Posts: 20,381
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: CinDay
Jet 16/32 is $971+ SuperMax 19/38 is $1399+ I did the comparison a year ago, plus was lucky enough to have a dealer in Cinci where I could run both of them. I bought the SuperMax, and for my $$$$$ I would have gone to 2K if needed. I guess if you want to buy in low, but you do get what you pay for, with this tool seemingly more than most others. My $0.02.
Worst thing they can do is cook ya and eat ya
GW
Posts: 21,453
Threads: 2
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: IA
Grizzly has several options also.
Arlin
As of this time I am now teaching vets again. If you have any lumber scraps we can use them to glue up to make some bowl from a board which we have not done yet.. Thank You Everyone.
It is always the right time, to do the right thing.
Posts: 12,703
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Wapakoneta, OH
If I ever get another one it will be the Supermax 19/38. I rate it currently the best of the open end sanders. That doesn't discount the 16/32, but I think the Supermax has more bag for the buck. For a long time I thought my choice would be a Jet 22/44 oscillator thinking it would solve some of the problems with a DS (lines on the wood). Then I starting reading reports that the lines just became snake tracks instead of straight, so I gave up on it...no sense buying a more complicated machine if there's no advantage. But a 22/44 without the oscillation is worthy of consideration.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
Posts: 1,258
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Joined: Apr 2004
What's the longest and widest panel he will be sanding???? With that info I may have better and cheaper option. 40 years in the business and used sanders you couldn't imagine.
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Joined: Feb 2004
I have been happy with the Supermax. Based on a recent thread, I have started "near finishing" with 180G. Lines are visible in a raking light, but sand out easily.
I would recommend against the optional cabinet stand. With the feed tables installed, the cabinet door is basically inaccessible without getting on the floor. Storing 3" high sandpaper rolls in a 20" high cabinet is a waste of space.
They told me anybody could do it, but I showed them.
Posts: 13,156
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Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Lewiston, NY
If it's a production operation, no matter how small, I would not get a cantilevered drum sander. You want something a lot more robust than any of the ones I've seen. I'd get a
Woodmaster. Made in the USA, too. They make a 26" model, as well as larger ones, in a single drum unit, and double drum units starting at 38".
John
Posts: 1,531
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Joined: Jan 2007
Have one of the original Performax 16/32" sanders and absolutely love it. It is a workhorse in my shop and do not know how I can get along without it. Money well spent. I do not have the room for a supermax but if i did I probably would go that way. Good luck. Check Craig's list.
John T.
Posts: 670
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Joined: Nov 2002
I have the Jet 22/44 non-oscillating. I love it. Have had it for about 4 years, no issues.
If it ain't broke, take it apart anyway to see how it use to work........................