Change Drum Sander Sandpaper Under 1-Minute
Watch Short Video Below
Alright, let's talk about flat sanding.
If you're like me, you know how crucial a truly flat surface is for any woodworking project. I've been putting the Flatmaster drum sander through its paces, and I'm here to give you the lowdown.
This machine is clearly built with the same philosophy as their "V"-Drum Sander, a design I've always appreciated. The key difference?
The Flatmaster comes partially assembled on a sturdy metal frame with a heavy-duty steel top. No more fiddling with setup – it's ready to go (minus the motor, which you'll need to provide). They even include an instructions to get you started.
What sets this apart from traditional drum sanders is the sanding direction. Instead of sanding top-down, the Flatmaster sands from the bottom up. This clever design eliminates the frustration of sanding through accumulated sawdust. Plus, it virtually eliminates static cling, keeping your workpiece clean.
The real genius, though, is the centrifugal force system. Unlike other sanders that rely on manual pressure, the Flatmaster uses the drum's high RPMs and a hook-and-loop system to actually lift the sandpaper slightly off the drum during operation. This creates an air gap that prevents heat buildup, loading, and burning, even when sanding tricky materials like paint, varnish, glue, or resinous woods. This is a huge advantage over traditional drum sanders.
Here’s a quick rundown of the features I found particularly noteworthy:
- Easy Paper Changes: The VELCRO brand hook and loop system makes swapping sandpaper grits a breeze.
- Multi-Grit Capability: On the longer drum models, you can use multiple grits simultaneously for efficient sanding.
- Durable Paper: Using Klingspor stearate coated paper means you can even sand over small imperfections like dried glue or even the occasional nail without destroying your sandpaper.
- Cost-Effective: The sandpaper used is less expensive than the cloth-backed paper used on many commercial drum sanders.
- Cool Running and Low Static: The polycarbonate drum runs cool and minimizes static, making dust collection much easier.
- Versatile Operation: With the addition of fences and hold-downs, the Flatmaster can even be used for edge jointing.
- Centrifugal Force Advantage: This is the real game-changer, preventing heat buildup and improving sanding efficiency.
- Simple Depth Adjustment: Changing grits adjusts the depth of cut, and the Flatmaster has a straightforward drum height adjustment system.
The Flatmaster's robust steel frame and securely mounted top give it a solid, stable feel. The 18", 24", and 30" models differ primarily in feed rate. The 18" model, with its 2" drum, has a feed rate of approximately 10 feet per minute. Material removal depends on your grit selection, and the initial setup is straightforward. The instructions recommend setting the drum just below the table surface when not turning, which is easy to verify with a straight edge.
StockRoom Supply provides detailed setup instructions and additional information on their website and in their catalog. The 18" model requires at least a 1/4 HP motor running at 1725-1750 RPM, while the 24" model requires at least a 1/2 HP motor at the same RPM. They offer motors for purchase [link here] and include a 5/8" pulley.
Here's what I think!
Overall, the Flatmaster is a well-designed and effective drum sander. The bottom-up sanding, static elimination, and centrifugal force system offer significant advantages over traditional drum sanders. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile machine for achieving perfectly flat surfaces, the Flatmaster is definitely worth considering.