Drum Sander Questions

[eflanders]

Ok folks.  After years of avoiding getting an edge sander I finally broke down and got myself one.  Wow, I surely didn't know what I was missing until I got one!  So now I am thinking of getting a drum sander.  I know you folks like the Grizzly line and in particular their Baby Drum #GO459.  Why do you prefer the closed end drums to an open end that allows larger panels?

FYI: I do a lot more woodworking than just build bows. So I am considering their model#GO458 accordingly.  

Thanks in advance.

[beachbowhunter]

I have the G0716 and love it. I need to have my stuff on wheels so that was why I chose it over the Baby. You can take the side piece off to open it up. That being said, bigger is better so your choice looks great!

[Mad Max]

when one end is open IT WILL DEFLECT no matter what anybody has to say about it, period .....

[Bowjunkie]

Get what will prove to be the most valuable for all your woodworking. I have an open sided Delta and have measured no difference across the width of the lams.

[wood carver 2]

I have the G0716 model because I also do more than build bows in my shop. I would have liked the larger model, but this is what fit in my limited space. The closed drum will have no deflection, but the amount of deflection on the small machines is practically negligible on narrow parts like lams.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

I didn't like the open end.

[snapper1d]

Mark Daniel Thumbs up on his comment!

[Pheonixarcher]

I looked at that one myself. Decided on the baby drum, because it seemed like it would be a better fit in my shop. Let us know how it works for you.

[BigJim]

Even non cantilever style drums can sand un evenly and if you handle them properly, the cantilever will work fine.

I left those many years ago and would sell everything but my dog to replace my widebelt if it went down.

BigJim

[eflanders]

Jim,

I respect and appreciate your advice.  I'm curious as to how wide is your wide belt sander?  I'm not sure I can afford a stationary commercial wide belt sander.  Is that what you have?

Those of you with open drum units, how often do you actually use it open?  By running wide stock in two different directions, does it show up on the wood like a planer does? (With the grain then against the grain.)