Jet vs. Ridgid spindle sander

[Clo-z-nuff]

I talked my wife into a new "investment".  Anyone use both of these and have an opinion?  The Jet is used but like new for about the same money as a new Ridgid.

Thanks!

[Robertfishes]

I have a Jet J-BOSS, it's the benchtop model has a nice cast iron top and weighs arround 70 lbs. Mine came with spindles from 1/4" up to 2".  I have never used any other oscillating spindle sander. I also bought mine as used but it was never used by the previous owner..I buy the 6" long spindles from supergrit. Maybe you could try a "google search" and get some reviews on both of the sanders from some wood working sites.

[mwosborn]

I have the ridged and it works fine.  That being said, I do not think it is the quality of a jet. IMHO   For the same money I would go with the like new jet.

[scottm]

I have both.IMHO the jet is 100 times the quality of the ridgid,it works great,nice machine,but i use my rigid way more than the jet.The rigid is light,sand paper is cheaper plus its a comon size paper.I think you can buy a complete set of paper for the drums at allmost any home improvement store for around $12.00.Mostly I think i use it more because of the oscillating belt.If i need the spindle sander i use my jet only because i dont have to swap out parts.The jet looks to be built to last a life time,lots of power doesent seem to bog down even if you put alot of pressure on it while sanding.The ridgid IMHO is built very cheap.But when mine quits ill buy another one.That being said if i could buy the jet for the same price id go for it!Then buy the ridgid latter!  

[bjansen]

When that ridgid quits, remember it has a lifetime, limited warranty.  After about 2 years of hard use, the motor quit on my Ridgid.....replaced free of charge.

But I agree with the above comments.  A jet would be a great, heavier duty unit to have.

[Clo-z-nuff]

Aaaaaaggggghhhhhh!!  You guys aren't helping! ;-)
Kidding of course.  Thanks for the responses.

I do like that belt feature on the Ridgid, that's the only reason I'm considering it.  For outside curves it seems that would be the cat's pajamas. I detest Home Depot but it seems like they've got a good thing going there.

More opinions would be appreciated.  The guy with the Jet is in no hurry to sell so I've got some time.

[Buxndiverdux]

Anyone have a model # on the rigid sander?

[Robertfishes]

EB4424 is the one I think they are talking about

[Clo-z-nuff]

Yeah, the EB4424 is the one I'm looking at.  I took a look at a new Jet last night as I hadn't seen one in person.  They are smaller than I had envisioned.

[Robertfishes]

I use my jet for shaping the riser area, the small Plate is not a problem for me

[Roy from Pa]

I had a rigid EB4424 and gave it away just to get rid of it, get the Jet

[goobersan]

I have the Rigid EB44242. No problems other than I can't stop the oscillation when I want to. You have to be careful with an oscillating sander to avoid ribs or ridges in whatever you're sanding. Definitly worth getting one. Saves alot of time and elbow grease.