Drum Sander info?

[jussi]

Can anyone tell me any info about this sander? Specifically what would be a good price to pay?

Also what should I look for when checking it out?

[ragswl4]

Don't know about that particular one but as far as what to check:

1. Don't buy without a demo of what it can do, sand a sample board or two to see how it performs.
2. What type of sandpaper medium does it use, hook and loop, psa, or ?? and how available is it and what does it cost?
3. Who makes it and are there spare parts available?
4. Does it self feed (good) or do you have to manually feed (not so good) the wood into it?
5. Does it bog down underload (read sufficient power)?
6. How old is it?
7. 20 other things I haven't thought of. Hope others chime in on this.

If well used I would think no more than $200 and not sure that isn't too much dependant on what your anticipated use is. These types of sander are not good as planers, takes a long time to reduce 3/4" to 5/8" as an example. It will also pump out the dust so be prepared for that.

I built a shop made drum sander some time back and now find that I seldom use it. Good experience to build but it takes a lot of space, spews dust everywhere and is really only useful on large panels. Just my opinion.

[Pappy]

When you run a test board, run some pencil lines edge to edge after it has an initial flat surface and then run it through at different points on the drum. This will tell you if the drum is true down it's length. Then add new lines and run it through at the same point, turning it end to end. This will tell if the drum is parrallel to the base. Failure of the first test, walk away. The second is a bargaining point that should be adjustable.

Most drums sanders use a long strip wrapped around the drum. Make sure the clips on each end have a good strong grip.