Ridgid Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

[dow]

Does anybody have one of these? If so, hat are your opinions, good, bad, or indifferent?

Thanks!

[3finger]

I've got one. Works fine. Gets mostly favorable reviews as a really good tool for the money.

[dow]

Thanks 3finger!

[dlgWoodWork]

I have one, works great and is a very handy tool to have.

[sweensdv]

I also have one and recommend it. I'm sure I have heard a complaint or two over the years but I don't recall seeing a lot of negative comments about this unit.

[DirectCedar]

I also have one. Works fine but is certainly a hobbyist-grade unit, although about as good a hobbyist-grade unit as you will find. You just need to use it with a gentle touch and remember it is not a big cast iron General. For the money it is likely the best unit in its class, as I don't think the retail price has really increased in the last ten years although a few small tweaks have improved with the design. The belt is small and less useful than I imagined it would be although still has its place if you plan ahead to work around its size. The spindles are quite useful and there is a good selection of sizes. Dust collection is a bit tedious but once you get the right adapters wedged and sealed in the hole you can keep it away pretty well with a vac. I keep a crepe block next to it and clean the paper frequently and it is remarkable how long a life you can get from the belts and drums by doing so.

[Bill Wilson]

DirectCedar said:

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I also have one. Works fine but is certainly a hobbyist-grade unit, although about as good a hobbyist-grade unit as you will find. You just need to use it with a gentle touch and remember it is not a big cast iron General. For the money it is likely the best unit in its class, as I don't think the retail price has really increased in the last ten years although a few small tweaks have improved with the design. The belt is small and less useful than I imagined it would be although still has its place if you plan ahead to work around its size. The spindles are quite useful and there is a good selection of sizes. Dust collection is a bit tedious but once you get the right adapters wedged and sealed in the hole you can keep it away pretty well with a vac. I keep a crepe block next to it and clean the paper frequently and it is remarkable how long a life you can get from the belts and drums by doing so.

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+1

I've had one for several years and echo everything said above.

I've seen this question posted several times on multiple forums over the years and can't recall any real negative reviews.

[WoodTinker]

For the money, it can't be beat.

Run and get one. I like mine that much.

[Curlycherry]

I got one too and as others have said, for the money it is worth it. I am a high end guy and usually I don't skimp, but this fits my needs just fine. For the 4-5X per year I need it, the thing works great.

[AgGEM]

I have had one for some years now and like it very much.
Ag