Best Drum Sanders in 2023 – Top Models Reviewed & Compared

Did you know that there are over 50 drum sanders for sale in the market? The drum sander is an essential tool for any high-level woodworking project because of the professional results it delivers and the time it saves.

Drum sanders can sand both wood and plastics, quickly and efficiently. Some can even sand metals. They’re designed to provide an even, smooth finish to any piece which is why there are so sought after by both professional woodworkers and hobbyists. 

Powerful and complex, there are several types of drum sanders with varying features. There are no handheld models and they tend to be large and heavy, so this is just one of the many factors you need to consider when selecting a drum sander. 

Since this can be an expensive and vital piece of equipment for the dedicated craftsman, we want to ensure that this guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the best drum sander for your needs.

I’ll examine the most durable, accurate, and well-regarded drum sanders available and include extensive drum sander reviews to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the best drum sander. Yes, there are dozens of drum sanders on the market. But, luckily for you, I’ve done all the research so that you don’t have to.

You can also read other sander reviews on the best random orbit sander, best spindle sander, and palm sanders if you’re expanding your tool collection.

Drum Sander Quick Comparison

10 Best Drum Sander Reviews

We examined 10 of the most popular drum sanders today. We’ve included several types of drum sanders, in several different price ranges, both open-ended and close-ended, and models which suit both casual and professional woodworkers.

My #1 Choice – Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 with 608003 Stand  – Best Pick

Quick Facts

The first notable feature of this Jet drum sander is the sturdy steel construction. The heavy-duty stainless steel rollers and the die-cast steel frame offer a strong platform to take any wood size/type. It does tend to vibrate a bit when working on sizeable wood pieces, but this is typical of any drum sander. 

Another thing worth pointing out is the Sandsmart Technology, which will monitor the load on the drum continuously. It will then regulate the conveyor motor speed to maintain the highest feed rate without experiencing an overload. That’s some pretty impressive tech.

Thanks to the open-ended cantilever hood, you can push your large wood pieces through the machine without any limitation. With the simple turn of a dial, you can easily adjust the parallelism of the conveyor bed. The dial sits just outside the bed. 

There’s a dust port that swallows all the wood chips and dust off the working table. You don’t have to worry about the unit heating up because it comes with an extruded aluminum drum. The drum is well-balanced and precision-machined to prevent the working surface from heat damage, too.

Features:

• This is a sturdy and dependable open drum sander with the ability to handle up pieces up to 16 inches in height and 32 inches wide.
  
• A modern conveyor bed parallelism system is easily adjusted without tools, simply by turning a dial. It also features a stop that will return the conveyor bed to a flat position quickly.
  
• It has a precision-machined and well-balanced aluminum drum that is designed to release heat to prevent overheating and protect your work surface from any heat-related damage.
  
• An integrated channel that mirrors the shape of the drum is included in the dust hood. This feature directs dust and chips to the collection port. 

2. Jet 628900 (115-Volt 1-Phase) Mini 10-Inch, 1-Horsepower Benchtop Drum Sander 

Quick Facts

The Jet 628900 (115-Volt 1-Phase) is a small yet powerful drum sander which can handle the more basic jobs which woodworkers undertake. Since it has a smaller footprint it can be accommodated in most workshops and is ideal if you’re looking for a less expensive alternative.

This one is a good value for the price but cannot take the place of more expensive models in terms of versatility and quality of workmanship.

First off, it comes with a large hand wheel, which eases the adjustments of the drum sander. You’ll also enjoy the paper change design that has been designed to reduce downtimes. 

It is a small unit, so you shouldn’t expect it to pack a powerful motor. Specifically, it runs on a 1Hp motor, which is one of the smallest on the market. However, the motor offers decent power for a benchtop drum sander. It can deliver a maximum speed of 1700 rpm, and you can adjust the feed rate from 0 to 12 fpm. The motor is powerful enough to deliver fast stock removal. 

The sander comes with a wide sanding surface of 20 inches. There’s also a 4-inch dust port that helps to keep the working areas clean and dust-free.

Features:

• The 1-horsepower motor makes for quick removal.
• The 4-inch dust port makes collecting dust and chips simple. 
• It can be easily adjusted by the large hand wheel.
• Powerful yet lightweight.
• It has a capacity of 20 inches to enable you to sand larger areas.
• The sandpaper can be quickly changed to enhance your productivity and reduce downtime.
• Helps eliminate snipe.
• Front mounted on/off switch which is easily accessible and can prevent accidental start -ups.

3. Powermatic PM2244 1-3/4 hp Drum Sander   

Quick Facts

This one is a relatively compact drum sander, but it offers better performance than the JET 628900 thanks to the 1.75 hp motor. Coming in slightly heavier, this one is ideal for a professional woodworker. The controls are somewhat advanced, which might be challenging to a beginner. 

The sander comes with an integrated LED control panel that displays the belt speed, power, and DRO of the unit. There is a feed logic that lets you achieve a quality finish on your wood pieces. The best part is that the feed logic comes with sensors that help to prevent an overload. It will sense the size of the material and automatically adjust the feed speed. 

Do you have some tools that you need to store when you finish working on your projects? Just throw them in the built-in storage compartment. There is a cast iron drum carriage that offers incredible strength and consistent performance. 

The large chrome handwheel lets you adjust the height of the drum with ease. And, of course, it comes with a steel hood that directs dust to the 4-inch dust port. 

However, the power cord is quite short, which might be an issue for some users.

Features:

• Power, DRO, and belt speed is shown on an LED control panel which is integrated.
• Excellent dust collection due to a steel hood which features a 4-dust port.
• This sander features greater strength due to a drum carriage which is cast iron.
• Feed logic ensures that the surface will be sanded to a high-quality finish and won’t cause the machine to overload.
• The digital display monitor can be set to millimeters or inches.
• Both the feed and the drive motors are independent which allow you precise sanding control.

4. Jet 629004K 16-32 Plus (110-Volt 1 Phase) 16-Inch Open Stand Drum Sander 1-1/2-Horsepower

​

The Jet 629004K 16-32 Plus works well with a variety of projects including thin and large pieces and can cut your sanding time down up to 75%. Its large size makes it better suited for a larger space and its power and versatility make it a good choice for a small commercial shop.

When it comes to versatile drum sanders, the JET 629004K stands as one of the best on the market. This unit is comprised of a drum sander and a stand to offer you perfect versatility. 

It runs on a 1.5 hp motor that is relatively strong and capable of managing massive projects. The sander utilizes a trackers conveyor belt, which minimizes the manual tweaking. Equipped with a single drive and a feed motor, this machine will offer you great sanding results. 

What else do I love about this sander? That would be the self-cooling aluminum drum. You do know what that helps with, don’t you? To make it clear, it protects your materials from heat damage. We loved the Sandsmart control that tracks the drum motor load. 

By the way, the Sandsmart control will also regulate the conveyor motor speed. This feature helps to retain the highest possible feed rate without an overload. The overload protection is built-in, and you can also adjust the feed rate from 0 to 12 fpm. 

JET offers this hybrid unit with a box of abrasives, as well as a TufTool. For the record, the TufTool lets you operate the spring-loaded clips, which hold the sandpaper in the drum sander. 

It comes with two motors: the main motor and the direct drive torque motor. So, whatever sanding project you’ve got, this unit will handle it well.

Features:

• An aluminum drum which is self-cooling helps prevent overheating.
• It can handle stock up to a width of 32 inches.
• The performance of the sander is optimized by having separate drum motors and feed which allow independent control.
• Comes with a metal stand which includes a shelf, a 100-grit abrasive belt, an 80-grit abrasive strip, and Tuftool.
• More torque is delivered due to the new continuous motor which allows the drum to operate at 1700 rpm.

Pros

• An excellent choice for working with very thin or very large pieces
• This is a high-quality drum sander which features ease of use and accuracy
• Can handle heavy-duty projects

Cons

• The Jet 629004K is a large and heavy machine. If your space is at a premium or you have a weight limit (i.e. mobile workshop), this may be an issue
• Swapping belts can be time consuming

5. Jet 22-44ODS Oscillating Drum Sander (featuring closed stand)

The Jet 22-44ODS is a good option if you’re looking for a drum sander with an oscillating drum. 

Most drum sanders on our list come with multiple features, but it’s rare to find one with the oscillating feature, like the JET 22-44ODS. This is an open-end drum sander that packs some advanced features. 

We all know that the oscillating system helps to reduce heat buildup, hence, preventing heat burns on your wood. This one also features propriety conveyor trackers and SandSmart technology that enhances the feed control while controlling the feed speed. 

It packs a 1.75 hp motor that offers some powerful performance. However, it might seem slower when you are working on finer grits. Besides that, the sander comes with an infinitely variable-feed control that offers superb finishes. 

With patented conveyor belt trackers, this sander will minimize the need for manual adjustments of the belt. The drum ball bearings are sealed and permanently-lubricated. Translation? They will last for a long time. 

The best part is that you don’t need to buy additional pieces to add to the sander. It comes as a whole and ready to handle your projects. If you are new to woodworking, this sander will serve you well. 

Features:

• The conveyor belt is patented because of its innovative technology which reduces the need to make manual adjustments to the belt.
• Heat build-up on the sanding belt is dramatically reduced due to the oscillating feature.
• Drum ball bearings are permanently lubricated and sealed to prolong their life.
• The drum moves from left to right which reduces heat build-up.
• Variable feed control will produce an exceptional finish whether it’s at a rate of 0 or 10 feet per minute.

Pros

• It’s a closed stand model which provides built-in storage space – this will help you keep supplies and accessories organized and out of the way
• The oscillating feature not only prevents the machine from heating up, it also contributes to ensuring a high-quality finish
• The dust collection system is extremely effective
• Load control and automatic speed regulation courtesy of the SandSmart technology

Cons

• You may require assistance with assembly
• Changing the sand paper can be difficult for beginners
• The standard table will only accommodate wood up to 2 ft. in length, so you may need to purchase an extension.

6. SHOP FOX W1678 5 HP 26-Inch Drum Sander

If you don’t mind spending some good money on a top-notch drum sander, the Shop Fox W1678 might be a decent choice for you.

The powerful motor and double barrel design is a good addition to a small production shop or hobbyist’s workshop. It’s an expensive model but delivers reliability.

Its cost is reflected in the fact it has a powerful 5 HP motor, which is worth the money. With such a powerful motor, the drum sander can deliver a speed of up to 2300 rpm. It also has a variable feed rate of between 0 to 20 fpm. Clearly, it outshines our previous drum sanders, but it’s further down my list as a ‘pro only’ choice.

This unit comes with a 26-inch drum that is also one of the largest on our list. If you are dealing with large wood pieces, this one should be your ideal drum sander. 

The main drum is for sanding your stocks (as usual), and the rear drum is micro-adjustable. Furthermore, it features a hook and loop sandpaper attachment. This way, you can change your paper quickly and easily. 

The unit is powder-coated for scratch resistance, and it comes with two 4-inch dust ports. There’s an amplifier meter that shows the load. You might want to be careful when handling this unit since it comes with a short, limited warranty. 

Features:

• The sander features an attractive powder coat paint finish.
• Simple, easy to use control panel.
• The rear drum is micro-adjustable.
• Sandpaper change is easy with the hook and loop attachment.
• Comes with a powerful, 5 hp motor with an output of 3450 rpm. 
• The conveyor built is constructed from industrial grade rubber to increase durability.
• Features four ports for more effective dust collection which prevents it from accumulating and makes for smoother operation.

Pros

• The double drum design will allow you to rough and finish sand in one quick pass
• The 5 hp motor makes sanding harder woods, like hickory and maple, a breeze
• Perfect for workshop

Cons

• If you want to easily move the machine, you will need to install casters
• The front and back rollers sometimes misalign

7. Delta Woodworking 31-481 26-Inch Dual Drum Sander, 3-HP, 230V

The Delta Woodworking 31-481 drum sander is a good value for the money. It can be a sound choice for a woodworking enthusiast who looking for a good quality double drum sander. While not quite up to the task of a professional shop, it’s still a viable alternative for smaller-scale projects.

If you are a woodworking specialist who’s always concerned about motor delivery, you shouldn’t worry about this one. The 31-481 model from Delta Woodworking comes with a 3HP motor that controls the 26-inch dual drum. 

It also comes with two motors. The primary motor controls the main drum, while the other motor controls the variable speed feed belt. The feed rate ranges from 3 fpm to a massive 20 fpm. Furthermore, the drum speed reaches 1550 rpm.

The two drums offer efficiency and quick delivery. There is an independent, adjustable rear drum that delivers a one-pass sanding capability. It uses two grits to reduce processing time. You’ll also love the rear roller adjustment dials that level the rear drum accordingly. 

You shouldn’t worry about the durability of this unit since it comes with a heavy-duty steel frame that will beat rust, corrosion, or scratches. We found it easy to access the dual drums using the latching top door. This way, you can easily sand the wrap changes. 

The large drum features two dust ports that will eliminate the excessive dust and chips off your working table. Luckily, the sander comes with a 5-year warranty. 

Features:

• Adjustments to tensioning and tracking are simple to make.
• The feed speed is variable and can range from 3 to up to 20 FPM. 
• Dual drums model will save you time.
• Two ports for more efficient dust collection. 
• Well-constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame.

Pros

• A relatively affordable double drum sander with a strong motor
• Moderately sized which makes it easier to move and find space for in your workshop
• The double drum design will allow you to rough and finish sand in one quick pass
• Fast and efficient feed

Cons

• Despite the strength of its motor, this model will not stand up to the volume of work at professional shop
• Will not work on material which exceed 26 inches in width

8. SHOP FOX W1772 10 HP 37-Inch Drum Sander

The SHOP FOX W1772 10 HP 37-Inch Drum Sander is a feature-rich powerhouse with its almost 37-inch capacity and will take you beyond your woodworking hobby into production work.  It is well suited for sanding large boards and panels. 

This is one of the unique drum sanders on our list, coming in with two drums, but close-ended. It packs one of the most powerful motors. The massive 10 HP motor can handle just about any project with ease. 

The 37-inch dual drum design assures you of a reliable working platform for your sanding projects. This is definitely the perfect unit for a high-production woodwork shop. So if you are a hobbyist DIYer, this one might not be your ideal choice. It is twice the price of most drum sanders on our list, too. 

You can adjust the feed rate from 6 to 18 fpm, which lets you fine-tune your delivery as you wish. The best part is that the variable speed knob and amp meter are easy to access and control. 

Two dust ports might be good, but are nothing compared to the four 4-inch dust ports on this beast. The emergency stop bar lets you stop the machine when need be. What’s more, the sander comes with a self-tightening abrasive attachment system. This feature helps you to change the abrasives quickly and effortlessly. 

The dual sanding drums are computer-balanced, and the digital height is also adjustable. It doesn’t have a storage compartment, which might be an issue. 

Features:

• This model features two drums which are computer balanced.
• The conveyor control box is variable speed.
• Extremely powerful 10 hp motor.
• Emergency stop bar for safety.
• It will sand boards and panels which are up to 4 inches in thickness and with a width of up to 36 ½ inches.
• Adjustable feed speed which can go from 6 to 18 FPM.
• Heavy duty conveyor for durability.
• The four dust collection ports minimize airborne dust.

Pros

• The double drum design will allow you to rough and finish sand in one quick pass
• This model uses an abrasive attachment system which is self-tightening and makes changing abrasives much faster
• Free shipping is available on this model

Cons

• The high cost might be prohibitive for the average woodworker
• This is a heavy machine and you’ll need help to move it

9. SUPERMAX TOOLS 19-38 Drum Sander with Open Stand

The SUPERMAX TOOLS 19-38 Drum Sander is a reliable and advanced machine that is ideal for woodworking professionals. Built with longevity in mind, it should provide many years of service.

For those looking for a decent drum sander that comes with a simple design, this one should be your ideal choice. It might seem simple, but the sander doesn’t come cheaply. This one is an open-stand sander, which makes it easy to operate. 

It features an indexed alignment setting that handles both narrow and wide pieces. The conveyor table is also large enough, coming in at 47.5 by 22 inches. This should give you enough workspace. 

Powered by a 1.75 HP motor, this sander is capable of delivering a top drum speed of 1740 rpm and a variable feed rate of between 0 and 10 fmp. The open-design stand helps to limit heating issues. You can adjust the height as you wish. 

The conveyor speed adjusts automatically to let you handle different sizes and type of stock. It also helps to minimize any possible overload. The best part is that the drum sander entails a simple initial assembly. So, yes, it can be an excellent choice for the hobbyists or woodworking beginners. However, the machine is wide, and it will take quite some space. 

Features:

• The alignment feature is fast and easy; one nut adjusts the conveyors to parallel the sanding heads.
• Will accommodate narrow and wide stock due to an alignment setting which is indexed. The index lever adjusts when the board being sanded is wider than 19 inches. 
• Height is easily adjusted due to a thrust bearing located below the handle a nut in a position above which prevent the drum from moving from its set position. This feature allows for smoother and easier height adjustments.
• A conveyor table which is 22 inches wide adds support to the stock and a conveyor which is extra wide can accommodate anything over 19 inches in width.
• By bolting the drum carriage to the base, the drum is prevented from going out of alignment. This eliminates movement issues.

Pros

• This sander is expensive but reasonable when you consider the quality and capacity
• The abrasive attachment system is self-tightening and allows easy, tool-free changes
• Free shipping is available
• The manufacturer has a ‘flatness guarantee’
• Boards with widths up to 38 inches can be accommodated

Cons

• Short warranty relative to the high cost

10. Grizzly G0449 Drum Sander 10-HP Single-Phase, 37-Inch  

The Grizzly G0449 Drum Sander can’t be beaten for the price. This is a professional, industrial quality drum sander that offers power and performance. Despite the fact, that not much attention was given to the cosmetic details, this machine is sturdy and well-built. 

Here is yet another great drum sander that can manage heavy-duty sanding. It might not be the best for offering smooth edges, but it has enough power to handle massive stock. 

It packs a hefty 10 HP motor that is strong enough to deliver a 1725 rpm belt speed and a feed rate of 6 fpm to 18 fpm. While the finishing might not be up to a pro standard, the power and performance of the machine are fantastic. 

Okay, this unit is definitely not designed for the regular DIYers. Instead, the sander is ideal for production purposes, thanks to the industrial-quality conveyor belt, and the 6-inch sanding drums. It has a large 37-inch drum that lets you achieve more work in less time. 

On top of the easy to access and operate controls, this drum sander comes with an emergency stop button. Since the machine can take large, heavy, and an increased quantity of stock, this means that you can enjoy the four 4-inch dust ports, too. These ports help to keep the work space free of wood chips and dust.

Features:

• Offers the ability to sand materials with a thickness of 4 inches and widths of up to 36 ½ inches.
• Offers variable speed feed control.
• This machine is built for professional production environments. The conveyor belts are industrial grade.
• Dual 6-inch drums which are computer balanced.
• Drums are easily accessible via the hinged hood.
• Dust collection is maximized with the 4-port dust scoop and dust bag.
• Solid-steel construction for durability. 
• Infeed and outfeed rollers help minimize snipe.
• The stock is held down firmly with three rollers.
• Emergency stop safety measure.
• Powerful 10 hp motor produces 1725 rpm and an SFPM of 6 to 18 (variable speed).

Pros

• Sandpaper changes are simple due to the easy access design
• Much less expensive than similar machines by other manufacturers

Cons

• Numerous lubrication points which are difficult to access
• Inexpensive looking details and finish

Drum Sander Buyers Guide

What You Need to Know When Buying Drum Sanders

Now that you’ve decided that you want a drum sander, let’s examine what you should consider before making your purchase.

Know your needs 

What is the width of the material you want to sand? Would you be willing to gain extra width by going with an open-ended drum sander? Will the machine be getting a lot of use? Then you’d want to consider a sturdier model.

Size 

If you don’t have a lot of space, then you may want to consider a smaller model. There are several which offer enough power for smaller projects. However, if you plan on working on large pieces such as table tops, then you’ll need a larger machine.

Budget 

Drum sanders aren’t cheap, and the larger, more professional models can be quite expensive. Especially if you opt for a dual-drum model.

Power 

Some machines run on 110 volts, but the more powerful ones run at 240. If you have the option of running 240 volts then you will have access to greater power.

Single-drum vs. dual-drum 

You will save time by choosing a two-drum sander. If you don’t mind changing grits and spending more time on your projects, then you can save money by selecting a single-drum model.  

Open-ended vs close-ended 

​Again, this goes back to knowing your needs. An open-ended drum sander will give you more width, but you sacrifice stability. A close-ended model will be a better option if you don’t need to sand very wide stock or if stability is important to you.

Quality 

Even the least expensive drum sander is an investment, so it pays to do your research and choose the best machine you can afford. That’s why we prepared this buyer’s guide, to provide you information you can use without having to scour the internet.

Types of Drum Sanders     

Not all drum sanders are created equal. There are two types of drum sanders for sale and they are either close-ended or open-ended. This distinction is based on the frame which houses the sander’s inner workings. 

Open-ended Drum Sanders

The structure of open-ended drum sanders supports the pressure rollers, feed belt, and the sanding drum in a way that is open on one end. Boards that are wider than the length of the drum can be fed into the machine.

For instance, if you have a 20-inch open-ended sander, you will be able to sand boards that are up to 40 inches in width. Ideally, the board will run through the machine and be evenly sanded. 

One of the problems with open-ended sanders is that while under pressure they may flex which causes uneven sanding. There is a way to get around this which is by reducing the pressure between the mechanism.

After some time, the drum may start sagging which can cause deep gouging on overlapping areas. 

Advantage: The ability to sand boards which are wider than the length of the sander’s drum.

Disadvantage:  The structure may flex and cause uneven sanding across the entire width of your stock.

Closed-ended Drum Sanders

Closed-ended drum sanders are built differently in a way which can support the sanding drum, the pressure rollers, and the feed belt but is closed on both ends. As you have probably already guessed, this prevents you from sanding boards which are wider than the length of the drum.

For example, if you have a 12-inch closed-ended drum sander, then you will only be able to sand boards which are a maximum of 12 inches across.

You gain stability with a closed-end drum sander even though it comes at the cost of width of the material you can sand. Since both ends of the are constrained, they won’t flex open and will remain stable.

Advantage: Both ends are kept in place by the drum sander’s structure, so the rollers will not flex apart. 

Disadvantage: The width of the stock you sand will be limited in a close-ended drum sander.

If stability is more important to you than having a sander which can sand materials which are wider than the drum, then a closed-ended drum sander is the best option for you.

Single-drum sanders vs Dual-drum sanders

In addition to the two main types of drum sanders, you have two sub-types which are single-drum and dual-drum sanders.

A single-drum sander has one sanding drum so you are limited to one grit when sanding. If you have a project which requires a two or three-step process using different grits, then you will have to stop and change the sanding strip before moving on to the next step.

Advantage: Single-drum sanders are usually less expensive.

Disadvantage: You are limited to one type of sandpaper at a time, so the process will take longer if you’re planning on using more than one grit.

Two-drum sanders have two drums which can run two different grits of sandpaper. Normally you would use the rougher grit on the first drum and follow with the finer grit on the second one. You save a considerable amount of time by running two different sandpaper grits.

Advantage: You can produce a nice finish with one pass through the sander which saves time.  

Disadvantage: This type of drum sander is more complicated and more expensive. 

Do I Need a Drum Sander?

Even the most inexpensive drum sanders aren’t cheap, so your first consideration should be whether you need one in the first place. You’re probably familiar with a hand-held belt sander which you manually move back and forth over the area you wish to sand. 

However, if you do a lot of woodworking, the repetitive motion of the sander can cause discomfort in your hands and it’s also a slow and tiring process. A wide belt sander is a great alternative, but they are expensive and geared towards the professional and not the hobbyist.

Which leaves us with the drum sander.  This is a great alternative for the home woodworker because it can considerably shorten the time you spend sanding. It’s also easier on your hands since you feed the stock into the machine and let it do all the work.

Uses for a Drum Sander

• Wood comes in standard lengths, widths, and thicknesses. If your project requires stock that is anything but standard, a drum sander will allow you to customize it to your specifications.
• If you need very thin stock, then a drum sander will provide the best results.
• Drum sanders are great for making wood veneer.
• Also excellent when working with figured wood or wide panels.
• Great if you want the ability to smooth and thin stock.

Understanding Your Drum Sander

There are a lot of moving parts to your drum sander. Here are is a breakdown of the most important components in your sander.

• Motor – The motor powers your drum sander and it’s critical that the motor is powerful enough for your specific needs. These can range from 1 hp to 10 hp or more.
  
• Drum – This cylindrical structure gives the sander its name. The drum itself may be abrasive, or more commonly, as in the drum sanders which we reviewed, abrasive materials (sandpaper) are attached to the drum.
  
• Belt – The belt is used to feed the material through the sander.
  
• Rollers – Rollers are located in front of and behind the drum and serve to keep the wood against the belt, so it can grip the wood as it’s fed into the sander.
  
• Sandpaper – Without sandpaper, there is no sanding! Different grits (or grades) are used to achieve the desired finish. Generally, the lower the grit, the coarser the sandpaper. 
  
• Dust port – It’s important to have a system to collect all the dust which the sander produces. The dust port connects to your vacuum system.  The size of the dust port varies depending on the model of drum sander.
  
• Dust bag – The dust bag is attached to your vacuum system and collects the dust. Make sure to empty the bag once it becomes half-full. If you wait until it’s almost full, you risk losing suction and your system won’t effectively remove the dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a planer or a drum sander? 

If you need to remove large amounts of wood, then you should get a planer. For finer work, then a drum sander will sand your surface to a smooth finish. 

How do I handle drum sander dust collection? 

Drum sanders produce a lot of dust and it’s important to handle this correctly for both your health and the well-being of your machine.  Check the owner’s manual to see what CFM (cubic feet per minute) is required by your sander. 

If your vacuum system doesn’t meet the CFM, then it will not capture everything. Also, make sure to check that your connector is the correct width.

Conclusion

If woodworking is your hobby or side business, then a drum sander can be an indispensable part of your workshop. Projects requiring precision sanding will benefit from the accuracy of the drum sander rather than the less precise belt sander. 

The 10 drum sanders which we reviewed offer a wide variety of types (open-ended and close-ended), and single or dual drum, and price points. We’ve brought you the best in each category and selected the best overall drum sander so that you can make an informed decision.

Drum sanders used to be out of reach for woodworking hobbyists but in recent years manufacturers have introduced drum sanders at a price and scale which makes sense. Their versatility and the quality of the finish they provide will contribute to the success of your projects.

I hope this article has provided you with the information you need. 

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