Replies

1. 
   Quickstep | Jan 10, 2007 12:30pm | #1

   I bought that machine based on the review, despite my destain for HD. I haven't used it much yet, but so far, it has exceeded my expectations (which were low despite the article). I have not had problems removing the belt although it is a fairly tight fit. For me, the machine was replacing a shop made disk sander so even though low end, it's a better solution for me. I was considering a much more expensive machine, but the HD sander is doing what I need. As the article mentions, it seems to be well thought out. For the money, it's a pretty good machine. If only it weren't orange.........

2. 
   DukeG | Jan 10, 2007 01:37pm | #2

   I also have this unit and find it to work just fine. I didn't read the review on this tool but for my needs it work great. THE PRICE WAS RIGHT.

3. 
   JMartinsky | Jan 10, 2007 06:45pm | #3

   Dear Joe,
   I am all on board with your opening comments. I only buy at HD in an emergency. I needed a sander that day and bought the machine as you did. I have had no problems with it. The belt comes right off. Flip the lever, just like on a regular belt sander and there is plenty of slack.

   Best,

   John

1. 
   Kevinbrown22 | Jan 10, 2007 08:01pm | #5

   Oh it has a lever, guess I shouldn't have complained.
   I've had one for a couple of months and it has worked great considering what it cost or not.This table saw should have come with a fireplace.

1. 
   JMartinsky | Jan 10, 2007 08:07pm | #6

   Dear Kevin,
   Forgive me, as both my intelligence and education are limited. Perhaps you could expand upon your comments?Best,John

1. 
   Kevinbrown22 | Jan 10, 2007 08:34pm | #7

   Sorry feeble attempts at humor don't always work in print, I should know better, and yet I don't (another one). The Rigid OSS and belt sander work fine for me not even considering the cost which I thought was low.
   Haven't had any problems with removing the belt.If I'd known it was harmless I'd have killed it myself.

4. 
   JohnWW | Jan 10, 2007 06:51pm | #4

   The machine we reviewed for the Fine Woodworking article did not have any problems with removing he belt, nor have we had the problem with the same model sander that has been in our shop for the past five years.  So we didn't "overlook" the defect. 

   Have you been in touch with Ridgid to ask about the problem you are having?  I have found that their tech support is good.  Home Depot sells tools at a good price but you can't expect much if any service from the stores. 

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

5. 
   mudman | Jan 10, 2007 09:27pm | #8

   I have had mine for more than a year. No troubles. I can't imagine not being able to remove the belt. The only issue I have heard and experienced is that the belt adjustment knob dosent have a strong enough return spring to override the backlash when turning the knob CCW.

    

   Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

6. 
   Jon | Jan 10, 2007 09:40pm | #9

   Joe....

   I've had this machine for approximately 5 years now and have had no significant problems of any kind. Belt changing is quick and easy at least from my perspective. On the other hand it would be much better if the platten were longer but of course that would require a larger belt and platform as well but much easier for longer material support. The dust collection leaves a little to be desired as well.

   Overall it's been an acceptable addition to the shop with some obvious but easily overlooked exceptions.

   Jon

7. 
   cadiddlehopper | Jan 11, 2007 03:41am | #10

   Mr. Bleau,

   I bought a Ridgid Oscillating Belt/Spindle Sander shortly after The Depot started selling them. I was given a new unit (Lifetime warranty) this year after two repair attempts failed to make it operate as it should. Poor work on the part of a technician probably. The source of my problem was probably the flat on the belt drive shaft. The flat was a totally unnecessary feature which has been eliminated on the current model which is $40 cheaper, by the way. (Probably the savings from not milling that flat!) Probably due to the flat, the belt drive mechanism would refuse to come off until something broke then the oscillation feature quit working. Happened to me twice. Anyway, it is among my favorite tools despite that bit of trouble which I never expect again because the new shaft has no flat!

   Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   gmoney | Jan 11, 2007 04:08am | #11

   mine looks great and takes up minimal space sitting in the box next to my desk, unopened. what am i waiting for?  i sure hope it's not Christmas, because that will be a while yet.

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Jan 11, 2007 05:30pm | #12

   I guess that you will have to tell us what you are waiting for. I keep thinking that I will wait for Spring, but then it is staying quite warm here -- almost as warm as CT.Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   gmoney | Jan 13, 2007 05:41pm | #15

   well cadiddle, i'm thinking about why and i came up with this:  i must be waiting for the shop cleaning fairies to pay me a visit.  there seems to be no flat surface with less than an eighth inch of dust covering it and or 45 small cut-offs combined with spilled screws, drill and router bits, dunkin donuts cups etc. and the list goes on.  some surfaces are even messy.  the cleaning and reorganizing required to make room for yet tool is overwhelming.  when i see pics posted of other knots shops i almost have to laugh. do you people have xmas elves cleaning up for you?  i can't believe i'm the only woodworking slub with a cluttered shop, but i guess it's possible.  the best thing i did recently was to hang some metal bar on the walls and fill them with multiple magnets on which any of the small metal tools that own are now hung. eventually i'll miss that attractive sander box sitting next to my desk, but as for now, it's safe.

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Jan 13, 2007 11:27pm | #16

   Your reply is funny -- and kind of sad for its truth. The only solution I have found has been to change my residence frequently and to retire! I now have a shop building (means barn) as big as my house. Sadly, it is filling up. Fortunately there are two floors. I have kept the stuff on one, the shop on the other. Being retired, I have enough time to clean and vacuum up after a project, but it gets pretty messy during. I see that these solutions may be a few years away for you, but you have something to which to look forward. Good luck!Cadiddlehopper

2. 
   dougmeyer | Jan 11, 2007 05:36pm | #13

   Hay that is a good look, I have the same thing in the living room. It is turning into a cat bench.  My mother bought this for my father and he has not moved it from where it sat on Christmas. The tree is gone now but the box still sits their.

   With luck in the next week or two when we finish up some stuff we need to get done we will be able to put the shop together and move it out to where it belongs. Who knows maybe the old guy will even open the box. Then again maybe not, the dovetail jig he got last year is not open yet. He says it is because he has not need it yet.

   Doug Meyer

8. 
   pagoda | Jan 13, 2007 03:02pm | #14

   i have had mine for 2-3 years and have always had trouble with the belt sander  eating belts , it seems that the  tracking roller wont stay in adjustment for more than 2 minutes

   i have meant to get a hold of tech support but never got around to it

   In that i have a numberof other rigid tools  that work fine i dont understand this one