Alright, got my router table, table saw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, dust collection, belt/disc sander, bench grinder, drill press, and the last piece is to be a drum sander. Please don't add to the list! I spent a few years saving up, worked a ton of hours so when I was ready I could do this in a straight shot. I'm looking at drum sanders and it's not mostly a brand issue but what size should I get? I have been reading and reading especially about my future projects but there's only a couple projects I'm planning where I would need a longer width. In terms of what people suggest it always ended up in a discussion about double drum sanders and wide belt sanders for speed and ease of use… but that definitely doesn't equate to a hobbyist type of use. I've looked at them and they are definitely outside of my comfort zone for purchasing. I absolutely can take the time to do multiple passes and changing grit as I work. But would a 16-32, 18-36/19-38, 22/44 or 25-50 be the best option? My project, fixing up my house. I plan on redoing my bathrooms, walk-in closets, office, hardwood flooring, kitchens and even the garage. The roof, well I may leave that to a contractor but I'm still researching it lol. Honestly the 16-32 option seems like it would suffice for the majority of projects I plan to do, and even ideas I've had for other things like possible furniture or even doing some turning. But then I considered the next size up, little more breathing room, $400-500 more. But for only $400-500 more I can have a 22-25 and get most things done with a single pass. Researching typical cabinet widths, I've come up with various answers depending on location, purpose, and personal preference as well. But in general, I came accross 30" and usually no larger than 36" which to me seems really big. If I did a 24, the 25-50 would get it in a single pass. I'm working on making something desirable to increase my homes value as much as possible and I do have years before I sell. Read mixed reviews about using a second pass but also watched videos of that second pass being off by thousandths of an inch. I was primarily looking at the jet 22-44 oscillating 3hp but not their smaller ones, and Laguna for their full range mostly the 22-50, the SandX 36/38", and getting into a price point I don't know how I feel about the 38" Woodmaster. I don't exactly need it right now but the lead times are quite long. The Laguna 25-50 price point seemed ideal for me if that would be good for a cabinet door with a single pass. Otherwise I would go 19-38. I'm not doing this to make money, except for projects around the house (sell it to buy a house paid off lol), and it won't be used daily, weekly at most. Would I really need oscillating, will it make that much of a difference than a slower feed speed? Would 1.75hp be sufficient on a 24" piece if feed speed is reduced, etc? Is it really worth getting a Woodmaster for a hobbyist? I went over kill with the used SCM bandsaw but after reading and watching, my gut tells me something like the 22-44/25-50 would be that tool I would keep forever. Although I have alerts set for new Drum sanders up for sale used and constantly checking 2-3 times daily. Yuck sorry I'm notorious for long explanations. Any advice is definitely appreciated. I've been going to as many woodworking shop as possible to skill up, with the tools in my possession I've been finding random projects to do and learning new things. I do learn very quickly, I have a very keen attention to detail, and feel like I have kind of a natural sense for it, or at least it feels normal and extremely enjoyable. Thanks again for the help!
