Replies

1. 
   gb93433 | Feb 18, 2006 04:31pm | #1

   Get one with lots of power. So many tend to be under powered.

2. 
   mrbird90 | Feb 19, 2006 04:15am | #2

   I bought the Performax Plus 16-31 in Dec. last year and so far I have been very satisfied with it. I only use it for sanding after thickness planning and remove only .020 per pass. I make a lot of drawers and I sand all the components prior to dovetailing. Last week I had to make several boards 8" x 20" x 1/8". I took them down to 3/16" on the thickness planner and then I sanded them to 1/8" on the sander. Did a great job. If you have a lot of heavy sanding or long boards (8' or more) I would not recommend this sander. The leverage with long boards can spring the cantilevered arm out of adjustment. One or two occassionaly done with care would be ok. Remember this is not a high stock removal, production machine.

3. 
   YesIWood | Feb 19, 2006 07:23am | #3

   Jim,

     I purchased the Performax 22-44 this past fall!  I was looking at the 16-32 model but I didn't want to buy a unit that was under powered.  What a tool to have!  Does a great job.  I have sanded table tops and even tops with inlay.  I would recommend two things.  One, you better have a dust collection system, these tools can throw off some dust, cough, cough.  And get the out feed tables (or make your own).  On long boards or table tops you may accidentially bump it and sand in a nice wide dip.  Hmmm, don't ask how I know this.

   Joe

   Is it really saw dust or wood dust?

1. 
   jim1941 | Feb 19, 2006 02:42pm | #4

   Thanks to all for your replies.  A common thread seems to be the power of the unit.  The Delta and Performax 16-32 have 1 1/2hp motors, the 22-44 has 1 3/4hp.  What is the effect of the power difference?  Does the sander bog down, trip a breaker, etc. or does it merely take longer to accomplish the same task?

   After reading more tool reviews it seems the Performax machines have a slight edge over the Delta. 

1. 
   Suzda | Feb 19, 2006 05:42pm | #5

   Hi,

   I went trough the same decision process as you a couple of months ago and decided on the Performax 16/32.

   If you try to take to 'big of a bite' the reset on the drum motor will kick out.  However, it does a great job if you don't try to push it too  hard and I'm fairly happy with the machine.

   Now, my Son as the 22/44 and even if the motor is slightly bigger, it does seem to have more power.  I know his machine is built better and is made in the USA whereas the 16/32 isn't.  (I really have a dislike for the plastic drum cover on my 16/32 because it keeps coming unlatched when I attach the DC hose to it.)

   Jim

    

1. 
   jim1941 | Feb 20, 2006 12:31am | #6

   Jim, thanks for your comments, they are quite helpful.  Interesting about the plastic cover problem with your DC hose.  I'm leaning more and more toward the Performax 22-44 even though I'm not wild about spending the extra money on it..... but as "they" say, you get what you pay for. 

2. 
   mrbird90 | Feb 20, 2006 03:54am | #7

   You can adjust the catch on the plastic hood to make it lock in place better. I had the same problem until I adjusted the latch. Good luck.

1. 
   Suzda | Feb 20, 2006 04:43am | #8

   Thanks,   I guess that's one of those suggestions that after you read it you slap yourself along the side of the head and say "duh"!

   Just like someone else suggested to adjust the drum use two blocks of wood, one by the motor end and one on the opposite end.  (The manual said to use a straight edge.)  Anyway, the wood blocks work so much better.

   Jim