Grizzly Drum Sander Reviews and Guide
Contents
If you flatten and smooth wide boards or glued-up panels, a drum sander saves hours of hand sanding. Grizzly sells drum sanders from benchtop size to industrial machines.
The lineup varies a lot in size, power, and electrical needs. Our five Grizzly drum sander reviews below use specs from Grizzly’s owner’s manuals.
OUR TOP PICK
The Grizzly G0449 is our first choice for a busy shop: a 37-inch, 10 HP double-drum sander that handles boards up to 36-1/2 inches wide.
Our Top Grizzly Drum Sanders Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Grizzly G0449 | 1.Grizzly G0449 Top Pick | - 68 x 50-1/2 x 49 inches - 1,213 pounds - 240V, single-phase - 36-1/2" max width - 4" max thickness | Check Current Price |
| 2.Grizzly Industrial G1066R | 2.Grizzly Industrial G1066R | - 453 pounds - 220V, single-phase - 23-1/2 inches max width - 4 inches max thickness - Dual 6-inch drums | Check Current Price |
| 3.Grizzly Industrial G1079R | 3.Grizzly Industrial G1079R | - 296 pounds - Corded electric - 40.5 x 30 x 33.5 inches - 15-3/8" wide - 3-1/2" thick | Check Current Price |
| 4.Grizzly Industrial G0716 | 4.Grizzly Industrial G0716 | - 25 x 31 x 25 inches - 159 pounds - 110V - 9-1/2 inches max width - 3 inches max thickness | Check Current Price |
| 5.Grizzly Industrial G8749 | 5.Grizzly Industrial G8749 | - 30 x 7-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches - 57 pounds - 110V - Drum and flap sander | Check Current Price |
1. Grizzly G0449: Best Overall
The Grizzly G0449 is a serious industrial machine with easy-to-use controls.
Grizzly’s manual lists a 10 HP single-phase motor, 36-1/2-inch maximum board width, and 4-inch maximum thickness. The conveyor speed is variable from 8 to 20 feet per minute.
Its two computer-balanced 6-inch drums run at a sandpaper speed of 2,800 feet per minute.
Four 4-inch dust ports pull dust from the drums. Plan for a large dust collector, a 240V circuit of at least 60 amps, and room for a machine that weighs over 1,200 pounds.
Specs
- 68 x 50-1/2 x 49 inches
- 1,213 pounds
- 240V, single-phase
- 36-1/2″ max width
- 4″ max thickness
Pros
- Variable-speed conveyor
- Designed with an easy to access control panel
- Can handle very large boards of wood
Cons
- Needs a 60-amp, 240V circuit and lots of floor space
- Pricey
2. Grizzly Industrial G1066R: Runner-Up
Our runner-up is the Grizzly Industrial G1066R, a 24-inch drum sander with a 5 HP motor. It suits shops with a lot of panel sanding.
The 5 HP motor runs two 6-inch aluminum drums at a sandpaper speed of 2,300 FPM (feet per minute). With coarse grit it clears planer knife marks from hardwood.
At 453 pounds, it is heavy and stable. A four-leadscrew system raises and lowers the table with a handwheel. It runs on 220V single-phase power.
Its drums are computer balanced for smooth running, and the hook-and-loop sandpaper system makes paper changes quick.
Specs
- 453 pounds
- 220V, single-phase
- 23-1/2 inches max width
- 4 inches max thickness
- Dual 6-inch drums
Pros
- Two 4-inch dust ports
- Designed with heavy-duty steel for extra durability
- Designed with easy access magnetic switch
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for simple/ occasional sanding tasks
3. Grizzly Industrial G1079R
Do you target doing a lot of medium to heavy-duty sanding works on wood planks not exceeding 15 inches? This is one of the best tools to use. Grizzly noted that a lot of woodworkers have issues with space, so they downgraded some features of the G1066R (our runner-up in this review).
Its main selling point is a smaller footprint for shops with limited space. It has a 2 HP motor and a sandpaper speed of 2,300 FPM, enough for most small-shop sanding.
It has heavy-duty steel construction and weighs about 296 pounds.
Two 4-inch dust ports on top connect to your dust collector.
Specs
- 296 pounds
- Corded electric
- 40.5 x 30 x 33.5 inches
- 15-3/8″ wide
- 3-1/2″ thick
- Dual 6-Inches
Pros
- Changing the sandpaper is easy
- Designed to last
- A highly effective dust collection system
Cons
- Not good for handling boards larger than 15 inches
4. Grizzly Industrial G0716
The Grizzly Industrial G0716 is a 10-inch, 1 HP drum sander that plugs into a standard 110V outlet. It is much smaller than the machines above and easier to move around a home shop.
One of the most notable things of the sander is its uniquely positioned wheels. Notably, the wheels are cleverly positioned a short distance from the ground for two reasons. One, the wheels stand free when the sander is being used, and two, you can cart it away with ease. Further, it comes with folding handles for easy mobility.
Grizzly lists a 1 HP motor, 2,300 FPM sandpaper speed, and 9-1/2-inch by 3-inch board capacity. It uses a single 5-1/8-inch drum and a variable-speed conveyor, which suits DIY and light-duty sanding.
The sander uses a four-inch dust port that carries away most of the dust from the machine. We liked the positioning of the dust port, at the top of the machine, because it does not stand on your way when sanding or controlling wood.
Specs
- 25 x 31 x 25 inches
- 159 pounds
- 110V
- 9-1/2 inches max width
- 3 inches max thickness
Pros
- Variable speed conveyor makes it ideal for various projects
- Easy to move from one site to another
Cons
- Not ideal for very powerful sanding tasks
5. Grizzly Industrial G8749
The Grizzly Industrial G8749 is a different kind of drum sander: a benchtop drum and flap sander for shaping and finishing curves and contours, not a thickness sander.
It has a 1 HP motor that runs at 1,725 RPM. Bolt it to a firm bench before use.
Grizzly Industrial G8749 rocks an interesting dual-sided sanding pattern. One side allows you to choose between the 3-1/4″ diameter and 4-3/4″ diameter inflatable sanding drums. On the other end, the sander has a 10-1/2″ diameter by 7-3/4″ long flap sander featuring 12 abrasive flaps. The flaps are backed by flexible bristles.
At about 57 pounds, it is easy to move. Grizzly’s manual warns not to over-inflate the drums; use a hand pump.
Specs
- 30 x 7-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches
- 57 pounds
- 110V
- Includes 3-1/4″ and 4-3/4″ inflatable drums
Pros
- Designed with an easy to use toggle switch
- Light and easy to move around
- Inflatable drums conform to curves
Cons
- Lacks a good dust collection system
- Does not come with a bench
Buying Guide
Before you buy, check three things: the widest panel you sand, the circuit you have available, and your dust collection. Grizzly’s manuals list a 1-year warranty on these machines.
About Grizzly
Grizzly was started in 1983 by Shiraz Balolia, with the goal of selling capable machinery to professionals and hobbyists at reasonable prices.
Grizzly Products
Grizzly has grown into one of the best-known machinery brands in the US, with showrooms in Bellingham, Washington and Springfield, Missouri.
In addition to drum sanders, it sells:
- Boring machines
- Wood bandsaws
- Drill presses
- Dust collectors
- Lathes
- Table saws
- Planers
- Pin routers
Company HQ
The company is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and also operates from Springfield, Missouri.
Unique Sales Model
Grizzly stands out for its sales model: it sells mostly direct to customers through its catalog, website, and showrooms rather than through a dealer network.
Final Thoughts
Grizzly covers a wide range, from the 110V G0716 for home shops to the industrial G0449. Match the machine to your panel width, power supply, and budget, or compare other options such as this ideal drum sander review.
For a production shop, our overall top pick is the Grizzly G0449 for its capacity and power. For most home shops, the 220V G1066R or the 110V G0716 is the more practical choice.
Sources
- Model G0449/G0450 Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial
- Model G1066R/G1066Z/G1079R Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial
- Model G0716 Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial
- Model G8749 Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial
