Customer Reviews

JET 22-44ODS Oscillating Drum Sander Kit with closed stand

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up this sander a couple days ago and have been testing it out. There is a video out where this machine is being tested at the Atlanta International Woodworking Fair - 2008. In that video, a representative from Jet claims that this sander delivers on the promise of having to do away with finish sanding after drum sanding. No way! In oscillation mode this sander will always leave some ripples in the wood. I don't see any way around this even with very light passes and running the boards through several times. The other way to get the ripples out is to leave the oscillation off for the final sanding passes with fine grit. Having said that, what the oscillation does allow is for rapid removal of wood with coarse grit without burning or a lot of scratching. In the end the oscillation will save time and sand paper. If you are doing doors for example. You can put 80 or 120 grit in and with oscillation on, run it through one time and get it down to where you can make the final couple passes with very fine grit with oscillation off. You can skip the in-between grits. Also, in that video from the Atlanta show, the rep says that the top casting moves on linear bearings. I don't think so. As far as I can tell it's metal rods with gibs and grease. Unless I'm missing something, I don't think there are linear bearings as I think of linear bearings. Is the oscillation worth it? It does save time and frustration. All in all, I think it's a good machine

Bought this unit for my shop and picked it up for $1600 + $90 delivery charge... Put it together without problems. I was impressed with the workmanship...suprised at that as it is from overseas. Things are just getting better I guess. Worked right out of the box. Put everything out of adjustment so I could re-adjust and become familiar with the unit. No problems. Beats a planer hands down...worth its weight in gold? Naaa, but close.

Though I wish ppl would use items for a while before reviewing them, I wanted to let you know that Amaz's Product Description for the 22-44ODS is in error. I just rec'd (not even out of the box) and found unit does not have Digital Read-Out.
The 22-44ODS only comes w/ a linear scale (like a tape measure); it looks just like the picture (This time the picture is correct, often times they are out-dated). Though Amaz's list of features starts w/ DRO, it DOES NOT have it. I called WMH, who Amaz gets the unit from and they said that in this size, only the 22-44Pro has DRO, but it does not have Oscillation; no 22-44ODS has DRO. The rep talked w/ tech and found the DRO unit from the 22-44Pro will not fit the ODS. I would rather have oscillation than a digital read-out, although the 22-44Pro has a 3hp motor - that almost makes me willing to give up oscillation, but nope.
Wanted to let you know. Many good reviews on the Jet/Performax sanders; only a couple for this unit and neither said anything about the lack of DRO.
Unit was packed well and in good condition. Rec'd unit the day after I ordered, prob take two weeks to get the sandpaper...

I purchased a Jet 22-44 OSC from Woodcraft right after it was introduced in summer 2008. Now it's January 2010, and I just assembled the machine. Tonight I sanded a 20" long x 10" wide scale model walnut table top that I had edge joined from separate boards that I had previously jointed and then planed. The Jet sander eliminated the uneven joints and created a uniform thickness to the boards. I haven't yet tried using the machine for final sanding, but I expect it'll do an equally excellent job at that task. I'm completely amazed and pleased with my Jet 22-44 OSC.

The JET 22-44ODS arrived safely in three separate boxes. I had to enlist two neighbors to assist me with lifting the working end of this mini-monster in place. Once that was secured I took a few minutes to get the drum parallel with the table then locked it in place.

I can't possibly fully explain what an awesome machine this is. Adjusting the drum height is nearly effortless and it simply works well. It makes my Delta unit look and feel like a toy. That comment is being nice to Delta.

In summary, if you're serious about thickness sanding and can't afford the BIG MONSTERS, look no further than the JET 22-44ODS. It RULES!!!

Kevin Robertson
KR Guitars
Vallejo CA