On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 20:55:25 -0400
Meanie wrote:

I'm contemplating the purchase of a bench top planer. After looking
around for a used machine, I often thought about a vertical drum
sander instead. Obviously, I know the difference between the two but
they basically do the same thing. Therefore, seeking the sage advice,
could I get by with a sander instead of a planer?

you must mean a horiz drum sander but maybe there is a vertical
model out there

have never seen one


as to a horiz drum sander vs a thickness planer


i would rather have a horiz drum sander

pros are

quieter
no blades to chip or sharpen
usually a nicer finish
more options on the level of finish by changing grits
can work wider material on open sided machines
did i say quieter


cons are
slower material removal and do not take off too much at once
although some will detect if you try too hard and slow down
more dust
initial cost might be higher