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Spindle Sander advice

2K views 20 replies 20 participants last post by  cathode 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am looking to upgrade my worn out Ryobi spindle sander. I have been searching for a new one in the $500.00 price range. So far this Jet is on the top of my list. Before I pull the trigger I thought I would ask all of you for any advice on something that may be a better choice. The other choice is a Laguna, about the same price but cannot find any reviews on it. Thanks for any suggestions.

Here is the Jet https://www.amazon.com/708404-Horsepower-Benchtop-Oscillating-Assortment/dp/B00005A3GW/ref=s9_simh_gw_g469_i1_r?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=9YXHMB1PKSHC42YRB0RM&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=a6aaf593-1ba4-4f4e-bdcc-0febe090b8ed&pf_rd_i=desktop
 
#6 ·
While the Ridgid is a nice and versatile machine it isn't in the same class with the Jet. With significantly more horsepower, CI top and oil bath gears it is a much heavier duty sander. You just have to decide how much you want to spend. Rikon introduced a similar machine which is cheaper but has shorter spindles IIRC but I have yet to see a review of it. The Jet has been the pick of the litter at its price point for 10 years or so now.
 
#11 ·
What are you doing with the old Ryobi? I inherited one from my father but Im missing all but one of the plastic inserts and all but one of the rubber drums that the sandpaper sleeves go over. Id be interested in buying your old unit or at least the inserts and rubber drums.
I'll pm you

Scott
 
#15 ·
#16 ·
Thanks for all the replies and very valuable information. I will be seriously evaluating the Rigid with all the positive replies. Yes, I do need to go with a bench top model with this, I am out of floor space. If I did have the room, Jet has an awesome floor model that would be in the shop.
 
#19 ·
Wow, I'm in the minority in telling you not to get the Rigid. I have one and I only use it for the oscillating edge sander. The spindle sander sleeves cannot be tightened enough as the rubber on the spindle is too hard and so you get way too much slippage when trying to sand. You have to use too light a touch to get it to spin and then, it's not enough to actually do the sanding that needs to be done.

I ended up getting this.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Oscillating-Spindle-Sander/G1071?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

I used the original dust port and added a second one and it works great.

If you want to try something smaller, I have heard the Harbor Freight bench top has good reviews.
 
#21 ·
Wow, I m in the minority in telling you not to get the Rigid. I have one and I only use it for the oscillating edge sander. The spindle sander sleeves cannot be tightened enough as the rubber on the spindle is too hard and so you get way too much slippage when trying to sand. You have to use too light a touch to get it to spin and then, it s not enough to actually do the sanding that needs to be done.

I ended up getting this.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Oscillating-Spindle-Sander/G1071?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

I used the original dust port and added a second one and it works great.

If you want to try something smaller, I have heard the Harbor Freight bench top has good reviews.

- AZWoody
At four times the price of the Ridgid, is it worth it? I see people using spindle and disc sanders to smooth out edges of things that have been bandsawn or routed with a pattern bit. I never see them being used for heavy material removal. My dad has a stationary large belt sander and I understand why you'd need more HP for something like that because there could be a lot of wood in contact with the belt at once. But considering that a hand-held belt sander has more wood contact than a spindle sander, I fail to see how a 3/8 HP motor could ever be underpowered.
 
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