Replies

1. 
   RobbyP | Jan 19, 2005 11:06pm | #1

   I have the rigid oscillating sander and it has been the worst tool purchase I have made.  I bought it due to the fact that I could put belts on it as well but I can't even begin to tell you how poorly this thing is made.  I will give you a short list of its many shortcomings...

   The tracking is awful.  I get it tracked perfectly and as soon as I begin sanding the belt moves.

   The silly rubber feet fall off every time I pick it up.  I know that sounds petty but I move it down to my workbench to use it and these things always fall off.

   It isn't balanced.  The thing vibrates pretty bad.

   I actually took back the first one and the second has not been any better.  I really feel rigid is in the same league as black and decker.  Disposable tools.  I have used both the Jet and Delta oscillating spindle sanders and they work great.

   Hope this helps

   Robby

1. 
   woodensplinter | Jan 20, 2005 03:32am | #3

   Robby

   Sorry to hear of your bad luck with the Ridgid belt sander.

   Did you try to contact Ridgid?  I sent them an e-mail regarding the platten flatness on my sander and got a response within two days.  Contacted two other tool manufacturers at about the same time.  Niether one of them has responded in over two weeks.

   Edited 1/19/2005 7:39 pm ET by wooden splinter

1. 
   RobbyP | Jan 20, 2005 05:48am | #4

   I must confess i did not call rigid.  I was so dumbfounded to have two machines work so poorly that i didn't think it was worth the effort.  I will try them and see what happens.  Thanks for the input.

   Robby Phelps

   RP Custom Woodworks

1. 
   chills1994 | Jan 21, 2005 02:57am | #5

   the local carpenter apprentice school has a couple of the rigids.  and they like 'em.

   the cubbie's really put 'em through their paces too.

   they have several other machines.

   a powermatic bench top model they had spent more time being repaired than actually sanding stuff.  don't know if PM still makes that particular model though.

2. 
   taildragger | Jan 21, 2005 06:39am | #6

   thanks for the info.  just the data I need to not make a bad purchase.  I always thought the Ridgid stuff looked a bit cheesy.  Plus I already have a belt/disc sander anyway.  Appreciate it. 

2. 
   woodensplinter | Jan 20, 2005 03:27am | #2

   Here's an opinion that's the direct opposite!

   I got a Ridgid sander for Xman (lucky or what).  I love it.  It only takes a few seconds to change from belt to spindle.  Have to be careful though, cuts like crazy.  I was amazed at the quality of the sanded edge, even with the 80 grit belt and sleeves that come with the machine.

   The closest thing to a problem I've found is the platten isn't exactly flat.  It has a 0.012 inch dip in the bottom centre.  The top is fine.  I plan to shim the bottom out.  As is, it isn't as much of a problem as I thought it would be.  I recently joined three pieces of 1X3 together with miters.  Two fit perfectly.  The third took a few seconds on the sander to "tune" it up.  It would have been very difficult to do that without the sander.

   BTW:  the sawdust port works reasonably well too.  I get a bit of material piling up just beyond the drive roller, but that's it.  For the price and versitility, I think its hard to beat.

   
   

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   Edited 1/19/2005 7:38 pm ET by wooden splinter

3. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 28, 2005 02:28am | #7

   taildragger

   Find an older State or Max (brand mfg. names) oscillating spindle sander.  They were designed for commercial use, and are really much better then the new crap available at the home centers, and won't cost much more.  I have a State, which came with 9 different spindle sizes, and a bunch of sanding sleeves that I bought at a used equipment auction for $550.  New, they are about $2000.  If you're going to use it alot, you'll be glad you didn't buy 'junk'.

   Jeff

1. 
   taildragger | Jan 29, 2005 06:11am | #8

   thanks, Jeff