Spindel sander question

[kywoodmaster]

I am considering buying a spindle sander. I have 2 questions. #1 is the spindle/ belt combination something that would get used a lot? #2 is the Rigid actually worth $120.00 more than a Wen or Harbor Freight model?

I would like to hear what you guys that have either or models think.

Thanks in advance.

Larry

[OCtoolguy]

I have the Ridgid and love it. Worth every penny.

[Scrappile]

I have it, several people I know also have it.. They like it, to me the belt part is worthless.  Only good for smaller pieces of wood not much sanding surface. I Keep it only for the spindle sander.  I like it and use it quit often.   Like I said , most people I know like it.

Edited April 24, 2023 by Scrappile

[Millwab]

Larry, I find mine useful for not only spindle sanding, but I’m usually only making smaller pieces these days and the belt allows it to do double duty for me.  Because of the travel of the belt you can use the entire length instead of only half with a disk sander. 

[kmmcrafts]

Think it'll depend on the projects you make. I have the Ridgid brand, bought used with a awesome heavy Ridgid stand  for a very good deal, so I don't know anything about the WEN but "other" WEN tools have turned out to be decent for me for the price etc. 

Like others have said the belt sander doesn't have a lot of surface area so you're not going to sand a real large area. I use it quite a lot to sand the bottom of my desk clocks to be sure they're flat before gluing to the base. I also have a combo belt / disc sander but I have to say it's nice to be able to sit the clock on the table of the spindle sander rather than hope I'm holding it level so when I glue it to the base it's standing straight, LOL.. Also nice that the table top can adjust for angles fairly easy if you do need to sand a angle. I do "carefully" sand the edges of my cutting boards on it too.. If you keep the table top waxed and slick it so the bigger pieces you sand can glide across even though the belt is small if you can move steady you're able to sand those 13 x 17 inch cutting board edges with fairly easy.. you just have to move steady and even pressure. A cutting board doesn't have to be precise like some things might need to be but again, easier to sit it on a flat table and glide it across than to try holding it on my belt / disc sander. I can't say if I've ever used the spindles as I use the belt part most.. so as I said, guess it depends on your projects you make.    

[Gene Howe]

My Rigid is about 18 years old. I had a machinist make me some longer spindles for the thicker band saw boxes I was making. I suppose I use the belt and spindles about equally. The belt is great for "sanding to the line". If a sanding job exceeds the capability/capacity of the Rigid, my Shopsmith 6X48 belt sander comes in to play. Then, there's the 12" disc sanders...of which I'm not a fan. Too easy to sand the skin off knuckles.

[kywoodmaster]

Thanks for the info.  I also have a 6in belt/disc sander that gets minimal usage. 

My wife has discovered the Steve Goods Vase patterns and she said that since I was retiring the middle of June I should have plenty of time to make her a bunch of these.  I think the spindle would be great for that purpose. 

I have decided to get a spindle sander but was wondering if I should go ahead with the combo unit.  I have read some of the reviews on all of the brands I am considering and a lot of them complains about not being able to get the table square to the belt on all the brands.  Do any of you have this problem?

I have looked at Rigid, Wen, Harbor Freight and Grizzly.  Any other suggestions?

[Gene Howe]

3 minutes ago, kywoodmaster said:

I have decided to get a spindle sander but was wondering if I should go ahead with the combo unit.  I have read some of the reviews on all of the brands I am considering and a lot of them complains about not being able to get the table square to the belt on all the brands.  Do any of you have this problem?

I have looked at Rigid, Wen, Harbor Freight and Grizzly.  Any other suggestions?

My only experience is with the Rigid and table to belt angles (including 90°) is not a problem. 

[Bill WIlson]

I've had one for some time and use both the spindles and the belt.  I've been very happy with it and would recommend it.  Whether or not it's better than the WEN or HF or if it will suit you and the projects you make, I can't say.  I've found it to be very versatile and well made. 

[rjweb]

I have had my Ridgid For about 10 years never a problem, I think also Ridgid has a life time service deal on it, RJ 

[rustynail]

The Ridgid always seems to get good reviews......

[Sycamore67]

I have had good luck with my Ridgid OSS.  I will also use sanding drums on my drill press where I can adjust the speed.

[Richard Hotchkiss]

I have the Triton OSS from woodcraft (no belt, just the spindle) and it works very nice. Have had it for years and never any issues with it at all.

[Tom-in-Ashland]

I had the Ridgid in my furniture shop for many years. It worked flawlessly the entire time.  I used the belt as much as the spindle. 

[BadBob]

I have the Ridgid. I mostly use the smallest spindle. I have a piece of hardboard notched to fit around the spindle for sanding small pieces to eliminate the bump I get when the piece I am sanding moves from the table to the plastic insert. The dust collection works well. 

[OCtoolguy]

8 hours ago, BadBob said:

I have the Ridgid. I mostly use the smallest spindle. I have a piece of hardboard notched to fit around the spindle for sanding small pieces to eliminate the bump I get when the piece I am sanding moves from the table to the plastic insert. The dust collection works well. 

I'm trying to picture that. Can you ad a pic? 

[Oldmansbike]

I have the Performax spindle sander from Menards. The sanding sleeves won’t grip the spindle on the bigger spindles and it seems underpowered. I wouldn’t recommend it. 

[Roberta Moreton]

I bought the Ridgid right after it came out! It’s been more than 15 years and is still going strong. 

[JessL]

Dang, now I think I need a Ridgid. My wants and needs list is growing with this hobby.  So be it!

[Gene Howe]

1 hour ago, JessL said:

Dang, now I think I need a Ridgid. My wants and needs list is growing with this hobby.  So be it!

You will love it. It's uses are many. A very versatile machine.

[OCtoolguy]

4 hours ago, JessL said:

Dang, now I think I need a Ridgid. My wants and needs list is growing with this hobby.  So be it!

It will never end, no matter what the hobby there is always something newer, bigger, better. Just go with it!

[BadBob]

Stuff expands to fill all available space.