Sectional vs Drum

[Mark7]

Apparently, there have been debates on this issue already. I use nothing but drum machines. (Why? Because the companies I worked for used them). But, when I read that a plumber is giving up his K7500 for sectional machines, I wonder why?
What are advantages?
What am I missing?
Where on this forum is a good thread to read on this issue?

Thanks,
Mark

[ToUtahNow]

Apparently, there have been debates on this issue already. I use nothing but drum machines. (Why? Because the companies I worked for used them). But, when I read that a plumber is giving up his K7500 for sectional machines, I wonder why?
What are advantages?
What am I missing?
Where on this forum is a good thread to read on this issue?

Thanks,
Mark

First let me compliment you on your name. I figure you must be a pretty smart guy and I haven’t even met you yet. ;)

A sectional rodder takes a little more effort but is a much more efficient machine than a drum machine. If all you want to do is get in and out of a job and you don’t care what type of job you do stick with a drum machine. However, if you have a difficult drain or you just want to do a nicer job use a sectional machine.

With a sectional machine you are only turning the cable you need not a drum full of cable you may not use. That gives you more power when you hit the stoppage because you are not turning a lot of dead weight. It also seems the sectional cables are more flexible yet remain stronger than a drum cable. I guess one of the parts I really like about sectional machine is you can feel the cable as you are feeding it in.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

mark7,

i'm not selling off my k7500 yet:eek: what i was referring to was mark's/ utah comment about getting me to use the sectionals.

mark is correct. a sectional machine does take longer to use, but it also has a better safety factor. as mark mentioned, the machine only spins the section of cables that your working with. these spin at approx. 500-700 rpm. a drum machine is approx. 200 rpm. there also seems to be a better assortment of cutters for the sectional cables. there is no flywheel affect. the cables stop spinning the second that you let off the clutch assy. very quick to respond to your commands. the cables are also more flexible which allow for getting around turns and tight fittings. i even ran a k-60 7/8'' cable into an old 1.5'' durham line to clear a 4'' main with no larger cleanouts.

the real plus is the ability to go up stairs/ roofs and under homes with a good strong machine. (k-60).

i don't have a k-1500, but i do have a general #88. it runs the 1.25'' cables that are 10' long and have a 1/2'' inner cable. the machine is pushed into the cleanout and then run like a gardners edger. it's on wheels.

the k-50 is a good inside machine that runs 5/8'' x 7.5' cables and also drums of 5/16'' or 3/8''. when you put on the drum, there is the run on affect/ flywheel weight. i've been able to clean lines with the 5/8'' cable, that a hand held 3/8'' couldn't touch.

it appears that drum machines are a west coast thing and sectionals are everywhere else.

give one a try and you'll be surprised.

rick.