I am trying to compare the 16-32 performax and the delta 18-36. One disturbing thing on the Performax is that it will only accept stock up to 3 inches thick. I can't seem to find the limiting thickness for the Delta. Can anybody who owns or has used one provide the number?
Any comments/comparisons of the two would be appreciated.
Len
How often do you anticipate needing to sand a 13+/4 board? Shouldn't think it would be all that often...
scott
Len -
I have the Delta unit for about 4 years and it will go 4". As for surfacing "thick" stock - It is VERY useful and the extra capacity is good. I will sand the edges of a set of boards by clamping them together, "standing up" and running them through. The drum sander is a great way to get a WHOLE bunch of parts exactly the same thickness or width. Would I buy it again? You bet!
Hope this helps - however if your needs are on the smaller side I think Performax just came out with a bench top unit that will sand ~6" wide.
My only reservation with the Delta unit is that you really can't take off very much material in a single pass - I wouldn't even go 1/16" as it'll stall out. I accept this as one of the machine's limitations and don't rely on it as an abraisive planer. On the plus side, it's a godsend for sanding chair parts - dozens at time, and QUICKLY...
John Moorhead
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