Drum sander vs. belt sander – what’s the difference and which one is best for you? Let's take a closer look at these two popular woodworking tools:
The drum sander is a machine designed to sand large surfaces quickly and efficiently. It uses a rotating drum covered with sandpaper to remove stock from the wood. The Grizzly H6070 is a popular drum sander and comes with a 1/3 HP single-phase motor. It has a large sanding drum size of 2" x 27". The sanding drum of this machine rotates at an impressive 1725 RPM. The Grizzly H6070 is incredibly versatile and can handle a wide variety of sanding jobs – from smoothing out rough edges to removing unwanted blemishes.
On the other hand, the belt sander is a more aggressive machine that is designed to remove more material in a shorter amount of time. It has a continuous loop of sandpaper wrapped around two rotating drums that sand the wood quickly and effectively. One of the most popular examples of a belt sander is the Delta 31-481 26 In Dual Drum Sander. This belt sander comes with two sanding drums and a powerful 3 HP motor. The Delta 31-481 is capable of sanding large surfaces with ease, making it perfect for professional woodworkers.
If you’re trying to decide which tool to invest in, it’s important to consider your specific woodworking needs. If you require a machine that can handle a variety of sanding jobs, the drum sander may be the best choice. If you need a machine that can remove a lot of material quickly, the belt sander may be the better choice.
Regardless of which tool you choose, it’s important to remember that proper safety measures should always be taken when operating woodworking equipment. Always wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection, and make sure to read the operator’s manual carefully before operating the machine.
In conclusion, both drum sanders and belt sanders are essential tools for professional woodworkers. Whether you need to remove small blemishes or sand large surfaces, there’s a tool that can help you get the job done. The Grizzly H6070 and Delta 31-481 are both incredibly powerful machines that can help you achieve professional-grade results in no time. So, if you are planning on purchasing any woodworking equipment, go for a Drum Sander or a Belt Sander, depending on your requirements.