Oscillating Spindle Sander Suggestions

[JohnB]

Evie,
I have made my own, with an old washing machine motor. It doesn't oscillate but has done the job for many years.
High on my wish list is a "REAL" one.

[minowevie]

exsackaly John, why does it have to move up and down at all. just turn right. what is that all about any way, up and down. seams like it would be easyer, to hold on too. your friend Evie

[Rolf]

Kevin,
Jeff (workin for wood) nudged me toward the Jet. I have never regreted that decision (thanks Jeff) It was the only one that has the capability of using a 1/4 inch spindle, it has saved my butt several times with some of my intarsia projects. It is a bit pricier than the others but to me worth every penny.
Evie, the up and down motion combined with the rotation gives you a much better finish faster and uses more of the sanding drum.

[Janette]

I use the 1/4" spindle a lot - especially for squaring up small nooks and crannies. I end up having to put a board of wood on the table tho to get them close enough without falling in the hole! Just watch sleeves or anything as the spindle sander grabs stuff like no other tool! (yes I found this out from first hand experience)

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by Janette

SNIP Just watch sleeves or anything as the spindle sander grabs stuff like no other tool! (yes I found this out from first hand experience)

G'day Janette,
Also could have been last hand experience.

Spinning tools are the worst as the grab and pull you into the machine.

I've had a coat sleeve caught in the drill press, and that sure made me sweat.

I've also seen some very nasty accidents happen with drill presses, borers and sanders.

[Ben]

I've got this guy. Switches from spindle to belt sander in like two seconds flat with no tools. You can find replacement belts and drums anywhere. Its a great product and the price is decent.

Ben

[greatdane2]

These large paddle style switches are quite often on sale in the $10. range. If you mount them in front of your machine so your body can hit it if your hands are busy, it is cheap insurance.
The come in 110 and 220 voltage.
On my 18" band saw I have 2 mounted, 1 on a small board and with 2 strong magnets and a long cord. It lets me saw long wood and still shut down if something goes wrong. I think some large lathes come with this feature.
Also showing a bigger one on my table saw, this is real nice when cutting large sheets.

Alan.

[Jediscroller]

Well, I went to Tools Plus today and looked at the Jet and Delta models (kind of handy only living 5 minutes from this place). I think the Jet comes closest to what I was wanting to do.
As far as what I ended up buying, I bought a Delta 1" Belt/8" Disc sander, hehehe. For what I need it for, I think the 1" belt will be just the thing I need.

[24 hours? NE!]

Originally Posted by Ben

I've got this guy. Switches from spindle to belt sander in like two seconds flat with no tools. You can find replacement belts and drums anywhere. Its a great product and the price is decent.

Ben

This is one of the most useful and most used tools in my shop - next to my Dewalt 788! Great buy for the money!

[Rolf]

Kevin,
I would be so screwed if I lived that close to a tool store.