Replies

1. 
   KySawdust | Apr 26, 2004 05:07am | #1

   I just purchased the Performax 16-32 and a Jet 1200 Canister type dust collector last weekend.  Woodcraft had a 10% off all Jet / Performax products with $100 rebate on the second item if over $395.  I ended up with the $500 DC for $350. 

   I couldn't be happier with the Performax.  I am a member of the KYANA (Kentucky-Indiana) Woodworkers Guild and I asked 3 members that I respect that had experience either personally or through a friend with both machines and the Performax came out on top every time. 

   The dealer sold both machines but all of the experienced staff in the shop pointed me to the Performax also.  I understand that Delta has beefed up their machine, but I have not heard anyone that picks it over the Jet. 

   Hope this is helpful and don't forget the DC - it's a must!

   Brad K.

1. 
   JayS | Apr 26, 2004 01:10pm | #2

   Thanks.  I've got a 2 hp dust collection system hooked up throughout my shop, so I'll just have to find a spot for it and hook it in.  Floor space is my limiting factor.  Would you share with me what applications you will use the machine for.  I have a home shop and am not a commercial furniture builder, so I'm trying to decide if the whole purchase will be worth it, for the amount of use it will get.  Also, what grits of paper would you use for what applications?  I was thinking about 50 for thicnessing resawn veneer, and 120-150 for final sanding of raised panels.  Also, how easy is it to change papers?  Thanks.

   Jay

2. 
   XOrionFe | Apr 26, 2004 02:27pm | #3

   I have the Delta.  I purchased it about 2 months ago when I needed to sand flat a glued up maple coffee table top.   Not know anything or having used one before, it only took me about a half hour to setup and get going.  I ran a few test boards through and checked alignments according to the manual.  Everything was aligned perfect out of the box.   The sander worked great on my table and I have since used it for thicknessing stips for bent wood applications.   (Note- when I say thicknessing, I mean thicknessing down past an 1/8th inch.  Drum sanders like this don't take off a lot of material at a time so one should have a planer to do initial thicknessing).  Changing grits is easy.   Dust capture with a dust collector is excellent!

   I am very pleased with my Delta.  It came with stand and a free mobile base which made it even better.  

   Scott

3. 
   darbywoods | Apr 26, 2004 10:38pm | #4

   have the proformax. the main reason for the proformax is that

   1.) the sanding head moves not the table.  this way i set up my infeed and outfeed and i am ok.  on the delta you would have to adjust the infeed and outfeed rollers.  this is only and issue on longer boards.

   2.) the store i went to said something about the 4 nuts to square up the delta.  i am not sure what the story is with it.  due to reason #1 i got the proformax

   david

   http://WWW.darbynwoods.com

4. 
   Michmesquite | Apr 26, 2004 11:21pm | #5

   I have the Performax and like it, but...

   It is difficult to align the conveyor table flat across the roller

   It IS NOT A PLANER, do not think about taking a pass any deeper than a 1/64"

   Clean the rolls often.

   Once you have scorched a drum roll, toss it. 

   Clean the rolls often.

   Buy extra conveyor belts, when they go they go and they're $30+

   DO NOT USE ONE WITHOUT DUST EXTRACTION

   other than that, get it.

   __________________________________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   Freedom from mental disturbance is the very most for which one can hope.

    Epicurus (341-270 BCE)

5. 
   CharlieP | Apr 27, 2004 06:33pm | #6

   I love my Performax, and use it far more than I expected I would.  I got it for table tops, but now use it for almost everything.   I chose it over the Delta because of recommendations, and the fact that the drum moves, not the table. 

   I use it most with 150-180 grit.  I still need final sanding with a ROS to get the scratches out of even 220 grit.  The thickness planer gets it ready for the 150 grit.  Dust collection is a must.  Changing the belt only takes a minute or two.  An ammeter is a big help to allow you to go relatively fast without overloading - as the cut gets deep the electrical load rises rapidly; slowing the feed rate keeps the load in line.

   I have had great luck cleaning the belts with Simple Green.  If you sand straight down a glue line, the yellow glue will load the belt.  If you sand too slow you can burn cherry and similar wood, and load the belt.  A scrub brush, simple green, and water rinse, will clean the belts like new (I lay them on the deck to dry, held flat with a brick on each end)

   Alignment is time consuming to get just right, but it stays aligned "forever."  Performax recommends slight angle when using the cantilever feature, such that the center of a table would be a few thousandths higher than the edges.  I leave that setting, so I can sand ordinary boards on the first side on the left of the belt, then turn them over and sand the second side on the right of the belt without adjusting the height. 

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
   http://www.plesums.com/wood