Features

• 1" wide x 30" long
• Fits Delta 31-050 and 31-080 sanders
• 60 grit

Features

• 2 pack
• 50 Grit
• 5" diameter
• Aluminum oxide abrasive
• Fits Delta 31-080 belt and disc sander and others requiring 5" self-adhesive disc

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor is located beneath the sander to protect it from sawdust
• 18-inch single pass capacity, 36-inch double pass capacity
• Variable drum speed (2,210 to 3,300 sfm) for sanding a variety of woods
• Conveyor speed is variable from 1 to 12 feet per minute to match the finish to the application

Reviews (23)

Delta 18" x 36" Drum Sander
This machine can take your work to the next level. If you are considering this unit, then you know that lumber, though planed, is seldom the same thickness across the face. Face frames and glue joinery thicknesses seldom match. These conditions become history by adding this drum sander to your shop.

Setup is easy (have a friend help you with placing the sander on the stand as the machine is solid and heavy) though the quality of the machine's output depends on your careful adjustment of the level of the table verses the drum. Get this adjustment correct and keep an eye on the tracking of the feedbelt and you are ready to go to work!

Sander operation is straightforward. Don't get greedy or impatient. Make multiple light passes and you will be very pleased with the results. Changing the sanding strips is fast and easy.

I am very pleased with the results the Delta 31-252 creates. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it. And if you have to move it around in your work area, be sure to get the mobile base.

Another "How did ever get along without it!"
I received my new Delta Drum Sander last week. A good solid job of packing by Delta brought the sander to me without a scratch. To my surprise very little assembly was needed. The manual was presice and there were NO MISSING PARTS!!(Not aways so with other machine manufacturers!) The sander even came with an 80 grit abraisive already installed. Sanding was very easy and what a supurb finnish! I didn't wait to purchase until I read some tool magazine reviews (as I usually do) because I know Delta's reputation for quality equipment. Ordering now included
the "Limited Edition" features with a 4" pneumatic drum that attaches to the left side of the sander.Oh, how about dust collection? I'm a heart patient an that's important to me. The sander's hood does a fantastic job sucking up the dust! I do have a 2HP dust collector. No doubt, Delta has a real gem in this sanding machine! It purrs like a Lamborgini. Thanks again Delta!

Very good results
I have to say that it took me some time before I used my new Delta drum sander. I DID NOT get the "limited edition" model. I read on several woodworkers chat forums about how the learning curve on drum sanders is really steep, and that the sanders are very hard to adjust, etc. I wondered numerous times if I should have bought a Performax instead.
Well I finally wired up 220 volt for my new Jet canister DC (I read that you can't use a drum sander without a DC hook up). I found some scrap pieces of oak, maple and cherry and started playing around with it. The drum sander worked like a charm. I got no snipe (one of the many complaints I read about), no burn marks, and the sander never stalled. I then changed the pre wrapped paper, and started swearing until I figured out I was starting from the wrong end of the drum (no jokes about guys never reading the directions please). The sander seems to be built like a tank, does what it is suppose to do (it is not a planer) and was easy to put together. I recommend it.

Solid Machine, Excellent Results
I've had this machine for about 24 hours, and I've already gotten great results. Since it is still brand new, I'll restrict my review to shipping, setup and initial results.

SHIPPING

I actually received the machine about 4 days before I expected it, and the box was in premo condition, so I give shipping 5 stars.

SETUP

I expected to spend about 4 hours setting the machine up and getting it fine tuned. It actually took about an hour and a half, including installing the pneumatic drum sander. The instructions were clear and very easy to follow. After assembling the sander, I ran the tests recommended by Delta to make sure the drum was parallel with the table and the in-feed belt tracked ok. The folks at the factory did an excellent job because no - and I mean no - adjustments were necessary. The drum is perfectly parallel with the table and the in-feed belt tracks true. I give assembly and factory settings 5 stars.

FIRST RESULTS

I build hammered dulcimers, which require a trapazoidal soundboard that is about 20" deep, 1/4" thick and about 40" at its widest. The soundboards are made of Western Red Cedar, which is soft and shows every imperfection. Since the soundboard is deeper than the drum sander, I need to make two passes to sand the entire surface. I was concerned that the soft wood would show a ridge at the overlap. No problem. The soundboard (which is going on my latest dulcimer) is flat as a table top and looks great. I couldn't be happier.

My only gripe is with one of the retaining clips that holds the sanding belt on the drum. One of the clips is almost impossible to open with my fingers, and I have to use a pair of pliers to squeeze the clip and insert the belt. The other clip is just fine. I'm going to contact Delta about it. Because of the clip problem, I rate first results at 4 stars.

Would I recommend this machine for the small shop? You bet!

Good tool but not out of the box.
I got the sander and while assembling it noticed that the support for the power feed assy was bent and the screws holding it in alignment were overtightened causing the lock washers to spread.This would not let the feeder set down flat. The lockwashers had to be removed. The shaft for the free accessory drum sander was badly bent and caused the machine to vibrate very badly. I have emailed Delta and await their reply. I did get the main sander working and it seems to be smooth and does a fine job. Seems like Delta can still design a good tool. They just have trouble building them. ... Read more

Features

• Two year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1-1/2 horsepower induction motor for powerful sanding
• Sliding pivot pin allows for easier circle sanding
• Large cast iron work tables tilt for angled sanding
• Includes pneumatic sanding drum and dust tray valued at $220.00 free

Reviews (5)

Get One before they're all gone!
Heavy made-in-the-USA cast iron beauty. Not quite as robust
as the former heavyweight model but will last forever in the
average home workshop. No problems in delivery, assembly or
use. Everything works exactly as it should. Unlike some of the
previous reviewers I did take the time to take it apart a little
to familiarize myself with it and check for tightness of screws,
etc. Two of the included accessories were Taiwanese made. The
quality difference is, alas, noticeable.

Now the bad news...it, like so much of Delta's line, is now no longer made in the USA. So..get one while you can! If this goes
on much longer the only good grey tools will be on Ebay!

Another Homerun
After reading the two negative reviews I ordered my Sanding Center with some trepidation. I have always had good luck with Delta products and hoped those that didn't were the exception. The model 31-278 Sanding Center arrived in perfect condition. (You'll definitely need two people to remove and mount the machine.) The belt sander table adjusts easily in a couple of minutes (thought the index gauge is nearly useless.) The disc sander table also went to together without a hitch. The stand was the only alignment issue. It took a couple of tries to get everything level. All in all the experience was excellent and I was sanding in less then an hour. The fit and finish is also excellent, the adjustments are precise and quick. The motor provides plenty power. I tested some 4 quarter stock and the rate at which it removed wood was frightening. All the critical components are cast iron. There are some plastic covers and guards. I highly recommend this product.

Less than Impressed
I received my "Limited Edition" sanding center which includes a long extension shaft, 4" pneumatic drum. I hope this is truly a "limited edition". It was delivered undamaged, but the problem is, the 12" disk is so warped that the machine cannot make a single revolution. Wouldn't budge. You would think...call me crazy; that a slight amount of quality control would notice this before leaving the factory. A call to the closest service center, about 20 miles, said they could take care of it. All I have to do is bring it to them. Now I have to hump over 200 lbs of iron back up the cellar stairs, load it into the truck, deliver it to them for a few days and viola' a machine that I can use. At this point I'm left wondering if the included "long extension shaft" has a dual purpose. I gave it two stars because it looks impressive.

Delta sanding Center
After having purchased the Delta sanding center I wonder how I got along in my one man cabinet shop without it. It is well made and can work for hours. The more I use it the more uses I find for it. It should last forever.

Don¿t throw the box away, you¿ll need it.
Very disappointing quality. I had this unit for a week and returned it. The unit arrived with malformed plastic parts (Plastic on a Delta!?). The second time I started it the key for the motor pulley flew out. When I took the plastic (Plastic on a Delta!?) motor cover off to fix it, I discovered several of the machine screws had bee cross-threaded and the belt also needed to be tensioned. The third time I started it, something came apart in the hub and the belt sander stopped working. I do not know what came apart because it went back in the box for return.

The only reason I gave a one star rating is because you can't choose zero. Poor quality and sloppy assembly.

My recommendation: Get the Jet JSG-6DC. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1/3-hp induction motor for smooth operation
• Belt speed: 3000 surface feet per minute for aggressive stock removal
• Cast iron work tables tilt for angled sanding
• Built-in dust port for attachment to vacuum

Reviews (3)

Great for everything
This was my first purchase of a Delta product. In my mind it is the perfect benchtop tool to accompany my Jet mini-lathe. I turn pens and fishing lures on my lathe. I use the disc to square off pen blanks and the belt for shaping my lures. The belt has also worked well sharpening axes and lathe tools. I went with amazon.com because you can't beat zero tax and free shipping. I bought this tool because others rated it as very sturdy. It stays put on my bench and is easy to adjust. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars only because the drive belt and disc guard is cheesy plastic that was tedious to install and the miter gauge marker needed a little bending to line up. Otherwise, I reccommend without hesitation to anybody looking for a great benchtop sander.

Delta Do it GOOD-- Made in Twain-but you won't not know it .
I've had this sander for about a week and used it about 6 hours so far. I make unit building block for sell on the internet an in my store. I had been clamping a Bosch R.O. sander to my finishing table. Wow what an improvement this sander made. This puppy is build rugged.

4 years old and still going strong
I use the belt to rough sand band-sawn red oak ovals to shape and then use the disc to sand them till they feel smooth. The sander is 4 years old. I use it almost every day and have not had to replace anything other than belts and discs. It has enough power, runs very smooth, is heavy enough so that it does not walk around the bench. The tables are easy to set. Sawdust collection requires two hoses, I connect them with a Y to my dust collection system and dust collection is good. I would not run it without some kind of dust collection. A real work horse. ... Read more

Features

• 2 pack
• 120 Grit
• 8" diameter
• Aluminum oxide abrasive
• Fits Delta 31-34- belt and disc sander and others requiring 8" discs

Features

• 5 pack
• 220 Grit
• 1" wide by 42" long
• Aluminum oxide abrasive
• Fits Delta 31-34- belt and disc sander and others requiring 1" by 42" belt

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1-1/2-hp, 230-volt induction motor provides plenty of sanding power
• Ball-bearing construction for heavy-duty production use
• Belt unit adjusts for horizontal or vertical use and at any angle between for proper positioning
• Cast iron tilting tables adjust from 45 to 90 degrees for angled applications

Reviews (3)

By the way
Actually most of this machine is manufactured in China. As a matter of fact, many of Delta's products (especially parts) are now being made in China. This is not a bad thing. I suggest you try not to let your prejudices cloud your judgemnt.

This is a fine sanding station however it is overpriced and you may want to consider a Jet as an equally fine product. BTW, Jet is made in Taiwan.

cheap shot for an expensive outfit.
This machine is the very best of its type and still made in U.S.A. I have used them for over 40 years,and it is always a pleasure.The disapointment is in the way Delta gouges the dedicated Made in U.S.A.customer who has no problem paying for U.S.quality,when said customer goes to buy a dust-collector kit for the 12"disc,that is not included,to match the built in 6"belt dust collector and ends up paying over $... for a few pieces of 3" dia.galvonized tin.What a slam.It should be included,and prior customers be reimbursed.That"s just good business.

Strong machine, but...
This is a fine machine, very solid. I have been surprised about how many uses I have found for it. With the appropriate belt or disk, it even works well on light metal work. I have used it to quickly deburr and straighten my wood lathe tool rests. Works like a charm, and much quicker than hand-filing. My only gripe? WHY does it NOT include a dust collection hookup for the disk? The belt sander has a very effective dust port. The disk just has an oval hole in the bottom going nowhere. At first I jury-rigged a way to plumb that hole to the outside world, but then I got mad about having to do so and called Delta. The tech fellow was sympathetic and gave me the part number for the dust collector kit (50-224). But why should I have to pay another $37 for what ought to be a standard item? Well, I paid the $$ and now have a complete machine. And I'm very happy with it. ... Read more

Features

• Fine thread adjustment for easy belt tracking and star wheel hold-down locks adjustment firmly in place
• 1-1/2 HP 230-volt induction motor provides smooth, quiet power for all day jobs
• All ball-bearing or needle bearing construction for heavy-duty production use
• Belt unit adjusts for horizontal or vertical use and any angle between for proper positioning and less fatigue
• Cast iron tiliting tables adjust from 45 to 90 degrees or can be removed for any application

Reviews (3)

Really two machines of vastly different quality
I agree with Mr. Stocker that this machine has seen its day in the American woodshop, and for more reasons than price or overqualification. Not too many years ago the American abrasives market was pretty primitive, and because of the wide availability of 6x48 belts, and because there is no better 6x48 sander on the market, I would have recommended at least the belt sander module without qualifications. Now, with the advent of the internet and retailers like Klingspor, if I had an opportunity to trade this machine for a good edge belt sander, I would do so.

The belt sander deserves 5 stars and 3 stars is a gift for the disk sander.

The belt sander holds belt tracking very well, altho switching from horizontal mode to vertical requires resetting of the tracking. Delta has for decades stocked a wide assortment of accessories for their machines, but each one has to be evaluated on its merits. The dust port is an odd size, but rather easily bushed to receive a shop vac hose, which provides adequate dust control. The Delta dust control accessory transitions to 5", and the industry standard now is, of course, 4". In 1996 I thought the auxiliary fence was rather expensive. The wooden fence was solid, of some species like alder, and out in winding over 1/4", so I had to make my own fence of Baltic birch ply. I would rather Delta had just sold me raw Chinese castings at a good price. With the auxiliary fence and outboard rollers I have often finished very long and thick stock and for the shop with limited space the belt sander can fill the role of an edge sander very successfully. For rounding exterior curves I greatly prefer the edge sander in the vertical mode to the disk sander. The auxiliary table has good adjustable stops for 90 and 45 deg., tho they are finger pinchers. When the auxiliary table is not attached, there is a large hole in the casting which lessens the force of dust control, but this can be easily masked with a scrap of wood.

At the time I bought my machine (1995) Delta made the disk of steel. On my machine the disk nonconcentricity is .010 and it flutters .011. When Delta told me this is "within tolerance" they basically blew me off. I believe all disk sanders to be obsolete technology. Removing a disk to change grits ruins the old abrasive, any runout makes fine work difficult, and the table is symmetrical, ignoring the fact that all work takes place where the abrasive is moving down. The table has no angle stops. Neither auxiliary table is t-slotted for modern miter gauges. Dust control is nonexistent and requires uncommon resourcefulness, or expensive Delta accessories, to attain.

I sometimes see the belt sander alone on the used market for ca. $300, and for the shop with limited space or a product mix of predominantly small parts, that is good machine value.

Terrific Floor-model Sander
I've had one of these wonderful sanders in my shop for over 20 years. Delta wanted $125 for their dust pickup accessory for the disc - probably because they made it out of cast iron. So, I fashioned one out of polycarbonate for much less cost - the only change I've made to the tool. Except for occasionally replacing (or cleaning) the belt or disk, there is zero maintenance. Changing either takes 5 - 10 minutes. You can reuse the 6" x 48" belts, but since the disk sandpaper sticks on, once you scrape it off, it's history. Using good quality sandpaper, you can extend the paper's life by vacuuming it and using one of those cleaning sticks, when necessary.

I've used this heavy-duty professional-grade tool many hundreds of times, and don't think anything needs improvement. The nicely machined cast iron tables are solid, easy to adjust to any practical angle, and they stay put when you tighten them down. Each has convenient miter slot. The 6" belt mechanism can be set to 90 degrees (vertical, for most work), or level, or any point in between. The only thing mildly tricky is adjusting belt tracking, necessary when you change belts - I wrote what the two belt knobs do in magic marker on the machine's side, which solved that issue.

This tool can remove stock faster and with greater precision than other sanding methods, plus it does things no other shop tool will do, does them well, and in reasonable safety. I could give dozens of examples, but here's just one -- yesterday, a 12" piece of oak base molding only touched that wall section at its ends because the wall bowed inward. Using the sander, I quickly taper sanded the reverse side/ends of the piece, so it fit flush against the wall. This tool can be used for quick stock removal (using rough paper), delicate removal, and everything in-between. It has all the power needed, and the motor has never even slowed down, even when pressing the stock hard against the paper. If your work shop is a bit cramped, put the machine on a mobile base.

One safety note: Big sanders can create huge volumes of very tiny / lung-unfriendly dust, so my advice is to use a dust collection system with HEPA bags. For big jobs, I also turn on the work-shop exhaust fan and wear a quality respirator. The hood at the top of the 6" belt keeps much of the dust from flying off. With the dust pick-up accessory installed for the disc sander, two 4" suction hoses are needed; one for the belt and one for the disk. If your central dust machine has a 6" inlet, as mine does, two 4" pickups provide better air-flow than on sanders with a combined 4" pickup for the belt & disc, such as the Powermatic model 31A.

This is an indispensable tool for the serious wood worker, metal worker, or handyman. I own a dozen Delta tools, and this one of my favorites.

metal and wood sanding
I first used this machine in a machine shop in the 60's. I now us it in my own shop. I do both wood and metal sanding. it is designed for the metal shop. It is more than one needs for wood.
I see that Delta makes a wood table for the disk that you can buy now. It is like the one thay have on there sanding center. This is good for small parts. If you have long parts get a horizontal 40in belt sander. This machine is heavy duty and the disk and belt run at different speeds. No small machine shop shoud be with out it. I wish I had purschased it 30 years ago. Happy days working in your shop. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Delta Boss, like all spindle sanders, is designed specifically for sanding curved and scrolled material. The large 18-inch cast-iron worktable proved steady support for all of our test material, and this Delta has an especially versatile 1/2-inch spindle that accommodates sanding drums from the 3/4-inch standard all the way up to 3 inches in diameter. A unique feature of this Delta sander is the oscillating spindle that moves at 60 strokes per minute to help remove material quickly and with less heat buildup. Predrilled holes allow quick mounting to benchtops and, at only 45 pounds, the machine is fully portable. Like most Delta shop tools, this sander features an integral dust-collection fan and bag. We especially appreciate Delta's removable on/off switch that protects children and the unwary from accidentally starting the machine. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Oscillating action prevents burning of workpiece
• Heavy-duty motor assembly for quiet, smooth operation
• Large cast iron table provides stability and support for the workpiece
• Built in dust collection fan and collection bag for a cleaner work environment

Reviews (15)

Good dedicated sander
A must if scrolling. Dust collection with the built in collector is adequate so long as you are not too agressive. Sander is quiet and almost completely vibration free (due to weight and cast top). Spindle changing a little tricky at first (would benefit from a spindle lock), but manageble once you get use to it.

Smooth Operator
The Boss Bench Oscillating Sander is a smooth, quiet operation, with hardly, if any, vibration. The cast iron table provides an adequate work surface and great support and stability of the workpiece. I did not have any trouble with the spindle being square to the table. This sander works wonders on the curved and scrollsawed pieces, with no burning of the edges, and a smooth finish.

The dust collection system works okay. The dust port is an odd size, 1.5", but the dust collection fan blades built into the base of the spindle draws the dust down from the table into the bag. The bag is a little tricky to install, but once it is installed, it works great.

The only negative I have, and thus only 4 stars, is the fact there is not a spindle lock. This makes changing the spindles not as easy as it should be. I have created my own "spindle lock" by placing the allen wrench in between the dust collection fan blades and the dust port, this "locks" the spindle in place while I change out the spindle sleeves. I'm sure this is not good for the fan blades, but it works, so far.

A great running machine, has met all my expectations and then some for edge sanding curved pieces. It has a permanent place on my work bench !!

Best Bang for the Buck
I bought the BOSS after the price dropped and I have been extremely happy with it's versatility. You get a [...] Spindle kit free to get started and the different sizes of spindles are readily available almost everywhere (unlike my Jet power tools). The vibration is a lot less than I expected making it very easy to shape wood rough cut shapes from my scroll saw and my table saw.

One of Delta's better efforts!

Sander works well and extra spindle set great value.
Sander works great but, dust bag is hard to get on and off. The extra spindle set you get is all the sizes they make for sander that is not included with standard sander. Extra set comes with drums and one sanding drum per rubber drum. Great value because, at a national hardware store they will charge you [alot] for just the sander plus ... extra spindle set which is encluded at amazon for nothing.

Sand away those saw marks ...
This tool is a must for those using band or scroll saws. Easy to setup and use. The only negatives are ... spindal lock would have been nice, plastic base saves weight but is a little cheezy, goofy 1.5" dust port should have been 2". Other than that its a great tool.

I got it from Amazaon with the spindal kit ... included and free shipping, so I'm very pleased. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If only we'd had one of these when we built those doll cradles--and sanded all the little curves and crannies by hand! This beauty takes all the work out of jobs like that. No burn marks--ever--because of the oscillating action. Sure, you can chuck a little drum sander into your drill press, but you'll have to deal with that annoying gap between the drum and the table. This sander eliminates that. The large cast-iron table measures 18 inches in diameter and sits atop a 1/4-horsepower single-phase motor. A built-in dust collection fan draws down dust and chips through the table insert and into the dust-collection bag. There's room on board to store accessory sanding drums and sleeves. It's light--just 45 pounds--and can be used as a portable sander or mounted to a stand or workbench through predrilled holes in the base. A 1/2-inch spindle, 3/4-inch sanding drum, and 3/4-inch sleeve are included, but a wide range of other sizes--all the way up to 3 inches--can be bought separately. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Oscillating action prevents burning of workpiece
• Heavy-duty motor assembly for quiet, smooth operation
• Large cast iron table provides stability and support for the workpiece
• Built in dust collection fan and collection bag for a cleaner work environment

Features

• Belt unit can be used vertically or horizontally for a variety of applications
• Tilting table has a miter gauge slot and can be used with either the belt or disc unit
• Belt tensioning lever and tracking control knob provide easy belt replacement and adjustment
• Built-in 2-1/4-inch dust port for use with a vacuum or dust collector

Reviews (2)

Pleased for the Price
I purchased this sander in March and have used it extensively since. Although, not as powerful as its Craftsman or Jet cousins - it more than makes up for it with its excellent price which is around half of the price of the aforementioned.

weak
This unit is weak it broke in the first month i got it. ... Read more

Features

• Folds and unfolds quickly to roll on and off of job site for quick set up
• Aluminum adapter rails accommodate any manufacturer's saw
• Aluminum fence for added support of longer materials
• Adjustable steel support legs for increased stability
• Adjustable steel rollers facilitate correct alignment of longer stock

Reviews (1)

Suitable for do-it-yourselfers
Beware!! This handsome tool stand was not designed for the framing or trim carpenter. The flimsy catches for the roller stands will not hold up to many set-ups.A fine example of a great idea destroyed by a cost-cutting designer. ... Read more