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What Is The Best Spindle Sander?
We came up with the Delta 31-483 Heavy-Duty Oscillating Bench Spindle Sander, as best spindle sander because of its heavy-duty construction and high-precision performance. We also think it gives customers the best value for their money.
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Top 7 Spindle Sanders: Our Picks & Recommendations
- Delta Woodworking 31-483 Heavy-Duty Sander
- WEN 6510T 3.5 Amp Oscillating
- Grizzly G0739 Benchtop Spindle Sander
- Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- JET 708404 Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Shop Fox W1831 Oscillating Spindle
- POWERTEC OS1000 Spindle Sander
How To Choose The Best Spindle Sander
Power
Sander motors vary in terms of horsepower. You’ll need a higher level of horsepower if you’re going to use your sander regularly or your projects involve especially thick hardwoods.
A lower-horsepower motor is better suited to smaller jobs and thinner woods. It may be better to go with a more powerful motor anyway because then you’ll have a tool that can stand up to all kinds of tasks.
Dust Extraction
Every spindle sander has a dust-collection system, although this feature isn’t necessarily an indicator of how well the device performs. These systems are usually made up of a chamber and a valve, to which you can hook up shop vac to clear the dust.
Some require a hose adapter to fit the shop vac. Check the manufacturer’s specifications so you know you’re getting the features-dust collection system included that meet your needs.
Included Accessories
Most sanders come with different-sized drums and sleeves for a variety of projects. That way, you can accomplish what you need to do with one tool, whereas otherwise you would need several different sanders.
Most manufacturers also include washers to fasten the drums and sleeves to the unit. Many of these tools also come with some type of onboard storage system, consisting of slots, a tray, or a cabinet, for keeping all your extra drums, sleeves, and other accessories organized and within easy reach.
Another helpful feature you will find on some of the best spindle sanders is that their work tables are adjustable. You can move them up and down or tilt them to different angles, allowing for greater precision when sanding rounded edges– inside and out.
Versatility
When we talk about versatility with the best spindle sander, we’re referring to the drums and sleeves-of different sizes-that change the size of the spindle. For more delicate jobs, you can use a smaller drum.
For bigger curves and bends, a larger drum works best. Many of the top spindle sanders already come with different sizes of sleeves and drums.
If there is a particular size you need, check the product details to see if it’s included. Otherwise, check with the manufacturer to see if you can order the specific sleeve or drum you need.
7 Best Spindle Sanders Review
1. Delta Woodworking 31-483 Heavy-Duty Sander
What You Will Love:
- Solid construction minimizes vibrations
- 4 table inserts
- 5 threaded spindles
- Leveling Scale
- Dust collection
When it came to finding the best spindle sander, the Delta Woodworking 31-483 Heavy-Duty Oscillating Bench Spindle Sander earned first place. Fully enclosed to minimize vibrations, this powerful tool operates at 15/16″ oscillation, allowing you to use most of the surface area of your sanding sleeve so it lasts longer.
A large leveling scale helps you adjust the table for maximum efficiency and accuracy no second-guessing or trial and error. With twin locking handles, you can easily secure the sander at the desired position so it doesn’t move around and possibly damage your work.
The motor runs on 1/2 HP (15 V), at 29 oscillations per minute. While this isn’t as fast as some units we looked at, it’s certainly adequate for most projects, especially since sanding is more of an art than a science, so speed usually isn’t a priority.
For optimal versatility, this top spindle sander comes with 5 interchangeable threaded spindles in the following sizes:
- 1/4″
- 1/2″
- 5/8″
- 1-1/2″
- 2″
Four table inserts make it possible to adjust your work surface to fit different projects. While not all spindle sanders have a dust collection system, the Delta comes with a dust port so you can easily contain and dispose of the shavings without making a mess.
Pros:
- Durable design
- 15/16″ oscillation
- 4 table inserts and 5 spindles
- Cast-iron tilting table
What We Didn’t Like:
- Most customer complaints centered on the packaging, rather than the performance, of the tool.
2. WEN 6510T 3.5 Amp Oscillating
What You Will Love:
- Powerful motor that generates 58 OPM and 2000 RPM
- 6 different-sized spindles
- Onboard storage
- Dust collection
- Large cast-iron worktable
If you’re looking for an affordable spindle sander that’s packed with power, look no further than the WEN 6510T 3.5-amp Oscillating Spindle Sander. The powerful motor gives the machine enough juice to run at 58 oscillations per minute 2000 rpm to smooth rounded or odd-shaped edges remarkably quickly.
Each stroke reaches 5/8″ to allow for thorough, precise sanding. To fit projects of practically all shapes and sizes, the tool comes with 6 80-grit spindles in the following sizes:
- 1/2″
- 3/4″
- 1″
- 1-1/2″
- 2″
- 3″
The unit also comes with 5 rubber-drum spindles, so you can select the right-sized one for each project. Sanding sleeves are easy to change, so you won’t experience too many interruptions to your work when it’s time to swap them out.
For extra convenience, you also have access to onboard storage to easily keep track of all your accessories. The device has a dust collection port, too. All you have to do is hook it up to a vacuum, making clean-up a snap.
Also, the cast-iron work table provides a good surface area for your projects– measuring 15″x11.5″.
This tool is designed with durability and longevity in mind. It features pre-drilled holes for easy mounting.
Pros:
- Powerful motor and durable design
- Affordable
- 6 spindles
- Large work table
- On-board storage
Cons:
- Table may not line up exactly with the spindle; customers recommend that it may be best for hobbyists rather than professionals.
3. Grizzly G0739 Benchtop Spindle Sander
What You Will Love:
- High-powered motor
- 5 drums
- 6 sleeves
- 6 table inserts
- Dust collection
Another of our top picks in the best spindle sander category is the Grizzly G0739 Benchtop Sander. While it may be small, this powerful tool does it all. With its 1/2 HP motor, it’s capable of 58 OPM and 2,000 RPM, allowing you to smooth curvy edges and oddly-shaped angles quickly.
The unit comes with 5 different drums of varying diameters to fit curves of all styles. Drums come in the following sizes:
- 3/4″
- 1″
- 1-1/2″
- 2″
- 3″
For maximum versatility, the unit also comes with 6 sanding sleeves in these sizes:
- 1/2″
- 3/4″
- 1″
- 1-1/2″
- 2″
- 3″
To adjust your work surface, you also have access to 6 table inserts, and their sizes match those of the drums. The kit includes washers measuring 5/8″, 7/8″, and 1-3/4″.
Another thing you might like to know about this tool: There is a 1-1/2″ dust port in the back. Not only can you keep your work surfaces free of debris while you work, you won’t have to spend much time on clean-up afterward.
One drawback to this device, however, is that it isn’t designed for leveling. To accomplish that, you either need to create slide blocks at the angle you want and hold the workpiece against them, or use some other kind of auxiliary guide.
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- 5 rubber drums
- 6 each of sleeves and table inserts
- Washers included
Cons:
- Not designed for leveling
4. Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander
What You Will Love:
- Minimizes banding marks
- Comes with 6 sanding sleeves, and matching table inserts and drums
- Powerful motor capable of 58 OPM and 2000 RPM
If you’re looking for a powerful tool that gives you a precise finish, consider the Triton TSPS 450. With its cast-iron table, the unit gives you plenty of support for larger stock.
As the motor oscillates, it moves the drum up and down, effectively reducing static friction, minimizing the possibility of band marks and burning. Plus, it spreads more of the load across a wider area of the sleeve surface, optimizing the sleeve’s lifespan.
One thing we especially like about this sturdy tool is that it comes with 6 sanding sleeves, along with matching rubber drums and table inserts. That means you can achieve precise smoothing of both inside and outside edges, and you can more accurately match the size of the sleeve to the size of the workpiece.
Washers are included, and the spindles and sleeves are easy to change. Like other spindle sanders we reviewed, this one is capable of 58 OPM and 2000 RPM. Measuring 11-1/2″ by 14-1/2″ the worktable is fairly large and able to accommodate a number of different projects.
Pros:
- High-powered motor
- 6 sleeves with matching drums and work tables for maximum versatility
- Spindles are easy to change
Cons:
- Inserts aren’t fully secured and don’t reach all the way to the top of the table, sometimes causing parts to “catch” on them.
5. JET 708404 Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander
What You Will Love:
- Powerful motor to tackle most projects
- 5 complete spindles
- 4 table inserts (2 round and 2 oblong)
- Large work table
For a high-quality, versatile sander, check out the JET 708404 JBOS-5 Benchtop Oscillating Sander with Spindle Assortment. To give you an idea of what this tool can do, here are the specs: The 1/2 horsepower (7.5 amps. 110-V) runs at 30 strokes a minute-plenty of speed for fine-tuning your woodworking.
The square work table measure 14-1/2″ by 14-1/2″, accommodating a variety of workpiece sizes. Spindle assemblies are compatible with 100-grit paper. This is a new and improved version of older models of its kind.
One feature that’s been updated is the location of the on/off switch. On this unit, it’s sealed to keep dust and debris out. Also, the manufacturer added shelves for conveniently storing the five complete spindles the tool comes with.
Spindle assemblies come in the following sizes:
- 1/4″
- 1/2″
- 5/8″
- 1-1/2″
- 2″
With their threaded ends, the spindles are incredibly easy to change, so swapping them out won’t cause huge work interruptions.
Additionally, in the box you will find 2 round table inserts and 2 oblong table inserts for even more versatility. The unit has a dust port, too
Pros:
- High-powered motor
- 5 complete different-size spindles
- 2 rounded table inserts and 2 oblong table inserts
- On-board storage
- Dust port
Cons:
- Storage space may not accommodate all accessories.
6. Shop Fox W1831 Oscillating Spindle
What You Will Love:
- 6 sanding sleeves in different sizes
- Table inserts
- On-board storage
- Lockable on/off switch
What we really like about the Shop Fox W1831 Single Phase Oscillating Spindle Sander is that it has so many helpful features. The 1/2 horsepower 3.5 amp motor can generate 58 oscillations and 2000 rotations per minute, allowing for even sanding.
Each stroke covers 5/8″, allowing you to cover plenty of ground but still sand with precision. This tool really comes in handy for smoothing workpieces after they’ve been cut by a band saw or scroll saw. With six different sizes of sanding sleeves, this device makes it possible to sand inside curves measuring down to 1/2″ in diameter.
Also, the unit comes with various inserts to close the gap between the table insert and the drum, giving you maximum support for all your sanding tasks. With a 1-1/2″ dust port, you can connect a shop vac for seamless clean-up.
One thing we especially like about this unit is that it’s designed with safety in mind. If you share your household with young children or just want to keep others from using your sander, there is a removable key that locks the power switch.
Onboard storage keeps all your accessories, such as spindles and washers, organized.
Pros:
- 6 spindles
- On-board storage
- Dust port
- Lockable on/off switch
Cons:
- Table doesn’t tilt
- Many customers reported problems with the motor that prevents the device from firing up.
7. POWERTEC OS1000 Spindle Sander
What You Will Love:
- Sturdy, durable construction
- Rounded and slotted table inserts for straight and angled sanding
- 6 sleeves and 5 drums
Running on 2/5 horsepower, the POWERTEC OS1000 2.6 Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander features an induction motor generates 1725 RPM-or 30 strokes per minute, plenty of momentum for even coverage of your workpieces.
With four rubber feet, the device is designed to minimize vibrations and allow for smooth, comfortable operation. With round table inserts, you can sand 90° to the spindle. For angled sanding, you can use the slotted table inserts provided.
With its rounded, cast-iron tabletop, it’s sturdy enough to support heavier woods and has enough room to accommodate projects of all shapes and sizes. Another plus: you can conveniently connect the dust collection exhaust port to a shop vac.
For maximum versatility, the sander kit comes with 6 sanding sleeves and 5 rubber drum spindles. If you don’t have a lot of extra space to keep washers, spindles, and other parts organized, you’ll be happy to know that this tool comes with onboard storage so you can keep track of everything and have it within easy reach.
Pros:
- Solid construction and cast-iron worktable
- 2 types of table inserts for straight and angled sanding
- 6 sleeves and 5 drums for optimal versatility
- On-tool storage
- Dust port
Cons:
- Inserts may not sit flush with the table, which can be a problem when working on smaller projects and finer woods.
- Table doesn’t tilt for different angles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is A Spindle Sander Used For?
Spindle sanders are designed for smoothing rounded edges and curved surfaces rather than sharply-angled edges. Common uses for spindle sanders include toy-making, furniture-building, crafts, and molding.
What Is The Best Oscillating Spindle Sander?
The best oscillating sander we could find is the Delta 31-483 Heavy-Duty Oscillating Bench Spindle Sander because of its durability and ease-of-use.
What Is The Difference Between A Spindle Sander And A Belt Sander?
Spindle sanders are for smoothing curved surfaces and rounded edges. Belt sanders come in handy when you need to smooth flat straight surfaces. Belt sanders are used for projects like sanding doors and tabletops, removing paint from wood, and leveling uneven surfaces, such as wood flooring.
Conclusion
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which the best spindle sander is. As you decide, consider what kind of projects you’re working on and how much you want to spend. A device that’s affordable and offers optimal versatility is usually the way to go.
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