Tool recommendations, OSS........

[LookMomNoSights]

Hey everybody,  fixing to pull the trigger on another tool but wanted input from my friends over here before I spend any cash.....want an oscillating spindle sander.....was thinking the RIGID unit with the spindle/belt combo.  What do you think and do you have any other recommendations based on your experiences or those  of others you know who regularly use a spindle sander,  floor model or bench top?

[BenM]

I'll be watching this one.  About done with my belt sander clamped to a sawhorse.  I want that Ridgid unit.

[LookMomNoSights]

See alot of mixed reviews for the ridgid though Im noticing.  I also have my eye on a Grizzly model,  the newest bench top model with the tilting table.

[mwosborn]

The rigid is not a bad sander for the price.  Been using mine for 4 years with no problems.  With that being said, many advice to buy the best you can afford.

[snapper1d]

I have been using a ridgid for years.The first one for 7 years and made thousands of bow blanks with it.I am on the second one now.The first one didnt break down on me it was a fire that caused its demise.If you use some kind of vacuum on it to suck up the dust and then blow it off with your air compressor and clean it regularly it will last a long time.

[Bowjunkie]

I gave up on the benchtop spindle sanders after I went through 3 Craftsmans in a fairly short amount of time... several years or less I'd guess. The bearings simply aren't built sturdy enough for the work of bow making. I bought a cheap drill press next, put a drum in it, and still use it many years later. Two tools for the price of one.

[Roy from Pa]

I had the rigid and didn't care for it, so I gave it away. I suggest paying a little more to get a better tool.
Grizzly tools are good tools, I have the drum sander and the edge sander. Love both of them...

[BigJim]

I have a floor model grizz that I traded a bow for. It works well enough for a spindle sander although I use it very little.
I built myself a edge sander that has a 3/4" idler spindle that has taken the place of a couple of tools in my shop.

If you are playing around, the rigid will probably get you buy. If you are doing serious work, I would look in to something bigger. I never cared for anything in a  bench model as they never have the mass weight to be stable or the HP to get as much done...but one must do the soul search to determine their own needs.
BigJim

[bjansen]

Jim, I would love to see a pic of your homemade sander.  I started with a Rigid but once I got a Grizz floor model, the Rigid has only been used as a coaster.  

I had also planned on making my own sander with a small wheel idler on one side and a pattern wheel on the other, but have yet to get that project going.

[LookMomNoSights]

Thanks for all the input guys..... Id like to say I'll put whatever I buy to the test....usually do and I'm of the mindset that I'd rather spend the money up front than buy several cheaper machines that would ultimately cost more over the span of time. Buy nice from teh get go and keep it forever hopefully.  Jim that would be cool to see a pic of your sander!

[Roy from Pa]

I always buy the best and only cry once..  

[LookMomNoSights]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
I always buy the best and only cry once..    

Makes perfect sense!

[Robertfishes]

I bought a "used" but not used Jet benchtop 6" spindle sander 4 years ago. It seems to weigh around 80lbs. I like it but I go thru alot of sleeves..a set up like Big Jim's would be awesome! I have the Rigid combo unit, its handy and light weight. I mostly used it for limb edges.  but since I got the Grizzly 6x80 edge sander it sits unused. Grizzly sells a nice looking 6" spindle Sander, if I didn't have the Jet I would likely have it..I bought a 16" Grizzly band saw a few years ago, the guy had a 9" grizzly spindle sander also for sale..I tried to get it but he wouldn't come down on his price.. It was pretty sweet, but would take up a lot of room in my shop.

[eflanders]

I have a bench top OSS but use it mostly for other things as it is just not sturdy enough for bigger projects like bow making in volume. I also have a smaller floor standing belt sander that gets a lot of use from HF.  It is too light and cheaply made and thus it was a poor investment. Both allowed me to make a few nice all-wood bows though. If you are going to get something for higher volume work and/or other woodworking stuff, you can get a nice edge sander from Grizzly for under $700, or for about $1000 you can get a floor standing oscillating edge / belt sander from Baleigh.  I think this last one might be my next big tool investment...

[LookMomNoSights]

Do you think this machine would cover most of the bases?  Sanding out riser profiles and fades as well as being able to sand out limb profiles (on the disc)?    Wondering if purchasing this one sanding machine will kill a few birds with one stone and get me started pretty darn good for a first timer with limited space?
 http://www.grizzly.com/products/Oscillating-Spindle-12-Disc-Sander/G0529

[Roy from Pa]

It's a nice sander but I suggest this one, if you have the space, since you are willing to lay out some cash. The spindle on the end will do risers and the long flat area is great for limb edges.

  http://www.grizzly.com/products/Edge-Sander-w-Wrap-Around-Table/G0512

[wood carver 2]

I have an older Rigid and I like it, but it is a bit light on HP. If I push too hard, it will stall. I've heard that newer models aren't built as well. A guy I know had one that was junk.
Dave.

[LookMomNoSights]

I did see that one too Roy and I like it....I like that its a true edge sander and I know it would be the best for limb work.  That thing just looks like its made to do some serious work! The wrap around table would be perfect too.  Guess I have to decide and make something happen now......
Thanks again for all the help people!  

[BigJim]

LookMomNoSights, I personally think that sander set up would be a waste of money. I'm sure there are some uses, by I couldn't find any. I have a large disc sander in my shop and I start it up once a year just to see if it still works.

If I had to get rid of any one of my many edge sanders I think I would just quit.

I have a delta oscilating that is nice and really used it a bunch until I bought a 8" x 144" edge. I now just use the delta for special tasks.

If you plan on using them, go wit quality..you won't regret it. Double duty machines are typically only half assed on each of their specific chores...againg that is my opinion. I have also been accused of being spoiled too.  
bigjim

[bamboo]

"If you plan on using them, go wit quality..you won't regret it. Double duty machines are typically only half assed on each of their specific chores..."

  spot on advise---as much horsepower and belt as your shop [and wallet]will allow--when you are grinding-you won't be thinking I wish I had less horsepower!
 and be sure it has a good end table for pattern grinding--also be prepare to buy dust collection equipment!!--big sander=BIG MESS!!!
check equipment auctions and c-list -industrial equipment dealers and above all be patient you will find an edge sander---good luck!