Replies

1. 
   mike_b | Dec 30, 2006 10:45pm | #1

   <<Does anyone have any idea where I can find an owners manual for this machine?>>

   Eric,

   I have an older Performax drum sander from the Burnsville, MN days. It's a 37" dual drum model. I have a manual that I can scan and email you if you can't find your specific version. I think that the information applies to most of the models of that vintage -- as I recall, the main difference from model to model was drum width. Incidentally, I was able to get a replacement conveyor belt from WMH through Woodcraft a couple of years ago, so you may be able to get some help directly from the manufacturer.

   Mike

1. 
   Ejc | Dec 31, 2006 07:23pm | #2

   Thanx for your offer Mike,

   What I have been able to find out is that their has been very little change in this machine from what is now offered as the performax 22-44. Looking at the onsite manual, the ylook bout the same to me.  I'm sure replacement parts ifwhen needed are going to be a bit sketchy though.  Since you mentioned the conveyor belt, do they wear out often?

   Thanx

   Eric

1. 
   dondownunder | Jan 01, 2007 04:06am | #3

   Ejc

   I have an earlier (1996) 22-44 which is badged as an INCA for the European market.

   The only difference is the colour of the shroud  & that it is fitted with a French made 2 HP motor.

   As mine was a demo model, purchased at a show I'm still waiting for the dealer to send me the instruction manual. However, in lieu of a manual, the best form of instruction has been to use the machine.  I made a couple of mods to the machine as well to make it run smoother including ditching the old small diameter alloy micro-vee pulleys & replacing them with larger diameter cast iron double A's (which gives a pronounced fly-wheel effect);  setting the machine on a cabinet so that the head raises & lowers whilst the table remains at a fixed height so constant adjustment of in & outfeed extensions is not necessary when sanding long items, as we tend to do more often than not.

   I also fitted a fully adustable stay which can be used to lock the head on the open end as the head unit does flex a bit when sanding wide stock.

   I have a constant battle to get the feed belt to track - it works across to the right no matter what I do; including replacing it, reversing it, adjusting the tracking by tensioning one side more than the other, the same & different, cursing at it & even getting a mainentance engineer from a local food processer to have a go - all to no avail. And yes he checked every thing & after 2 hours declared it was possessed by evil spirits - he's a Maori & he reckons he knows about them too :-)

   In answer to your question on feed belts - if looked after will last years 

   Edited 12/31/2006 8:12 pm ET by dondownunder

2. 
   mike_b | Jan 01, 2007 05:10pm | #6

   <<Since you mentioned the conveyor belt, do they wear out often?>>Eric,If your conveyor belt is in good shape now, you should be fine for a long time. I was doing a general rehab, and decided to change the belt while I had everything apart. I find that it's difficult to keep it tracking properly for any length of time, and mine had stretched quite a bit over the years, probably from over tightening.Mike

2. 
   dondownunder | Jan 01, 2007 04:09am | #4

   Mike

   If you do scan the manual would it be possible to obtain a copy also?

   Don

1. 
   Ejc | Jan 01, 2007 05:13am | #5

   Don,

   thanx for your response, glad to know not all will be lost and I didnt toss out $200.

   You might try here for the website version of the manual

   http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/partfiles/man_638003.pdf

   I hope the link works, havent tried to do that yet.

   Eric

2. 
   mike_b | Jan 01, 2007 05:12pm | #7

   <<If you do scan the manual would it be possible to obtain a copy also?>>Don,I'll scan it this week and email you a PDF.Mike

1. 
   dondownunder | Jan 01, 2007 11:38pm | #8

   Mike

   Thanks for the very kind offer but to save you the trouble Eric's link worked & there it is!

   Don