I have been looking at getting spindle sander to use for my knife making, but also wanted to be able to use it for the occasional laminate bow making project. I was wondering if any of you guys have any experience with the Ridgid Oscillating Edge Belt and Spindle sander combo?
I am just curious if this machine would be of much use for bowmaking, vs just getting a cheap spindle sander. The Ridgid is $200 vs $100 for the simple Oscillating spindle sander. Would the edge sander option be of much use? I currently do not have an edge sander, so anything might be better then nothing.
Thanks,
Dave
I had one and didn't care for it. Gave it to a friend.
What did you not like?
Have one and love it. I've modified it and use it to grind lams as well as shaping.
The vibration, and just didn't care for it.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=013305;p=7#000102
QuoteOriginally posted by BenBow:
Have one and love it. I've modified it and use it to grind lams as well as shaping.
Thanks. I would he interested to see what you did with yours.
QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
The vibration, and just didn't care for it.
I have read a few reviews of a batch of these back in 2015 or so that had bad vibrations. Seems like before then they ran pretty smooth, and maybe since then have been fixed? Maybe I will see if they would let me plug one in and try before I buy. Home Depot is over an hour drive one way so it would be a pain to bring it home to find out it vibrates off the work bench.
I have an older one and I like it. I have heard though, that the newer ones aren't any good.
Dave.
Get yourself one of these..
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Edge-Sander-w-Wrap-Around-Table/G0512?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com
I would love that sander but there are Two big issues with that one. First it is $900 after shipping. Second it is way to big for my little 12x16 workshop. All I can afford right now is about $200 and less would be better so I can buy some materials for bow making.
I had one and it worked okay but, didn't last very long. I have since upgraded to a 6x89 edge sander. If you look on Craigslist they sometimes show up. Mine big sander wasn't much more than the little Ridgid and works fantastic.
Good point on craigslist, Jess..
There are a lot of them being used by us hobby bowyers. Have had mine for 5+ years with no issues yet. Recently started using it to grind lams as well. Would much rather have a couple of grizzly sanders sitting in the garage, but as you said $$$$ and space!
Archer Dave here's one mod done to make it a pattern sander. I built an adjustable fence to grind lams but I can't find the post for that.
Pattern sander mod (http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=012533#000000)
Here'a picture of the sander with the lamination sander setup.
(http://i.imgur.com/2y2pq0S.jpg)
Nice. Is that an aluminum sheet for the top? Also do you use sleds with that setup or just send the laminate though?
I have two of these sanders and they are fantastic. Also check out the warranty.
James
It is an aluminum sheet on MDF and yes I use sleds I've built. And as JamesV mentioned they have a lifetime warranty
Thanks guys. I might tey one of these out. Have you guys found that only having a 2" spindle big enough vs 3" like most spindle sanders?
I bought the rigid combo 6 years ago. I already had a Jet 6" Spindle sander so i have never used the spindles on the Rigid.. It is a handy machine, a little under powered though and mine does vibrate..keep a good sharp belt on it and it will grind fiberglass limbs nicely. After using it for a year..I bought a used Grizzly 6"x80" edge sander and added a pattern sander to the motor end..The Rigid is very light and portable so i still use it on some projects.
I would be lost without my Ridgid sander.
Thanks. You guys have helped me make up mind mind to spend a little more and get the Ridgid. I think it will be a good little machine for my limited use.
Last time I used mine it was stalling out badly. Just didn't have the power it had. Been using mine about 3 years but still not that many hours on it. Need to check it out but it may have been due to the extension cord in use.
It is a very good system IMO. A big step up from the drum on a drill press!
Yeah light gauge extension cord can cause problems. I only use 12awg cords and even large power tools work fine.
QuoteOriginally posted by Pago:
I would be lost without my Ridgid sander.
Me too. Roys hands were actually shaking from drinking that cheap beer...
Ah Beachy Boy...
LOL
I picked up a like new one on Craigs list for $125. Only one of the spindle drums had been used. He must not have liked it. I love it and use it for knife making all the time. Shaping scales and handles, not metal work.Ken