I have been thinking about getting an oscillating spindle sander. If  you have one, do use it much? What features should I look for? 

Harbor Freight has the one below.

 

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-oscillating-spindle-sander-69257.html

I would take a look at the Ridgid Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander from Home Depot. It is on my short list of new tools for future purchase. It runs $200 but it can do more than a spindle sander.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Oscillating-Edge-Belt-Spindle-Sander-EB4424/100061671?cm_mmc=SEM|THD|google|&mid=sLk2lVigf|dm_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_51293505579_pkw__pmt__product_100061671_slid_&gclid=Cj0KEQjwg8i_BRCT9dHt5ZSGi90BEiQAItdjpJGyfEVoni5-bI1i_shR1WMPpBBtc0n-PBUBMcnAJGIaAu3u8P8HAQ

Allen beat me to the punch. The Rigid is way more versatile. An excellent machine with superior dust control.

My first one didn't have a tilting table. I found the tilting table to very useful.

 

Check the availability of sanding sleeves, too. Some of these use odd length sleeves.

I looked at the videos and was impressed with this Rigid.  I very much like the belt sander access to the end rollers. My belt sander is really old and I was going to get a new one. Now I am, but I am also getting a oscillating spindle sander too.

 

 

 

I have a jet...

I have a rigid.  I would buy it again in a heartbeat.  The belt sander attachment it the greatest thing since sliced BACON.

As much as I dislike plastic power tools I love the Ridgid sander and use it often. When I first got it the belt wouldn't track properly but it was just the crappy belt that came with it. Once I replaced it with a quality belt it was fine.

I have to chime in and also recommend the Ridgid sander.  I use the belt sander more than the spindle sander.  At least so far.  And don't forget about the Lifetime Service Agreement.  It is a PITA to get the LSA registered, but worth it in the end.  One caveat though.  I had to have mine repaired, and when I picked it up, the shop manager told me he wasn't accepting warranty work on Ridgid any more because of problems with the company.  The repair was good though.  I have a Ridgid hammer drill also.  Love both tools.  If you are concerned about possible warranty work, I would advise you to check on the Ridgid web site, find out where you might want to take it, and call them to make sure they are still accepting the work.  I'm not trying to raise a red flag or disparage the tool.  I love mine, and you probably won't have any problems.  Just sharing my experience.

I have a very old Craftsman benchtop SS, arguably one of the worst made (except maybe the HF unit) and yet it has always served me well. It doesn't see the use that most of the tools do, but when needed it's very nice to have. Mine was bought before the Rigid (and was a Christmas gift from my wife), and if I was to replace it it would be with that Rigid that so many suggested....much handier. That would be staying with a benchtop tool. Otherwise I'd consider the Grizzly floor model with a 12" disc on it.

Edited October 4, 20169 yr by Fred W. Hargis, Jr

I have a Performax and it has been very reliable.  I will issue a caution.  Whatever you buy, be sure to buy quality sanding tubes.  Some cheaper tubes are too small for the spindle.  DAMHIKT

^{I  have a Delta and I have trouble with the spindle sleeves staying on the spindle, I tighten and adjust and they still work their way loose. other than that it works fine.}

 

^Preston

I bought a Ryobi OSS-450 3/4 years ago NIB at a garage sale. It was very similar to both a Craftsman & Grizzly model at the time. I learned after the fact is already was am obsolete tool. First couple uses worked great, but maybe because of age the lower belt disintegrated. I finally found replacements on Tool Parts Direct. Downside with that model  it only came with the 3/4" & 1-1/2" drum.   It worked great for occasional use until I really needed it early this summer...bottom belt exploded (age I guess) and finding those belts proved to be a real challenge. I had a $89.99 coupon for the H-F and needed a OSS quick.

 

The H-F has worked flawlessly for me thus far. Neither have a tilting table which is probably a plus but I haven't run into a situation where I needed it. I have belt sander with tilt table so fixed table on OSS works. Dust collection for the H-F seems to be good hooked to my large Shop Vac. I do recommend cleaning the table good with mineral spirits or acetone, then multiple coats of wax to prevent any rusting. If I had it to do all over again knowing what I know, I would have considered the Rigid, a Shop Fox I let slip through my fingers or Grizzly's clone of the Rigid.  

12 hours ago, Stick486 said:

I have a jet...

You got room to land it on that mountain side? 

15 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

You got room to land it on that mountain side? 

 

He crashed it on the mountain and they left him there.  Now he says he lives there.

1 hour ago, Grandpadave52 said:

You got room to land it on that mountain side? 

VTOL

2 minutes ago, Stick486 said:

VTOL

So like a UFO then?

7 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

So like a UFO then?

close...

I got the Ridgid when we remodeled the kitchen . The overhang on the counter needed corbels , which I made in cherry to match cabinets. With this sander to sand the curves left no burn marks. I now use it frequently on many projects.

I have an old Delta BOSS,  probably 15 yrs old or more. It has been very dependable, but, a tilt table would be nice. I've seen lots of positive reviews about the Rigid belt/spindle sander.

Choose one that has spindles at least as long as the thickest stock you will be sanding.