unit seems to be $1050 and while even further over my current pocket book contents it does get you a new unit and 5 yr warranty.

I know holding out for that mythical unit that is nearly new for $250 is a bit unrealistic but am not sure this one for $600 is worth it.

All opinions welcome

[Uncle Cracker]

I would guess the 16-32 is approx 24" without the tables but 40"+ with them. Can any owners confirm this?

The 24" without the extensions is correct. As for the extension tables, each adds about 10" to the depth of the bed, but one side is inset from the switch housing, so the total depth with the tables is about 41.5".

As for the price for the used one, remember that the extensions are optional, and add about $100 to the value of the assembly. That said, I'd still hold out for a little cheaper price...

[jgrobler]

I got the Performax 16-32 a couple months ago for 300. I have no experience with other drum sanders, but am very happy with mine. I don't have the extension tables, so can't comment on that either. But I wouldn't have paid 600 for it... even now.

[Hoover]

I have been talking to a guy who has an original performax 16-32 he thinks is around 10 yrs old and is asking $600. He does have quite a few paper rolls to go with it. It does have the extnesion tables but the storage spot I have available would not be big enough with the tables fitted anyway as I only have approx 25" of depth available. I would guess the 16-32 is approx 24" without the tables but 40"+ with them. Can any owners confirm this?

This is rather over my budget and seems like a little high for a ten yr old unit. The current going price for a new unit seems to be $1050 and while even further over my current pocket book contents it does get you a new unit and 5 yr warranty.

I know holding out for that mythical unit that is nearly new for $250 is a bit unrealistic but am not sure this one for $600 is worth it.

All opinions welcome

Hold out too long and the parade may pass you by. If one comes along @ $500.00 that is in cherry condition you gonna let it go by? You might win the battle, but still lose the war.
Better be ready with cash in your hand, or you might wait a long time. Good luck with your search.

[garymuto]

The extension tables are about $100. I get 3 rolls of sandpaper for about $30-40 (for a 22" drum). I think 4 rolls for a 16" is the same price.
Those sanders don't come up for sale very often and I doubt a good one would go for less than $500. If the conveyer belt and roller bushings are in good shape I would guess that the rest of the machine is OK. There really isn't much else to wear out since the drum bearings are large adn sealed. I think $500-600 is a good price and with the price of new ones going up, you could probably sell it for what you pay for it.

[poolhound]

Thanks for the input guys. I have a potential line on a newer model. I agree that $500-$600 is probably realistic. For those folks that have lucked into one for less it is undoubtedley a rare thing. I will keep you posted.

[poolhound]

Well my luck was certainly in today!

Having decided against taking this older model for $600 I was mulling over a much newer unit that had a bunch of spares (including a motor) and the extension tables still NIB, that one of the guys in my local Rockler was thinking of selling but he wanted $800 for the bundle.

Anyway I did a glue up this afternoon for a cutting board and as I did it thought how great it would be to have a drum sander to true it up afterwards. I went inside and checked CL again and another 16-32 original performax had just appeared. I called him up and headed across town to take a look.

It was in good shape and works well. He had his own shop and is getting out of the business buying an RV and planning to tour the country for a few years.

I picked up the 16-32 plus 150' of medium and 75' of fine paper rolls along with...

• a large box of mixed sand paper, small drums and misc sanding belts that will fit my OSS & belt sanders
• a variety of finishes some used some unopened
• a bunch of maple shorts
• 40 Bd/ft aromatic cedar
• 6' T track and some mixed knobs and hold downs
• a sheet of 1/2" UHWM 18"x 36"

Total $420

I came home and ran my glue up through the drum sander and it works like a dream

I am a very happy woodworker, I guess I should have bought a lottery ticket this weekend

[Uncle Cracker]

Good for you! Good things come to those who wait...

[jhart]

WOW!! Great score Jon. Quite a haul for $420.

[poolhound]

Thanks,

I only just managed to squeeze it in last night so now I need to rearrange some things to find it a permanent home

[Uncle Cracker]

...now I need to rearrange some things to find it a permanent home

My stand has good double-locking casters on it, so I just wheel it out from the wall when I want to use it, and then wheel it right back. It's a snap.