Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello everyone

I'm looking at spindle sanders and am wondering if there are any opinions out there??

I've been looking at the Jet bench top unit. One important feature is a tilting table..

Thanks.. Michael

Hey Michael, a lot of people speak highly of the Ridgid spindle/belt sander. I had one and it blew up on me, but I know a whole bunch of people who swear by them. I think my experience may have been an anomaly.

Steve

+1 on the Ridgid sander. Very inexpensive and it oscillates up and down. A light duty machine for sure, but excellent with bridge-sized things that need smoothing and curves that need cleaning up.

I had the original grey Rigid unit and loved it until I came across a lightly used full size Jet OSS and a 12" Jet disc sander. If I had the space I would still use the Rigid's oscillating belt. The only negative I can say about the Rigid is the dust collection design for the OSS and Osc. belt sucks. If you get one wear a dust mask.

I had one of those older rectangular ryobi spindle sanders. It worked great until it caught on fire. It really lacked any dust extraction method. I want to get one of those Ridgid sanders. I like the fact that you can slant the table. Looks like that can come in handy....Mike

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Guitars, guitars and more guitars.

I have the model of which you ask and love it. I didn't think I would use it as much as I do. Well worth the money for me.

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Michael F Smith
Goat Rock Ukulele
http://goatrockukulele.com

I really like my Jet spindle sander. It's solid, heavy, and has a big cast iron table (that tilts). The dust port hooks up to a shop vac and does a good job (I would prefer a 4" port though, for my dust collector). Worth the money in my experience. http://www.amazon.com/708404-Horsepower ... B00005A3GW

Thanks for the input, guys.

I pulled the trigger and bought the Jet. It was on sale for a little over $400, free shipping, no sales tax. The sale ended yesterday. I'll report back once it arrives.

Thanks again

Michael

I went through 3 of the new Ridgid sanders recently before I gave up on them. The tables either wouldn't level with each other or they were warped.

It looked like it would be a good sander if it was made right. The older ones that I have seen on display in the stores are better. I’ll keep my eye out for a used one. Or something better.