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WDS-4080P
INTRODUCTION TO DRUM SANDING
A.
FUNCTION
Drum sanding, sometimes referred to as “abrasive planing” is a repetitive process
of sanding both sides of wooden stock to a desired thickness and/or smoothness.
When this process is performed correctly, both face surfaces will be parallel to
one another.
DO NOT CONFUSE DRUM SANDING WITH THICKNESS PLANING!
Drum sanding gradually removes material in increments of 0.8 mm (1/32") or less
depending on sanding grit, stock hardness, stock width, etc. Thickness planing, on
the other hand, is for quick, bulk material removal at rates up to 3 mm (1/8") per pass
with portable machines. If you have used a thickness planer to smooth and dimension
stock, you will quickly learn to work with your new drum sander and not against the
machine. Be patient, let the drum sander do the work, 0.8 mm (1/32") or less per pass for
best results.
The most common mistake made with a drum sander is forcing it to remove too much
material too fast. Variables such as sandpaper grit, stock width, wood type, feed rate,
and moisture content all influence how much material can be removed in a single pass.
B.
DRUM SANDING ADVANTAGES
One advantage of this wide drum sander is that you can work with material up to
800 mm (32") wide because of its open side design. Although you still abrasive sand
with the grain, you do not have to read the grain to prevent tear-out. This is especially
important with thin stock and material with convoluted or mixed grain directions, like
burl, crotch, and tiger patterns.
Drum sanders exert much less pressure on stock than a thickness planer, giving you
the capability of working with very thin material. You have the ability to sand to veneer
thickness if desired, expanding your woodworking horizons. You can also sand smaller
length wood, odd-shaped pieces, and end grain.
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