Choosing between a drum sander and a planer is a tough decision for many. Use these two tools for woodworking. What makes these two tools different for woodworking is how they look, how well they work, and how they are put together. Before we go any further, let’s take a look at some of the highlights:
Drum sander
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You can sand wood with this tool. It removes many things from the wood, such as old paint and anything stuck to it. The grinding process ensures that the wood is smooth. Did you know that a drum sander can also be used to remove things from plastic? This tool is great for those who want to make frames and furniture that are free of splinters.
There are two types of drum sanders:
- Industrial sanders
- Table sanders
Process:
You will easily understand how this tool works. Start it and let the drab spin on the board at the optimal speed. Hold the piece correctly for a finish that works. Many of these sanders have speed settings that allow you to change the speed as the drum rotates. You should have a smooth piece after the sander has gone through the entire board. These tools are easy to set up and use.
Planer:
Most people call this a “thickener” because it makes the wood piece thinner. To ensure a good finish, it also reduces the width by getting rid of the layers of wood.
There are two types of planers:
- Benchtop planer
- Freestanding planer
Process:
You need to place the board horizontally in this machine. Rollers hold the pieces and send them to another part of the machine. As it does this, the cutter head removes a small layer from your wood board. With each pass of the wood piece, you will get a nice shave. You can also cut off extra inches of wood with these tools.
Drum sander vs planer
| Drum Sander | Planer |
| Use only to take a thin layer from a wooden piece. It is difficult to achieve parallel surfaces as this consumes a lot of time. | Reduces thickness. Use to make a parallel board that makes frames as well as furniture. |
| Produces a lot of sawdust, especially when it is rotating on the wooden board. Make sure you wear goggles, gloves, and earmuffs when using this machine. | Produces thin shavings of wood when it is getting rid of layers. |
| Perfect for slight sanding on the wooden piece. | Use to reduce the thickness of the wood. Sand the wood using sandpaper. Suitable for woodworkers who are into furniture making. |
| Sands the wooden piece evenly. | Can shave the tail as well as head if you are not careful |
| Cost-effective and beginners can buy and use it as well. | More expensive than the counterpart. |
What is the objective of a drum sander?
One of the main functions of a drum sander in woodworking is to quickly and thoroughly perform many types of fine-sanding work. Either the drum is a rough product, or it is associated with a poor product.
Is it strange to have a drum sander?
On the other hand, a drum sander is very different because the sandpaper loops constantly move around the drum, tearing the wood as it is removed. When you use a circular floor sander, it is difficult to fail because it is difficult to remove too much wood.
How to achieve a professional finish with drum sanders and planers
How to use a drum sander
Choose the right grit: Start with a coarse grit (80-120) to remove a lot of material, then move to a finer grit (22-320).
Change the feed rate: Choose the right feed rate to avoid burned or uneven areas. Slower rates are better for finishing.
Keep the pressure even: When you are sanding, keep the pressure even so that there are no bumps or cracks in the wood.
Collect dust properly: Make sure the dust is properly extracted to keep the work area clean and improve visibility while sanding.
Finish sanding by hand: After using the drum sander, sand the sides and corners by hand to give the wood a smooth finish that the machine cannot reach.
How to use a planer
Make sure the blades are sharp: For better cuts and edges, make sure the blades are sharp and in the right place.
Set the cutting depth wisely: For the best results without overworking the machine, set the cutting depth between 1/32” and 1/16”.
Feed the wood the right way: For a smooth finish and less tearing, always feed the wood in the direction of the grain.
Check surfaces often: Regularly check the flat surfaces for evenness and change the settings as needed throughout the job.
Finishing Touches with Sandpaper: Lightly sand the surface using fine-grit paper (e.g., 220) to remove any minor imperfections left by the planer.
If you follow these tips, you can use both a drum sander and a planer to achieve a professional-quality finish on your woodworking projects.
In Conclusion
Still unsure and confused about which tool to buy? It depends on what you need, the job, and your income. If you love making furniture, don’t buy a drum sander. Also, if you only need to do light cleaning, don’t buy a planer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do with a drum sander?
Drum sanders are mostly used to smooth surfaces, remove material quickly, and give large boards a fine finish.
How does a planer work?
A planer can remove material from the surface of wood to make it the same thickness throughout and give it a smooth finish.
Can I make wood thicker with a drum sander?
While it can be done, adding thickness with a drum sander is not as effective as using a planer, which is what it is designed for.
Which tool is better for beginners?
Planers can be easier to use for beginners than drum sanders because they require less setup time.
What types of jobs does each tool work best for?
Planers are great for preparing wood for use or for making sure all boards are the same thickness. Drum sanders are great for finishing carvings with large surfaces or many small details.Frequently Asked Questions
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