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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LookMomNoSights on November 24, 2014, 10:06:00 PM
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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?
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I'll be watching this one. About done with my belt sander clamped to a sawhorse. I want that Ridgid unit.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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
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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.
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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!
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I always buy the best and only cry once.. :)
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Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
I always buy the best and only cry once.. :)
Makes perfect sense!
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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.
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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...
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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
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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
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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.
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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! :campfire:
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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
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"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!
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Yup that edge sander has a 220 volt motor and it sounds like a tank when you turn it on. WEAR LEATHER GLOVES WHEN USING IT, DON'T ASK HOW I KNOW....
While you are spending money, Eric. I'd get this one too.. :) The one inch wide belt is sweet for final touches on risers and tips, especially the belt area above the metal backstop. The belt will contour to your riser curves.. What the heck is another $200.00. ? Right, LOL
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-X-42-Belt-with-8-Disc-Sander/H8192
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Ya might as well get this grizzly drum sander too.. :) LOL
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Baby-Drum-Sander/G0459
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjSbwgKB7FA&list=UUBMjR2l-xfFufcLpkUpYYBQ
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Oh no, guess I have to sell my new truck and drive a beater now.... Thanks Roy lol!!!!!
Seriously though, Thank You guys who are in the know, a good edge sander it is....for my next purchase. Once I have that nailed down Ill move on to whatever else I need (most likely dust collection). BigJim and Michael, thanks for puting things straight with that combo machine....now I know! And thanks Roy for the recommendations.....I learn so much here and dont take anything for granted, so know that the insight from you experienced builders/artists is hugely appreciate!
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a good edge sander it is....for my next purchase
Wise choice..
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When I bought my used Grizzly edge Sander the guy said it was a GO512..like Roy's. I drove 100 miles with cash in pocket to look at it. When he opened the door there it was....a G1140 edge sander not the GO512 like the picture and description in his CL ad.. I was not happy and he could tell..it looked good and I made him an low ball offer that he took. I am very happy with it and added a pattern Sander to the motor end. I am a hobby builder and the 6x80 sander has made building bows much more "fun".. Right now the Jet OSS is used on sight windows, shelves and grips..I used to use an electric band file before I got the OSS. I keep upgrading tools, I should have started with the good stuff..
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You won't do a lot of sanding before you decide you have to have a dust collector, especially if you're sanding a bunch of exotic wood and glass.
Dave.
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I have the Rigid sander. Just bought it about a month ago. I bought it more for the spindle sander than the belt sander. It does seem a little on the light side ( I think around 40 lbs) but it does the job. I don't have a lot of floor space so the benchtop serves its purpose. Josh
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I have one of these. I think I paid $350 used, but in new condition. It had never been assembled.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-x-80-Edge-Sander/G1531
Has some serious advantages over a spindle sander, although I would also like to have a smaller spindle.
Relative to other tools, edge sanders seem pretty common on Craig's list. Just saw one that looked pretty good for $200, so it may pay to look around.
Ditto what carver said. Dust collector and HEPA respirator. You don't want to breathe sawdust or glass.