Differences between calibrating machine and drum sanding machine

Calibrating Machine VS Drum Sanding Machine

If you work in solid wood processing, you have most likely worked with or heard of one of these machines: the calibrating machine and the drum sanding machine.

Both machines do an excellent job, but there are differences that may make one better suited for your project than the other. In this article, we will briefly explain the differences between the two sanders, so you can see which one is right for your needs.

Drum sander

Drum sanders are powerful woodworking machines that are commonly used in sanding wood and plastic. They range in size from portable, hand-held tools to large equipment that is operated using extendable tables and drums that allow for a wide range of sandpaper grits.

Users use these machines to perform various sanding operations quickly and efficiently. The drum is made of abrasive material such as aluminum oxide, zirconium, silicon carbide or has abrasive material attached to it. Sanding drums with removable paper usually have a clamping feature to allow for quick change of abrasive paper, depending on the desired grit.

Sanding drums with widths ranging from 400mm to 970mm are capable of more efficient sanding and material removal in a single pass. For example, they work quickly on floors that require heavy sanding to remove deep scratches or those with stains or finishes that need to be completely removed.

With a stand-alone drum sander, the operator uses both hands to feed the material to be processed into the machine. These machines are usually installed on their own stand to ensure stability during use, and some are equipped with a dust collection attachment or dust extraction system. The exhaust system protects the operator from the resulting debris and reduces the degree of dirtiness in the workshop by storing the sawdust in bags or other collection systems.

Arguments PRO drum sanders:

• Cheap.

• Small footprint, making them more portable and easier to manage.

• Easier to use and maintain compared to calibration machines. There are fewer moving parts, which makes maintenance easier.

• Because the clamping rollers are so close together, it is suitable for smaller parts.

Arguments AGAINST drum sanders:

• It takes more time to change the abrasive belt.

• The sandpaper change time encourages less frequent use of different grit grades.

• Deeper scratches require finishing with a orbital sander, increasing processing time.

• With a smaller surface area, the sandpaper wears out faster.

• A resin streak can form on a drum due to glue lines. When this happens, the drum will not sand and a burn mark will appear.

• Drum sanders do not include plates, and from the perspective of many professional woodworkers, this severely limits functionality.

Calibration machines

In modern workshops, the calibrating machine is the most commonly used because it is generally more versatile and easier to use. It also does not require a complex process of preparing the machine to operate, unlike drum sanders.

Calibrating machines, or wide belt sanders, derive their name from the fact that the sanding belts can be wrapped around two drums. The rear drum is powered by an electric motor, while the front drum rotates freely. Once turned on, it is typically used to flatten wood material to specific thicknesses.

Calibrating machines can be used with both solid wood and composite boards such as MDF and plywood. The rubber conveyor will transport the material to be processed through the machine, while the large abrasive belt removes the material from the top.

Unlike drum sanders, belt sanders have a tension release lever that allows sanding belts to be slid in and out relatively quickly, so there are no extended interruptions to the production line or schedule. As an added bonus, many models have a tracking adjustment knob that keeps the belt always centered.

Arguments PRO calibration machine:

• Abrasive changes are made much faster, supporting efficiency.

• It is easier to use multiple grit changes on each project, allowing for greater versatility.

• The more abrasive surface means less loading and consistent cutting.

• A wide belt sander will leave long, but relatively shallow scratches. The process of covering these scratches will be much easier with an orbital sander and will take much less time.

• Some wide belt sanders are equipped with graphite feeler pads, which is used to give the material the final finish before using an orbital sander or impregnating the surface.

Arguments AGAINST calibrating machine:

• More expensive than drum sanders.

• Larger footprint – not as easy to move from one place to another.

• Dust collection requirements are higher due to the design and faster operation.

• More complex to maintain, as wide belt sanders have more moving parts.

• Larger space between support rollers so that smaller pieces have to run end-to-end.

• In order for wide belt sanders to last longer, they need extra care and attention. Compared to drum sanders, they have more delicate parts, such as the abrasive belt and the graphite backing pad.

Which sander should you choose?

Overall, the right machine for your workshop or project will depend on factors such as budget, need for portability, desired application (sanding boards vs. a hardwood floor with layers of old varnish), and even your comfort level in operating the machine.

Regardless of the option you choose, the key is to use a quality abrasive that brings out the best in the machine's performance.