Replies

1. 
   akg1776 | Nov 17, 2006 08:16pm | #1

   Then sanding belts are a standard size and are available at HD/Lowes/etc.  I have not had to puchase new spindle sleeves since I've had the machine.  Not sure if they are still available from HD or not.  As of last time I was at HD they still carried the machine.  May be a question for a sales rep at HD. 

2. 
   mbholden | Nov 17, 2006 10:55pm | #2

   This is the weird thing, I can no longer find the Ridgid abrasive sleeves, BUT, the Ryobi sleeves are readily available - even though the Ryobi spindle sander is no longer available!

   Maybe they could make more money selling the Ryobi, even at a lower price, than they could on the Ridgid?

3. 
   cadiddlehopper | Nov 18, 2006 06:23am | #3

   Several mail order sources have sleeves for the sander. I stocked up when I bought a very early edition of the sander. The sleeves have a long life if kept clean with one of those crepe rubber blocks. I have yet to wear out a sleeve.

   Don't stock up too much on belts though. After several years taped joints deteriorate & separate.

   Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   sailho | Nov 18, 2006 03:54pm | #4

   Hi Mr Cadiddlehopper:

      Are the sleeves a standard size or does one buy specifically for a Rigid OSS, or a Delta OSS????

       Mail order like Klingspor would carry the appropriate sleeves???

       Do you still recommend this OSS, even with this supply issue present???

       Thanks!!!!!!

    

    

     

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Nov 18, 2006 06:29pm | #5

   As far as I know, the sleeves are a standard size. I bought from Econ-Abrasives of Frisco TX which I believe now markets thru Amazon.com. You might also try A&H Abrasives which is associated with Woodworkers' Supply. I haven't bought from Klingspor, but I would imagine they have them also. Mail order should save you a few shekels to boot. I don't sense a supply problem myself.I DO recommend the sander. I use the belt as much as the spindle. I had a very early model which had a problem with the belt device hanging on the shaft. The shaft had a flat on it. It broke a couple of times. HD repaired it at no cost until their service agent seemed not to be able to get it right. Then they gave me a new one at no cost! It has no flat on the shaft, so I don't expect to have the problem again. Maybe the lesson is that we should not buy a brand new product when it first hits the store shelves. I think that is the reason for a similar problem with a Performax 10-20.

4. 
   JohnH | Nov 19, 2006 03:35am | #6

   I get mine from Lee Valley. Spindle sleeves and belts are both standard sizes and not manufacturer-specific. I'm willing to pay more for abrasives that last longer. The Rigid is a great machine.

1. 
   tmaxxx | Nov 19, 2006 06:50pm | #7

   i have one of the too but mine tracks about as well as a blind man driving a old jeep across the desert.  any of you have issues with the belt staying put?  any suggestions if you dont?Tmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

   cheers.  Ill buy.

1. 
   mudman | Nov 19, 2006 08:42pm | #9

   They do have a minor tracking issue (I have one too). The problem I've seen is that there is not a sufficient return spring on the track adjuster. So when you turn the adjuster counter clock wise instead of adjusting the tracking it just unscrews. My solution is that I loosen the adsuster then whack it on top with my palm. That causes the adjuster to seat itself and the belt to adjust. Turning the adjuster the other way works just fine. If that is not your issue then try different belts (brands) the cloth belts track a lot better. If it is none of those inspect the mechanism to see if any thing is bent or misalligned.

   I really like this tool a lot. It is a far superior design than the usual disk/ verticle belt style which was really intended for the metal working industry. I do wish that Delta, Jet or one of the other big companies would introduce one like it.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.

1. 
   tmaxxx | Nov 19, 2006 10:13pm | #10

   then perhaps this might interest you.  i hope to get one of these in the comming year.

   http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/15105a.htmlTmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

   cheers.  Ill buy.

2. 
   barryd | Nov 22, 2006 08:23am | #11

   I just bought one, also. I assembled the machine and installed the sanding belt.  I tightened the slider on the belt assembly to tighten the belt and evened-out the tracking.  I turned it on and the belt slipped down and stalled the motor. The belt is brand new. I believe I tightened the knob on the spindle well enough. Have you or anyone had the same experience? 

   Thanx, BarryD

1. 
   barryd | Nov 23, 2006 12:01am | #12

   I withdraw this question!  All's well in my little world.  It finally dawned on me that adjustment of "tracking" prevents wandering of the sanding belt.  I've made the adjustment and have no further problems.  I should have known this, because I adjust tracking each time I change the blade on my bandsaw. All in all, I think the sander is a great value, considering its price.

   BarryD

2. 
   sailho | Nov 19, 2006 07:32pm | #8

   Thank you all so much.  I feel certain in my decision making now.

   Again.....Thank you!!!!

    

   Edited 11/19/2006 11:33 am ET by sailho