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Failed attempts at using an out-of-round Robo Sander for purposes requiring a better tool lead me to searching for a tabletop oscillating spindle sander.

I did a search hear on OLF and saw a long thread on the Rigid Spindle/Belt combo.

I've also seen a decent looking option from Grizzly:
http://grizzly.amazonwebstore.com/Grizz ... ce=froogle

My immediate needs are for shaping headstocks (sides and top curves, neck to headstock transition) - and cleaning up insides of molds. I'm sure there will be more uses down the road one I have one in the shop.

So - is the Rigid the way to go?

Any other suggestions? I'm liking the fact that either of these is in the $200 (or less) range.

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

Hi Paul. I've got the Grizzly table top spindle sander and it's a great tool. I had a problem with mine when I first got it though. The drive belt that runs the spindle up and down didn't have enough tension on it and I had to take the thing apart to fix it. Took me about 45 minutes which I wasn't exactly thrilled about, but tech support helped me to at least look to where the problem was. They were no help on how to fix it. I had to figure that out on my own by moving the motor to increase tension on the belt.

Vince

Paul,

I've had one of the Rigid sanders for about 4 years now and am very happy with it. The motor will bog down if you try to get too aggressive when using the belt but, hey, for under $200, it's a good tool. If mine broke down I'd buy anther one.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I actually have round a refurb one online for $130. Depending on the cost of shipping I may have to check into that further too.

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

Paul my friend I have the Rigid too and it's a great tool. It's quiet, works very well, and the dust collection though not great can easily be enhanced when using the spindle by putting masking tape over some of the openings where the belt lives when installed.

I use mine for all of the things that you indicated that you want to use it for and you will find extra uses for it too.

The one suggestion that I have in addition to this great tool is to get yourself a pack of the replacement sanding sleeves - Rigid Part Number R28400 - approx. price $14.99. I have yet to wear out a sleeve but my thinking is that when I do it will probably be in the middle of something and having to find these then would be a pain and delay.

Great choice!

One last tip - when using the belt attachment be sure to install and use the stops too - I have a dent in my brand new shop wall where a bridge blank became a frequent flier.......

Yup, I got the Rigid as well. Love it

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How is it used for pattern/template work? I can't see anything about accessories for that task. I'd be very interested if it it could do that well.

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OK - I'm sold - those are great recommendations.

Thanks

Now I have to decide if I purchase new locally for $199 - or a refurb for $130 plus $26 shipping.

I'm leaning towards new for the extra $43.

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

Go with a new one - the machine will be cleaner that way.......

Well then..... that decides it for me!

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

I know, you already decided... but I too love my Rigid Sander.

THINK very carefully when you use the belt sander. It can be merciless if used improperly.

I just picked up a set of those spindle sleeves. Took a long time to wear out my first sleeve.

Gum erasure really extends the life.

Mike

And almost as important as being Clean is the fact that a new one will have a warranty.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

And if you register it, a Lifetime Warranty!

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I'm going to slightly depart from the recommendations above. Only because I don't own that one. I have the Ryobi. It does what I want of it, I think I got it from HD on sale for like $69. I think the Rigid would be a better more versatile tool however. I have to say that the dust collection on it is really very good too. I have the 2 1/2 upsized to a 4" sucker and it totally sucks .

I think my deciding factor when I bought it was the money difference.

Darrin

Just make sure the spindel height is as tall or taller than the tallest work you want to use it on at the bottom of the stroke. If the spindel comes below the work on the down stroke it can cut into the work on the up stroke or you can easly tilt your work and get uneven thickness. obviously this in no issue on most units as long as your work is no taller than 4".

...but what about using it for template/pattern work? Does it?

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

Douglas,
That tool will be fine for pattern/template work. Realize that a oscillating spindle sander works best for inside curves. The closer the sanding cylinder is in size to your curve the easier it is to make the curve [b]fair[b].
For outside curves I much prefer a horizontal belt sander. Much easier to get a fair curve on a out side curve with a belt sander.
Link

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Cut to size.....Beat to fit.....Paint to match.

Seconded! I just shaped a head stock today using my spindle sander for the inside curves and my belt sander for the top - outside curve. It worked great!

I wanted to add for Paul that the sanding sleeve refill pack comes with 80 and 150 grit sleeves. The machine comes with 80 - or at least mine did. The 150's are very handy when you want a less aggressive, sneak up on it approach.

I have no problem using a sander to shape to a line, but is there something on this machine that will follow the template? Like a flush trimming router with its bearing, or the Robo-sander?

From what I can see, the abrasive sleeve extends below table level, so how will it follow templates? Unless I'm just missing something.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

Doug, when I constructed my bending form and outside mold, I shaped the first piece on the oscillating spindle sander. The pieces that followed were roughed out on the bandsaw, glued and screwed in place, and then trimmed with a flush cut bit on my router table.

Vince

I just bought a Ridgid a few weeks ago and I think it's great. However, I don't understand how you folks are doing pattern or template work with it, am I missing something?

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David White, Toronto

"All my favourite singers can't sing."

1 more vote for the Rigid.
There isn't any pattern following doodads.

I have the harbor freight $85 sander which I like and use alot but From reading all these good reviews I'll probably go with the Ridgid for the next one if I have the extra cash.

another vote for the ridgid. heck of a machine.

j

I had the Ridgid and agree it was a great tool. I never could get the belt sander part of it to work real well however. The belt always seemed to drift off and needed constant adjusting. No big deal as I use my stationary belt sander for that anyways. The reason I finally sold the Ridgid however was due to the limited height of the spindle on the downstroke. For me this made a difference as I required the higher spindle for some work. I use a Taiwanese version of the General International which was about $250 but has a 6" spindle that gives me that bit of extra height. The cast iron table and bit of extra horsepower is nice too.