shutterbug Posted July 1, 2011 Report Posted July 1, 2011 Question. Has anyone tried the Central Machinery Oscillating Spindle Sander? Harbor Freight item 95088. They have a sale on until 7/31/11, regular price is $149.99 but it is on sale for $99.99. I was thinking of getting the Drill press sanding drum kits for around $30.00 but at this price it looks too good to pass up and less wear on the drill press. Quote
Clayton717 Posted July 1, 2011 Report Posted July 1, 2011 I believe Dan just got one. check out this thread - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5940 Quote
Dan Posted July 1, 2011 Report Posted July 1, 2011 Dean, I sure did just buy one. I haven't had time to really play with it yet but I did set it up and made sure it ran. It's a little noisy but all seems good so far. I plan to spend some time this weekend. I have scraps of various hard and softwood and plan to make some sawdust. It has an 1.5 inch dust port so I'll have to get an adapter for my shop vac. I'll let you know what I think of it by Monday. On a side note, I did see that a similar one build by Rockwell had some so-so reviews. Mostly because the motor went out right around the 90-day warranty expiration. I (or rather, my wife) bought the 2-year warranty from Harbor Freight for $30 (I think). They said if anything at all goes wrong, just bring it back and they will give me a new one. Quote
shutterbug Posted July 2, 2011 Author Report Posted July 2, 2011 Well, after reading all the responses (appreciaterd) to my original question, I went to Harbor Freight and purchased their oscillating spindle sander for $99.99 (regularly $149.99) with a 2 year extended warranty for $19.99. I looked at both Rigid spindle/belt combo ($199.99 homedepot) and Sears Craftman's ($249.99) and after considering how much use compared to price decision was easy. Again, want to thanks all of you for your opinions. Quote
Dan Posted July 4, 2011 Report Posted July 4, 2011 Dean, I got to play with mine today. Here are some of my thoughts on it. Remember, I don't have another one to compare it to. I had to by an adapter for the dust port. The only one I could find was about eighth inch to small in diameter. I just wrapped some tape around it to build up the diameter of the adapter and it now fits snuggly. I believe the sanding sleeves that come with it are 80 grit. They do a pretty good job removing the wood. After sanding a few pieces I checked the wood and it was square and the sanding marks were not as bad as I thought. This is good because I plan to do some intarsia. I will buy some 100 grit sleeves. The sander is very loud! I honestly think it is the second loudest tool in the shop, a close second to the thickness planer. I cut some bookmark blanks on the band saw. I then set up a fence on the spindle sander and ran the bookmarks through it. I did a very nice job removing the roughness left by the band saw blade. It seems easier than using the belt sander. If I have time, I will make a bowl this week and take it to the sander. Overall, I'm happy with it, but then I always like new toys. Dan Quote
toolbeltman Posted July 4, 2011 Report Posted July 4, 2011 Nice review Dan...thanks for posting Quote
shutterbug Posted July 4, 2011 Author Report Posted July 4, 2011 Dan, did you make a fence both the left and right side of the spindle. I was thinking of making a fence but cutting out a half circle of the largest insert and clamping onto the table top with clamps when needed. Quote
Dan Posted July 4, 2011 Report Posted July 4, 2011 I just make a temporary fence by clamping a piece of hardwood to the table and adjusted it a little at a time until I got it to the thickness I wanted. I think I'll make a fence out of angle iron and MDF. Quote
PawPawRay Posted July 5, 2011 Report Posted July 5, 2011 Had one for over a year and don't know how I got along with out it before my wife bought it for me for my birthday. Quote
Messman Posted July 5, 2011 Report Posted July 5, 2011 I have been thinking about getting this same one. I think I may get it as soon as I have the extra $$'s to spend. Quote
shutterbug Posted July 5, 2011 Author Report Posted July 5, 2011 Chris, check out Harbor Freight Tools website. Suggest you sign-up for there monthly ad catalog. That's how I got the spindle sander for $99.00. Regular price was $149.99 and on sale in store for $129.99 but with July catalog coupon it was $99.00 with a 2 year extended warranty for $19.99). Quote
qlty Posted July 6, 2011 Report Posted July 6, 2011 I have a spindle sander by sears but tend to use a table belt sander more for preparing wood before scrolling.Be careful using a fence if I place a piece of wood near the left rear corner of my spindle sander it has a tendency to throw the wood at me if it gets pushed too tight against the spindle. Quote
Messman Posted July 6, 2011 Report Posted July 6, 2011 Chris, check out Harbor Freight Tools website. Suggest you sign-up for there monthly ad catalog. That's how I got the spindle sander for $99.00. Regular price was $149.99 and on sale in store for $129.99 but with July catalog coupon it was $99.00 with a 2 year extended warranty for $19.99). I have already done that. The key to this is me getting the extra $$'s Quote
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