No two ways about it, sanding stinks! A drum sander can eliminate the drudgery, but not everyone has room in their budget, or their shop, for a huge expensive machine. The new 10-20 Plus Drum Sander from Performax ($500) is less expensive and takes up less space than other drum sanders. The 10-in.-long drum is open on the end. You can actually sand stuff up to 20-in. wide by doing it in two passes. It handles pieces from 1/32- to 2-1/2-in. thick, and as short as 2-1/4 in. The machine is powered by a 120-volt 3/4-hp motor. You must use a dust collector with any drum sander, and this one requires a collector that pulls at least 400 cfm. At 85 lbs., this machine is no lightweight. But if you don't mind lifting or sliding this sander around, you can bring it out as needed and store it when you're done.
Sources:
Performax, (800) 274-6848, www.wmhtoolgroup.com, 10-20 Plus Drum Sander, #628900, $500; Stand, #608004, $90.
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