Official Luthiers Forum!

Recently ran across what I thought to be an average deal on a not very used Delta 31-255X 18-36 drum sander. After reading all the unfavorable reviews I think it's a pass?

Joe...what were the problems?

BTW...I'm glad you're being picky on this...I don't want to have to visit and use an inferior thickness sander!

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Only problem I've had with mine is tracking on the feed belt.  That said, I got it used and the previous owner had let the belt drift and wear unacceptably.  Still waiting for a replacement from the local dealer.

Didn't take long to adjust the table for an even cut, changing grits is a 3 minute operation.  Won't bog down with a reasonable cut, wide enough for jumbo plates.

I thought they had been discontinued but when I went to order the replacement belt the tool shop had a new one still in shrink wrap just delivered with other Delta tools.

Most of the bad press seemed to focus on the height adjustment being difficult to use and setting up properly could take a fella all day. Sometimes I wonder if most of these reviews come from guys building furniture and cabinets and trying to "hog" of a quarter inch at a time.

I had a performax 10/20 before. I sold it, had all kinds of headaches with it. I bought one of the delta's and I love it. I too have the problem everyone has with them with the belt drift, but got used to it and just realize you have to adjust occasionally. Overall, a strong easy to use machine. I'd recommend it.

Thanks Mark, I am still researching a bit. JJ, you know I won't set us up with inferior stuff!

I have the Delta and it is a great machine.  Like others, I have some trouble with the belt tracking but I just make adjustments as I go and it really is a simple affair.  I leave the allen key in the adjuster all the time so I can give it a quarter turn when I need to switch the tracking direction.  It is a great machine.  I got lucky and picked it up when Amazon had it on sale new for $498.00.  

I have the Delta think it does a great job.
However, I do also have problems with the tracking. I thought I was the only one.

DavidO

Thanks again, This one was set up out of the box after the owner had to take his first one back, had problems with the table height adjuster. He mentioned no problems with tracking but admitted he only used it twice so the bugs never came to the surface. Ithas the mibile base and pneumatic side drum attatchment included and I'm gonna go for it. JJ can help me get it all dialed in on his wood.

I have a friend that has one and has occasional problems with the chain on the table height adjustment slipping throwing its adjustment off. The remedy seemed to be to crank the height adjustment gingerly. He does contracting and cabinets, it seems to be his help that has the issues with it most often.

[QUOTE=joe white] JJ can help me get it all dialed in on his wood.[/QUOTE]

After the feeding frenzy you exhibited at the swap meet, your stash may now be larger than mine! You've caused me to suffer from "stash envy."

Nonetheless, I have lots of sacrificial plates that you can feel free to use. I'm making my semi-annual trip to the Zootman's over the holiday and will see if I can score some particularly worthy trial wood!

Looking forward to seeing the new shop.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

One thing to keep in mind when adjusting for drift is that it only takes a minute adjustment to move that belt. Secondly it does not respond immediately. It takes a while before the belt will move therefore it is very easy to over compensate.

_________________
Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

[QUOTE=JJ Donohue] [QUOTE=joe white] JJ can help me get it all dialed in on his wood.[/QUOTE]

After the feeding frenzy you exhibited at the swap meet, your stash may now be larger than mine! [/QUOTE]

He, he he he he, Reminds me of the famous line from "Spaceballs"

"I can see your schwartz (stash) is larger than mine"

Only thing is, mine is just that, a stash. You've got actual guitars to show for your efforts!