Grizzly

[wood carver 2]

Hi all, I've been thinking of ordering a Grizzly drum sander (model # 60716 10"). It's selling for $395 plus shipping and so forth, which is a lot cheaper than comparable models from other manufacturers. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with Grizzly tools in general and  especially with their drum sanders.
Are there any other manufacturers that make a good sander at a comparable price?
Thanks.
Dave.

[wood is good]

I'm a full time woodworker with a number of Grizzly tools and I've been happy with everything I've used.

[macbow]

Dave, I have several Grizzly tools. I like them and have had good service on ordering etc.
I didn't look at the model you mentioned. I have the model that can be two drums or a,flap,sander on the,left side.
It was my last addition to my shop and is one of my favorites .
I use the flap sander all the time. I also rigged up a sled below the drum to make a make shift thickness sander.
Ron

[wood carver 2]

Thanks guys. It sounds like Grizzly builds a good machine. I'll be calling them to see how much it will cost to have a sander delivered to me here in the Great White North.
Dave.

[kennym]

Hi Dave,

I have several Griz tools, and the only weak spot has been a nylon gear in the conveyor drive on a thickness sander. I think it may be designed that way for a less expensive repair compared to burning out the main motor? Just a guess.

[wood carver 2]

Thanks for the heads up Kenny. You're probably right about the reason for it being nylon.
Would you recomend ordering a spare? I'll likely give the sander only moderate use.
Dave.

[kennym]

Um, I reccommend making sure you dont run a 2" board in a 1.75" space.

In my case anyway, it was my own fault.

But I have heard of others with the same prob, especially on the baby drum. I think they fixed the prob before the sander you mentioned came out.  Sooo hopefully it is updated too, you might ask them if they got the conveyor drive gear probs worked out...

[Crooked Stic]

I have a Babby Drum that I cant tell you how many feet of wood has been thru it. I did the same thingKenny done and busted a drive gear. I had to replace the conveyor speed control-- other than that it has been great. I also have a 6x80 edge sander that has been good to.

[wood carver 2]

The more I hear, the more likely it is that the drive gear is made of nylon to protect the more expensive parts of the sander.
I'll give them a call this week and ask some questions. I just hope that shipping and taxes don't add up to more than the cost of the machine!    
Thanks everyone for the info. It's good to know what it is you're buying.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

Dave, don't get the pink one like Kenny did.  

[wood carver 2]

If I don't like the color, I'll spray a camo coat over it.    
Dave.

[beachbowhunter]

I bought that one and so far it has been great. It weighs a ton but it is much more robust than the Performax one of the same design.

[wood carver 2]

Originally posted by beachbowhunter:
I bought that one and so far it has been great. It weighs a ton but it is much more robust than the Performax one of the same design.

That's good to hear. I like my stationary tools to have some weight. It cuts vibration and noise.
Dave.

[flyfish1]

I have alot of grizzly equipment and am fortunate enough to be able to drive to the PA store. Very satisfied with everything I have- 6 x 80 sander, small belt disc combo, dust collectors, 6" jointer, baby drum sander, and I have a big shaper converted to a jig/profile grinder,also a pneumatic drum sander, nothing ever lets me down, but I did have a couple of switches wear out.

[kennym]

Hey Ron, the switch on my table saw gets where it won't turn on, I took it apartt and cleaned the sawdust outta there, and it has worked since!!

[wood carver 2]

If you're wearing out switches, you must be getting a lot of use out of it!    
Dave.

[flyfish1]

Kenny I dont know what I would do with out you. Now why didnt I think of that?! Thanks bro

[wood carver 2]

The Grizzly has landed! I can't wait for the weekend so I can finish putting it together and try it out.
Dave.

[kennym]

Dave, didja get the pink one like Mr. Roy wanted?  :D

[wood carver 2]

They only had green, but I can always photoshop it if Roy wants to see it.    
I'm gonna close in the space in the stand under the sander with plywood and use the space to store extra sandpaper and so on.
Dave.