Pneumatic drum sanders recommendation?

[BeerBrewer]

I'm interested in purchasing a pneumatic drum sander for my intarsia work.   Does anyone have any recommendations?  

 

I've found a drum sanding kit made by SANDBOSS (part # SBKIT3) sold by Kingspors Wood Working shop (http://www.woodworkingshop.com/product/ht50000/) and another sold by Lee Valley tools (http://www.leevalley.com/us/Hardware/page.aspx?p=45190&cat=1,42500).  Does anyone have any experience with either?  

 

I also saw a non-pnematic sanding drum sold by Seyco called a Flex Drum Sander Kit (http://seyco.com/ds-01-flex-drum-sander-kit-for-your-motor/) that might also work.  

 

Lastly I have not decided how I'm going to power the sanding drum yet, but I have quite a few options. I can use my big old variable speed Makita drill (I built a jig that firmly locks it down to a bench. I made the jig so I could power my grain mill that I use for my other passion.... brewing beer), my bench drill press, but I'm not sure if I'd like the drum sitting vertical, my radial arm saw by attaching a drill chuck to the back of motor, or by adapting my old Sears grinder.  I'm concerned that the last too options (radial arm saw and grinder) spin way too fast.  Is that a concern?  I've even thought of buying a cheap ($120) lathe from Harbor Freight.  Frankly I'm leaning heavily towards using my old Makita drill.  It is very powerful and is also variable speed, so I'll be able to alter the drum speed to better suite the size and material that I'm sanding.  I also kind of like the cheap lathe idea, since I don't have a lathe now, but I've always wanted to play with one.  You know what they say.....the one who dies with the most tools wins!!

 

I thought it best to select the drum first and worry about powering it later.  If money were no object, I'd just go out and buy a the drum sanding rig from Seyco or Grizzly, but they all seem to start around $300 and I didn't want to spend that much.

 

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated!

 

Bob

[Scrolling Steve]

Bob, I have been saving for the Seyco flex drum system  for a few months....I may never get there...too many other projects are eating up my funds.

[WayneMahler]

You may want to look at Judy Gale Roberts site. I remember some information up there about this. Hope this helps a bit.

[Denny Knappen]

I have had the Seyco for about three years.  The flex drums work great.  The only problem was with the shaft accessories.  They would come unglued.  I called Ray and received replacements right away.

[jollyred]

I use the flex sander from Seyco for some of the sanding of my intarsias.  I mounted it on a cheap 1725 rpm electric motor, which I also use for my flap and mop sanders, using a jacob's chuck to hold them.  Small drum sanders can also be used on the motor.  I mounted the motor to a board that I can clamp to a table or work bench during use.

[Clayton717]

I have the flex drum set and they work great. Judy Gale Roberts sells them on her site as well.

[Jim Finn]

I have the pneumatic sand boss drum.  In fact, two different  sizes.  I run it on my drill press and it works great.  I have used it for intarsia and for sanding band saw boxes.  Pneumatic drum sanders will not gouge your wood and they do not fill up with wood like a hard backed drum does.  I purchased a small hand operated air pump that is meant for bicycles, to fill them with air. 

[Lucky2]

All I've ever used for shaping wood, is my Dremel tool and my Ridgid oscillating spindle/belt sander. I know they're not the same as a pneumatic sander, but they do a good job of shaping.

Len

[amazingkevin]

I'm interested in purchasing a pneumatic drum sander for my intarsia work.   Does anyone have any recommendations?  

 

I've found a drum sanding kit made by SANDBOSS (part # SBKIT3) sold by Kingspors Wood Working shop (http://www.woodworkingshop.com/product/ht50000/) and another sold by Lee Valley tools (http://www.leevalley.com/us/Hardware/page.aspx?p=45190&cat=1,42500).  Does anyone have any experience with either?  

 

I also saw a non-pnematic sanding drum sold by Seyco called a Flex Drum Sander Kit (http://seyco.com/ds-01-flex-drum-sander-kit-for-your-motor/) that might also work.  

 

Lastly I have not decided how I'm going to power the sanding drum yet, but I have quite a few options. I can use my big old variable speed Makita drill (I built a jig that firmly locks it down to a bench. I made the jig so I could power my grain mill that I use for my other passion.... brewing beer), my bench drill press, but I'm not sure if I'd like the drum sitting vertical, my radial arm saw by attaching a drill chuck to the back of motor, or by adapting my old Sears grinder.  I'm concerned that the last too options (radial arm saw and grinder) spin way too fast.  Is that a concern?  I've even thought of buying a cheap ($120) lathe from Harbor Freight.  Frankly I'm leaning heavily towards using my old Makita drill.  It is very powerful and is also variable speed, so I'll be able to alter the drum speed to better suite the size and material that I'm sanding.  I also kind of like the cheap lathe idea, since I don't have a lathe now, but I've always wanted to play with one.  You know what they say.....the one who dies with the most tools wins!!

 

I thought it best to select the drum first and worry about powering it later.  If money were no object, I'd just go out and buy a the drum sanding rig from Seyco or Grizzly, but they all seem to start around $300 and I didn't want to spend that much.

 

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated!

 

Bob

as always you've got to put your foot down and make that decision right or wrong.hopefully you'll chose the lowest way out.Harbor freight has drum sanders i chose for a song.i did my best looking intarsias with them.try the lowest price things just to get the ball rolling .you can always sell but for me i'll never have enough tools .when the recession hit i gave away 3.5 tons of tools and did'nt bat an eye .google how to make what you want .you'll be surprised what with fill the bill for you.