Oscillating Spindle sander or Flex Drum Sander?

[Dchatley]

If you could only afford one sander right now to use for Intarsia or Segmentation which would be the best one to buy?

I want to try intarsia but want to have whatever sander will do the best job before I try it.

I have checked out the Oscillating Spindle sander by Jet..it seems very nice. I have also been looking at the Flexdrum/Foredom Bench lathe setup at Intarsia.com.

Any thoughts from the experts?

Thanks,

Dan

[Paul S WI]

Well Dan...In my opinion, since you state Intarsia/Segmentation, go for the flexdrum.
Another option in regards to O.S.S. would be the Delta B.O.S.S. (SA350K). Jet is a great machine but a bit pricey. You could have both the OSS and VS Flexdrum for a little over the cost of what the Jet costs. And, In time you will want/need/should have both. 'Should have' - only because it is a tool and woodworkers are tool collectors aren't they!!??

[Janette]

If you have a drill press- you can get the flex drum sanders from Roberts Studios very inexpensively (about $7 each). I used just these for quite a few years before getting an oscillating spindle sander. The spindle sander is handy, but I think the flex drum sander is much better for shaping intarsia. I use the spindle sander mainly for squaring edges and removing big chunks of material quickly. It is hard so shaping smoothly would be harder with it.

[oops99]

Janette,

Please give a Little more detail on where you got the flex drums on Roberts Studios . I have been looking for them on the cheap, and I have only found the more expensive ones.
Thanks,

Tom

[workin for wood]

yea, the jet isn't the easiest to use for actual shaping, but it's the ultimate fitting tool. I couldn't live without it. The 1/4' spindle is invaluable in intarsia. I use it to keep edges square as well as flushing pieces together. I do use it to bevel edges on some pieces as well, such as tight inside curves or v's. It's a must have machine. I don't have a flex sander nor have ever used one. Most of my shaping is simply done with a large stationary belt sander. Sander has a long wide flat surface and a round surface on the end, so it provides a variety of options as well as removes materials fast. If it won't make the curves, I sand close to what I need, then finish the rest off with my power carver.

[Dchatley]

Janette

When you say "Roberts Studio" are you referring to Intarsia.com?

I saw this item below but was not sure if it worked in a drill press or not.
If it would not damage the drill press in any way this would be the least expensive route to get started.

Thanks for all the responses

Dan

$32.95 Flex Drum Sander This soft drum sander will help you attain the soft contours on your Intarsia projects. This specially designed unit clamps to your 2000 (or 1725) R.PM motor. Designed to fit 5/8" shaft it also comes with a reducer bushing to fit 1/2" motor shafts. The flex sander is approximately 2 1/2" in diameter x 7" in length. Just push the pad and sleeve onto the arbor and it stays put on it’s own (there are two abrasive strips on the arbor to help). You can sand past the ends without the fear of marking the work piece, and even use the end to put a ?dish? shape in the part if you need to. DS-1 Flex Sander, comes complete with 80 and 120 grit sleeves with pad.

[thecopperfish]

Dan, the Flex Drum Sander in your post above is also what I use. Instead of a drill press, I use it on an old washing machine motor, most of them are usually 1725 rpm, and you can get them at repair shops, 2nd hand places, recycling outfits, etc. usually very cheap. It works great. A drill press also works fine, I use hard sanding drums on one of my drill presses and have had no trouble at all. If you can only have one sanding tool for intarsia I also would recommend these Flex Drum sanders from intarsia.com.
Chris

[groverd]

I have both, Oscillating Spindle sander and Flexdrum/Foredom Bench lathe setup from Intarsia.com, and use both, but for my Intarsia i use the Foredom 10 to 1 over the spindle sander. All the pieces get worked by the flex drum and the oscillating spindle i use to square up the "ocassional"!! mis-cut piece. I have recently got a Flex Drum Sander from Roberts studio and i am using a lot no also. . Still wouldn't give up my Foredom setup.

[Rolf]

As Jeff said for fitting edge to edge the Jett spindle sander is the best. I bought mine based on his suggestion. It is now a heavily used tool in my shop (not just Intarsia)
But for shaping I bought a pneumatic drum set that works great for me.
I would also recommend a flap wheel for finishing.

[jimp11]

YA like Rolf said