Spindle sander

[Craig C]

Good morning all. (it's 6:00 AM here in Spring, T).

I'm trying a new tool, an oscillating spindle sander, for sanding ribs and frames. I used it this morning for the first time. I want to be able to true edges before any necessary fairing. I like the initial results but the machine is a bit noisy. It's bigger than I thought when I ordered it. Price was reasonable ($125.00 USD). There are more expensive models available but this is fine for my projects.

If anyone else has experience with a spindle sander I'd be interested in hearing your experience(s).

Regards

 

[Hoss6262]

Hi. I purchased the Wen oscillating spindle sander and my experience has been very much like yours. I wanted square edges on all of my frames and bulkheads.

The machine was much bigger than I expected and OMG LOUDER than a diesel bucket loading tractor! My current project does not have a ton of frames. I found myself thankful I didn't have to use is for any length of time.

I actually made myself a non-oscillating version with cylindrical sanding heads made for hand drills and a homemade bed with drilled holes to accept the sanding cylinders. Takes 3 minutes to set up on my drill press and is many, many decibels quieter than then Wen monster. I seriously would give away the Wen if someone really wanted it and was willing to pay for shipping.

I like to pride myself on the research I do prior to making a purchase. I dropped the ball on this one.

 

[Craig C]

Ken you're correct about the size and noise of the Wen spindle sander. I didn't check the details before I ordered either. On the positive side the heft keeps the machine in place and from "walking" around on the work bench. I do like the results I got the first time I used it however. I'm not clever enough to make my own as you did. I'll live with it.

Craig

 

[Norgale]

I have the Wen spindle sander and a Ryobi belt sander with a rotary sander on the side and they both do good work and are heavy enough to not be walking around the table when running. However they are both very noisy but fortunately I don't have to use them very often. Great to have when you need them though, noise and all.

 

[Bryian]

All the spindle sanders make a screaming noise when running, so ear muffs are a necessity.

 

[Philski]

An oscillating spindle sander is a nice tool to have because it lets you sand to a line and get precise parts. Sanding cylinders are available in different grits and diameters too. My sander does make a noise but nothing so loud that I would need hearing protection.

 

[lakedaisy]

I had the large Wen sander too. Was just too big and heavy for me. I got rid of it and bought THIS smaller sander. It has screw clamps to temporarly mount it on the work table. It makes less noise than the larger one. I liked the large table top on the big Wen better. But this smaller one suits my needs.

 

[Uwek]

I have the spindle sander from JET and very happy with it - especially this tool is producing less noise ....... it was on of the main reasons to spend a little bit more money

https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/jet-jbos-5-oscillating-spindle-sander-my-new-toy.1806/

 

[glennb17]

I set out to make frames for the first time and decided to buy (probably the same) a Wen spindle sander. I thought it was much smaller than it was. Sounds like it was total overkill. I took it back before I really fired it up.
I was successful using a Dremel in the routing table accessory ($35) in making a set of ~30 frames without too much difficulty. The only hard part were bevels; the drum head is not very long and can be extended only so far. I 3D printed a few 1.5" drums and that worked well. Finally, I got a drill press for other reasons and bought some nice drum sander bits from Lee Valley, got a hole saw the same size and cut into a platform, and ended up with a 3" high spindle sander. Buying a table top hose clamp from Rockler and using the shop vac was also very handy for the mess this can create.

 

[OlivierF]

I’ve got a Ridgid spindle/belt sander. It’s not all that noisy to my ears and works well for frames and other pieces. I also built a thicknesser that works as well as the “Luthier’s Best Friend” at a fraction the cost.

 

[socalveteran]

I have had good results with a hand held battery powered tool from Harbor Freight.

8V Cordless Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit, 40 Piece

Amazing deals on this 8V Cordless Rotary Tool Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

It did a good job beveling bulkheads and other small scale shaping tasks. The battery powered aspect was particularly helpful for work that I took outdoors to avoid having sawdust in my shop space.

 

[sleepyfish]

These work great on a drill press. I made a mini sander with spindle motor, drill chuck, and variable power supply

 

[Peter Gutterman]

All the spindle sanders make a screaming noise when running, so ear muffs are a necessity.

A little carefully applied silicone spray (or WD 40) keeps my Ryobi belt sander from screaming its' bearings (and my ears) off. It takes frequent applications, good for about an hour or two each.

 

[sleepyfish]

A little carefully applied silicone spray (or WD 40) keeps my Ryobi belt sander from screaming its' bearings (and my ears) off. It takes frequent applications, good for about an hour or two each.

Marvel mystery oil works fantastic on bearings. used on my old table saw (shot bearings) 6 months ago and still running silent and smooth. also fixed dry router bearings