As a woodworker, achieving consistent thickness across boards is crucial for fine craftsmanship. A reliable thickness sander can make this process easier and more precise, saving time and reducing errors. Jet is a trusted name in woodworking tools, offering a range of high-quality drum sanders. One thing to note with all drum sanders is you'll need to buy there abrasive paper rolls. Jet's are on the pricey side but they last a good amount of time, longer than the supermax. Here are my top five picks based on price, performance, usability.
Best Value $
Why I Like It: This model is ideal for professional and serious hobbyist woodworkers looking for precision and ease of use. The 18" open sided belt allows you to sand up to 36" wide substrates. That means this drum sander can thickness sand boxes, tables, desk and standard size dining tables.
Key Features
18-inch bed / 32-inch sanding capacity
Motor: 1.75 HP
Features: Sandsmart control system, variable speed conveyor, open-end design for wider boards
Best For: Professional furniture makers, custom woodworking
Woodworker’s Take: The Sandsmart technology automatically adjusts the feed rate, preventing motor overload and ensuring smooth operation. I appreciate the efficiency and precision it brings to my projects.
Well Worth the Investment $$
Why I Like It: Robust and powerful sander designed for larger workpieces. You'll be able to sand up to 44" surfaces. This may be overkill for most woodshops. Frankly, I have only needed to thickess sand 44" wide boards a handful of times in my 20 years of woodworking. That said it's great to have the options to do it in your own shop. If you have the space for it this is the one to get.
Key Features
22-inch bed / 44-inch sanding capacity
Motor: 1.75 HP
Features: Digital depth readout, conveyor belt tracking, heavy-duty steel stand
Best For: Large furniture pieces, professional shops
Woodworker’s Take: The digital depth control ensures precision, and the conveyor tracking system minimizes errors, making this a reliable sander for larger projects.
Most Affordable $
Why I Like It: A compact yet powerful sander that balances affordability and performance. As good as the others but with a 16" Open bed. You'll get a 32" wide board sanded with this machine which is more than enough width for most projects.
Key Features
16-inch Bed / 32-inch sanding capacity
Motor: 1.5 HP
Features: Sandsmart technology, variable speed conveyor, dust collection port
Best For: Small to medium-sized workshops
Woodworker’s Take: The adjustable conveyor speed and compact design make it a great option for woodworkers with limited space but high precision needs.
Largest Value Sander $$$
Why I Like It: The JET JWDS-2550 25-Inch Drum Sander with Open Stand is designed for woodworkers who need precision sanding for wide workpieces. With a 1.75 HP motor, variable-speed conveyor (0-10 FPM), and tool-less parallelism adjustments, it offers excellent performance while maintaining ease of use. The open stand design keeps the sander lightweight and provides easy access for maintenance.
Key Features
25-inch Bed / 50-inch sanding capacity – Handles larger boards with a single pass.
1.75 HP motor – Delivers steady and powerful sanding performance.
Variable-speed conveyor – Allows precise control of material feed rate.
Tool-less parallelism adjustment – Makes fine-tuning quick and easy.
Open stand design – Reduces weight and provides better access for adjustments.
Integrated dust hood – Improves dust collection for a cleaner workspace.
Dream Machine $$$
Why I Like It: The JET JWDS-2550 25-Inch Drum Sander is a high-performance machine designed for professional woodworkers and serious hobbyists. Featuring a closed stand for added stability, variable speed control, and a powerful 1.75 HP motor, this model ensures smooth, consistent sanding on wide workpieces. Really the only difference between the above drum sander is the cabinet. Having a closed storage space that doesn't get dust is always great to have. With a 25-inch drum capacity, it offers more versatility than standard 16-inch or 18-inch sanders, making it ideal for larger projects.
Key Features
25-inch Bed / 50-inch sanding capacity – Perfect for wide boards and large projects.
1.75 HP motor – Delivers consistent power for smooth sanding.
Closed stand design – Enhances stability and provides built-in storage.
Variable speed conveyor (0-10 FPM) – Allows precise control over material feed.
Tool-less parallelism adjustment – Quick and easy table alignment.
Dust hood with integrated airflow – Improves dust collection and keeps the workspace clean. high-performance benchtop sander with excellent precision and reliability.
Motor: 3 HP
Features: Heavy-duty cast-iron base, adjustable feed rate, precision depth control
Best For: Hobbyists and small woodshops
Woodworker’s Take: The cast-iron base reduces vibrations, ensuring accurate thickness sanding, making it an excellent choice for smaller workshops.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Jet thickness sander depends on your specific needs and budget. The JET JWDS-1836 is my top pick for professionals based on overall value and typical shop needs. While the JET JWDS-1632 provides great affordability for small workshops. If you need a drum sander that can all any size the JET JWDS-2550 25-Inch Drum Sander is a fantastic investment. No matter which model you choose, these machines will enhance your woodworking precision and efficiency.
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