Oscillating Spindle Sander Suggestions

[Jediscroller]

Hi All,
I have an excuse, errrr need for an oscillating spindle sander. In the past, I've made do with sanding drums for the drill press and my disc/belt sander but with all the boxes I've been doing lately I think this would improve my productivity with sanding.
For those of you that own them, I'm looking preferable for a bench-top model. I've looked at Grizzly, Delta, Crapsman, Jet and General. Can you sand something 5" high with one of these? Currently I'm leaning toward the Grizzly as I've always had terrific luck with their tools.
Looking for recommendations and/or suggestions.
Thanks in advance!

[Mick Walker]

Kevin, I have the Delta BOSS and the spindles are only 4 1/2".

[knothead]

Kevin,
I have got a Roybe(sp) that I got for a steal about 5 years ago. I won't even tell you how much. I has got 6 different size drums and came with 3 sleeves for each one. I love it and the drums are 6". I too have some grizzly machines and have never had a problem. I would lean towards them.

Tom

[Chase]

Kevin, I did a little experiment on my Rigid oscillating spindle sander. Although the sanding drums are 4 1/2 in, it sands to a height of 3 3/4.

It has drum sizes of 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, and 2. No 1/4. It does however have a oscillating 4" belt sander.

I like it, but would like the 1/4 spindle. Price is right at HD; $200 with a lifetime warranty.

Hope this helps.

Chase

[Old Dude]

Kevin...

I bought the Ryobi a few years ago when I needed such a tool and money was scarce. It was $100...maybe no longer available now. To be honest it has done everything I needed it to do the few times I've used it...doesn't owe me anything. The oscillating feature is nice for sanding curves in flat pieces, as I'm sure you've deduced...hold the piece flat on the table and the drum moves as opposed to moving the piece past a pneumatic drum. I haven't felt the need to upgrade this machine, but if I did it would probably be with a Grizzly G1071. I've had good luck with their machines. My current stable of Grizzly machines is:
10" cabinet saw
12" jointer
20" planer
17" bandsaw
mortiser on stand
VS drill press
3hp shaper
dust collector
and I have no complaints with any of them. Unsurpassed customer service as well.

The G0538 has 4-1/2" high drums, and you want to sand something 5" high. I don't know about the Griz, but with my Ryobi (which the G0538 looks similar to) the bottom of the drum doesn't move above the table. It would seem that to sand something 5" high you'd have to flip the piece. Maybe somebody knows for sure. The G1071 doesn't have this problem, but more $$. Actually, the sleeves are pretty stiff, so it might be possible to find a long enough sanding sleeve of the right diameter and use it on the shorter drum...only talking 1/2".

Amazon has a Wilton for $149, free shipping.

Amazon.com: Wilton 99179 1/3 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander: Home Improvement

I think Wilton is owned by WMH Tool Group, the same guys who own Jet. Don't know whether this is good, bad or indifferent.

Would like to know what you decide.

Cheers.
Ed

[Janette]

I have the Jet Kevin and it's been taking my abuse well.

ps. never thought I really needed one but now that I have it - don't know what I'd do without!!

[greatdane2]

There was a revue in a magazine a while back and they picked the Rigid one. They pointed out the ease of use and and changing splindles along with the abillity to switch to a belt sander made it their top pick.

Alan.

[Ramjet]

I have a Grizzly G0538 . The sleeves are 41/2" tall , but only travell up 1/2" . Does ok for my neeeds . Not sure if different models have a higher travel . I didn't consider the travel distance when I bought it.
Roger

[minowevie]

well, I am no expert hear at all. we do have a oscillating spindale sander, that holds lots of differnt sizes. butttt. I have often wondered, why couldn't you make your own drums. to the size you wish. it would still work, it just goes up and down, with the drum in the middale holding the piece ferm. and the outside sand papper could be mounted with those sanding glue on stips. like a big sandding planer, has. winding it around the out side of the middale piece, candy cane stile. a wooden core, or rubber, with the bolt longer.and washer. just a thought. your friend Evie

[Hawaiilad]

I have the Rigid and for the price I am very happy with it. The Belt sander makes it a second tool for the price of one!!