JET - 10/20 plus drum sander (same as Performaxx 10/20 (Rating: 1)
When I purchased and first used this tool, it was a love affair. I first used it to produce a supply of 1/8" red oak sheets that I used to reface our existing kitchen cabinets. After that was complete I used it for a variety of small projects. (I run a home shop, not a commercial shop, so the projects were varied.) After less than 50 t0 100 hours of use, disaster. The lead threads/lead screw design failed. The lead threads in the the soft aluminum sanding drum cover casting stripped, leaving the drum and motor with no support. I jury rigged it for a while with a captive 9/16 nut, but I was only able to thickness 3/8" stock or greater with this arrangement.
I could have purchased a replacement casting (and a new drum end bearing, that failed shortly after) for $130 plus, but one catastrophe was enough, I gave the machine to a general contractor I know, let him worry about repair and a sure, second failure.
I'm currently looking for a replacement machine, but no more Jet (or Performaxx) models.
PS Before anyone replies, I kept the lead screw clean and lubricated. I'm an electronics engineer and mathmetician (retired) with experience in machine shops work and consider mechanical and materials engineering a strong third skill (not profession). No competent design engineer would (or should have) produced a design like this.
I'm not sure yet if I can find a reliable replacement, but I would do without before purchasing another machine like this one.
Don C
When I purchased and first used this tool, it was a love affair. I first used it to produce a supply of 1/8" red oak sheets that I used to reface our existing kitchen cabinets. After that was complete I used it for a variety of small projects. (I run a home shop, not a commercial shop, so the projects were varied.) After less than 50 t0 100 hours of use, disaster. The lead threads/lead screw design failed. The lead threads in the the soft aluminum sanding drum cover casting stripped, leaving the drum and motor with no support. I jury rigged it for a while with a captive 9/16 nut, but I was only able to thickness 3/8" stock or greater with this arrangement.
I could have purchased a replacement casting (and a new drum end bearing, that failed shortly after) for $130 plus, but one catastrophe was enough, I gave the machine to a general contractor I know, let him worry about repair and a sure, second failure.
I'm currently looking for a replacement machine, but no more Jet (or Performaxx) models.
PS Before anyone replies, I kept the lead screw clean and lubricated. I'm an electronics engineer and mathmetician (retired) with experience in machine shops work and consider mechanical and materials engineering a strong third skill (not profession). No competent design engineer would (or should have) produced a design like this.
I'm not sure yet if I can find a reliable replacement, but I would do without before purchasing another machine like this one.
Don C