Recommendation – Oscillating Sindle Sand
Marker | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Hi all
Need some advice.
I need a bench top oscillating spindle sander for my woodshop. I have checked a few wood magizine articles and customer feedback on Amazon.com and still not ready to make a buy. Price is second to dependability, ease of set-up, and post purchase support.
Positive feedback from this forum has served me well in the past so I am soliciting your advice again.
Thanks In Advance
Marker
Replies
I have a Ridgid that I am very happy with. The best thing about is that it comes with an oscillating belt drive that you can put in place of the spindle. Home Depot carries them.
George
You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard
Thanks for the fast reply.
Thats two for Rigid!
Marker
Rigid has gotten good reviews. With Rigid,you should get two firsts:<)
Quality and price.
Thanks coolbreeze
Two for rigid.
Marker
I can see you have other comments to digest. I do not have a dog in the hunt as I do not have a OSS. I plan to get one soon.
Having said the above, Fine Woodowrking #188 had a tool review on Oscellating spindle sanders and that is where I got the notion to mention the review. If you subscribe to FWW's woodworking website, you can access the tool test. If not, and you have #188 it is there.
Ultimately, you will have to make the decision as to what suits your needs. One thing that has been repeated many times on this forum is buy the best you can buy so you will not have to endure a long time of wishing for something better. We have ALL been there and done that.
Good luck, and you do not have to reply.
Thanks for steering me to the FW article. Good input to my decision process.
At this point I am leaning toward the Rigid, but may go with the Jet.
Marker
I do not recommend the Jet. I have a friend who is happy with his Craftsman. No experience with any of the others.
Appreciate the advice. Very helpful decision making data.
Marker
I bought the Rigid a couple of years ago and used it for one project, then returned it to HD for credit. I found it too imprecise for my needs and the table top was aluminum with plastic for the body. Purchased the bench top Jet, and while it cost more, the table top was cast iron, the case was steel, and the whole thing was much more solid and accurate. In addition, there is an optional 3 inch spindle available providing the versatility to take care of all my spindle sanding needs. Didn't care much for paying the price but I'm delighted with the performance of the Jet product. Short of the $1,000 floor standing models I think it's the best workhorse machine available.
Bob
OK, Woodmaster1776 (one of my most honored dates)
Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Don't mind paying the price as long as the machine lives up to its advertisement.
Marker
Woodmaster1776
What is the model number of your spindle sander?
Thanks Marker
I would say the Clayton's stand at the top of the heap.Here are the various models:http://www.cheyennesales.com/catalog/clayindex.htmYoou may not need this much machine, but you can use the specs as a frame of reference to compare others.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Well, I checked out the website (and so did my wife) great machine but more then I (we) want to pay out.
Thanks for taking the time to reply
Marker
Marker,Jet 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 Phase. I ordered mine from Amazon but the current Amazon price is waaay high. Woodcraft has 'em for $399.99. One of the positive things about the Jet is ready availability of replacement sanding sleeves. Before ordering the Jet I also looked at the Delta B.O.S.S. In fact the Woodcraft store manager was pushing it at the time and the B.O.S.S. was the same price as the Rigid. But...the top couldn't be set at an angle--crucial for some of my projects--and the label says "Delta Shopmaster" Previous experience with other "Shopmaster" tools made it seem likely I'd have an equipment failure to deal with--probably under warranty, but the tool would be out of commission while parts were ordered. So I bit the bullet and paid the higher price for the Jet. It's proved to be the right decision for me.Good luck with your decision.Bob
I vote for the Ridgid belt/spindle sander unless you run a cabinet shop or factory. It ain't industrial machinery, but we amateurs don't need industrial machinery. You will find that the belt is more useful than you imagine, too.Cadiddlehopper
Thanks cadiddlehopper
You have added your voice to the Rigid choir. Much appreciated!!
marker
Bob
Thanks for the feedback. Your response is one of the few I have recieved that had a bad experience with the Rigid OSS. I am weighing all responses before final purchase.
Mark
I have the Delta Boss and I have been very happy with it. For years I used a drill press and sanding drum but there is no comparison. The Boss is about 4 years old and has performed great. Table does not tilt and once in a while this can be a drawback. I have to make an angled surface when the need arises.
I sure agree with your crtique on the drill press being used as a sander. It was this very same experience that got me thinking about buying a spindle sander.
I appreciate your sound advice.
Marker
Dear Mark,
I very reluctantly bought the Ridgid and I have been pretty pleased so far. I bought it for one project, in particular, and at the time I was running it six or seven hours a day. No problem. I still don't recommend the borg, but the Ridgid has served me well.
Best,
John
Make the count 3 for the Rigid. I picked one up at HD maybe 2 yrs. ago on a whim. It looked good; had interchangeable belt and spindle oscillating sanders, and was $199.00. I use it contantly for all kinds of things. Certainly for its intended purpose of sanding templates and curved parts, but I use it for fine adjustments of most anything. Gets my vote. PM
If you have a Menard's nearby, check out the Performax that I believe is unique to their store. It is on sale this week for $85, normal list is $99. http://www.performaxpower.com/detail.cfm?id=90225
May not be the greatest, but for my purposes, sure beats $250 and up for most brands. Dust collection is great. And has a wide variety of drum sizes, from 1/2" to 3".
Received a gift card from HD a few years back, so chose the Ridgid OSS. Neither my genius nor the genius of HD could make it stop munching belts. A small adjustment would cause the belt to drop below the table and tear the belt. A minute adjustment in the opposite direction would cause the belt to fly off the spindle. We tried various things (can't really remember what now), but nothing we tried worked so it went back.
The dust collection wasn't very good, either, but that may have been, at least in part, my fault. Had to jury rig connections, etc.
Reading the good reports, I believe I bought the lemon. Luck of the draw, I guess.
ONWARD! THROUGH THE FOG.
Chuck
Charles
Appreciate your forward honesty. Good thing Rigid/HD has a good return program. Hope things are working out better for you.
Mark
Thanks Dan
No such store in my immediate area, but appreciate your input and that you took the time to reply to my request.
Marker
I bought the Ryobi because it was so inexpensive. If I had had more money, I would have bought the Ridgid. The Ryobi works fine and the replacement paper is inexpensive.
Ok, appreciate the reply. I am leaning towards the Rigid, HD is just around the corner from where I live, so no problem making a return on whatever I buy.
Marker
I would get the Ridgid for the versatility, if money is not too much of a problem.
For its basic functions, the Ryobi is a good machine.
Morning Sasquatch...
For its basic functions, the Ryobi is a good machine... sasquatch
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Yes it is. I didn't use to have much need for a spindle sander but things change. I ran into a project that I did need one and decided to get one that didn't cost an arm and leg. I looked at the Delta Boss and Jet (which is excellent) and then the Ryobi. I didn't see it as that much different in work table size.. drums.. etc. and the price of $99 sounded right up the alley of investing for a one time project.
Well.. my needs have changed and I use a spindle sander quite often now. When I bought the Ryobi, I thought I would upgrade if the need arrived latter. The need has arrived... but I don't have the need to up-grade at this point. The Ryobi is still humming faithfully away and as far as I can tell, does everything that the more expensive models do.
Every company has "hits and misses". This spindle sander at $99.. there 3" x 21" belt sander and a Ryobi BT 3000 TS I purchased that has ripped over 30,000 linear feet of hard-wood before I just purchased a factory reco Uni-saw were hits, IMO. The saw didn't die.. it's in Shop II with long rails and extension tables all around it and has become the panel saw.
The way I see it, if you are embarrassed to have anything that works well in your shop because it says Ryobi, put a piece of duct tape over the name.. write Festool or whatever on the tape with a magic marker if it makes you feel better and get back to work. Those 3 tools will work and do it for minimum wage! ha.. ha...
Regards...
Sarge.. jt
I feel the same way you do about the BT3000. I bought it in 96 with several accessories - extensions, zero-clearance blade guard etc. I processed huge amounts of wood through this saw, both rough and finish - even some furniture making. It survived two moves intact. When the current version went on sale, I decided to buy it for a very reasonable price as a backup in case the old one ever failed. I set up the new saw with all the old accessories in my basement and still use the old one in the garage for rough cuts and whatever. The quality to price ratio of this saw is phenomenal.
Make it 2 for the Delta BOSS. Cast iron table is solid as a rock and dust collection is great.
Frosty
I really like the Jet, It's about 30lb. heavier than the delta Boss. Lots of cast iron and a sheet metal housing, NO plastic !
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Bruce
I will look at the Jet before I buy.
Thansk for the reply
Marker
I have the Ridgid. Originally I liked it especially for the value, but lately, the motor won't start unless I help it by spinning the spindle by hand. I'd take it back, but I'm certain I'd get the run around.
Your might need new brushes, Quickstep. Some tools let you change them out, and if so they can usually be ordered through the store you bought the tool from.Then again, if HD is giving lifetime warranties on their power tools, get a new one. They replaced a 3-year old Rigid compound sliding miter saw with table for us at no charge.
The tool is only a few months old and has probably been used 4 times at most. Hopefully not ready for new brushes yet.
" I'm certain I'd get the run around."I don't think so. In fact, mine was in for service (I bought mine when they had first been introduced.) but their service agency never fixed it properly. After two tries, they voluntarily gave me a new one. They seemed very interested in treating me well and honoring their lifetime warranty. BTW, the new one is slightly different in such a way that I should never have the same problem as the first unit.Cadiddlehopper
You're lucky, the two Home Depots where I have traded are horrible. No customer service would be an improvement over what they offer, at least it would be cheaper.
Sorry to hear of your poor luck. Maybe living only 200 miles from headquarters makes a difference. Hard to figure. I don't know where you live.Cadiddlehopper
Thanks, for the input. Did you take it back?
Marker
I haven't attempted to return it yet, but based on Cadidlehopper's input, I might try. HD customer service might be better in 'bama, but my experiences here have been abysmal. Maybe I'll make the return Saturday's project.
Good Luck!!
Marker
I've had the Ridgid for a couple of years and it has worked just fine. No problems with belt tracking but the adjustment can be touchy. As a spindle sander it works great.
I just bought a Ridgid OSS and have found it very difficult to find the sanding sleaves. The home depot does not carry them and upon trying to order them online from Ridgid they appear to be very expensive and on backorder. Am i missing something here? Are there aftermarket sleeves that fit all the different sanders or are some brands just easier to get than others? As the sleeves are quite disposable they should be a part of the overall decision as to which sander to choose. Any advise would be great!
The Ryobi sanding cylinders are a perfect fit.
I found sanding sleeves at A&H Abrasives (thru Woodworkers Supply or directly) and from a place in Texas which now sells thru Amazon.com. Prices and availability are excellent from both sources. Remember not to stock up generously on belts, only sleeves. The adhesive on belts fails over time.Cadiddlehopper
Make that 3 for the Delta Boss. Have it and is solid as a rock.
Good luck!!
Clayton, buy it once and buy the one of the best. It's not a Master, but better than the others mentioned. I have the 125 tilt spindle, picked it up at auction for $200.DJK
DJK
You got a good buy. I will take a look at the Clayton, before I buy.
With Appreciation
Marker
Ok, Delta is getting some good reviews. What a great way to learn before you buy process.
Thanks Marker
The Delta BOSS works for me and I've used it pretty hard on occasion. Major compromise is no tilt provision, but a jig can be made for any angle. I find abrasives cheaper if you buy Ryobi or (I think) Makita from Home Depot. They match the originals and are way cheaper.
Many of the respondents to my inquiry agree with your advise. I will look closely at the BOSS.
Marker
Hello, I bought the Jet benchtop a few months back and I am very
satisfied with the over all quality. I looked at the Rigid,it did not compare
with the Jet's over all sturdiness and the Delta was not close . The only
other sander that I compared to was the General,it was a solid machine.
Hope that helps Good Luck
Thanks Izza
Based on all the + replies I am leaning towards the Rigid.
Mine doesn't get used all the time, but they sure are nice to have when you need one. I bought the Delta BOSS at a pretty good WW show discount quite a few years ago. If I used an OSS more, one of the nicer units with longer drums or tilt table might be worth it. But the BOSS is a very decent sander for the money. The vacuum hookup works better than I would have expected. OVerall I've been happy with the purchase.
If you build it he will come.
Ok!!
appreciate the feedback.
Marker
I have a Delta BOSS that I like well enough. The cast iron table is pleasantly large for such an inexpensive tool.
I made mine based on an old FW article for under $200.00. Made it in 95' and still love it. If interested when I get home I can scan the article in and send you pdf's to use. What a great project to build.
BK
When we were looking I was looking at machines like Oliver, State, Clayton. Ended up with the Grizzly G1071 and it turned out to be a good buy for us. You should also look at the Shopfox. The only thing I like about the bigger Clayton is the tiilting spindle. If that's a feature you need then you should look at that one.
I bought the Rigid, but had a real hard time getting one. I went to 5 Home Depots in my area till I finally got one. I am very happy with it it did an outstanding job on sanding templates and the finished piece. The belt sander is a great addition. The only thing I found a little tough to get were replacement sanding sleeves. I bought them from http://www.cumminstools.com/.
Great unit and for the price it was worth it. I stocked up on sand paper though, because I did not want to buy something and not be able to get the paper. I was told that the Ryobi paper sleeves would also work with the sander, problem is that they have a couple of sizes that don't fit the spindles.
I'm not sure if ridgid is still making this item though as I could not get any definitive answers from HD.
Quick tip when using the spindles you have to put a washer on top the hold the paper on the spindle. They have tendency to rise as you pass the wood across the spindle
Hope this helps
John
I've had the Rigid for about 4 years and although I have never used the spindle, I use the belt all the time and like it a lot.
The only complaint I would have is the dust collection isn't very good.
ASK
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