Advice Needed - Oscillating Spindle Sander

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Jul 21, 2007
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I need one of the above, and I need some advice.

I don't have a 'Festool' budget for this, so I'm looking at the sub-GBP150 mark. I've narrowed it down to 3 models, though it looks like they're all the same machine.

Either the Dakota, the Triton, or the Draper. I'm sure there are other clones of this machine out there too.

Is it likely that these are all exactly the same underneath, or when mfrs buy these in to badge them do they ever spec different motors, bearings etc?

Does anyone own one of these, or a differently-badged version? If so, what are your thoughts on it?
 
Opportune you should bring this up as an interest in one of these was sparked after watching a recent video and I was going to do a bit of hunting myself.

Of the three you've listed, apart from colour, they all have exactly the same outward appearance - but with different power and weight specifications.

Different "brands" can also enforce different quality control. Also, a lot of the stuff manufactured throughout Asia uses the same moulds, but different internal components.

This is another variant of those you're looking at that I can source locally ... http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W843 I've seen a Ryobi branded one of these too.

How expensive is the bench top JET in the UK ?

 
Im interested in a bobbing sander my self . Not gone in detail yet to buying
One.

I'm thinking a more upmarket one though.  [tongue]
 
Kev said:
Of the three you've listed, apart from colour, they all have exactly the same outward appearance - but with different power and weight specifications.

Thanks - I hadn't actually noticed that the Draper one is only 370W (the others are 450W).

Rutlands have a couple of offers on this weekend, so I think I'll just get that one & have done with it!

jmbfestool said:
I'm thinking a more upmarket one though.  [tongue]

Why doesn't that surprise me?  [tongue] [poke]
 
Distinctive Interiors said:
I have this one in my home workshop http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/sn/RPWBBS100/tool/Record%20Power

It looks as though it is on offer at the moment, at £229.

Although some of the Record stuff can be a bit suspect, I have found this Bobbin sander to be very good for the money. Had mine about 5 years, it doesnt get used every day, but no gripes from me about it.

Tim.

If that table tilts ... it'd be worth the extra!

Yes BTW, that was the JET you linked that I was looking at.

I started looking at the CMS sanding module, but for the price I can buy some significant gear!

 
Yes, the table does tilt Kev!

It is a bit more heavy duty than the ones you guys have posted links to. Well, in weight at least. (33kg as opposed to 13kg)
It also has a 1/2 HP Induction motor that is pretty quiet.

The floor stand can be removed if you need to mount it on a bench, but it is a substantial piece of machinery.

Tim.
 
Are you able to buy the Ridgid brand over there?

The Ridgid OSS / table belt sander is very well regarded here in the states.  It also has decent dust collection (at the base of the spindle), and a much larger table than those units.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Oscillating-Edge-Belt-Spindle-Sander-EB4424/100061671

I personally have an older Craftsman-made version of this:  http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-3-HP-Oscillating-Spindle-Sander/G0538
and it works great.  The large table is nice to have, esp. when creating flat (and sometimes large) routing templates.
 
Thanks, but I've not seen anything similar to that ridgid one this side of the pond. Shame, it looks great, and the belt attachment would be very handy.
 
Although no on mentioned it, and you've probably already bought one of the 3 machines you posted about, is there any difference in the spindle and sleeve sizes that come with each machine?  If you find yourself wanted a smaller, or larger diameter sanding sleeve, is it available as an option that you can buy later?
I bought the Jet Benchtop Unit that Kev posted about as I could get a larger diameter sleeve than what Jet sent with their sander. The different radius sleeves help out with your work as you're not limited to just a few choices.
Also, is there a difference in the stoke of any of the machines you're looking at. With a really limited stoke, you're basically sanding in the same place, loading up the paper in the same area.
Lastly, if any of the machines have dust ports, be sure to get an adapter for what ever dust collection you have in your workspace.  And enjoy what ever machine you end up with.... [big grin]
 
Distinctive Interiors said:
I have this one in my home workshop http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/sn/RPWBBS100/tool/Record%20Power

It looks as though it is on offer at the moment, at £229.

Although some of the Record stuff can be a bit suspect, I have found this Bobbin sander to be very good for the money. Had mine about 5 years, it doesnt get used every day, but no gripes from me about it.

Tim.

The same machine that I have no complaints here, and you can buy different sized drums I think I got one that is about 50mm? as an extra I did look at those smaller machines but thought it worth spending a bit more

and having something more durable.
 
Thanks to everyone for your input!

I've ordered the one from Rutlands. I'll post an update with my thoughts on it once it arrives...
 
jonny round boy said:
Thanks to everyone for your input!

I've ordered the one from Rutlands. I'll post an update with my thoughts on it once it arrives...

Have you get it?
Is it ok?

 
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