I Tested the Top Delta 18 36 Drum Sander and the Results Were Impressive

Fine finishing requires patience, and these 180 grit strips earned their spot by delivering ultra-smooth final passes without scorching the wood. I appreciate how easily they wrap around the drum without tearing at the edges.

You will want to keep a pack of these on hand when you reach the final stages of a tabletop build. Just remember that high-grit paper loads up quickly with fine dust, so you must clean them frequently.

General woodworkers tackling mixed stock will find that this silicon carbide belt suits their everyday feeding needs exceptionally well. I think this option makes a reliable workhorse for anyone who processes domestic hardwoods on a regular basis.

The durable material grips boards securely to prevent slipping during the feed cycle. On the downside, installation requires patience to achieve proper tracking alignment on your machine.

Heavy stock removal often relies on an unexpected feature: precise angled cuts that prevent frayed ends from catching inside the drum clip. I consider these 60 grit strips my top overall pick because they chew through rough-sawn lumber faster than standard rolls.

You can count on them to flatten warped boards without stalling your motor. The aggressive grit means you will need to follow up with finer papers to remove deep scratch patterns.

The most common complaint regarding replacement feed belts involves premature edge fraying, but this model mitigates that issue with reinforced fabric layers. I find this option reassuring for owners who want strict compatibility with Delta models 31-250 and 31-252.

It tracks straight right out of the box with minimal adjustments needed. You should still take your time during the initial alignment process to ensure long-term tracking stability.

Stepping down from the aggressive traction of the 100 grit model above, this 120 mesh belt offers a slightly smoother surface texture for your feed table. I view this alternative as a solid middle-ground choice for shops that handle medium-density panels.

It provides consistent grip without marring the bottom face of softer woods. You might find that it wears out slightly faster if you frequently feed rough, unplaned lumber across the bed.

Heavy leveling duties built this product line's reputation for tackling heavily cupped slabs, but you must assess whether your motor can handle the extreme load. I rank this coarse 36 grit paper as a specialty item for severe stock removal rather than everyday milling.

It strips away old finishes and high spots with ruthless efficiency. The trade-off is a rough surface that demands significant cleanup work with intermediate abrasives.