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I've been using this Rikon 6 x 48 belt/10" disc sander for about ten years.

I use the disc a lot, but seldom use the belt. I cobble up a spindle sander on my drill press for doing bridge wings and the like, so I'm considering replacing the Rikon with this Ridgid unit.


Space is at a premium, so I can't have both, plus I think the Ridgid has a smaller footprint. I'm wondering if anybody's had experience with both of these—which was more useful for guitar building? Also, dust collection on the Rikon is pretty poor; how is it on the Ridgid?

Any input appreciated,

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I don't have one Uncle but Ive seen a lot of Luthiers rave about these. Mark Robert's has quite a few jigs he post pictures of.

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I had one for many years (mine was grey) and sold it when I got a large Jet oscillating spindle sander and a 12" disc sander. I immediately missed the belt sander part and started using a handheld belt sander inverted in a vise. The only negative with the Rigid unit is mediocre-poor dust collection connected to a shopvac in both modes. It had enough power and was sturdy enough for the work I did on it and was quick to change modes. Thumbs up from me!

Does the rigid have a fence that you can use with the spindle part for making bridge wings? I use the luthiers friend for this today.


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I've found that the belt, disc, and oscillating sanders all have their uses. Both of those units look light weight enough to be stored under a bench, and quickly set up when needed. I would try to keep them both.

I have the Grizzly sander with the large top.
As a solid-body builder, it makes sanding the sides a snap.
I also use it for roughing neck carves.
With a fence clamped to the table, I can thickness sand a thin veneer.
If you get one, make sure the table size is appropriate for your tasks.
Dan

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wah
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I've got them both and liked them both and then when I took the Rigid to the city shop where Dave always hates any tools that I have he actually liked it. Go figure...

Anyway for me if I had to be without one, and this is a difficult decision for you I am sure Pat, it would be the Rigid that I would nix in favor of keeping the 6 X 48. Why? I use a good, flat platen of a belt sander sifigagntly more than a spindle sander but I do use them both.... That's the problem.

Both are great tools though.

We have the oscillating Ridgid (great machine for the $$) and a horizontal belt sander -- use the Ridgid most often but would not be without the other, sanding machines like clamps, you cannot have enough of them.

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

Pat, I just went through this same problem a few months ago. After careful consideration (and a price drop on the Rigid at my local HD)
I did get the Rigid. I think I'll get more use out of it for different operations than the belt/disc sander. I'd have both if I had the space and
the money.

Brent

Thanks for all the feedback, folks!

Hesh, did you have both when you were building? If so, have your inclinations about either changed since you moved over to repairs?

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I have the Rigid, and use it often. Like all compact tools, I wish I had a larger belt sander. For example, to flatten and shape a neck block the belt isn't wide enough when you factor in the oscillation. Otherwise a great tool.


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Hey Pat! Yes I had both when building and the only thing that the OSS got me was the ability to do curves for say the head stock easily. However... prior to having the OSS I used a PC spindle sander kit for a drill press that I have too. Not a fan of putting lateral forces on a drill press chuck but it worked well enough when I used it that an OSS was not really necessary for how I build.

A belt sander is pretty important IMHO for either building or repairs. I have a 4" X 36" Crapsman BS that I like most of all although no one else can understand why. It just works well for me and has been tried and true steady as she goes for over a decade now making it a favorite here.

The 6 X 48 was a mistake of sorts. I ordered a new 4 X 36" from Woodcraft and they called me and told me they were out of them but I could have the 6 X 48 for the same price. In the words of the great Mick Jagger... So I did....

Anyway both are fine tools with lots of applications with Lutherie. The belt sander does get used more in the repair word than the OSS and I believe for me it did too in the building world. YMMV we all do things a tad different I am sure.

I can tell you that both tools have been trouble free with no issues.

I have the small version of the Rikon which I like to use with a sled for headstocks and bridges. Also, the disk works well for flat surfaces. It's small enough to fit on the shelf under my bench. I also have the Rigid. It's hard to do without the spindal sander for shaping. I too have limited space, so I need compact/bench top tools. I consider these two items pretty essential. Perhaps there is something else you could get rid of...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I have both. I use the 6x48 daily--the disk is perfect for getting a surface really flat. I keep the Rdigid oscillationg sander under the table and only bring it out when I need it. I use it most for the curves on the neck and peghead. It's really good for sanding down to a line. If I only had one, I would go buy the other and keep both. The Ridgid does a slightly better job of catching the dust from sanding. I have the Rikon hooked up to my dust collection system. I've tried many modifications to capture more dust from it. None have improved dust collection much--it makes a lot of dust. I use a shop vacuum with the Ridgid. I gets most of the dust but not all.

Thanks again for all the replies.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com