A closed-frame machine is inherently stiffer than a cantilevered tool and will suit the heavier demands of a small, professional shop.

The Woodmaster is a smooth-running sander with plenty of power. It’s heavy and would do fine as stationary machines, although mobile bases are available. It also require a 220-volt power supply.

The Woodmaster uses a 10-gauge steel platen. The table is supported by four jackscrews that are synchronized by sprockets and chain. Although the machine was delivered properly tuned, adjustments can be made, if necessary, by fiddling with the chain and jackscrew sprockets.

The Woodmaster uses a two-ply monofilament, rough-top conveyor belt, the same belts used on wide-belt sanders. Conveyor speed is adjustable, from a crawl up to 16 fpm (feet per minute). The Woodmaster has a reversing switch for the conveyor motor, a useful feature when setting up initial depth of cut or if stock gets jammed because the depth of cut was set too deep.

The Woodmaster uses a hook-and-loop system for fastening the abrasive strip to the drum. An adhesive-backed hook strip is attached to the drum, and the abrasive strip is loop-backed.

Changing abrasive strips on the Woodmaster is a snap. Once the machine’s large top cover is off, there’s plenty of maneuvering room. It takes practice to get the strip started because the hook-and-loop material doesn’t allow minor changes in the angle of the strip as it is wrapped around the drum. Woodmaster recommends a wrap or two of filament packing tape on the lead end of the abrasive to keep it tight to the drum. In general, the hook-and-loop system seem to work very well.

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