Picking a drum sander

[EwokArcher]

Ive been thinking about getting a good small drum sander for a while. I've read several older posts on this topic and see that most ppl have the grizzly baby drum 12 inch and seem to like it especially the newer model. Looks like it would be around 700$.

I see on amazon a 10 inch grizzly drum sander g0716 that is about 500$ including shipping. Anyone have experience with this smaller machine? Any advice on the direction I should go. I want a tool to last a long time. Also any advice of where to buy from.
Thanks guys.
Ty

[Roy from Pa]

It's going to last you a lifetime. Spend the extra 200 and buy the new 12 inch. That's an order..  

[macbow]

I had the 10 inch didn't like it.
Got a,deal on a grizzle dual drum sander.

[EwokArcher]

Roy I appreciate the input, that's the way I was leaning I just wanted to verify my thinking. I only do 5 or so bows per year so it ought to do well. Think I should godirectly to grizzly website or look around? Is there any effect on the warranty if I found one second hand?

[Crooked Stic]

I hear the 10 in. is a B to load the sandpaper.

[Roy from Pa]

Not sure how the warranty goes, it might be only for the original owner. I would get a new one from grizzly. The 12" is on sale now.

  http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Baby-Drum-Sander/G0459?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

I love my 12" sander.

 

[Krasus]

Ya... I would think twice on the grizzly. All there tools are made in china...

[Krasus]

I'd try and find a older general that was actually made in North America

[macbow]

I understand the buy American but I don't think there are many choices on new equiptment.
Grizzly has been here a long time and has a good reputation.
Lots of locals depend on them for jobs.

[Crooked Stic]

Made in Thailand.The down side. Still good tools.

[Jerry Gille]

I had one of the original 12 Baby Drums and it had serious problems with the conveyor motor gear constantly breaking under load.  After no resolution from Grizzly I salvaged parts off of mine and threw the carcass away.  I think there is a fix to that problem now so go figure.  If that Baby Drum still had that conveyor problem I'd stay far away from it but I think that issue has been resolved.

After I dumped by Baby Drum I bought the Grizzly 10 inch the first year they offered it.  It is okay at best.  The sandpaper is a nightmare for me to load on the drum.  I have had to replace the outfeed roller arm and associated brackets due to them wearing out.  Not too big of a deal there.  It doesn't have much power but it does sand lams fine enough - which is really all I use it for.

I'm not overly impressed with my 10 grizz but I gave something like $310 for it and only use it for lams so I get by with it.  It does seem to cut square and parallel without issue.

If I had it to do over again and IF the baby drum conveyor issue is truly resolved - I'd own the baby drum over the 10 inch.  With the money I have wrapped up on both I really wish I would have just bought a bigger, better unit to begin with however.

Good luck with your choice.

[beachbowhunter]

Originally posted by Crooked Stic:
I hear the 10 in. is a B to load the sandpaper.

I have the 10 and it is not difficult at all. The best part is that is does not use the hook and loop paper like the baby which for many, has caused uneven sanding on lams.  The 10 is also mounted on a wheeled stand which is huge for me as I work outside mostly. It is also built like a tank.

[jess stuart]

Might want to take a look at the Jets.  I have had the 10-20 for several years and it has served me very well.

[EwokArcher]

I am liking the look of that jet now especially because it looks like everyone is sold out of the baby drum sanders. I'm wanting to look at costs for replacing sanding paper to factor in to which one I pick too, does anyone have info you care to share about cost and longevity of the sand paper types used on these different machines.

[EwokArcher]

Well I committed and ordered a 12 inch grizzly they are on back order so it looks like it will be a while. But I got the sale price! 689 including shipping.
I didn't order sand paper from there cause it was gonna be 60$ and an extra 12$ for shipping. I see I can get some 3x50ft rolls with free shipping 50$ at my normal online warehouse. Everyone says 60 grit is the way to go correct?

[kennym]

60 will be just fine. I think you will love it.

How long a wait?

[Roy from Pa]

OH NO. The 12" grizzly is junk.

[Roy from Pa]

LOL....

Just joking. I love mine.

I order sand paper, sheets and rolls from here.. The grizzly takes whats called Hook and Loop paper. I use 60 grit also.

 http://www.supergrit.com/

[Crooked Stic]

60 here to. I had to replace the hook part on my drum and ordered a roll of 60 grit from Grizzly. It is thicker than the stuff from Super grit. Had to readjust my pressure rollers.

[EwokArcher]

I don't know how long on the wait till it gets here. Guess I should call and ask. It didn't tell me in my confirmation.