Two different Performax questions
Barry Irby
I decided to watch some Youtube videos while waiting on my new conveyer belt from Jet for my 16/32 sander. I have an older Performax with a 2 1/2 inch dust port and no Sand Smart feature.
One of the videos suggested getting a new hood with a 4" port to increase the airflow and keep the drum cooler and prevent burning the wood. Anyone done that? I am suspicious of the claim. One, I think the smaller port might only restrict the airflow slightly because of the Venturi effect. Two, I am having a hard time believing the increase in air flow would significantly cool the drum. I do use a converter and hook a four inch hose to the machine, so there is about two inches of smaller pipe. Any thoughts?
I was not aware of the Sand Smart Feature. My older machine does not have it. Its some circuitry that monitors the current draw on the drum motor and slows the feed rate down to keep it within limits. On my machine, that's me. There is a coupling from the motor to the drum that has black and white segments and they strobe under the effects of my fluorescent lights. When the drum is running full speed, the squares appear stationary. When the drum slows they start to move. I slow the feed rate down. If I switch to LED lights I will lose the effect.
On the video, he upgraded his controller to include that feature. Any of you have it? Does it appear useful/helpful? Any thoughts?