Best Drum Sander in 2023: A Complete Guide and Review

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The purpose of a drum sander is to aid in making the process of sanding furniture more effective and speedy. The abrasive nature of a drum sander is excellent for all surfaces. This device is also equipped for the drum to rotate, which provides a lot of speed.

The overall design of a drum sander allows layers of wood to be removed rapidly. This is what makes the device such a desired item for any individuals that partake in woodworking activities.

The 5 Best Drum Sanders in 2023:

Table of Contents show
10
Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus 20 Amp Service with 608003 Stand in Woodworking, Sanders, Drum Sanders

Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus 20 Amp Service with 608003 Stand in Woodworking, Sanders, Drum Sanders

This Jet power tool is equipped with a sander drum that’s guaranteed to provide high performance at a reasonable price.
9.5
Grizzly Industrial G0459-12" 1-1/2 HP Baby Drum Sander

Grizzly Industrial G0459-12″ 1-1/2 HP Baby Drum Sander

This grizzly drum sander is known as a baby sander due to it being designed with a 1,5 HP motor and 12-inch sanding drum.
9
JET JWDS-1020 10" Benchtop Drum Sander (723510)

JET JWDS-1020 10″ Benchtop Drum Sander (723510)

The Jet Benchtop drum sander is an excellent option for a smaller design to fit into the open space.
8.5
Powermatic PM2244 Drum Sander, 1-3/4HP, 115V (1792244)

Powermatic PM2244 Drum Sander, 1-3/4HP, 115V (1792244)

The Powermatic PM2244 is the best drum sander for those that value appearance just as much as the performance of a power tool.
8.5
JET 628900 Mini 10-Inch 1-Horsepower Benchtop Drum Sander, 115-Volt 1-Phase

JET 628900 Mini 10-Inch 1-Horsepower Benchtop Drum Sander, 115-Volt 1-Phase

The Jet 628900 has a motor that’s capable of sanding most small projects. This is due to its one HP motor.

Nonetheless, there are many more benefits that come from using a drum sander. These are:

  •  Convenience: One of the most convenient power tools that you can have available in your workshop is a drum sander. Most modern drum sanders are designed with a stand that helps protect your back while you’re standing and sanding a surface. These devices are also equipped with a conveyor belt that’s auto-adjusting, which aids in applying the right measures for different wood working pieces. Along with this, these sanders with varied feed rates help in smoothing different stock types. This is done without running the wood. 
  • Efficiency: A drum sander is known to be an extremely efficient sanding tool. This is due to its feature of sanding wood pieces faster than compared to ordinary handheld sanders. A drum sander is designed with a conveyor belt that works on the wood surface through the sander. Thus, this conveyor belt feature provides the sander with the ability to achieve consistent and professional results. The same can’t be said for other types of sanders as these aren’t equipped with a conveyor belt feature. 
  • Large sanding capacity: A high percentage of drum sanders on the market provide a large working space, as these devices are open-ended. These sanders are usually manufactured as large pieces of equipment and equipped with significantly large tables that hold the purpose of accommodating massive wood working pieces. 

Which Is Better: Drum Sander vs. Planer

One major factor that comes into play when deciding between a planer and a drum sander is that one of these power tools can remove significant amounts of material. In contrast, the other one can’t. This is one of the largest differences between these two devices. 

If you wish to remove many different materials, such as surfacing stock or leveling glued wood, a planer would be the ideal option. On the other hand, a drum sander would be the best device for fine surfing and finishing sanding.

The typical amount of material that a planner can remove with every pass is around 0.125 and 0.250 inches. In comparison, a drum sander can remove between 0.005 and 0.007 inches for each pass conducted on the surface. With all that being said, you would need to undergo approximately 25 passes with your drum device to have the same effect that a planer creates in one pass.

Another factor that differentiates a drum sander from a planer is that a sander is an ideal tool to work on significantly thinner stock, such as veneers. The types of pieces that hold thinner characteristics are going to be harder to work on when using a planer.

Lastly, the design of a planer aids in these devices being smaller and relatively more affordable when compared to a drum sander as a drum sander has the reputation of being a large machine that comes with a hefty price tag to own.

What Types of Drum Sanders Can You Get?

When looking for the best drum sander, you need to consider what different drum sanders you can get. Drum sanders can be classified based on the structural characteristics used to store the standing mechanism. A drum sander can be classified as either open or close-ended based on these differing structures. 

However, drum sanders can also be placed in two sub-categories as either a double or single sander. This classification is made based on the number of drums the sander is equipped with.

Open-Ended vs. Close-Ended Drum Sander

There are pros and cons to both open-ended and close-ended drum sanders. Open-ended drum sanders offer more maneuverability, as the open end allows you to get closer to the workpiece. However, the lack of a closed-end can also lead to more dust being created. Close-ended drum sanders are better at containing dust, but they can be less maneuverable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what is most important to you.

Close-End Drum Sander

Close-end drum sanders are types of sanders that occupy a structure that aids the feeding belt and sanding drum, while the pressure rollers are closed on both ends. This particular design results in accommodating sanding boards that are wider than the actual length of the drum to be impossible. For example, owning a close-end drum sander that has a width of 12-inches, you won’t be able to sand any boards that have a width larger than 12-inches.

It’s clear that this type of design limits the board’s width that you wish to sand. However, a solution to this problem would be to sand two separate boards (that have a width of 12-inches or smaller) and glue these separate pieces together.

Although this design limits the material that you can sand, there is an excellent benefit that comes with using a close-end drum device. This is because these structures are more stable than using an open-end drum sander. The reason for this is that the roller can’t flex open or apart, as these pressure rollers are closed on both ends.

Open-End Drum Sander

An open-ended style is the best drum sander for you if your projects require you to use large boards. An open-end drum sander is structurally-manufactured to house and support the sanding drum, conveyor belts, and pressure rolls (that are constructed to be open at one end).

The open-ended feature provides that these sanders are capable of sanding boards that are larger than the width of the drum. For example, an open-end drum’s structural design allows for a 12-inch drum sander to effectively sand boards that are larger than 12-inches in width.

Although this is an excellent feature, it comes with a price to pay. The design of the pressure rollers being open on one end can negatively affect the performance these machines are able to provide. This performance can be hindered from the open-end flexing when put under pressure. As a result, the drum sander can produce uneven sanding.

Single Drum Sander

The oldest and still the most popular type of drum sander is a single drum sander. As the name applies, these types of drum sanders are equipped with one sanding drum.

This type of drum sander limits you to using only one sanding paper grit. Therefore, you’re going to need to keep making changes to the strip if you wish to use more than one.

Nonetheless, an excellent advantage to using a single drum sander is that these types have a relatively basic design, which makes the tool easy to use. Moreover, this design tends to lead it to be a cheap drum sander compared to double drum sanders.

Double Drum Sander

A double drum sander, also known as two drum sander, is designed just as the name suggests – with two sanding drums. This type of drum sander is manufactured with one sanding drum right behind the other.

An incredible feature about a double drum sander is that it holds the capability to run two sanding sheets of paper with two different grits at the same time.

This allows you to sand more efficiently as you can have a rougher grit on the first sanding drum and a finer grit on the second drum. It speeds up the sanding process, as removing material and refining can be done simultaneously.

Nonetheless, the design that allows this machine to be more handy creates more complexity. As a result, the double drum sander is harder to use and is more costly than a single drum sander.

What Should You Look For When Buying A Drum Sander?

We have listed our drum sander reviews below. We have highlighted some of the best drum sanders for sale on the market within our drum sanders review. However, all of these brands and models are different in the design of each drum sander for sale.

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That’s why it’s essential to understand the different points below, as these provide alternative features to one another. To make the right decision that fits the needs of what you expect from your drum sander, it’s vital to consider these factors before making your purchase.

Design

We have previously mentioned the different types of drum sanders that you can get. You have the option between open and close-end standers.

A close-end drum sanding device would be the best option if you wish to sand boards that don’t exceed the machine’s width. You can sand separate boards and glue them together. However, if you’re against using glue and would rather sand one wide-width surface, then an open-end drum sander would be the best option.

We also previously discussed the difference between a single and double drum sander. If you’re looking for a more affordable and easy-to-use sander, then a single drum sander would be best. However, you do need to continually change sandpaper as this sander can only take one strip at a time.

Otherwise, if you want a more efficient sander, then a double drum sander is the right choice for you. Nonetheless, there are some other things to consider. A double sander is more complex, which leads to it being more expensive and harder to use. Maintenance methods are also difficult to perform on this sander. If this is going to be a problem for you, a single drum sander may be a solution.

It’s essential to identify what you wish to gain from using your sander in order to find the best design aspects you wish your drum sander to be equipped with.

Dust Collection

You obviously aren’t a first-time sander and know that sanding produces dust, and lots of it depends on what you’re sanding. This is especially the case when using drum sanders as this device tends to be used to sand wide boards. Due to this, a dust collection feature is essential if you wish to keep your workspace tidy and the environment you’re working in pleasant.

We recommend looking for a drum sander that’s manufactured with a wide opening that can be used to house dust collection hoses. We can’t stress this enough, but dust collection is an excellent feature to ensure that you’re working in a healthy environment.

Dust is dangerous. These dust particles can filtrate into your lungs and eyes and cause severe damage. Not to mention, these dust particles carry toxins from the wood that you’re sanding. These toxins are present in the treatments that are applied to the wood to help keep it healthy.

Most of these treatments are safe to apply to the wood when applied and cured correctly. However, these toxins aren’t safe when they are being ingested into your body. This ingestion is made possible from the dust particles (with the toxins present) being pushed into your airways while using a sanding device.

This is one of the many reasons why dust collection should be treated as one of the most crucial considerations when choosing a drum sander.

Speed Adjustments

Being able to adjust the speed of your drum sander’s motor is a great feature. Speed adjustments provide more versatility during the sanding process. Along with versatility, having a speed adjusting feature helps to prevent damage from occurring to your wooden boards while you’re sanding these.

Portability

It’s essential to know the level of portability you would like your drum sander to have. If you have a smaller workspace, you may prefer a drum sander that you can move around to fit with the space that’s available in the area. On the other hand, a workspace that’s larger and has dedicated space may not need a drum sander that offers mobility.

Capacity

The term ‘capacity’ refers to the size of material a drum sander is capable of handling. This is a crucial factor to consider as it determines the size of the wooden board you can and can’t sand. It would be pointless to purchase a drum sander that can’t sand the required-sized boards you wish to use in your projects.

Power

The power that a particular motor of a drum sander provides is another element that needs to be considered, as it plays a role in how you wish to conduct sanding on your boards. Most drum sanders are equipped with a motor power of one to five HP. When deciding on a drum sander, a general rule is that the more power you wish a motor to have, the more you are required to pay for that sander.

Within the power feature, you should also look at the voltage limits in your home before settling on a drum sander. This is because it can be an exceptionally unfortunate experience to end-up purchasing a 240-Volt drum sander, where you’re limited to a voltage of 120.

Budget

One of the first things you should look at when trying to find the right drum sander for you is seeing how much you’re willing to spend on this particular power tool. The market of drum sanders is vast, and it’s possible to find one that fits all kinds of budgets.

Due to the large volume of drum sanders out there, it’s very possible to find a suitable machine for a few hundred dollars. However, you need to be prepared that if you wish to obtain a more powerful drum sander, you are going to have to pay a slightly higher price.

Some of the more powerful drum sanders that have excellent capabilities and features, and are made from reputable brands can cost you $1000 or more. We suggest going for a drum sander that falls within your budget, or is at least at a reasonable price, and has the necessary features to provide you with the results you wish to receive. It’s a good idea to remember that you shouldn’t sacrifice the features or overall quality of a drum sander just to save a little extra cash.

Quality

Some drum sanders may not be the most expensive, but it does cost a pretty penny to claim ownership of one. You’re spending all this money on a device. The least that it can do is provide what it is you want. For that reason, it’s vital that the quality of the sander is good.

Generally speaking, drum sanders are made extraordinarily robust and durable. That’s why you don’t need to worry about the sander breaking and replacing parts. When we speak about quality, we’re talking about the quality of the features you want to receive from this powerful tool. For example, if you wish to receive an adjustable speed feature, you need to make sure that the adjustable speed feature included in the design is sufficient enough.

Even if a product states that it holds a specific feature, it doesn’t mean that it can conduct that feature very well. You don’t just want a drum sander that has a dust collection system, as it may be designed with a dust collector that is poorly made. You want an effectively-made dust collection system.  

However, it’s also essential to analyze the overall quality of the drum sander. Looking at the construction of the pressure rollers, sanding drums, and feed belts all play a role in providing incredible features such as sanding potential and stability, which all contribute to the sanding ability of the drum sanding device.

Tips and Tricks to Get the Best Results out of Your Drum Sander:

Generally speaking, a drum sander isn’t a complicated power tool to understand. Thus, using these types of devices is relatively easy to use, and any woodworker and hobbyist shouldn’t struggle when using one.

Nonetheless, there are some great tips that aren’t very well known that have the ability to enhance the results you already gain from your drum sander. Here are a few helpful tips for you to try out the next time you have a sanding session:

Take Your Time

It’s important to remember that drum sanders don’t have the capabilities to remove many materials after one pass, unlike planers. You shouldn’t use your drum sander as a planer. For this reason, it’s essential to take your time and allow the drum sander to work its magic to remove these materials efficiently.

Rushing the process can cause damage to your wooden boards, which can be irreversible or take even longer to try and fix. Setting the belt to the maximum speed capacity and conducting a number of light passes is the method that produces the best results.

Choose Your Sandpaper Wisely

Owning the best drum sander doesn’t mean that your sanding is gaining the best results, as the sandpaper you use plays a significant role. Rather than going for cheaper sandpaper, try using more premium kinds. Choosing sandpaper wisely can help in limiting the number of frustrations you experience while sanding.

The statement that it doesn’t matter because it’s just paper isn’t valid. There are varied forms of sanding paper that ultimately affect how your sanding is going to turn out. Premium sandpaper is called premium because it holds qualities that offer sanding that’s more efficient, while more desired results are achieved.

Use a Dust Collector

As previously mentioned, a byproduct of sanding is dust. For this reason, you shouldn’t ever use your drum sander without having a dust collector nearby. A benefit of having a dust collection system is that you’re able to keep your workspace clean. However, an even more important advantage of using a dust collection system is that it enhances the performance of the drum sanding device.

Reducing the amount of dust present on the sanding object helps provide more contact between the sandpaper and the wood of the board that’s being sanded.

Don’t Sand Through Brads

If you choose to attach fasteners to your workpiece, be cautious not to sand right up to where these are present. Sanding to the fasteners is likely to result in lines being left in your sandpaper. These lines can be transferred to the next stock that you sand, which would require an immense amount of work to remove.

Full Reviews:

With so many sanders out on the market, we have tried to provide a means to share what we think are the best drum sanders that you should consider when looking at adding one to your power tool collection. Here are some of the best drum sanders that your money can buy:

Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus 20 Amp Service with 608003 Stand in Woodworking, Sanders, Drum Sanders

Despite offering a relatively small motor power, this jet drum sanding device generates enough strength to undergo most sanding projects.
10Expert Score
great variable speed feature

This Jet power tool is equipped with a sander drum that’s guaranteed to provide high performance at a reasonable price.

Durability
9.5
Control
9
Cons
  • The conveyor and drum motors are separate
  • Variable speed control
  • Big conveyor table
Cons
  • The motor isn't very powerful

No drum sander reviews article would be complete without including the powerful Jet 723520K JWDS 1632 sander. This Jet power tool is equipped with a sander drum that’s guaranteed to provide high performance at a reasonable price.

Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus 20 Amp Service with 608003 Stand in Woodworking, Sanders, Drum Sanders

Despite offering a relatively small motor power, this jet drum sanding device generates enough strength to undergo most sanding projects. The Jet 723520K JWDS 1632 drum sanding device is designed with a 16-inch drum size and is equipped with a variable speed feature. This makes it possible to control the optimal feed rate you wish to achieve, depending on the type of project you’re working on.

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The portability of this Jet device is effortless to move between workspaces, as it’s one of the lightest models on our drum sander reviews list. Thus, it’s one of the most portable drum sanders. Moreover, the design of the Jet drum sander includes a 43-inch conveyor table. Included in this is a parallelism adjusting dial that rapidly returns the conveyor belt to a flat position.

The Jet 723520K Drum Sander is a powerful sander that will assist you in creating finished surfaces on any project at home. It can handle large pieces but because of its size, it isn’t the best choice for someone looking to get into DIY projects or who wants something light and easily portable. But if you are dedicated to making your creations look professional, this could be the tool for you.

  • Does the job well
  • Heavy duty machine for commercial use
  • For people who want an easier time with their DIY projects using less muscle power than manual sanders require.

Not easy to transport   Unstable while running unsanitary belts because they’re exposed during operation

Pros :

  • – Does an excellent job getting tough materials down to a smooth finish
  • – Heavy duty for commercial use
  • – Provides a smooth, even finish on a variety of materials from different sources, from wood to metal to plastics

Cons :

  • – Does require some assembly before use. You have to attach the stand and the extension support arms with screws that must be tightened very firmly with a screwdriver or wrench.
  • A bit tricky as you have to do this with the machine turned off
  • – Doesn’t come with any sandpaper so you’ll either have to purchase it separately or reuse what you have
  • – The plastic hood over the dust removal port has been known to break easily under heavy pressure

Reviewer’s Tilt:

This sander is best suited for people who want an easier time with their DIY projects using less muscle power than manual sanders require. It’s also a great investment for anyone that does professional work on a large scale and needs something that will get the job done quickly and precisely.

This is definitely not recommended for people looking to do simple home repairs or projects without investing in some serious equipment like this sander, which isn’t easy to transport and gets very heavy when turned on.

You would be better off with a smaller, more lightweight machine if you find yourself moving your tools around frequently. Overall, it’s a great choice for homeowners and professionals alike and worth adding to any workshop if you can afford it!

Grizzly Drum Sanders Industrial G0459 12-Inch

BEST CHOICE
This power tool is also equipped with a close-ended design. Due to this feature, the device is provided with stability and ensures that the drum doesn’t flex when put under pressure.
9.5Expert Score
Quality Product

This grizzly drum sander is known as a baby sander due to it being designed with a 1,5 HP motor and a 12-inch sanding drum.

Excellent Built Quality
9.5
Heavy Duty
9
Pros
  • Ability to work on thinner materials
  •  Prevents damage from occurring to the surface while processing through the sanding drum
Cons
  • Can only work on projects up to a 12-inch width wood surface
Grizzly Industrial G0459-12" 1-1/2 HP Baby Drum Sander

This grizzly drum sander is known as a baby sander due to it being designed with a 1,5 HP motor and a 12-inch sanding drum. This power tool is also equipped with a close-ended design. Due to this feature, the device is provided with stability and ensures that the drum doesn’t flex when put under pressure.

The drum sander is also manufactured with a feed belt that’s made with tacky rubber. The reason for the feed belt having tacky rubber is to aid in the prevention of the project moving while ensuring that no damage is caused to the surface of the wood when it’s processing through the sanding drum.

Another feature that this drum device provides is a lower capacity. This allows the power tool to work on thinner surfaces such as veneer and marquetry sheets.

Grizzly G0459 is a drum sander with a sturdy stand and powerful motor that you can attach different sanding drums to. It’s an upgrade of the old model, Grizzly G0444, which had some issues with vibration.

Here are the pros and cons of this machine:

  • Improved rubber feet  – they eliminate most vibrations now;
  • Easy changeover – attaching or detaching replacement heads is very simple;
  • Stand – it’s better than any other benchtop sander stands (though I’m not saying much);

Grizzly G0459 is not without its cons though. The most annoying one is that there are no dust collection ports. Also, drum sanders are rather slower than belt sanders in terms of finishing wood projects. If you’re patient and can work around this limitation, then there shouldn’t be any problem with Grizzly G0459 Drum Sander.

JET JWDS-1020 10″ Benchtop Drum Sander (723510)

This Jet drum sander uses superior technology, making it one of the best drum sanders sales to make from this list.
9Expert Score
excellent option

The Jet Benchtop drum sander is an excellent option for a smaller design to fit into the open space.

Affordable
9.5
Compact
9
cons
  • Variable feed rate
  • Sandpaper change can be done quickly
  • The handwheel is large and easy to adjust
  • A compact sander that's lightweight
  • Cost-effective
  • Effective dust ports
Cons
  • Not a very powerful motor

Most of the time, the space available in the workspace is limited. Nonetheless, the Jet Benchtop drum sander is an excellent option for a smaller design to fit into the open space. This Jet drum sander uses superior technology, making it one of the best drum sanders sales to make from this list.

JET JWDS-1020 10" Benchtop Drum Sander (723510)

This Jet benchtop drum sander is very affordable. The compact size aids in making it the cheapest drum sander that can be used in a limited space. This Jet device is also extremely convenient, thanks to the incorporation of impressive features in the design. These features provide an effective sander for your wood surface projects.

The Jet Benchtop drum sander has a large hand wheel that makes it possible for adjustments to be made easily and allows paper changes to be done rapidly. The variable speed feed rate goes from one to 12 fpm.

The Jet device is equipped with a one HP motor. Although this isn’t a high-speed and robust motor, it provides a substantial amount of strength for any benchtop device. Moreover, an incredibly convenient feature is that the Jet device comes with 4-inch dust ports. This makes for effortless dust collecting that’s effective and can be done while sanding.

The JET JWDS-1020 Drum Sander is an incredible tool for any woodworker or carpenter. It can sand, shape, smooth out edges of all kinds of different materials extremely accurately and quickly. It’s capable of doing some things that aren’t possible with other types of machines on the market right now.

Pros:

  • The drum sander works really well at taking down large surfaces in preparation for more detailed work or finishing work.
  • It can take down a lot of material very quickly while also distributing it evenly over the surface being worked on.
  • This makes it more efficient than using hand sanders, belt sanders, orbital sanders, etc., which are all limited to working in one direction at any given time.

Cons:

  • The biggest downside to the JET JWDS-1020 is that it’s a large, bulky piece of machinery.
  • In order for it to have all these capabilities, they just didn’t have room in the machine for anything small.
  • It takes up a lot of space and weighs around 300 lbs.
  • Another con is that drum sanders are usually much more expensive than other types of sanders.
  • This makes them only worth it if you do a lot of work with wood or have a very specific need for this type of sander.

Powermatic PM2244 Drum Sander, 1-3/4HP, 115V (1792244)

This device isn’t just known for its appearance. It’s also been excellently designed with a steel hood that’s sturdy and a cast iron drum carriage.
8.5Expert Score
variable speed feed

The Powermatic PM2244 is the best drum sander for those that value appearance just as much as the performance of a power tool.

Fast and Powerful
9.5
Very Sturdy
9
Pros
  • Powerful motor
  • Effective dust port
  • Variable speed feed rate
  • Equipped with a cast iron drum carriage that's durable
Cons
  • Heavy which reduces mobility
  • More expensive

The Powermatic PM2244 is the best drum sander for those that value appearance just as much as the performance of a power tool. This is due to the drum sander’s very appealing look.

Powermatic PM2244 Drum Sander, 1-3/4HP, 115V (1792244)

This device isn’t just known for its appearance. It’s also been excellently designed with a steel hood that’s sturdy and a cast iron drum carriage. It’s equipped with a 22-inch drum size that can accommodate sanding more expansive wooden surfaces. The design of the drum sander also provides a variable speed feed rate of 0 to 10 fpm. This feature makes the device ideal for sanding a variety of different kinds of surfaces.

However, this item is one of the bulkiest sanders on this list. This doesn’t make it a suitable device for those that are looking for handheld drum sanders. Added to this, it’s one of the more expensive models on this list. Nonetheless, you don’t need vast amounts of open space within your working area to accommodate this device.

The control panel makes this one of the best drum devices. The LED control panel is what sets this power tool apart from the rest on this list. Important information, such as belt power and speed, is displayed on the control panel.

The 1-3-4 HP motor provides excellent strength and makes the item incredibly robust. It’s also equipped with a dust port that efficiently collects dust and makes your working area tidy while you sand.

The drum sander is quickly becoming one of the most popular tools in the shop. With their ability to sand wide boards, they open up a whole new world to woodworking enthusiasts.

The Powermatic PM2244 Drum Sander is loaded with features that make it an attractive option for anyone shopping in this price range. Not only does it offer adjustable widths and speeds but also has an auto shut-off switch when the head reaches its highest position which protects both the tool and the operator.

I like this feature because if you are not paying attention or if your hands are preoccupied, there is no need for concern when you accidentally bump into the power switch during operation.

One drawback I found about this machine is that it lacks dust collection capabilities. But with the addition of a dust collection system and a shop vac, you can easily overcome this obstacle.

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One thing to note is that drum sanders are not made for fine finishing work. They were designed for removing large amounts of stock quickly and efficiently, which they do quite well.

Overall this machine is a sturdy tool that gets the job done time after time without fail.

Pros:

  • -Sturdy design
  • -Auto shut off switch

Cons:

  •  -No dust collection capabilities

JET 628900 Mini 10-Inch 1-Horsepower Benchtop Drum Sander, 115-Volt 1-Phase

It’s equipped with a large hand wheel that makes adjusting easy. The 20-inch width feature provides you the ability to work on larger surfaces.
8.5Expert Score
capable of sanding most small projects

The Jet 628900 has a motor that’s capable of sanding most small projects. This is due to its one HP motor.

Most durable
9.5
Excellent Gadgets
9
Pros
  • Great variable speed feed rate control
  • Large width to accommodate a variety of surfaces
Cons
  • The motor isn't very powerful
JET 628900 Mini 10-Inch 1-Horsepower Benchtop Drum Sander, 115-Volt 1-Phase

The Jet 628900 has a motor that’s capable of sanding most small projects. This is due to its one HP motor. This motor power isn’t as effective as the other motor capabilities on this list. However, the motor provided is substantial for the size of the device.

It’s equipped with a large hand wheel that makes adjusting easy. The 20-inch width feature provides you the ability to work on larger surfaces.

Having access to a Jet 628900 also provides you with variable speed feed rate control. The presence of a variable speed feed rate allows you to work with any speed from 0 feet per minute to 12 feet per minute. It also has the best dust port provided, which helps collect dust in your working space effectively, and aids in the device being more effective.

Pros:

  • -Sanding drums provide a flat, even surface.
  • -Drum sanders have a variety of drum sizes to choose from.
  • -Electric models create less vibration and noise than other sander types.
  • -Drum sanders can be used for curved surfaces as well as flat ones.

Cons:

  • -Drums clog easily when used with rough or wet materials; preventing the tool from working properly until it’s cleared out.
  • -The head of the tool isn’t adjustable, which means that it can’t reach deep into some spaces like other tools can.  
  • This is especially an issue for people who plan on sanding wood and other materials that are embedded in hard-to-reach spots.
  • -Drum sanders are difficult to use on small objects.  In most cases, they can’t be held against a workpiece – they need to be suspended from above instead.
  • -Removing the drums is a difficult process that requires some tools and careful pressing of buttons and controls in order to get right. Without full access, it’s impossible for an average user to remove them without damaging or losing parts of the drum sander itself.

For edges:

Use a handheld sander instead.  This will allow you to reach every corner and keep it uniform while also having precise control over where you’re sanding / what surfaces you’re working with at any given time.

JET 22-44 PRO Drum Sander pros and cons
8.3
JET 22-44 PRO
POSITIVES
  • Works great in a small shop and has a decent capacity for its size
  • The dust collection works really well when hooked up to an appropriate system
  • Has the speed control that I prefer (plenty fast but can slow it down)
  • Fence angles left and right, giving you extra workpiece support in various situations
NEGATIVES
  • Dust collection is not always efficient. You need to hook it up to a system or make your own shroud around the drum. The factory one doesn’t do the job because the exhaust blows away from the piece instead of back at it as a blower should. This isn’t JET’s fault; they were probably trying to reduce noise and not blow smoke in your face.
  • Can’t use a dado stack. Wasted opportunity, making this drum sander with such beefy bearings and all. It’s like selling a new luxury car with no steering wheel or brake pedals.
  • The fence is flimsy.

The JET 22-44 Drum Sander is used to sand large panels of wood or other materials. It has two drums, one above the other with sanding screens attached to them. The material passes between them and comes out with a smooth finish. It is important to get it set up properly, or you will end up wasting time on extra sanding or having to re-do the job altogether.

This machine works for both righties and lefties; however, there are some constraints when using it.

JET 649004K Drum Sander pros and cons
8.2
JET 649004K
POSITIVES
  • You can hear birds tweeting while using this machine.
NEGATIVES
  • The crossfeed speed cannot be adjusted so it’s either too fast or too slow.

The biggest pro of this machine is that it’s chunky. It weighs in at a whopping 90lbs, so even if you’re lacking in the upper body strength department then it will do some of the work for you.

The JET 649004K Drum Sander also has several cons, so let’s get those out of the way first…

– It takes 4 hours to assemble. Most of the time is spent screwing things together with Allen keys and/or sockets. This isn’t necessarily difficult but there are lots of fiddly little screws along with nuts and bolts which have to be fitted just right or else they simply don’t work.

– Be prepared for shoddy manual

– I didn’t know what a couple of screws were for until I found out the hard way that they weren’t meant to go where I had put them.

– It shakes and vibrates like mad, so if you’re using it in your bedroom then simply forget about getting any sleep until you’ve finished sanding and also after that as well unless you want to stay awake for days from all the tiredness caused by working yourself into oblivion.

  1. Why Do You Need A Drum Sander?

    Many people understand that a drum sander is an exceptional tool that would be a great addition to any power tool collection. One outstanding feature that a drum sander is well-known for is its ability to make many woodworking projects more straightforward.

  2. Who uses a drum sander mostly?

    Drum sanders are most commonly used in woodworking for sanding large pieces of wood, such as tabletops and doors. They can also be useful for smoothing the edges of boards or removing smaller amounts of material from a surface.

  3. How to know that sanding is done properly?

    You’ll know that sanding is done properly when all of the scratches from the previous grit size are gone. You may need to use a finer grit size to achieve this. Once all of the scratches are gone, you can start polishing.

  4.  Which grit offers the finest finishes?

    The finest finishes are achieved with grits that are rated between 3000 and 12000. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a grit rating is not indicative of the quality of a particular product. The most important factor when determining the quality of sandpaper is the type of abrasive used. For example, garnet offers a finer finish than aluminum oxide.

  5. What’s the difference between belt sanders and drum sanders?

    The main difference between belt sanders and drum sanders is that belt sanders use a moving belt to abrasively remove material from the workpiece, whereas drum sanders use a rotating drum to do the same.
    Belt sanders are typically smaller and more portable than drum sanders, making them better suited for DIY applications or light-duty professional use. Drum sanders, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful, making them better suited for heavy-duty professional use.

  6. Why the drum sander burns the wood?

    Answer: A belt sander is a handheld power tool used for sanding wood and other materials. It has a sanding belt that runs over a pair of drums (one at the front, and one at the back).
    A drum sander, also known as a thickness planer, is a larger power tool used for flattening boards. It has one or two rotating drums on which the board rests, and a feed roller to push the board through the drums.

  7. How would I know if I am done sanding?

    Answer: There is no single answer to this question since it depends on the type of material you are sanding, the grit of sandpaper you are using, and your own personal preferences. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep sanding until the surface feels smooth to the touch and there are no more visible scratches or blemishes.
    Also, be sure to periodically change the direction of your strokes so that you’re not just wearing down one spot on the surface. This will help ensure an even finish. Lastly, use finer grit sandpaper if necessary to achieve a smoother surface.

  8. Do I need a dust collector for my drum sander?

    Answer: A dust collector is not necessary for a drum sander, but it is highly recommended. Without a dust collector, the sawdust will get all over your work area and will be very difficult to clean up. A dust collector will help to keep your work area clean and will make it much easier to clean up the sawdust after you finish sanding.
    There are many different types of dust collectors available, so you can choose one that best meets your needs. Some collectors are portable while others are stationary. Some are designed for woodworking projects while others are designed for general workshop use. You can also choose between a single-stage or two-stage collector. So there is definitely a dust collector out there that will suit your needs

Conclusion

There are many different kinds of drum devices that can be considered the best drum sander. This is due to these devices coming in all shapes and sizes. The various features are going to be beneficial for different people.

That’s why it’s essential to consider what you wish to gain from using a drum device. Comparing these desired features to the different sanding devices helps you choose the right device for you.

Everyone’s desires are different, so the choice of drum device is going to vary from person to person. The saying goes that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. One drum device may be entirely wrong for one person, but the best option for another. That’s why identifying your reason as to why you want a drum sanding device is crucial before even looking at possible power tools to purchase.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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