Replies

1. 
   woodear | Mar 05, 2007 09:41am | #1

   I too am interested in the SC 26" drum sander.  I saw one yesterday and it looked very similar to the General International except that the throat size opens up much more on the Steel City.  The fit and finish looked pretty good, but I didn't consider the HP issue that you have raised.  I know a fellow who has the GI dual drum and he says that he is very happy with it.

   It has been interesting doing a review of the many Knots posts that talk about drum sanders.  Based on a lot of negative comments about these sanders, I'm wondering if they would be a good investment.  Maybe they require some one with a lot of patience to set them up correctly.

   Any way, I'd be interested to know what you have done about your purchase decision.

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Mar 05, 2007 08:43pm | #2

   Morning Dave...

   Price point of the competitor is the same on the Steel City and General. What sets them apart IMO, is the 12 1/4" throat opening on the Steel City as opposed to the much smaller on the General. Throw in a 5 year warranty and I got more working in my corner.

   The Steel City 3 HP is actually designed to take 1/32" bites. Could you take more than that? Probably could?...... But.. if you have been to the jointer and planer before-hand.. why would you?

   If you are planning to "hog" lots of stock with one pass... I would probably consider dropping all that extra cash and going to a 5 HP. If you do.. don't over-look the amps it will pull surged and be sure you have heavy enough wire in your current 220v set-up!

   Regards...

   Sarge.. jt

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   Edited 3/5/2007 12:44 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47

   
   

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   Edited 3/5/2007 12:45 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47