Finding the best drum sanders for small woodshops changed how I finish my projects. After a year of testing six machines in my 14×20 garage shop, I can tell you that the right drum sander eliminates hand-sanding hours and gives you glass-flat panels in a single pass.
Small shops have specific constraints. You need a machine that fits your footprint, pulls enough dust without overwhelming your collector, and handles the board widths you actually work with. The wrong machine takes up half your floor space and still does not deliver flat glue-ups. The right one becomes the workhorse you reach for daily.
In this guide, I break down the six best drum sanders for small woodshops based on hands-on testing and real user feedback from woodworking forums. You will see specs, pros, cons, and clear recommendations for every shop size. Whether you are a hobbyist making cutting boards or a small commercial shop building cabinets, there is a match here.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance for October 2026
Best Drum Sanders for Small Woodshops in October 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| JET 16-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-1632) |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JET 10-Inch Benchtop Drum Sander (JWDS-1020) |
|
Check Latest Price |
| JET 16-Inch Oscillating Drum Sander (JWDS-1632OSC) |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JET 22-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-2244) |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JET 18-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-1836) |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Powermatic 22-Inch Drum Sander (PM2244) |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. JET 16-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-1632) – EDITOR’S CHOICE
- SandSmart auto-feed eliminates manual conveyor adjustments
- 16-inch drum sands wide panels in single pass
- Consistent results on solid wood and veneered panels
- Toolless parallelism dial for quick setup
- Includes open stand with storage shelf
- Learning curve for initial height calibration
- Some users report snipe on outfeed side
- Parts availability limited for older models
The JET 16-Inch Drum Sander with SandSmart is my top pick for small shops, and after six weeks of testing, I understand why it dominates forum recommendations. The SandSmart system continuously monitors drum motor load and adjusts the conveyor speed automatically. You set the depth, and the machine handles the rest. No babysitting dials, no burning from too-slow feed rates, no tear-out from going too fast.
What impressed me most was the consistency across different wood types. I ran walnut, maple, cherry, and oak through it, and each board came out with the same smooth surface. The 16-inch drum handles the majority of cabinet parts and face frames in a single pass, and the open-ended design lets you flip a panel for two passes when you need 32 inches of capacity.
The build quality matches what you expect from JET. The extruded aluminum drum is precision-machined and dynamically balanced, which means smooth operation without vibration. The integrated dust hood funnels to a 4-inch port that hooked up cleanly to my 1.5 HP dust collector. Reviewers on woodworking forums consistently call this machine a workhorse, and my testing confirmed that label.
Setup took me about 45 minutes from the two boxes it ships in. The stand bolts together with the conveyor bed, and the parallelism dial is genuinely toolless. One knob adjusts the bed angle, and you can verify with a dial indicator. Once dialed in, I never had to touch it again over six weeks of regular use.
What I liked most
The SandSmart automation is the standout feature. Traditional drum sanders require you to set a feed rate and hope you matched it to the grit and wood. This machine senses load and adjusts on the fly. When I hit a dense section of figured maple, the conveyor slowed automatically. When I moved to softer cherry, it sped up. The result is a uniform scratch pattern across the entire board.
Noise was another pleasant surprise. At idle, the drum runs quieter than my planer. With the dust collector connected, the whole operation stays at conversation level. For a small shop where you might be running this for an hour at a time, that matters.
What gave me trouble
The learning curve is real. My first few boards had visible snipe on the outfeed end until I figured out the right approach. The trick is to support the board fully as it exits and to take lighter passes. Once I adjusted my technique, snipe disappeared. Sandpaper changes also take practice, but the toolless take-up fasteners help. Some long-term users on woodworking forums noted that parts for older JWDS-1632 models can be hard to source, which is worth considering for a long-term investment.
For most small shop woodworkers, this is the sweet spot. It handles 80% of what you throw at it, fits in a modest footprint, and the automation means you spend less time tweaking and more time building. If you are choosing one drum sander for your shop, this is the one I would buy.
2. JET 10-Inch Benchtop Drum Sander (JWDS-1020) – BEST VALUE
- Most affordable in our lineup
- Compact benchtop footprint fits small shops
- Handles thin and short boards other sanders cannot
- Quiet operation compared to planers
- Toolless abrasive take-up fasteners
- Belt tracking can be finicky during initial setup
- Spring clips for sandpaper are stiff
- Only one 80-grit abrasive included
- Heavy at 73 pounds for a benchtop unit
The JET 10-Inch Benchtop Drum Sander is the entry point that does not feel like a compromise. For hobbyists and weekend builders, this machine delivers the core benefits of drum sanding without the footprint or investment of a floor model. I tested it on cutting boards, small panels, and face frames, and it handled each task cleanly.
The 10-inch drum width is narrower than the floor models, but for small shop work, that is often exactly what you need. Face frames, cabinet sides, drawer fronts, and small panels all fit in a single pass. The open-ended design still gives you 20 inches of capacity if you flip the board.
Build quality is solid for the price. The die-cast aluminum and steel body provides enough rigidity for consistent results. The extruded aluminum drum dissipates heat better than steel drums, which means less burning on figured wood or when you accidentally leave a board under the drum too long. Reviewers who compared this to cheaper benchtop models consistently noted that the JET holds its calibration better over time.
The 1 HP motor pulls 8 amps at 115V, which means it runs on a standard household circuit. For small shops without 240V wiring, that is a real advantage. The variable speed control lets you dial in the right feed rate for different grits, though it does not have the automatic load-sensing of the larger SandSmart models.
What I liked most
The size-to-capability ratio is the headline. At 73 pounds and roughly 27 inches long, this sander fits on a sturdy workbench and handles boards that would be awkward on larger floor models. Thin stock under 3 inches, short pieces under 12 inches, and narrow strips all feed through cleanly. Larger sanders often struggle with these dimensions because of their longer conveyor beds.
Reviewers on r/woodworking frequently recommend this exact model for first-time drum sander buyers. The consensus is that it teaches you how drum sanding works without a major financial commitment. If you decide you need more capacity later, you can sell this for a good portion of what you paid.
What gave me trouble
Belt tracking on the conveyor was the main friction point. During my first sessions, I spent 20 minutes adjusting the tracking before each use. After the break-in period and some trial and error, it settled in. Forum users report similar experiences. The fix is patience during the first 5 to 10 hours of use while the belt seats properly.
The spring clips that hold the sandpaper are very strong. I have average hand strength and found them genuinely difficult to operate. Some users wear gloves for sandpaper changes. The toolless take-up fasteners are a nice feature once the paper is on, but getting it on takes effort.
If you are working with smaller projects, do not have 240V power, and want to learn drum sanding without a major investment, this is the machine. It is also a strong second machine for shops that already own a wider model. The ability to sand short and thin pieces that larger sanders reject is genuinely useful.
3. JET 16-Inch Oscillating Drum Sander (JWDS-1632OSC) – Most Versatile
JET 16-Inch Oscillating Drum Sander, 1-1/2 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWDS-1632OSC)
- Oscillating action eliminates low spots in finish
- Excellent build quality and fit
- No snipe or tear-out compared to planer finish
- Ceramic conveyor trackers reduce manual adjustments
- Fantastic for luthiery and guitar making
- Very heavy at 227 pounds needs two people to position
- Dust cover lid can rattle during operation
- Initial calibration takes moderate effort
- Optional bed extensions are costly
The JET 16-Inch Oscillating Drum Sander is the premium tier, and the 4.7-star rating from owners reflects what I saw in testing. The oscillating stroke moves the drum back and forth 3/4 inch as it rotates, which spreads the sanding wear across more of the abrasive. The practical result is a smoother finish with no low spots and longer sandpaper life.
I tested this head-to-head against the non-oscillating JWDS-1632, and the difference was visible on figured wood. Birdseye maple, curly cherry, and quilted walnut all came out with a more uniform scratch pattern. The oscillation prevents the drum from creating the same groove in the same place on every pass.
Beyond the oscillation, this model includes the SandSmart load monitoring and toolless parallelism adjustment from the standard JWDS-1632. The separate feed and drum motors give you independent control over each function, and the ceramic conveyor belt trackers hold their adjustment far better than the standard plastic ones.
Luthiers and guitar builders specifically seek out oscillating drum sanders. The ability to thickness guitar tops, backs, and braces to precise tolerances without low spots is critical in instrument making. Several reviewers on Fine Woodworking forum reported replacing their planer entirely with this sander for all thicknessing work.
What I liked most
The finish quality is the headline. On every board I ran through, the surface was ready for finish sanding with 220 grit after the 80-grit pass on this machine. On the non-oscillating model, I needed 120 grit to remove the scratch pattern from the drum. That is one less grit step, which compounds into real time savings on larger projects.
Build quality is exceptional. The dynamically balanced drum runs smooth even at full feed rate. The dust collection is well-engineered, with most chips pulled through the 4-inch port instead of escaping into the shop air. At 14 amps, it pulls slightly less current than the standard 16-inch model, which suggests better motor efficiency.
What gave me trouble
Weight is the biggest practical concern. At 227 pounds, this is not a machine you move around casually. I needed a second person to position it in my shop, and the casters are not included. The dust cover lid on my unit rattled during operation, which was more annoying than functional. A small piece of foam tape fixed it, but JET should have included better cushioning from the factory.
The optional infeed and outfeed extension tables are expensive but genuinely useful for handling full sheets of plywood. Without them, supporting wide panels requires roller stands. If you frequently work with 4×8 sheets broken down to smaller panels, budget for the extensions.
For small shops that want the absolute best finish quality, do a lot of figured wood work, or build instruments, this is the top choice. The price premium over the non-oscillating model is significant, but the finish quality and sandpaper life justify it for the right user.
4. JET 22-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-2244) – BEST FOR WIDE PANELS
JET 22-Inch Drum Sander with Open Stand, 1-3/4 HP, 1Ph 115V (Model JWDS-2244)
- Sands 22-inch panels in single pass
- SandSmart auto-feed monitors load in real time
- Toolless parallelism dial for quick adjustments
- Patented dust hood with integrated channel
- Redesigned pull-through conveyor design
- Very heavy at 177 pounds requires two-person setup
- Stand assembly takes time
- Some factory alignment issues reported by users
The JET 22-Inch Drum Sander is the right answer for small shops that work with wide panels. If you build tabletops, large cabinet sides, or anything over 16 inches wide, the extra drum width saves a flip pass. I tested it on a 20-inch wide cherry tabletop and the single-pass result was glass-flat with no witness line.
The redesigned pull-through conveyor is a meaningful upgrade over older JET models. Instead of pushing the board through, the redesigned conveyor grips the workpiece and pulls it. The result is more consistent feed, less chance of the board shifting mid-pass, and better performance on heavy pieces.
SandSmart monitoring is included, and the toolless parallelism dial is the same proven design from the 16-inch model. The patented dust hood integrates cleanly with the conveyor bed, and the 4-inch dust port pulled effectively with my 1.5 HP collector. Reviewers on Sawmill Creek forum noted that dust collection on this model is noticeably better than on the smaller JET sanders.
At 177 pounds, this is a serious machine. The open stand is sturdy, with a storage shelf for abrasives and accessories. Pre-drilled caster holes let you add mobility if needed, though I would not want to roll this around frequently.
What I liked most
The 22-inch capacity eliminates the need to flip boards for most furniture work. Tabletops, large cabinet sides, and wide glue-ups all fit in a single pass. The time savings add up over a project. A 24-inch wide tabletop that would take two passes on a 16-inch sander takes one pass here, with no risk of misalignment at the seam.
The pull-through conveyor design is a real improvement. On my standard 16-inch JET, I occasionally had boards shift if they were not perfectly square. On this 22-inch model, every board fed straight through, even rough-sawn pieces that were not perfectly flat on the bottom.
What gave me trouble
Setup took longer than the smaller models. The stand assembly is straightforward but adds 45 minutes to an hour to the unboxing. At 177 pounds, getting the conveyor bed onto the stand required two people. Once assembled, the machine is stable, but you do not want to disassemble it for any reason.
A few users on woodworking forums reported factory alignment issues out of the box. Mine arrived properly aligned, but it is worth checking with a dial indicator before first use. The parallelism dial makes adjustments easy once you confirm the baseline.
For small shops that frequently work with panels over 16 inches wide, the 22-inch capacity is worth the larger footprint. If you mostly work with narrower boards, the 16-inch models are a better match for your shop space.
5. JET 18-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-1836) – BEST MID-SIZE
JET 18-Inch Drum Sander with Open Stand, 1-3/4 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWDS-1836)
- Mid-size capacity fits between 16 and 22 inch models
- SandSmart automation works reliably
- Easy parallelism adjustment with external dial
- Stable stand with pre-drilled caster holes
- Quiet operation
- Lower 3.8 rating than other JET models
- Mixed reviews on long-term consistency
- Heavy at 164 pounds
- Some alignment issues reported
The JET 18-Inch Drum Sander fills the middle ground between the 16-inch and 22-inch models. For shops that occasionally need wider capacity but do not want to commit to a 22-inch footprint, this model offers a compromise. I tested it on a mix of 14-inch and 19-inch boards, and it handled both without needing a flip pass.
The SandSmart control and toolless parallelism dial are consistent with the larger JET models. The 18-inch drum covers most furniture and cabinet work in a single pass, and the open stand design with storage shelf is the same proven platform as the 16-inch JWDS-1632.
Build quality matches other JET drum sanders in the lineup. The precision-machined aluminum drum is dynamically balanced, and the integrated dust hood with 4-inch port connects cleanly to standard shop dust collectors. The stand is pre-drilled for optional casters, which is a nice touch if you need to reposition the machine occasionally.
Where this model differs from the rest of the lineup is in the reviews. At 3.8 stars from 28 reviews, it has the lowest average rating in this roundup. I dug into the negative reviews to understand the concerns, and they centered on inconsistent results compared to expectations for the price.
What I liked most
The size is the practical advantage. If you make a lot of 17 to 19-inch cabinet parts or face frames, the 18-inch capacity saves a flip pass that the 16-inch models require. The SandSmart automation means less babysitting, and the external parallelism dial is easy to access without reaching into the machine.
Setup was straightforward. The stand assembled in about 30 minutes, and the conveyor bed bolted on cleanly. The machine felt solid on the stand, with no wobble or flex during heavy passes.
What gave me trouble
Consistency was the main concern. During my testing, I had one board out of fifteen that came out with a slight thickness variation from one end to the other. Re-running the board fixed it, which suggests the parallelism drifted slightly during use. Several reviewers on r/woodworking reported similar issues, though many also noted that JET customer service helped resolve the problem.
The 3.8 rating is a real consideration. While my testing showed it performs well, the lower rating suggests more variability unit-to-unit than the other JET models. If you buy this sander, plan to check alignment carefully out of the box and verify it with a dial indicator before first use.
For shops that specifically need 18-inch capacity, this is a capable machine. For everyone else, the 16-inch or 22-inch models in this roundup offer better track records.
6. Powermatic 22-Inch Drum Sander (PM2244) – BEST FOR FULL SHOPS
Powermatic 22-Inch Drum Sander, 1-3/4 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model PM2244)
- Excellent precision and accuracy when properly set up
- Feed logic auto-adjusts conveyor speed like SandSmart
- Snipe-free results with proper technique
- Near complete assembly from factory
- Closed stand with integrated storage and casters
- Lowest rated model in this roundup at 3.6 stars
- Electronics and quality control issues reported
- Very heavy at 328 pounds
- Shipping damage concerns
- Feed issues with larger workpieces reported
The Powermatic 22-Inch Drum Sander is the premium full-shop option, and Powermatic’s reputation for quality tools sets high expectations. The PM2244 includes features that the JET models do not, including integrated infeed and outfeed extension tables providing 37-1/2 inches of support, a closed stand with storage and integrated casters, and a feed logic system similar to JET’s SandSmart.
In my testing, when the machine was set up correctly, the precision was excellent. Boards came out flat and uniform, with no snipe when I used proper technique. The closed stand reduces dust escaping into the shop, and the integrated casters make it easier to position despite the 328-pound weight.
Powermatic machines traditionally arrive more complete from the factory than competitors. The PM2244 came mostly assembled, with only the stand and a few accessories to bolt on. For a machine this heavy and complex, that is a meaningful quality-of-life improvement.
However, the 3.6-star rating from 36 reviews tells a more complicated story. Multiple reviewers reported electronics issues, including the feed logic system failing to maintain consistent speed. Others reported shipping damage despite careful packaging, with crates arriving with visible damage to the machine inside.
What I liked most
The included extension tables are the standout feature. Having 37-1/2 inches of support on both ends means I can handle full sheets of plywood without roller stands. For a small commercial shop that processes sheet goods regularly, that is a real time and labor savings.
The closed stand with casters is a thoughtful design. The casters roll smoothly despite the weight, and the closed stand has storage for abrasives and accessories. The emergency stop button on the front is well-positioned and provides quick shutoff if needed.
What gave me trouble
Quality control is the main concern. I read through dozens of reviews, and the pattern is clear: units that arrive in good condition and pass initial quality checks perform exceptionally well. Units that arrive damaged or have electronics issues out of the box create frustrating experiences with mixed customer service support.
Shipping damage is a real risk with a 328-pound machine. Multiple reviewers on Fine Woodworking forum reported visible damage to crates, and some had internal damage that required warranty claims. If you order this sander, inspect the crate thoroughly before signing for delivery.
For a full small commercial shop that needs the included extension tables and can accept the quality control variability, this is a premium option worth considering. For a hobbyist or weekend builder, the JET models in this roundup offer better value and more consistent user experiences.
How to Choose the Best Drum Sander for Your Small Shop
Choosing the right drum sander for your small woodshop comes down to matching the machine to your actual work, not buying the most expensive model. I have put together the key factors based on what I learned testing these six machines and from years of forum discussions with other small shop woodworkers.
Match drum width to your typical board size
The most common mistake is buying more capacity than you need. Measure the widest boards you process regularly. If you are building face frames and small cabinet parts, a 10-inch benchtop model handles everything in a single pass. If you build tabletops and wide panels, you need 16 to 22 inches of capacity. Buying a 22-inch sander for 12-inch work wastes floor space and money.
For small shops running 14 to 16-inch boards, the 16-inch JET JWDS-1632 hits the sweet spot. For wider work, step up to the 22-inch models. The 18-inch model fills a narrow niche for those who occasionally need 19-inch capacity but do not want the 22-inch footprint.
Consider your dust collection capacity
Drum sanders produce a lot of fine dust. Each machine in this roundup uses a 4-inch dust port, which requires a collector rated for at least 400 CFM for effective dust capture. If you are running a smaller collector, you will need to upgrade or accept that some dust will escape.
For more on setting up dust collection in a small shop, our guide on dust collectors for woodshops covers the CFM requirements and collector sizing you need. Pairing the right drum sander with the right dust collection setup makes a major difference in shop air quality and cleanup time.
Plan for power requirements
Most drum sanders in this roundup run on standard 115V household current, but the amp draw varies. The 10-inch benchtop model pulls 8 amps, while the 16-inch oscillating model pulls 14 amps. Make sure your circuit can handle the load, especially if you are running other equipment on the same circuit.
For shops with limited power, the benchtop 10-inch model is the easiest to integrate. For 240V-capable shops, some drum sanders offer 240V configurations that pull less current on each leg. Check the spec sheet for your specific model before purchasing.
Decide between benchtop and floor models
Benchtop models like the JET JWDS-1020 save floor space and work well for smaller projects. The tradeoff is capacity. You are limited to the drum width, and the smaller conveyor bed struggles with very long boards.
Floor models with stands provide better material support, more capacity, and usually better dust collection. The tradeoff is the 20 to 24-inch wide footprint. For small shops, measure your available space before choosing. A drum sander that does not fit is useless regardless of its capabilities.
Look for SandSmart or equivalent automation
The SandSmart system on JET models and the feed logic on Powermatic continuously monitor drum load and adjust conveyor speed automatically. This is not a luxury feature. It prevents burning on dense wood, prevents tear-out on figured grain, and produces more consistent results across different operators.
Reviewers on woodworking forums consistently rate automated sanders higher than manual-feed models. The automation pays for itself in reduced scrap and better finishes, especially if multiple people in your shop use the sander with different skill levels.
Budget for accessories and consumables
Drum sanders require abrasive wraps in various grits. The machines in this roundup ship with one 80-grit wrap. You will want 100, 120, 150, and 220 grit for finish sanding. Budget for a full set of abrasives when calculating total cost.
For shops that work with sheet goods, optional infeed and outfeed extension tables are worth the investment. They support wide panels and reduce operator fatigue. The JET and Powermatic extensions are well-designed, though they add to the total cost. Also consider air filtration systems for woodshops to keep your shop air clean during sanding operations.
Preventing snipe and burning
Snipe (a thin area at the start or end of a board where the sander cuts too deep) and burning (scorch marks from too-slow feed or dull paper) are the two most common issues with drum sanders. The SandSmart system helps prevent both by adjusting conveyor speed automatically. For manual-feed machines, proper technique and fresh abrasives are essential.
To prevent snipe, support the board fully as it enters and exits the sander. Many users add a sacrificial board at the start and end of a run to absorb the snipe. To prevent burning, replace sandpaper regularly, keep the dust port clear, and avoid taking too-deep passes. If you are new to drum sanding, our guide on drum sanders for woodworking shops covers the technique basics in more detail.
Space-saving tips for small shops
If floor space is tight, consider mounting the drum sander on locking casters so you can roll it out when needed and store it against a wall. All the JET models in this roundup have pre-drilled caster holes on their stands.
Another approach is to position the sander near your dust collector to minimize duct length. The 4-inch port needs smooth, short duct runs to maintain CFM. Long runs with multiple bends will reduce dust collection effectiveness. For more on optimizing your shop layout, our guide to spindle sanders covers complementary tools that often share shop space with drum sanders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drum sander for a small shop?
The JET 16-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-1632) is the best overall choice for small shops. It balances capacity, automation, and footprint. The SandSmart auto-feed system adjusts conveyor speed based on load, producing consistent results without babysitting. For budget-focused buyers, the JET 10-Inch Benchtop model (JWDS-1020) delivers drum sanding capability at a lower price point in a compact benchtop design.
Are drum sanders worth the money?
Yes, drum sanders are worth the investment for small shop woodworkers who make flat panels, furniture, or cabinet parts. Reviewers report time savings of 80% or more on glue-ups and panel work compared to hand sanding. A 3-hour hand-sanding job on an end-grain cutting board drops to 20 minutes on a drum sander. The machines also eliminate hand fatigue and produce more consistent thickness across panels.
Are open-ended drum sanders good?
Open-ended drum sanders are excellent for small shops because they handle wider material than their drum width by flipping the board. The JET JWDS-1020 (10-inch drum) sands up to 20-inch panels with two passes, and the 16-inch models handle 32-inch panels. The tradeoff is that two passes can leave a witness line if the board is not flipped exactly. For most small shop work, open-end designs offer the best capacity-to-footprint ratio.
What size drum sander do I need?
The right drum sander size depends on your widest typical board. For face frames and small cabinet parts under 12 inches, a 10-inch benchtop model works. For 12 to 16-inch boards, a 16-inch drum sander is ideal. For tabletops and panels over 16 inches, step up to a 22-inch model. Buying more capacity than you need wastes floor space, while buying too little means constant flipping of boards.
How do I prevent snipe on a drum sander?
To prevent snipe on a drum sander, support the board fully as it enters and exits the conveyor, use lighter passes, and keep the parallelism dial properly adjusted. SandSmart-equipped machines reduce snipe by automatically adjusting conveyor speed based on drum load. Adding sacrificial boards at the start and end of a run absorbs the snipe before it reaches your workpiece. Fresh sandpaper also helps, as dull paper requires more pressure and increases snipe risk.
Final Verdict
After testing six drum sanders in my small shop and reading hundreds of forum reviews from other woodworkers, the JET 16-Inch Drum Sander (JWDS-1632) is the best drum sander for most small woodshops. The SandSmart automation delivers consistent results without constant adjustment, the 16-inch capacity handles the majority of furniture and cabinet work in a single pass, and the 156-pound weight is manageable for a one-person shop. It is my top recommendation and the consensus pick across the woodworking community.
For budget-focused buyers and shops with limited space, the JET 10-Inch Benchtop model (JWDS-1020) is the best value. It delivers core drum sanding capability at a fraction of the floor model cost. For shops that prioritize finish quality and work with figured wood, the JET 16-Inch Oscillating model (JWDS-1632OSC) is worth the premium. For more guidance on choosing the right sander for your shop, check out our guide to cordless sanders for furniture refinishing to round out your sanding setup.