Combo Oscillating Edge and Spindle Sander?

[Archer Dave]

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

[Roy from Pa]

I had one and didn't care for it. Gave it to a friend.

[Archer Dave]

What did you not like?

[BenBow]

Have one and love it. I've modified it and use it to grind lams as well as shaping.

[Roy from Pa]

The vibration, and just didn't care for it.

[Mad Max]

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=013305;p=7#000102

[Archer Dave]

Originally 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.

[Archer Dave]

Originally 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.

[wood carver 2]

I have an older one and I like it. I have heard though, that the newer ones aren't any good.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

Get yourself one of these..

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Edge-Sander-w-Wrap-Around-Table/G0512?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

[Archer Dave]

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.

[jess stuart]

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.

[Roy from Pa]

Good point on craigslist, Jess..

[mwosborn]

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!

[BenBow]

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

[BenBow]

Here'a picture of the sander with the lamination sander setup.
 

[Archer Dave]

Nice. Is that an aluminum sheet for the top? Also do you use sleds with that setup or just send the laminate though?

[JamesV]

I have two of these sanders and they are fantastic. Also check out the warranty.

James

[BenBow]

It is an aluminum sheet on MDF and yes I use sleds I've built. And as JamesV mentioned they have a lifetime warranty

[Archer Dave]

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?