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Editor’s Choice
Short on time? Of the 6 drum sanders on this list, this is the one I'd buy.
It’s the finest single drum sander I’ve ever used, with an LED control panel, digital readout, and Feed Logic technology that set it apart from everything else at this level.
- Mid-range pick JET JWDS-1836A stronger motor and wider drum than the entry-level JET, at a price that still makes sense for a well-equipped hobbyist shop.
- Premium pick Powermatic DDS-237Dual drums, a 37-inch single-pass capacity, and cast iron construction built for a lifetime of serious commercial use.
Drum sanders are, without question, my absolute favorite sanding machines. I’ve owned many over the years and tested dozens more, and every single time I fire one up I feel the same rush of appreciation for what these machines can do. If you work with long flat surfaces (glued-up panels, tabletops, cabinet doors, wide boards) a drum sander doesn’t just make the job easier, it completely transforms how long those tasks take. Days become hours. Hours become minutes. You simply feed the piece in and the machine does the rest. Whether you’re an experienced hobbyist or a small shop professional, finding the right drum sander is one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your shop. I’ve put together this guide for 2026 to help you find the perfect machine for your needs, from compact open-stand models all the way up to serious production-class dual-drum workhorses. For context on how drum sanders fit into a broader sanding setup, my full Best Sanders for Wood 2026 guide is a great companion read.
Best Drum Sanders Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at every machine I’ve reviewed, covering the key specs that matter most when choosing a drum sander: motor power, sanding width, thickness capacity, feed speed, and the smart features that separate the great machines from the merely good ones.
| Product | ⭐ Powermatic PM2244 🏆 EDITOR’S CHOICE |
JET JWDS-1632 | JET JWDS-1836 | VEVOR 16″ Drum Sander | VEVOR 10″ Benchtop | Powermatic DDS-237 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | |
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| Price | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
| Type | Closed stand, single drum | Open stand, single drum | Open stand, single drum | Open stand, single drum | Benchtop, single drum | Floor stand, dual drum |
| Max Width | 44″ (2 passes) | 32″ (2 passes) | 36″ (2 passes) | 16″ (1 pass) | 10″ (1 pass) | 37″ (1 pass) |
| Max Thickness | 4″ | 3″ | 3″ | 3″ | 3″ | 5.25″ |
| Motor | 1.75 HP / 14A | 1.5 HP / 14A | 1.75 HP / 15A | 1.5 HP / 110V | 1 HP / 1,725 RPM | 7.5 HP / 230V 1Ph |
| Feed Speed | 0–10 FPM (VS) | 0–10 FPM (VS) | 0–10 FPM (VS) | Variable (conveyor) | Variable (conveyor) | 8 / 12 SFPM (2-speed) |
| Smart Features | LED panel, DRO, Feed Logic | SandSmart, tool-less parallelism | SandSmart, tool-less bed tracking | Dual motor, conveyor belt tracker, 4″ dust port | Dual motor, conveyor belt tracker, 4″ dust port | Dual drums, directional dust baffles |
| Weight | 328 lbs | 156 lbs | 164 lbs | ~193 lbs | ~130 lbs | 962 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | Not stated | Not stated | 5 years |
| Availability | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
Key takeaways
- My top overall pick is the Powermatic PM2244: the LED control panel with digital readout and Feed Logic technology make it the most capable and user-friendly single drum sander available at this level.
- Best mid-range choice: the JET JWDS-1836, a bigger drum, stronger motor, and SandSmart technology in a well-priced open-stand package.
- Best entry into open-stand sanding: the JET JWDS-1632, smart features, solid build quality, and a proven design that serves hobbyists and small shop pros equally well.
- Best production machine: the Powermatic DDS-237, a legendary dual-drum workhorse built for serious commercial shops that demand the absolute best.
Best Drum Sander Reviews
Below are my in-depth reviews of every machine on the list, from capable mid-range open-stand models through to serious production-class dual-drum workhorses. I’ve used every one of these machines personally, and I’ll give you my honest take on each.
💡 Pro Tip
Drum sanders demand good dust collection: they move enormous amounts of material fast and generate heavy chip and dust loads. Before buying any machine here, make sure your shop has a dust collector rated for at least 800 CFM. Running a drum sander without adequate dust collection will slow the machine, degrade surface quality, and burn through your abrasives far too quickly.
Best entryOpen-stand drum sander
JET JWDS-1632
JET 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus Drum Sander with Open Stand, 1-1/2 HP
A well-built open-stand drum sander with SandSmart feed control and one-dial parallelism adjustment.
Check price on AmazonSpecs: the seller's Amazon listing; no maker page found
Best for
Experienced hobbyists and small shops who want a dependable mid-range drum sander.
- SandSmart auto feed regulation
- Tool-less parallelism adjustment
- Self-cooling aluminum drum
Skip it if
You often sand panels wider than 32", or your shop lacks a 20A circuit.
- Initial setup takes time
- Less capable than the 1836 on big panels
Read full review
JET delivers one of the most beautifully designed and well-built mid-range open-stand drum sanders available today. The 1.5 HP / 14A motor handles pieces up to 32 inches wide (in two passes) and 3 inches thick, making it an excellent choice for experienced hobbyist craftsmen and small shop professionals who need reliable, consistent results. What I love most about this machine is how thoughtfully designed the convenience features are: the tool-less parallelism system lets you adjust the conveyor parallel to the drum with a single dial, no tools required. That might sound minor until you’ve spent time wrestling with machines that don’t have it.
JET’s SandSmart technology continuously monitors the load on the drum motor and automatically regulates the conveyor feed rate to maintain the highest possible throughput without ever overloading the machine. The precision-machined extruded aluminum drum dissipates heat efficiently, and the mirrored dust hood design channels chips and dust cleanly to the 4-inch collection port. It’s backed by JET’s 5-year warranty, which speaks to how much confidence JET has in this machine’s longevity. For the full spec breakdown and a head-to-head with its closest rival, see my JET 16-32 drum sander review, which puts it against the SuperMax 19-38.
Best mid-rangeOpen-stand drum sander
JET JWDS-1836
JET 723530K JWDS-1836 Drum Sander with Open Stand, 1-3/4 HP
The bigger sibling: more power, an 18" drum and 36" two-pass width for tabletops and tough hardwoods.
Check price on AmazonSpecs: the seller's Amazon listing; no maker page found
Best for
Small shops and serious hobbyists who sand wide panels and hard hardwoods.
- More power than the 1632
- 18" drum, 36" two-pass width
- SandSmart and tool-less bed tracking
Skip it if
You run production volumes: a dual-drum machine finishes in one pass.
- Setup and calibration take time
- Not for high-volume production
Read full review
The bigger, better, and more powerful sibling of the JWDS-1632, and in my opinion, the finest mid-range drum sander available for its class. The JWDS-1836 improves on its predecessor in every dimension that matters: a stronger 1.75 HP / 15A motor, a wider 36-inch maximum width capacity (two passes), and a larger 18-inch drum. Every one of these upgrades is meaningful in daily use. More power for demanding hardwoods, larger drum coverage per pass, and wider capacity for tabletops and big panel work that the 1632 simply can’t handle. If you regularly work with pieces wider than 30 inches or tackle tough hardwoods like white oak or hard maple, this is the machine to step up to. It also pairs well with any broader Best Sanders for Wood 2026 setup if you’re building out a complete shop.
The same excellent features carry over unchanged from the 1632: tool-less bed tracking, SandSmart automatic speed regulation, the precision-machined aluminum drum, and JET’s stellar 5-year warranty. Optional infeed and outfeed tables are available as accessories, which I’d strongly recommend adding if you work with boards longer than 36 inches. A small shop professional who handles regular-to-large pieces will find it manages everything with outstanding finish quality.
⚠️ Important
Check your shop wiring before you buy. The JET JWDS-1632 and JWDS-1836 draw 14A and 15A at 115V, and JET recommends a 20A circuit for both. The benchtop JWDS-1020 draws 8A, and JET recommends a 15A circuit. The Powermatic PM2244 also runs on 115V, while the Powermatic DDS-237 needs a dedicated 230V circuit. Running a drum sander on an undersized or shared circuit will trip breakers repeatedly and can damage the motor over time, so give the machine its own circuit wherever you can.
Editor's ChoiceClosed-stand drum sander
Powermatic PM2244
Powermatic PM2244 1-3/4 HP Drum Sander
My favorite drum sander: a digital readout shows board height, and Feed Logic prevents overload.
Best for
Serious hobbyists and pros who want the best single drum sander, with precise thickness control.
- LED panel with digital readout
- Feed Logic prevents overload
- Infeed and outfeed tables included
Skip it if
Your shop has no room for a 328 lb closed-stand machine.
- Needs dedicated shop space
Read full review
Powermatic, rightly called “the gold standard” in woodworking machinery, delivers a modern, sophisticated, and supremely capable closed-stand drum sander in the PM2244. This is my favorite drum sander I’ve ever used, and I don’t say that lightly. The feature that separates it from everything else at this level is the integrated LED control panel with digital readout (DRO): it displays the machine’s current power draw, belt speed, and the exact height of any piece placed on the table in real time. The first time I saw the exact thickness appear on-screen as I set a board down, I was genuinely blown away. A secondary absolute depth scale adds an additional height reference for the most demanding precision work. Once you’ve worked with a DRO, you simply can’t imagine going back.
The 1.75 HP motor handles anything from thin veneers up to 44-inch-wide panels (two passes) and 4-inch-thick stock with equal smoothness. The Feed Logic system continuously monitors the drum motor’s load and regulates the conveyor speed to maintain the highest possible feed rate without overload: similar in concept to JET’s SandSmart, but implemented with Powermatic’s characteristic precision. Included infeed and outfeed tables provide 37.5 inches of workpiece support, and integrated casters make repositioning straightforward despite the machine’s 328-pound weight. An emergency stop provides immediate shutdown, and sealed permanently lubricated drum ball bearings deliver long, trouble-free service life. This machine runs for hours on end without complaint and delivers flawless finish quality every time. A rare 10/10 in my book, and one I’m genuinely proud to own. If you’re building out a serious shop and want to understand what other precision tools complement the PM2244, my guide to the benchtop drum sander category is worth a read.
Benchtop drum sander
JET JWDS-1020
JET 10-Inch Benchtop Drum Sander, 1 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWDS-1020)
The only true benchtop model here: 10" in one pass on a standard 15A circuit, light enough to put away.
Check price on AmazonSpecs: the seller's Amazon listing; no maker page found
Best for
Shops short on floor space that want JET build quality on a bench.
- Compact benchtop footprint
- Variable feed speed
- Toolless abrasive changes
Skip it if
You sand wide tabletops regularly: 20" in two passes is the limit.
- Smaller capacity than floor models
- Calibration takes patience
Read full review
The JET JWDS-1020 is the smallest machine on this list and the only true benchtop model, built for shops that want drum sander results without giving up floor space. Its 1 HP motor runs on 115V and draws just 8A, so JET’s recommended 15A circuit is all it needs. The open-ended design sands boards up to 10 inches wide in a single pass or 20 inches in two passes, with stock up to 3 inches thick, and the 5-inch drum turns at 1,725 RPM. The heavy-duty die-cast aluminum and steel body provides the rigidity for consistent sanding quality, while the extruded aluminum drum is designed to dissipate heat and protect wood from heat damage during extended sanding sessions. At 73 lbs, it’s light enough to lift onto a bench or a rolling cart and put away when you need the space back, and the control system includes an integrated circuit breaker that protects the motor from overheating.
The infinitely variable speed control allows you to dial in the optimal feed rate for any material, and the toolless abrasive take-up fasteners make changing abrasives quick and easy: a feature you’ll appreciate after a long sanding session. The precision-flattened reinforced steel conveyor bed supports boards evenly as they pass under the sanding drum, ensuring consistent results across the full width of the workpiece. If you want JET engineering at a lower price tier than the floor-standing models, the JWDS-1020 is a compelling option that brings it to a benchtop footprint.
Budget pickFloor drum sander
VEVOR 16" Drum Sander
VEVOR 16″ Drum Sander with Stand & Extension Tables, 1.5HP 1720RPM Dual Motor Drum Sander
The most credible budget floor-standing option: 16" in one pass, dual motors and two extension tables.
Check price on AmazonSpecs: the seller's Amazon listing; no maker page found
Best for
Budget hobbyists and small shops who want a real floor-standing drum sander on 110V.
- Separate drum and conveyor motors
- Two extension tables included
- Runs on 110V
Skip it if
You want a stated long warranty: JET and Powermatic offer 5 years.
- Single drum, not a production machine
- Warranty term not stated on the listing
Read full review
If you’ve been priced out of the JET and Powermatic machines but still want a real floor-standing drum sander rather than a benchtop unit, the VEVOR 16″ Drum Sander is the most credible budget option I’ve found in 2026. The 1.5 HP motor at 1,720 RPM handles boards up to 16 inches wide in a single pass and stock from a paper-thin 1/32 inch up to a full 3 inches thick: a single-pass capacity that splits the difference between the JET 1632 (32 inches in two passes) and the PRO benchtop machines. The standout design choice here is the independent dual-motor system: one direct-drive motor powers the drum, while a separate gear-reduction motor handles the conveyor. That separation means the conveyor never bogs down when the drum is loaded, and feed rate stays consistent under load.
The two included extension table assemblies are a genuinely useful inclusion at this price point: they keep long workpieces from wobbling on the way in and out, which is the #1 cause of uneven finish on cheap drum sanders. The 4-inch dust collection port connects directly to a standard shop dust collector (you’ll still want at least 800 CFM behind it). A height-adjustment handwheel handles different stock thicknesses, the conveyor-belt tracker keeps the belt from drifting under load, and mobile wheels make the ~193 lb machine easier to reposition than its weight would suggest. Runs on standard 110V household power, so unlike the Powermatic DDS-237 you don’t need a dedicated 230V circuit. The listing does not state a warranty term, so confirm coverage with VEVOR before you buy; JET and Powermatic back these machines for 5 years.
Production pickDual-drum sander
Powermatic DDS-237
Powermatic 37-Inch Dual Drum Sander, 7-1/2 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model DDS-237)
A production dual-drum sander: coarse and fine grit in one pass across a full 37" width.
Best for
Production shops that sand wide panels, doors and tabletops every day.
- Two drums: coarse and fine in one pass
- 37" width in a single pass
- Cast iron table on four jackscrews
Skip it if
You lack 230V power, floor space or a big dust collector.
- 962 lbs, needs a permanent spot
- Needs a dedicated 230V circuit
Read full review
If the PM2244 is the finest single drum sander for serious hobbyists and small shops, the Powermatic DDS-237 is the machine you step up to when sanding stops being one step in the process and becomes the process itself. This is a true production-class dual drum sander: two 6-inch steel drums run in sequence, so you can load the front drum with a coarser grit for stock removal and the rear drum with a finer grit to refine the surface, all in one trip through the machine. The 7.5 HP motor on 230V single-phase power drives both drums across a full 37-inch sanding width, and the table opens up to stock as thick as 5-1/4 inches. Unlike the open-stand machines on this list, there is no two-pass trick here, and none is needed: a 37-inch tabletop goes through in a single pass, edge to edge. For a shop that sands wide panels all day, that alone changes the math on labor.
What keeps that width accurate is the foundation. A full-size cast iron table rides on four solid jackscrews with chain-driven timing, so it stays level through its entire travel and thickness stays consistent from one edge of a wide panel to the other. Both drums carry a hard durometer rubber coating that applies even pressure and minimizes marking, and the independently adjustable rear drum lets you fine-tune how much the finishing drum takes off. The heavy-duty poly conveyor runs forward and reverse at two speeds, 8 and 12 surface feet per minute: the slower setting for aggressive removal, the faster one for light finish passes. Dual 4-inch dust ports with directional baffles pull dust away from each drum, which matters on a machine running two drums at once, so plan for more collection capacity than the smaller machines here need. The heavy steel cabinet damps vibration and adds storage underneath. The trade-offs are exactly what you’d expect from a production machine: it weighs 962 lbs, it needs a dedicated 230V circuit, and it sits firmly in the premium price tier. It’s covered by Powermatic’s 5-year warranty.
Best Budget Drum Sander
No drum sander is cheap, but there are three sensible ways in at the low end, and each suits a different shop. The VEVOR 10″ Benchtop Drum Sander below is the lowest-priced true drum sander on this page at the time of writing: a 1 HP conveyor-fed machine that lives on a bench. If you need wider boards in one pass, the VEVOR 16″ floor model is the budget pick among the floor-standing machines. If you would rather pay more for JET’s build quality on a benchtop, the JET JWDS-1020 is the one to look at.
Lowest costBenchtop drum sander
VEVOR 10" Benchtop Drum Sander
VEVOR 10″ Benchtop Drum Sander, 1HP 1725RPM Dual Motor Drum Sander
The lowest-cost true drum sander here: 1 HP, 10" capacity and a variable-speed conveyor on a benchtop.
Check price on AmazonSpecs: the seller's Amazon listing
Best for
Hobbyists who want consistent-thickness parts on a bench at the lowest entry cost.
- Separate drum and conveyor motors
- Variable-speed conveyor with belt tracker
- Sits on a bench
Skip it if
You sand wide glued-up panels: a 16" or wider machine saves passes.
- 10" capacity: narrow parts only
- Warranty term not stated on the listing
Read full review
The VEVOR 10″ Benchtop Drum Sander is the least expensive way on this list to get a real drum sander: a conveyor carries the board under the drum and sands it to a set thickness, which a belt or spindle sander cannot do. VEVOR lists a 1 HP direct-drive motor at 1,725 RPM on the drum and a separate gear-reduction motor on the conveyor, the same dual-motor layout as its 16-inch floor model. It takes boards up to 10 inches wide and from 1/32 inch to 3 inches thick, and the conveyor has variable speed plus a belt tracker to keep it running straight.
A 4-inch dust port with an adapter connects it to a shop dust collector, which it needs as much as the bigger machines. The trade-offs are the ones you would expect at this price. The 10-inch drum limits you to face frames, drawer parts, cutting boards and narrow panels; the listing puts the weight at about 130 lb, heavy for a benchtop tool; and it does not state a warranty term, where JET and Powermatic offer 5 years. For a hobbyist who wants flat, consistent-thickness parts without a planer’s tear-out, it is the entry point.
Verdict: The Best Drum Sander for Most Woodworkers
After reviewing every machine on this list, my clear overall recommendation remains the Powermatic PM2244. The LED control panel with digital readout, Feed Logic feed regulation, 44-inch two-pass capacity, and closed-stand build quality make it the finest single drum sander available at this level, and the one I’d choose for my own shop every time. It handles everything from delicate veneers to wide hardwood panels with effortless precision. Budget shoppers who want proven reliability without the premium price should look seriously at the JET JWDS-1632: SandSmart technology and tool-less parallelism at a significantly lower cost. For professionals running a production shop and needing maximum throughput, the Powermatic DDS-237 is in a class of its own.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a single drum and a dual drum sander?+
How do I choose the right grit sandpaper for my drum sander?+
Do I really need a dedicated dust collector for a drum sander?+
Can I use a drum sander instead of a thickness planer?+
How do I maintain my drum sander to keep it performing at its best?+
Thanks so much for reading: I hope this guide helps you find exactly the right drum sander for your shop and your work. If you have questions, experiences with any of these machines, or suggestions for future reviews, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Happy sanding!
I started making end grain cutting boards and need a drum sander only for that purpose. Do the demands of simultaneously sanding perpendicular end grains warrant special consideration when selecting a drum sander? Would appreciate your recommendations.
Hey Ken, I love making end grain cutting boards too and I’ve never once had any issues, regardless of the drum sander. If you use the right sandpaper grit and as long as the machine’s height adjustment is top notch, you’re good to go on the end grains. Thanks for stopping by!
This is absolutely great information. I’m struggling to decide which drum sander I want. I don’t do a great deal of sanding because woodworking is just a hobby since retiring from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. But,everything I make sells. I would like to have your final recommendation for the most reasonably priced and reliable sander that will satisfy the needs of a part-time hobbyist and author of mystery/thriller novels.
First of all, thank you for your service Joe – it’s highly appreciated! Secondly, when it comes to hobbyist-level machines that are both well priced and offer solid performance, the kings are the Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 (reviewed above) and the SuperMax 16-32 (the smaller brother of the 19-38 also seen above). They’re fantastic options in terms of sheer value for the price and should absolutely satisfy your needs. If you’re considering taking it up a notch then you can also take a look at the excellent Powermatic 2244, although the price is understandably higher. Hope that helps Joe, have fun with the woodworking and good luck with your writing too!
I was looking at drum sanders, I do scroll saw xmas ornaments that are about 3 in. long will drum sanders be able to sand them if so which one do you recommend ?
Hey Tim! Drum sanders can do an excellent job with those ornaments, they’ll not only make quick work of them but the finishing results will also be unmatched in quality. For this type of work, the JET Mini is a perfect fit in my view. You can place it anywhere with ease, it has more than enough power to deal with the surfaces and its specs fit your requirements (Minimum Board Length is 2-1/4″, Minimum Board Thickness is 1/3″). On top of this, the JET Mini is also very affordable and a quality machine all around.
Thanks for stopping by Tim and good luck with the Christmas ornaments – I’m sure they’ll turn out great!
The last couple of years I’ve started to see that new Powermatic 2244 popping up in every shop and it sparked my interest. I gave one a “test-drive” in real life, fell in love and started to search for some professional opinions. You’ve did it for me James, I’m getting one of these beasts! I’m excited and wanna thank you in advance for the top-notch analysis, truly fantastic.
Hey Elliot, I appreciate the kind words! I experienced the same, tried one at a trades fair right when it came out and I knew I had to get it. Truly revolutionary, Powermatic hit it out of the park. Enjoy, you’re going to love it!
I’ve just started using the Jet JWDS about 2 weeks ago and I can’t believe how I was able to work without a drum sander before! The amount of time and effort is just night and day. Thank you very much Mr.Draper!
You’re more than welcome Kerry, and I agree – they revolutionize your workflow more than any other sander in my opinion. Enjoy your new machine!
I have been doing this the hard way for years. There are three drum sanders in my price range, The Jet 2244 Oscillating, the Jet 2244 plus, and the PowerMatic 2244.
I have not been able to get a definitive answer to the benefits of the oscillating sander other than heat and burn reduction. But I am assuming that heat and burn can be controlled by load. Take less off at a slower speed. Underlying the question is which machine produces the best result? Perhaps the oscillation produces less heat and burn at the cost of cross grain sanding which will cost more in time to remove by random orbital sanding. Since I have never owned a drum sander, I can only try to noodle this out, without any real experience. Can you shine some light here?
Hey Don, that’s a great question – I asked that myself back when I started woodworking. Oscillating sanders (not just drum but in general) do reduce heat and burn as you’ve mentioned but they also provide much better belt life and a smoother, less scratchy finish. In my view, this is due to the more even wear on the belt, preventing it from getting more used up in one place or another which in turn reduces the inconsistencies on the surface being sanded. The oscillation also prevents any patterns from being noticeable, similarly to a random orbital motion. In my experience I’ve noticed a world of difference in both the finish and sandpaper life when switching from non-oscillating to oscillating sanders – be it drum, spindle or edge. Hope I’ve helped Don and be sure to leave another comment if you have further questions!
I got the JET JWDS-1836 and I’m very positively impressed. For such a low price I wasn’t expecting it to be so good! I had real trouble with the belt alignment on my old machines but the tracking on this one is beyond excellent, just what I was looking for. Thanks for doing such a great work with this article Draper.
Hey Oliver, I’m glad you like it! The tracking on those JET models was also a standout feature for me (it’s critical for serious woodworking), they really offer fantastic performance for the price. Enjoy!
As you and many people here have said before, that PM2244 sure is something! Can’t believe what I’ve been missing all these years, it’s a game changer. Much appreciated James!
My pleasure to help Chris. It really is an excellent machine – have fun!
What are your thoughts on Dual Drum Sanders? We do very large amounts of sanding and being able to do one-pass, instead of 2 or more could be a HUGE advantage. What model dual-drum would you recommend?
Thanks
Hey Roger, thanks for the great question! When it comes to dual-drum sanders, Powermatic blows the competition out of the water. The Powermatic Model DDS-237 that I reviewed above is the best I’ve ever put my hands on although it’s a bit expensive. The other model “DDS-225” is equally good, lowering the power and width capacity to offer a cheaper price-tag in return. If you’re on a budget but still want a machine as big and powerful as the DDS-237, the SHOP FOX W1772 is a great choice – it has the same capabilities at a lower price (although the machine’s quality and performance lowers as well). Hope I’ve helped Roger, be sure to tell me if you need anything else.
That Jet mini sure is something! I was very positively surprised, how far we’ve come in technology. Thanks for the review James, it’s a blast to work with it!
My thoughts exactly Tom, it’s a tiny powerhouse. You’re welcome and enjoy!
What better way to start the new year than with the roar of a brand new drum sander? Thanks for the guide James, loved it!
I’m glad I got to find this treasure of a website before I bought my machine. Buying blindly is too much of a risk, your help and insight are beyond useful. I can now see that the Jet JWDS-1632 is the right choice for me. Many thanks James!
i have the grizz g0458 model. it has worked fairly well so far, very difficult to keep every thing running straight. ( the feed belt ) I have a 7’x 14′ tandem axle enclosed trailer with a complete wood turning work shop in it. I take it south to an island in the gulf where we winter for 3 months. I wish I had bought the Jet 10″ drum sander. I make segmented bowls, vases, duck calls etc. The Jet would have been big enough for the work I do.
You’re right Jerry, for the type of work you described a smaller machine would have been perfect. The g0458 is still a decent choice, but I couldn’t get myself to recommend it because I’ve had similar problems with it (snipe, uneven sanding, etc…). For the price, you have better options available. There are a lot of die-hard Grizzly fans out there though so I bet you can sell it without much of a loss and get yourself a better one. Good luck!
Thanks for the input. Any experience with the Supermax SM72550? How does it compare to the Powermatic?
Hey Eric. I’ve used the SM 72550 and I found it to be a fantastic machine as well, it’s highly precise and the alignment process is easy and effective. You have the bonus of it being larger (25″/50″ instead of 22″/44″) but in comparison the PM 2244’s build quality is unmatched and the advanced features such as the LED control panel and automatic height reading put it at a level above the SM72550, in my opinion. Both are great options though and you won’t be disappointed with any!
Great post and very helpful, finally some good help in my search for a drum sander! Have nice day James! 🙂 – Thomas
Hey James, I read your reviews anytime I need to buy a sander (which is often since I own a shop as well) which this time was a drum sanding machine. Your writing style is awesome, keep up the good work and thank you, sincerely.
Quality choices and even better reviews James. Nice work, really helped me pick my next machine – the open stand JET and boy it’s a beauty.
I had to comeback to THANK YOU. I got the Powermatic 2244 and by God it’s greater than I could ever have imagined. I swear I was speechless on my first day with it, from the technology to the results wow. A grateful virtual handshake to you my friend!
All Jet and Powermatic. There are other brands out there, Grizzly, Delta, Woodmaster, etc. How about a review on those as well!
Hey Bruce. The machines above are what I consider to be the best in terms of price/quality. While there are certainly good options offered by the brands you mentioned, so far they still haven’t been quite as good as these (in terms of value). I’ll most likely review them soon though as it brings more variety of choice, especially for people who are long-time fans of the brands. Thanks for stopping by!
And there it is, the update is up! Thanks to my good friend Rob (who is also an enthusiast) I was able to get my hands on new models from Grizzly, Delta and ShopFox. It was a blast to try them out and I’m excited to finally present you all with my opinion. Enjoy!
Beautiful content my man, was of huge help to me as I’ve wanted a drum sander for ages. Thanks!
Got the Jet 22×44, I already had it on my mind for a while but hey, it’s always nice to check for different opportunities and so I did. Your great comparison was the final push I needed to get the son of a gun! Thank you Mr. James!
Hey, it’s my first visit to your website and I’m glad to see it includes thought-out and genuinely good
content. It’s always great to find info like this on drum sanders, thank you James!
Fantastic work you’ve got here, bookmarking this since I’ll need to get me a drum sander very soon. Thanks in advance!
You have no idea of how much you’ve made my life easier! I asked about drum sanders everywhere but it seems to be a topic that people know little about so I’m thrilled to have found you and your work. Incredible James!
Lucky to have found this, finally someone that knows his stuff about drum sanders. Both me and my friend were very indecisive and couldn’t get any good help until now. I’ll be talking to him now to get our machines, can’t thank you enough!
You’ve come to the right place Keith, they’re my expertise and I’m happy to help. Be sure to update me when you’ve given the new toys a spin, enjoy!
Fantastic post! Got the Jet mini drum sander since I’ve got a little home shop and it not only looks great, it runs great too.
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Thanks for making it easy for me to pick my next machine James!
No problem Ruby, I’m glad to have helped and thank you very much for the kind words!
I have to agree with you, the Powermatic 2244 revolutionized my shop. I’m an old-school guy so I don’t really like new machinery that much (I stick to my old guns) but I really needed to retire my trusty old drum sander so I got the PM 2244. Couldn’t be happier. Thank you for the great analysis James.
– Mayfield
Hey Tucker, it’s my pleasure to help! The Powermatic 2244 sure is a beauty, I’m really glad that you’re happy with it – it’ll last a lifetime. Have fun!