Performax 16-32 do you own one?

[Vandal]

I have an opportunity to buy a Performax 16 - 32 with the in and out feed tables plus extra abrasives for $600.00

Is this a good deal?  What are your impressions of it? I have only used much larger surface sanders so some input would be very helpful.

 

[justaguy]

I have a Jet 16/32 and I previously had a Performax 16/32. There are many variations in the 16/32 in the long time it's been produced. I started with an early Performax unfinished aluminum and black drum cover model with the 2 1/2 dust port. If that is what you are paying $600 for I'd say you are over paying unless it comes with a lot of paper. This first older unit was just ok. I paid $250 for mine.  I sold the Performax when I had a chance to purchase a used Jet 16/32.

The much newer Jet model with the white finish and white dust cover. This unit has the current features including the "SandSmart" controller, improved belt alignment adjusters, 4" dust port, and the "Tuftool" for installing paper. All of these features make the sander much easier to live with. I like having one and find it useful. However, it is one of the least used tools in my shop and it takes a pretty good chunk of floor space. I'm a hobby woodworker and my shop is a slightly oversized detached one car garage. There have been many a day I've thought of selling mine to regain the space.

 

[nclemmons]

I use Performax 16/32 in a hobby woodshop quite a bit.  Had it since they first came out and find it to be really useful for edge and face sanding on pieces.  I don't trust it for wider than 15" or so of sanding with accurate results so keep that in mind.

You can add the SandSmart controller to the Performax 16/32, by contacting Jet for the parts.  It makes a big difference in not stalling the sander but still taking a deeper cut.

I would bet you could also order the larger dust port as well though I just use an adapter to go from the current port to a 4" hose.

I also recommend a digital depth stop from Wixey as it makes adjustments so much easier.  PM me if you buy one and want to see how I mounted mine.
http://wixey.com/planer/index.html

neil

 

[nickao]

Dn't buy the sander for more than 350.0, 400 tops. The sand smart is about 378.00 from Jet.

You can get a refurbs or used for 650 to 700 with the sand smart. I saw one on Amazon last week for 750  with warranty. 600 is just way to much without the sand smart and the unit is a pice of crud without that sand smart feature. No sand smart, no sander, believe me you just dont want it without the Sand smart adjusting the belt speed.

The unit is just too old, I think sand smart has been on them at least 5 years if not more.

No way in heck I could live without a drum sander. I graduated from these little toys a while ago, but I do still have a Jet 22-44. It was one of the most used machines in the shop.

 

[kevin clifford]

I have the performax 16/32. I paid $500 for the machine with infeed and outfeed tables, the stand and a bunch of papers. Absolutely worth every penny to me. I haven't had a project go through my shop that hasn't the sander since I got it. If you have the room for it my vote is buy it. If you hate it, sell it on craigslist for what you paid for it.

 

[Vandal]

This is a newer model with the 4" dust port. I'm going to check and see if it has the sand smart. The sander is less than 5 years old.

 

[justaguy]

If it is less than 5 years old I'm pretty sure it should be a Jet brand not a Performax brand.

This is a newer model with the 4" dust port. I'm going to check and see if it has the sand smart. The sander is less than 5 years old.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I bought a Performax 22-44  6 years ago off of Craigslist for $400.  It has been a great sander.  Even at $600 it's a great deal.  If I were you I would purchase it. 

 

[HarveyWildes]

I have an opportunity to buy a Performax 16 - 32 with the in and out feed tables plus extra abrasives for $600.00

Is this a good deal?  What are your impressions of it? I have only used much larger surface sanders so some input would be very helpful.

I've got one of the older models and it's decent.  You have to watch the speed and the paper - any build-up at all and you get a burn line down the wood, so start with lower speeds until you find the right one.  Does better at lower grits than higher.  Dust collection is a must.  It's the safe alternative for surfacing boards that are thinner than you planer will handle.  It's not a replacement for a planer - too slow.