Bowyers Dream lam grinder

[leftyfred]

I have struggled finding the perfect grinder.  I first used a Performax 16", then a Delta 18", currently a Woodmaster 38", all drum sanders. I have looked hard at a Mini Time Saver and Safety Speed cut wide belt with platens.  What is the all around hands down best grinder for the archery industry?  What machine can get nit picky with tolerances?  thanks,
leftyfred

[shaft slinger]

don,t know what the perfect grinder would be for you , it looks like you have tryed about all of them.
   me i have a baby grizzley drum sander, it serves me well, but don,t compare to what you have tryed .
   i think the " perfect grinder " would be one of the grinders that john at omc has, these are some thing to see if you get a chance you should go there and watch them work   .     good luck    hope you find it

[Rod Ham]

Leftyfred,

The first thing you may want to do is look at belt sanders rather than drum sanders.  The most precise controls for leveling the cut can be had in either type of sander.  The belt type sander gives you much better control of the surface feet per minute of the cutting belt relative to the wood surface.  You can vary the speed of feed much more with a belt and not have problems with burning. The problem is you are getting into very pricey tools.  One of the smallest ones from Grizzly starts at over $4500.  But you are asking for perfect.  I was told by an Ag teacher many years ago to remember that it only cost 90% more to go first class.  Often still holds true.

[ethan]

Grizzly went up on the price of their baby drum sander.  Me and a buddy recently bought the next to smallest size and we're really pleased.  Had to do some fine adjustments to it but it cuts great now.

[wingnut]

This is what I have along with many of the major bowyers.

 http://www.sunhillmachinery.com/WideBeltSanders%20SDM%2015.htm

It is 220 and very heavy, but it does the job all day long for months at a time.

Mike