Rigid oscillating belt/drum sander

[anwalt]

Ladies & Gents,

My Rigid oscillating sander is showing symptoms of trouble in my future.  I think it is the oscillating mechanism that is making noise.  Also on turning it off, it comes to a stop quicker than it used to.  Seems like extra friction somewhere.  

Regrettably, mine is not one of the early made that had a 'lifetime' warranty.  

Thinking of attempting to save it before something breaks.  Has anyone attempted to repair this model sander?  Is it repairable?  When you finished, was it worth the effort?  

thx, tom

[Cabinet Monkey]

I'm pretty sure the oscillator is part of the motor and is not really serviceable. 

The cost of the motor and shipping will be the same as a new unit from the Depot.

They pop up on Craig's from time to time for $100 around here.

[R Clark]

Mine is making noise at the bottom of the oscillating cycle, too.

I've had this machine about 15 years or so; I've gotten a lot of mileage out of this $199 machine.

It's been making noise for a couple years now, but it still goes every time I flick the switch.  While I really like the unit, as the years have passed, I've come to realize it has some shortcomings that I don't want to work around in my next sander.  I won't attempt a fix.