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When sanding materials like plastic or wood, it is advisable to use a drum sander which is specially made for that. They are used to remove defects on larger surfaces like aesthetic work or floors. And currently, the topmost drum sander you can find in the market is the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander.
Unlike other sanders, it comes with exceptional, features that are hard to find anywhere like Patented Quick Adjust Lever and Dust Hood. Before you buy a new sander, there are things you should look out for and the first among them is the type of task you want to use it for.
If what you want is a sander with a bit more power to handle industrial tasks, then this SuperMax drum sander has got you covered. It has sufficient industrial power.
This is the reason several wood workers who do extensive sanding tasks choose the sander. Its efficiency is superb. We found this out after doing a good amount of practical comparison between it and other sanders.
It produces such an impressive and efficient sanding work that you’ll get more customers asking for work done with the SuperMax 16-32 drum sander.
Aside from the floor workers, those who build wooden cabinets and other wooden furniture can use this to make their work neater. When you have used the sander once or more times, you will find out that it works like a miracle and the brand is proud of their tool as it has pushed them to a very wonderful height.
Now, let’s see what this drum sander possesses that makes it better than others in the market.
The Features of SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander
The SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander Stand and Frame
The SuperMax 16.32 Drum Sander is already assembled out of the box and ready for immediate usage. However, you’ll have to set up the stand yourself, but it will only take you about 15 minutes to set it up. Considering the heavy weight, it’s a good idea to get a helping hand to assist you to set it up.
As soon as you lift the SuperMax 16-32 drum sanders during installation, you will discover that it has a very rigid frame which is pretty cool. Fixing the sander onto the frame was pretty hassle-free and presented no stress to us at all.
The stand has leveling feet with which you can adjust when you are dealing with floors that are not on the same level. We mounted two swiveling wheels to make it easier for us to move this beauty around the workshop or when going for outdoor projects.
Two Motor Design
Two motors, power the Super Max 16-32 drum sander at the same time, turning it into a powerhouse that can handle any sanding task without any difficulty.
The first motor possesses a power of 1-1/2 HP, 14 amps, and drives the drum while the second one has a power of 1/20 HP, 45 amps, and runs the conveyor. This model of a dual-motor is to boost the competence of the sander and make it easier to control.
The manufacturer states in the owner manual that you should preferably use a circuit that delivers up to 20 amps to power it. However, you can use the one supplying 15 amps, as long as the sanding task you are doing is light, but aside that, you should use the former to be on the safe side.
Advanced Controls
With advanced and superior controls, the SuperMax 16-32 drum sander stands taller than its fellow sanders as it makes it easy to carry out your sanding and as well as protecting the machine. With this, the machine can last long with higher durability.
You will find the control panel of the sander at the front part so that you can access it easily and since it is not a complicated one, even beginners can begin using it and find their way around it. All you have to do to begin is to press the red button which indicates power on and the yellow button to indicate power off.
Height Adjustment Knob
The drum sander has a height adjustment knob which is one of the most important features in the SuperMax 16-32 drum sander. This is useful when running stocks that have different thicknesses, though it might be quite difficult to adjust this knob.
But the SuperMax 16-32 manufacturer cares for you by including a clever lever with which you can use to disengage the height adjustment knob quickly. Immediately you hit the lever, you can then quickly lower the drum to the sanding thickness you prefer. This is very important for pros or people trying to finish numerous sanding tasks in a short time.
Built-in Digital Read-Out
It will be very daunting if your sander requires that you use a manual means to set the thickness, width, or size of the project you are working on. However, the 16-32 has an inbuilt digital read-out that lets you set the machine starting from 1/32″ to 1/128″. You can as well use the millimeters range for your setting and this eases the machine use and makes your work accurate and quick.
Additionally, you can choose either the ABS (absolute mode) that shows the actual thickness of the workpiece the sander is working on or the INC (incremental) mode that shows the amount of material it is shaving off.
Speed control
There is a scale between the drum and the bed of the sander that displays the speed at which you want the sander to function and you can tune this on the dial rheostat. This dial rheostat controls the conveyor speed up to a maximum of 10 ft. per minute.
Turbo Vented Vacuum Port
Since all sanders produce large quantities of dust while working, it is necessary to remove these dust particles so that it does not mess the look of your workshop or even cause harm to your sanding machine hence reducing its durability.
In the SuperMax 16-32, there is a Turbo Vented vacuum port that has the function of clearing almost all these dust particles the sander releases.
The port has some fans in the interior that boost the flow of air by almost 15% so that it can absorb the dust from the machine. To have a seamless and total dust absorption, the manufacturer advises including a minimum of 600 CFM to it.
Sanding Drum
The sanding drum is the center of the SuperMax 16-32 and it is a self-cooling 16″ x 5″ drum made out of aluminum. It has simple self-tensioning fasteners that speed up the task of mounting or eliminating rough strips and this won’t take more than two minutes to accomplish.
By using the abrasive cleaners regularly and reversing the strip when you notice it wearing or tearing, you will improve the durability and lifespan of the sandpaper.
NOTE: The machine isn’t magical and highly resinous woods like pine will confuse this sander. Therefore, ensure you make proper plans.
Comparatively Lightweight
In the world of drum sanders, all its users know that they are usually heavy to move about and therefore not portable. However, the SuperMax 16-32 is one of the lightest in its category as it has an average weight of about 148 pounds.
This is a lightweight model and when you compare it with others that even surpass it in superiority, you will find the reason a lot of people prefer it.
Fast Drum Speed
Another very important feature of a drum sander is the speed of the drum. If the drum isn’t quick, then the rate of work will be slow and the efficiency will drop.
The SuperMax 16-32 has a nice drum speed of 1740 RPM which makes it superb and improves its efficiency. Possessing a large sanding area and a fast spinning drum, you can see that the model surpasses numerous competitors out there.
Fast-acting lever
When we were explaining the function of the height adjustment knob, we briefly mentioned the fast-acting lever and so we will establish concretely on that now.
The fast-acting lever is very useful when handling tasks that you want to round up quickly. You can use this lever to quickly adjust large scales to the height of the drum. If you do not wish to adjust it quickly, then you can use the micro-adjustment wheel and this is used for jobs that are quite less in size.
INTELLISAND Technology
One of the recent technologies of the sanding firm is the INTELLISAND™ Technology which is very slick and comfortable to use. The conveyor drive of the SuperMax used the INTELLISAND™ Technology to maintain the workpiece at the exact speed of the load on the sander.
With this tech in place, you are sure to have a smooth and consistent surface that has no burns or gouges. Some woods have different grain patterns and normally have these issues in other sanders but in the SuperMax, you wouldn’t find them so.
With the “IntelliSand” AUTO regulation, the conveyor also works smoothly that the drum can function for hours consistently and will still not go out of its position. This conveyor is relatively wide and can appropriately support Stock over 16 inches wide.
The Instruction Manual
It is not all drum sanders that have a manual that you can read comprehensively and understand how to use the sander without having to seek a specialist or professional. However, the SuperMax is not on this level as the manufacturers did a great ton of work in creating the manual.
After reading the manual of the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander, you will be able to handle your tasks with the sander without being confused or having issues. It is very easy to comprehend, clear, concise, and reliable. As a beginner, you can turn pro by simply understanding and following the instructions on the user manual.
SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander Specifications
| Drum Speed | 1740 RPM |
| Maximum Sanding Width | 32″ |
| Minimum Sanding Length | 2-1/4″ |
| Maximum Sanding Thickness | 3″ |
| Minimum Sanding Thickness | 1/32″ |
| Drum | 5″ x 16″ extruded aluminum |
| Dust hood | Turbo Vented – 1×4″, vacuum port (min. 600 CFM recommended) |
| Conveyor Speed | 0-10 FPM |
| Drive Motor | 1-1/2 HP |
| Power Requirements | 110 V, 15 Amp, 20 AMP Service |
| Shipping Weight | 158 lbs (1 box including stand) |
| Assembled Dimensions (Footprint) | W: 34″ | D: 22″ | H: 48″ (without casters) |
What Makes the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander So Awesome
The superiority of the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander is one that everyone who has used it once or more talks about. In most cases, when one comes to buy a sander, they first ask for this exact model before checking for others by the same manufacturer.
The features and specifications are great and with its capability, it is a sander you should buy as long as you want to handle sanding tasks. However, some things make it stand more when compared with other sanders and these include;
- Efficiency– When talking of the efficiency of the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander, it is a very efficient sander and is of high-quality. Having a drum speed that is above the average drum speed out there and a large sanding area, it is very efficient. It can also serve you for a long time as it rarely gets burnt or experience damages thanks to the safety components the manufacturers incorporated in it.
- Comes with a Stand– The stand of the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander is one that you will not find in every sander. This is a great advantage that will save you cost as you will not have to go out there to construct one for yourself. The stand is also made out of a strong metal frame that will last the test of years as it is sturdy and very durable.
- Great Dust Collection – When using drum sanders to do your sanding jobs, you are sure to experience lots of dust that is not good for your health or even the machine itself. However, the SuperMax has a superior dust collection mechanism that is not incorporated in every other sander. This makes you have a neater job and a clearer job and workspace.
Why SuperMax Brush and Drum Sanders Stand Out
At the inception of the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander, the manufacturers gave an explanation stating how they were aware of the fact that other major and popularly known brands had taken over the market.
However, they came up with a strategy that will help them topple this power, and this included centering on a narrow range of products that will be of high-quality to serve the needs of the users for years. It might not be a very profitable plan since durability meant inconsistent replacement and purchase of parts.
However, they made the Supermax-16-32-drum-sander which is the latest member of the SuperMax Tools drum sander family and was designed with new features to improve efficiency.
According to their plan, they make just a small number of products like a drum and brush sanding machines for the metal and woodwork industries, and these products stand out as they were able to do some extra things:
- Working directly with clients to get solutions for their production bottlenecks
- Investing in innovation to improve the efficiency of their products
- Providing quality customer care that assures all clients timely help and value from their sanders
How to Use the SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander
As a beginner, it might be difficult for you to use a drum sander despite the properly explained user manual so to assist you, we have been able to draw up some tips on how to use the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander without any stress or worries.
- Install Sanding Paper: To get started, open up the drum compartment and get your spare sanding paper ready. There are clips on both sides of the drum which will hold the sandpaper in place. Roll the strips down the drum evenly until it is covered in sandpaper.
- Adjust Height and Tension Rollers: Before you begin sanding, you will have to place the machine correctly. With the help of the lever at the top of the device, slowly position the height until it perfectly fits the material you want it to sand.
- Switch on the Device and Sand Away: After you have completed the basic settings and are ready to go, you can now begin sanding. Place your first material that needs to be sanded on the table and turn on the device. Within seconds, it should begin sanding automatically.
Pros
- The power and efficiency of this model are really what make it top-quality. This is also partially why this drum sander is so popular and widely-acclaimed.
- The SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander has a very strong conveyer belt that is commonly praised for running smooth and tracking the material perfectly with each sanding job.
- The drum size of this model is a lot larger than many other models hence making it naturally easier when trying to sand large slabs of wood and plastic in a very short time.
- All metal construction makes the sander heavy and firm
- It has a long warranty for two years
- Designed to last for years without issues
- Perfect for sanding diverse projects
- Can sand very wide boards
- Easy to assemble and start using
- Installing of sanding belts is very simple
- Belt alignment is effortless
Cons
- The size of the SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander is a little bit bulky but it is almost the same with all drum sanders as when getting a drum sander; it means that you will need to have the extra space at hand. This is the truth of this model as although it is a little bulky, those that can provide sufficient space to house it will still be happy when using it.
- The price of the SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander is not on the cheap side like some others that are lesser in capability but then, you should note that if you want a nice drum sander, then you should be ready to pay the cost. This holds with this model. Even though it is a little bit expensive, the features will probably show you why it is worth the cost.
- Not suitable for light DIY tasks at home
- Some controls are difficult to use for beginners
FAQs
A drum sander will provide you with one parallel surface like a planer. It may eliminate some of the cups. However, that is common with a jointer. A drum sander is in essence, a thickness planer that comes with sandpaper in place of knives
Orbital sanders are much easier to control. They can sand both the field and ‘body’ of the floor and the edges, which a drum sander cannot. Once you work up to the finer grits, orbital sanders produce a much smoother, less scratchy surface. They are cheap.
Belt sanders merely allow you to slip sanding belts on and off easily. Drum machines works slower because of the abrasive sheets which covers a single drum and fastened into place as its locking mechanism.
The handheld belt sander can work for sanding off old finish and dents and marks faster than the old sanders. While it won’t be as fast as a regular floor sander, the hand held belt sander can help you moderately improve your work speed.
Best alternatives to SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander
1. The Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus 20 Amp Service with 608003 Stand in Woodworking
The innovative tool-less parallelism system keeps adjustments simple. The worktable is easily positioned by a turn of the parallelism dial. The variable-speed rate permits you to choose the optimal feed rate for a full range of projects, while the Sandsmart feature continuously monitors the load on the drum motor to prevent an overload situation.
If you’re looking into finding the best rated drum sander, don’t forget to check out the Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus 20 Amp Service with 608003 Stand in Woodworking.
This sander enjoys the best blend of a number of reviews and average star ratings. It enjoys a large amount of positive users review and this indicates the number of people that makes use of this sander.
It’s a high Quality Drum Sander and moderately priced compared to the SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander.
The Drum Sander also enjoys the Most Clicks and currently falls into the best seller category. By all means, check it out today. You’ll not be disappointed.
2. SHOP FOX W1740 12-Inch Sander
Finally, get the even sanding performance only a self-feeding drum sander can provide in a smaller shop sized unit. The 12-inch width and 3-1/2-inch thick capacity handles most of the stock produced in any shop, which makes it the ideal machine for removing telltale surface planer marks.
Another alternative option to go for is the SHOP FOX W1740 12-Inch Sander.
It is more affordable than the first two and comes with rubber in feed drum, Micro-adjustable graphite/felt platen, Safety shut-off bar, steel out feed drum and rubber pressure drums
3. Woodstock International Shop Fox W1854 Open-End Sander
This 18" Open-End Drum Sander offers a lot of sanding capacity in a small amount of floor space. Sand stock up to 36" wide and 4-1/2" thick. Unlike other open-end drum sanders, the table moves up and down instead of the head. This means drum support is much more rigid during sanding operations, giving you more consistent results
The Woodstock International shop Fox W1854 Open-End Sander is another great Sander to pick.
It’s equally more affordable than the SuperMax tools sander and features Sanding motor: 1-1/2 HP, 110V, single-phase, 15 amps, Drum surface speed of 4000 FPM, and a Conveyor feed rate of variable, 0-12 FPM.
4. JET JWDS-1020 Benchtop Sander
The compact JWDS-1020 benchtop sander from Jet packs a powerful 1-HP motor that will sand boards up to 3" thick and 20" wide. The innovative patented dust hood ensures dust is funneled to the 4" dust port that easily connects to a dust collector. 
This is another great and affordable sander with heavy duty die-cast aluminum and steel body which provides rigidity for regular quality.
The patented dust hood of this sander incorporates an inbuilt channel that directs dust to a 4-inch collection port.
Its parallelism regulating dial features a stop that returns the conveyor bed to a flat position in real-time.
Why I will buy SuperMax Tools 16-32 Drum Sander
“The SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander is currently the best in the market and has a lot of features that make it an excellent choice. If you’re in the market, I’d recommend this model to you. Some of the reasons why you want to purchase this sander include the IntelliSand” AUTO regulation of conveyor system that prevents issues of scratching Stock or sander damage and indexed position setting for both narrow and wide stock-just flip A lever.
It offers quick access to abrasive fasteners of any Drum Sander. The drum will hardly become maligned. You’ll also get an extra-wide conveyor to effectively provide support to Stock of more than 16 in. wide. It’s established abrasive attachment system is equally easy to operate without tools or helper while maintaining accurate tension on abrasive covering.
There is no counterattack or slop in the product’s height adjustment mechanism to make height adjustment easy and smooth. Also, you get a very sturdy tool made with sturdy solid cast aluminum which boosts its strength and dampens vibration. The 16-32 also features a self-cooling drum that stops overheating and improves the life-span of abrasive.
As you’d expect from a high-quality product like this, it’s pricey but it is a worthwhile investment given its matchless features. However, if you’re under budget constrain, you can choose any of the alternatives below. They are equally great brands and models of sanders and can get the job done effectively but come in a lot more affordable price points.
These alternative models might not offer you the features you’ll find in the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander, but they’ll get the work done. So, our candid advice to you is, choose the SuperMax 16-32 Drum sander if have the money for it, but if you’re looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, any of the products in the list above will do.
Conclusion
To carry out sanding projects like sanding or leveling of veneered plywood, cabinet doors, highly figured wood, or thin panels, it is necessary to use a drum sander as your work tool.
When you go out there to get one for yourself, you will find out that there are various kinds from various manufacturers, but the best in the market currently is the SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander. It comes with matchless features that are hard to beat!
