Replies

1. 
   docotter | Apr 14, 2006 07:29am | #1

   I have a Delta BOSS that I like well enough. Pros: inexpensive (~ $200), reasonably nice, large cast iron top (much larger than the Jet), but light enough to get out and put away easily. Cons: table doesn't tilt, plastic from the top down -- you might not be handing this one down to your grandchildren.

1. 
   MikeMD | Apr 14, 2006 07:56am | #2

   I'm not big Delta fan, I think if I go with a benchtop model I'll go with Gen Int or jet maybe shopfox.  I really like the Gen Int floor model second would be Jet/shopfox.  But price jumps from 300's to 900ish.

2. 
   Dave45 | Apr 15, 2006 04:58am | #3

   I got the Ridgid Oscillating Spindle Sander a couple of months ago and really like it.  It has various sized spindles as well as a belt sanding attachment.  For the first time ever, it's no hassle to clean up edges.

   The only mystery for me is why they didn't include a 1/2" spindle.  They included a 1/2" sanding sleeve, but I have to order the spindle.  C'mon guys, I would have paid a few extra bucks to get the whole thing!! - lol

1. 
   douglas2cats | Apr 15, 2006 02:39pm | #5

   The only mystery for me is why they didn't include a 1/2" spindle.  They included a 1/2" sanding sleeve, but I have to order the spindle. 

   Are you sure it needs a spindle? I'm not familiar with the Ridgid, but both my uncle and I have Delta BOSS sanders. Last year he was over and made a comment that he had lost his 1/2" rubber spindle. I didn't think I had one either so we walked over to my machine and realized that the 1/2" sleeves slip down directly onto the machine spindle with no rubber slide-on spindle in between. I'd never used the 1/2" sleeves up to that point so hadn't really noticed it before.

    If you build it he will come.

1. 
   Dave45 | Apr 15, 2006 04:02pm | #7

   Jeez, I never even thought of that - lol.  Good tool design would minimize the need for attachments and extra stuff, and Ridgid tools are usually well designed.  I'll check that out later today.

   I'm one of those rare birds that actually read users manuals and I don't recall reading anything about 1/2" spindles or sleeves in this manual.  Guess I'll check for that again, too - lol.

   Easter Sunday -

   I checked my sander yesterday and discovered that the 1/2" sleeve fits the drive spindle like someone planned it that way.  So shoot me for not thinking that someone could actually design a tool - lol.

   Edited 4/16/2006 7:07 pm by Dave45

2. 
   cadiddlehopper | Apr 15, 2006 02:46pm | #6

   I recommend Ridgid's belt/spindle sander also. I purchased mine when they first became available years ago. The new model costs less & has been improved a bit. I use the belt as much as the spindle, which, BTW, takes the 1/2" sleeve with NO adapter. Give it a try before ordering something.Another plus is that Home Depot stands behind Ridgid products better than I would have ever expected. The only negative about it is that the sleeves are shorter than I have needed at times. That may be true of others though.Cadiddlehopper

3. 
   tinkerer2 | Apr 15, 2006 07:17am | #4

   I have the Bridgewood OSS.  I can't think of anything that might work better.  The literature is lousy and obviously not written by a native American.  A little pricey at about $700.

4. 
   Ray | Apr 16, 2006 06:15am | #8

   I bought a Rigid when they first came out, not a real powerhouse, but I was cutting scrollwork trim for the house from pressure-treated 2X8's. I abused the heck out of it for quite a while and it never failed me. For "normal" woodworking projects it's a good sander. I wouldn't recommend it for a production shop. It was a "homeowner" grade tool at the time I bought mine.