Laguna Supermax 19-38. Despite a relatively small footprint, the Laguna S/M 19-38 Drum Sander can handle long boards and panels up to an impressive 38” wide. That’s a big benefit for small and mid-sized shops that may not have a wide planer. Suddenly, oversized projects like dining tables, or tricky end-grain cutting boards become possible with a capable drum sander like this.
Infeed / Outfeed Support Tables. Optional folding tables offer exceptional support for long stock and wide panels. Yet they fold inconspicuously out of the way and don’t require a large footprint to store. These handy folding tables were my #1 upgrade to the already capable 19-38 Drum Sander. If you have a drum sander, I highly recommend this must-have accessory!
Intellisand Smart Sanding Controller. Equipped with two separate motors – one for the feed conveyor, and one to spin the 19” long drum, this machine has the controls figured out. An Intellisand feature automatically slows the feed rate if you overload the machine, to avoid burning your workpiece. Plus, the conveyor speed is infinitely adjustable with a dial on the control panel. This all equates to easy control of your largest sanding jobs.
Fast Lever Explained. The S/M 19-38 features a fast lever on the outfeed side of the conveyor. Normally, the lever will be in the upright position for sanding boards and panels narrower than the drum width. However, when sanding wider panels in two passes, simply rotate the lever to a horizontal position to automatically compensate the conveyor bed height .003” to prevent unsightly lines and ridges in your panel. This is a major advantage over the competition, which typically requires tedious adjustment to sand wide panels.
Watch Magic Happen. Behold as your glued-up panel is smoothed and flattened right before your eyes. Then ponder how much time you saved compared to a 5” random orbit sander! Any drum sander is a huge time saver, but the large capacity and clever features of the Laguna S/M 19-38 make it a great choice for most shops.
Stable Base for Big Projects. The heavy-gauge steel leg set is tapered for stability, and that’s much appreciated when sanding long stock or wide panels. If you need mobility in the shop, go with the optional total-locking casters that prevent both wheel rotation and pivoting when locked. Plus, they glide effortlessly across hard floors to park your machine against the wall.
Standard Leveling Feet. Four rubber-padded feet come standard with the 19-38 stand, for a stable stance on any shop floor. Plus, they isolate vibration for a wobble-free sanding experience, and can be leveled on all four corners.
Solid Height Adjustment Crank. One thing you’ll notice right away is the stout height-adjustment mechanism. Adjustments up and down are positive and precise, for spot-on thickness every time. Other brands may have slop, which makes it difficult to set the depth of cut, but the Laguna Supermax leads the pack for accurate adjustments.
Zero Backlash. A large threaded rod and cast-iron mounting plate form a stable base for the sanding drum. Each ¼ turn gives you precisely that, with no backlash between the knob, crank, and threaded rod. It’s engineering details like this that’ll make you really appreciate this tool.
Tool-Free Paper Changes. The 19” drum looks like industrial art, and is certainly built to work. The abrasive strips attach with simple spring clips that are easy to use and shockingly effective. The spring pressure automatically tensions the sandpaper in the perfect position on the drum to avoid any ridges or burn marks seen on other brands.
One-Pass Beast. Even with single-pass sanding, the 19-38 handles a full 19” swath. That was perfect for me when building a gentleman’s dresser, which has an 18-1/2” wide top panel. In this case, I had the fast lever in the upright position and covered the entire panel width in one pass.
Laguna Conveyor Accessory. Or for maximum stock support of long and unwieldy boards, try Laguna’s XP|14 or XP|20 conveyors. They lock solid with a Laguna Link on either side, for rigid support that adapts to any situation. Like the Laguna S/M 19-38 Drum Sander, they offer exceptional support, yet collapse to a minimal footprint for storage.
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Willie Sandry is an Author for woodworking magazines, blogger, and tool tester with an affinity for Arts and Crafts style furniture. Equally comfortable behind a bandsaw, camera, or industrial sewing machine, he builds in white oak and leather whenever he can. Check out his cabinet building videos, or latest tool review on his YouTube channel The Thoughtful Woodworker https://www.youtube.com/c/TheThoughtfulWoodworker |
