Replies

1. 
   rog956 | Sep 03, 2020 05:53pm | #1

   I have the ridged sander used 1 or 2 times a year lasted 7 to 8 years now i have too get new the other look alike I'm sure same sander if you use it a lot spend a little more you will be better off

2. 
   DRBWWing | Sep 04, 2020 08:05am | #2

   I’m very happy with the Triton spindle. Nice heavy table, good duct collection.

   I considered the Rigid b/c of the combo belt sander, but didn’t trust the power & and decided the small belt area wouldn’t be that useful.

   I recently bought the Rikon 10x6 combo unit [15% off now). Haven’t used it much, but it does have good power. With a stand it’s a good deal. I was considering the HF 6” unit, but for about $100 more, if I don’t have to buy something at HF with moving parts, I don’t. ;-)

3. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Sep 04, 2020 08:57am | #3

   To the best of my knowledge, I don't think we've had any of the new units in for testing, and truly proper testing takes a fair bit of time. None of these "review" sites are actually testing the units.

   I bought the Ridgid about a year ago and I'm still very impressed with it. I use it just about every day. While I don't know what parts might have been a different material at some point, I don't see what would be lacking in the current design.

4. 
   fivebirdscustom | Sep 04, 2020 09:56am | #4

   I have no experience with any unit other than the Ridgid. I love my ROSS, and use it all the time. I was actually surprised at how much I have used it.

   Hopefully, some of the newer units will have some new features or improvements... Just to make it a real battle royale! LOL

   Not that I wish for anything other than a guaranty or some confidence of accuracy of perpendicularity (is that even a word?).

5. 
   stantheman | Sep 04, 2020 02:23pm | #5

   I have the Triton TSPS450. I have looked very closely at the Harbor Freight one, and the Wood River one, and they all appear to be exactly the same, just in a different color. Except the price is much, much less at HF. So its not so farfetched that a test comparison would rate it a better value. Maybe there's something internally different that I cant judge, but they even sound the same. Its pretty basic, and the table is fairly small, but it works for me.

6. 
   Meadmaker | Sep 04, 2020 04:24pm | #6

   Thanks Gents. I was concerned with some of the forums indicating that the newer Rigids are not the Rigids of 5+ years ago as they have substituted a good number of plastic parts for ones that were metal. I have need of one of these combo bench/spindle sander units as I have decided to branch out into Luthier work as an additional outlet for my constant futz-ing around with marquetry and inlay work. It seems these units are a must-have for this type of work, so I am keen to get one. If Ben is using his Rigid for his luthier work and finding no issues with constant use and the rest of you gents are in the same boat, perhaps I will just go with the Rigid.
   Space is not really an issue, so the smaller footprint of the others isn't really an issue, I was looking more for durability with more repeated usage than once or twice a month.
   Thanks again.

7. 
   john_c2 | Sep 04, 2020 04:51pm | #7

   It's common for less expensive brands to substitute cheaper parts. If you use a tool more often, it won't last.

   If you can't compare machines directly, see if you can find out what the exact weights are for each. There is a better chance that a heavier machine has higher quality components.

8. 
   fivebirdscustom | Sep 04, 2020 05:23pm | #8

   I have used mine to build a few guitars.... Much safer than routing and much more controllable.