Sometimes a drum sander just works better on your workbench, but will it be secure enough and still do the job well? You can get small models or ones that come with a stand but can double as a benchtop drum sander. To help you find the best fit, our experts have found some trusted options.
Reviews of the Top Benchtop Drum Sanders
1. SuperMax Tools SUPMX-71938-D
The Supermax Tools SUPMX-71938-D drum sander is an intelligent model with Intellisand Technology. This feature allows the sander to adjust conveyor speed based on the load, which can prevent burning and gouging. It also gives users more control and a more consistent result.
This reliable drum sander comes pre-wrapped in 80 grit sandpaper, but it suits other grits as well. You can also adjust the tension roller height to eliminate snipe, and the dust extraction system will keep the entire experience efficient and it makes your workspace easier to clean up after the job is done.
What We Like
- Intellis and Technology
- Prevents burning
- Consistent results
- Extra-wide conveyor belt
- Simple height adjustments
- Comes with 80 grit sandpaper
- Dust extraction
- Can be a benchtop model
- Reduced vibration
What We Don’t Like
- A little heavy
- Comes with the stand
2. JET JWDS-2244
The JET JWDS-2244 is another intelligent unit that has automatic speed regulation and allows for toolless adjustments for more efficiency and ease during your work.
What’s more, the JET drum sander has superior heat dissipation technology thanks to the extruded aluminum drum. It can’t be one of the best benchtop drum sanders if it doesn’t have dust collection, and the integrated channel will funnel the debris into the 4-inch port.
The sander comes with a stand, but you can detach it to become a benchtop model but it is quite heavy.
What We Like
- Automatic speed regulation
- Tool-free adjustments
- Can detach from the stand
- Heat dissipation
- Efficient dust port
- Has a storage shelf on the stand
- Prevents crowning
What We Don’t Like
- A little heavy
- Comes with the stand
3. Grizzly Industrial G8749
The most affordable benchtop drum sander also happens to be the one with the smallest footprint. The Grizzly Industrial G8749 has a 1 HP single-phase motor that is excellent for most jobs. The safety switch can lock and the small sander comes with120 grit sanding paper, which you can replace with any grit you need.
One of the best things our experts came across on the G8749 is the dual design. It is a drum sander plus a flap sander, which is great for contours and finishes. It’s a true benchtop model that won’t come with a stand. It’s small and it’s easy to find a place for it.
What We Like
- Dual design
- Comes with sandpaper
- Has a safety switch
- Small profile
- Affordable price
- Inflatable drums
- 1HP single-phase motor
What We Don’t Like
- Not for industrial jobs
- Fans a lot of air
4. JET JWDS-1632
We close off the list with another sander with a stand. It has Sandsmart control, which is another speed regulating feature that monitors the load to prevent any burning and damage.
The feed and the drum motors are independent of each other, which gives users more control. The machine is incredibly precise and has heat protection because the dynamic aluminum drum is balanced.
Like the other Jet model, the Jet JWDS-1632 has a large 4-inch dust port integrated that catches all the dust and debris that will accumulate during your projects.
What We Like
- Dynamically balanced drum
- Sandsmart control
- Independent drum and feed motors
- Disconnects from the stand
- Efficient dust port
- Very precise
What We Don’t Like
- Has a stand
- Very heavy for a benchtop
Benchtop Drum Sanders Buyer’s Guide
Size and Design
Benchtop models are smaller than full-sized industrial drum sanders or orbital sander and the ones with stands because they prioritize portability. Our construction experts included ones with stands for more versatility plus a true benchtop model.
Power
The motor power of your drum sander will depend on the wood you work with, but our team says 1 to 5 HP [1] should be enough for most jobs.
Speed Adjustments
For simplicity and efficiency, our woodworkers suggest drum sanders with automatic speed adjustments. It will detect the load and adjust the belt accordingly to prevent burning and gouging.
Our Top Pick For a Benchtop Drum Sander:
SuperMax Tools SUPMX-71938-D
The best benchtop drum sander is the SUPMX-71938-D from SuperMax Tools. It comes with a stand, which our team sees as an advantage for more placement options. This model also has many intelligent features including Intellilsand, which can adjust the speed of the conveyor belt automatically to prevent burning and other undesirable results.
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