I have an opportunity to buy a Delta 31-250C 18″-36″ (Canadian Model?) for US$455 (CAN$600). I know that it’s an older model, but it seems to be in good shape. It comes with 2 boxes of 2″ pre-cut abrasive strips (80 & 120 grit rolls); a side mounted drum sander with a cover (looks like a very large spindle sander drum that you can attach horizontally on the side of the sander); and on a stand with casters.
I read mixed reviews on this model from folks who have used it. I am a beginner woodworker and was wondering if anyone has any advice on whether or not this is a good opportunity for someone who is just starting to learn.
My apologies if the pictures are not oriented right-side-up…they attached that way & I couldn’t change the orientation.
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Due you really need that. Also finding parts to fix could be a problem.
Thank you...you’re right about the parts. It might be a challenge finding them. I eventually would like to get a drum sander, but I do have to think about maintenance and parts for older models. If it was a bit less expensive then maybe I would take the chance on it. Thanks again for the advice.
I have been woodworking for 25 years now and though I have a hankering to get one of these, it is still low on my wish list!
As with all tools, it is good at some things, and not so good at others.
If you want to even up the surface of wider pieces, or very thin pieces then this is the tool for you. Otherwise it is not so useful.
It will not thickness wood as consistently as a thicknesser, but it will not cause tearout.
Dust is an issue, as is noise and compared with a thicknesser it is slow, but it is great if you intend to do bent lamination because of the capability with thin pieces.
These are not complex machines and it is unlikely that parts would be a big problem. It would be an easy DIY fix if it fails.
Even so, before spending, consider:
1. Is this machine going to do a job you need it for; and
2. Would that money be better spent on another tool that you also need
Which gets you closer to what you want to achieve faster?
Thank you for the feedback Rob_SS...I particularly like the points you make at the end...will the machine do the job I need it to do, would the money be better spent on another tool that I may need, and especially...which will get me closer to what I want to achieve
Thank again
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