I was asked recently to do some testing and consulting with Busy Bee Tools, so I had the opportunity to evaluate the new Craftex CT125 drum sander. This versatile machine is capable of performing tasks at which even the best planer would fail.
Making veneers, sanding end-grain and dimensioning lumber with difficult grain are just a few of the many tasks at which a drum sander excels.
This tool works by moving stock on a powered conveyor and passing the wood under a rotating, abrasive-covered drum. This process gives an even, consistent surface finish to flat stock. Because the machine uses abrasives rather than blades to remove material, it is far less prone to damaging thin or difficult-grained stock than a planer.
Until now, the main hindrance for home workshoppers considering buying a drum sander was cost and size. The 13" drum sander from Craftex changes all of this. At 231 lb., it is a substantial machine, but its smaller physical size and 115V power requirement make it ideally suited to shops equipped with 12" or 13" planers.
After a month of testing, I'm very pleased with the machine's performance. The feed speed is fully adjustable, and the sanding drum itself uses standard 3"-wide sandpaper strips. I've run end-grain butcher blocks, shopmade thin veneers and even fully assembled panels through this machine without a hiccup, and it has proven to be a real time saver.
For more information, call 800-461-2879 or visit www.busybeetools.com.
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