thought on woodmaster 50" sander

jd wrote:
> Hi folks,
> i've been looking at big pasnel sanders for a while now, and I'm about ready
> to pull the trigger on the woodmaster 50". before i do though, I figured I'd
> see if anyone out there has any thoughts (or direct experience - pro or con)
> with the woodmasters?
>
>
> i do a lot of large panel work, and am hoping to use it for smoothing out
> panel glue ups (usually very small variations in alignment, but a PITA to
> work out by hand), and to cut down on finish sanding. I was also thinking
> about offering panel sanding/abrasice planing services, but that will depend
> a lot on how well the whole system works out for me....
>
>
> thank for your thoughts
>
> -_JD
>
>
I have the 37" Woodmaster with a single drum. IMO, it's a mediocre tool.
The issue is that the paper rolls are applied to a velcro covered drum.
Any unevenness in the velcro is transmitted directly through the paper
to the panel being sanded leaving an uneven surface. I've had the
machine for a little over 1 1/2 years . . . I give very high marks to
Woodmaster for trying to resolve technical issues . . . including coming
to the shop and picking up the tool . . . then returning it to me
supposedly fixed . . . but not withstanding their efforts to stand
behind the machine, it doesn't work extremely well.

The velcro backing is adhered to the steel drum with a glued backing.
Poor initial installation of the velcro, or heat buildup while sanding
can cause the velcro to buckle. Either issue produces poor sanding
results. I wish I had purchased a machine that didn't have the
velcro/paper interface.

Rick
http://www.thunderworksinc.com