SandsmartTM control continuously monitors the load on the drum motor and automatically regulates the speed of the conveyor motor to maintain the highest feed rate without overload
Patented conveyor belt TRACKERSTM dramatically reduce the need for manual belt adjustments
Precision-machined and balanced extruded aluminum drum is self-cooling to protect the surface being sanded from heat-damage
Sealed and permanently lubricated drum ball bearings for longer life
Precision-flattened reinforced steel conveyor bed and no-give power feed belt provide a flat sanding surface for better results
Adjustable drum height and downward pressure feature virtually eliminates snipe
Large cast-iron handwheel adjusts height at 1/16" per turn for precise sanding thickness control
Patented abrasive take-up fasteners make changing abrasives quick and easy
Infinitely variable-feed control produces the ultimate finish at a rate from 0 to 10 feet per minute
On/off switch with overload protection is front-mounted for operator's convenience
One feed and one drive motor for superior sanding control
Continuous-duty, 1-3/4HP motor is designed for heavier use for longer periods of time
Our EXCLUSIVE SandSmartTM infinitely variable-feed control produces the ultimate finish at a rate from 0 to 10 feet per minute and prevents machine overloadThis Performax brings smooth, consistent sanding within reach, thanks to a continuous-duty 1-3/4 horsepower motor and Performax's proprietary SandSmart™ feed control.
SandSmart™ simultaneously controls the variable feed rate of 0 to 10 feet per minute and prevents machine overload, giving you stutter-free, smooth sanding. The variable speed is infinitely adjusted and beautifully sensitive to the pressure with which you feed your stock. Drum height and sanding thickness are adjusted via a sturdy crank on top, which moves the drum 1/16 inch for every revolution, giving you the precision depth control you need, especially on veneers, where snipe and tearout are absolute disasters.
Setup is minimal, and once any necessary drum adjustments are made, you're ready to work. We didn't have trouble changing out or tightening the abrasives, either, but there is a learning curve to it.
The capacity is great: you can flawlessly sand a 44-inch-wide piece of stock in two passes, whether you're at the maximum workpiece thickness of 4 inches or the thinnest, just 1/32 of an inch - operation is smooth and without vibration. This sander is surprisingly quiet, too, for such a powerful machine.
If you're expecting this Powermatic to make a lot of sawdust... you're right. It does. Pair it up with a dust collection system that moves 400 cubic feet per minute at absolute minimum, or you'll be ankle-deep in no time.
If there's anything we'd change about this sander, it's minimal - moving it isn't easy, even though it's on casters, because they don't swivel. If mobility isn't important to you, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better drum sander for the professional or serious home woodworker.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
