Drum Sander Sandpaper Choices
Simple tips on finding and attaching sandpaper for your drum sander. March 25, 2008
Question
I just ordered a Powermatic 25" dual drum sander tonight and was wondering what size and type of sandpaper they use. There is absolutely no info of this on any website I have looked at. Suggestions of paper width and paper weight would be greatly appreciated. I will probably buy paper through Klingspor in bulk.
Forum Responses
(Cabinetmaking Forum)
From contributor J:
Sandpaper is the same for all drum sanders. You just buy rolls in whatever grit you need and cut them to length. You really won't have a choice of weight or width at Klingspor or with any other readily available paper.
The lousy thing is they send you the sander with a 4" wrap, but then if you want to buy any of the readily available paper, it's all 3". Meaning you can't use the original paper as a template. Also, if you buy the pre-marked rolls, they won't work, as their drums wrap the opposite way. Basically you have to find the right length to cut your first replacement by trial and error, then use that as a template for future cuts.
Yup, I wish I could've bought a widebelt - sure would make life a whole lot easier.
From contributor E:
Klingspor has paper in 4" widths for this and other drum sanders. They also have it in different weights. I put 120 on the first drum and 150 on the second, I believe. I called Klingspor and they sent me a catalog; they were very helpful on the phone and helped me pick the right paper for my application. They have it available in all different lengths as well. I've been very happy with my
Powermatic sander. It does a nice job on hardwoods that would chip out in the planer. You may have to adjust the rollers and the drums a bit. Mine were off a little bit. It was a fairly easy adjustment.
From contributor B:
Don't know about the PM, but I've got the Grizzly dual drum. Bought the paper from Klingspor, and never bothered to make a template. Just start rolling it on and when the drum gets full, make the cut. Even with the Hook and Loop, a couple of wraps with strapping tape at both ends of the drum is good insurance against the paper coming loose. I run 100 and 120 on my drums. I'd be afraid that 150 would clog and burn too quickly, but that's just my take.
From contributor J:
Good to hear they finally added the 4" widths - I can't tell you how frustrating it was to have the paper in your hand that said Klingspor on it and have them tell you they don't sell it in that width! Of course I'll have to start over with a new template now if I switch :(
Contributor B, how do you wrap the sandpaper without cutting the beginning taper? On the Powermatic there's no room to wrap unless you have the tapers cut already. There's no room to end it either really, without having four hands to work it. I'm curious as to how you wrap it that way.
From contributor A:
Klingspor sells 3", 4", and 6" widths. I use their 6" Hook&Loop on my Woodmaster and I couldn't be happier.
From contributor N:
I have a General Machine. The initial syaty angle is created by wrapping one circumference around the drum, marking and then cutting a taper back to the starting point. Even inch size paper seems to work in 3 or 4 size. Odd sizes like 2 3/4 don't hit the end of the drum in the right place to hook into the clip. I spray a light coat of spray adhesive on the drum first to keep the paper from shifting due to load or the end clamp giving any slack. Any slack that develops will allow the wraps to overlap and burn the wood. Heavier paper works better than lightweight also.
