Well it started that way anyhow. The repairman advised me that it would cost more than $300 to repair my Jet drum sander and showed me a small drive shaft that had broken. I decided for about twice that amount I could get a brand new drum sander at Grizzly Imports, a local Bellingham Co.
Grizzly has grown in about 25 years into a huge company selling an amazing array of tools and supplies. This building is about a sixth of their Bellingham operation and they have an even larger operation in the midwest.
These pictures show about half of the retail store. Immense!
And here is the best part. This is Jim, been here for years dispensing good advice and helping the customers. Smitty was out today, but he has been here even longer, These guys know their product. I have many Grizzly tools and have been extremely pleased with them.
So here is my new sander in the pickup that my neighbor Ben loaned me, ready to head for home. Not sure that "mini" is the proper description. The thing ways 160 lbs shipping weight, 135 lbs out of the box.
And here it is out of the box. After dinner I got it all set up and bolted to the stand and hooked to the dust collection system. Now for the test.
I am delighted. I sanded the two tone boards tonight. Smooth, even thickness side to side, not too loud, positive steady feed, sandpaper did not creep and double up, full 12 inches sanding width, and no escaped sawdust evident. This machine is much heavier built and a more practical design than the Jet 10/20. Tomorrow I will call the repairman and tell him to toss that Jet in the barrel and then I will get to work building ukes again.