Oscillating Spindle Sander, new Jet, ETC

[teocaf]

i got an email today regarding the new Jet Oscillating Spindle Sander:
http://www.jettools.com/us/en/new-products-and-offers/new-products/spindle-sander/

I have a bit of an aversion to the brand, even though I have a few of their things that are holding up ok so far, with care.  But this thing looks pretty good at first glance and it's got a decent warranty; still, it's too new to get any field feedback.

Are there any Foggers that can recommend a similar type machine that is "professional grade" (built for heavy use)?

 

[Birdhunter]

I use a Powermatic unit. Had it for many moons and no issues. I'm a serious hobbyist so usage isn't continuous.

 

[Gary in Texas]

i got an email today regarding the new Jet Oscillating Spindle Sander:

I have a bit of an aversion to the brand, even though I have a few of their things that are holding up ok so far, with care. 

Are there any Foggers that can recommend a similar type machine that is "professional grade" (built for heavy use)?

LOL, years ago, the three major brands (non-European) were Powermatic / Jet and Delta.  Delta kinda fell by the wayside in past years with new ownership.  Don't know what your aversion would be against Jet, but to each their own.

I've had a Jet cabinet saw, 14" bandsaw (upgraded to the 3HP Rikon last year but kept the Jet for projects requiring smaller blades), 17" floor model drill press, DC, and Performax 22/44 drum sander for over 15 years and not once had any issues whatsoever with any of them.  I had their joiner, but upgraded to the larger Delta DJ-20, again, 15 years back.

The only thing I would consider upgrading would be to the Sawstop Cabinet or Prosfessional saw, this specifically due to the safety technology.  I will upgrade my dust collection to a stationary system (probably Oneida) once I have a new shop.

To your question though, I looked at the Jet Spindle Sander, and other makes of the large floor model type OSS late last year.  I eventually went with the Grizzly, and I'm glad I did.  I've put it through some limited use, any it has performed beyond my expectations.  It will get a more extensive workout in the coming months.  It is a beast (or bear), solid, heavy and received with no blemishes or QC issues. At half the price, exclusive of shipping, I couldn't rationalize spending twice that amount for a similar Taiwanese product.  They all appear to be very similarly built.  This is the only grizzly product I own, and may purchase the oscillating edge sander one day, but that will be it.

 

[teocaf]

thanks for the replies.  i did not see a spindle sander in powermatic's current lineup.  i think the jet i mentioned looks pretty decent and am waiting to see one in a showroom.  i was just interested in seeing what other people had first hand recommendations for in a full size unit.  with the exception of the grizzly, all i'm finding are the smaller bench top models.

edit:  also just found this:
http://wood.baileighindustrial.com/oscillating-spindle-sander-os-2424

 

[Gary in Texas]

Teocaf,

Yeah, I looked at the one from Baileigh also.  I recall someone on one of the woodworking sites comparing all of these and for the most part they do look very similarly made, with just a few tweaks here or there.

All of them will do the job.  All of them are stout, or industrial.  By the design of the tilt table, they all will require some ingenuity for improving the dust collection.  I guess it just comes down to how much money you want to spend...

I do like how Jet designed their enclosed cabinet with the spindles stored out of sight, but for me not worth paying double for.

I was a little concerned with how true my Grizzly spindle would, uh, spin.  It's absolutely perfect.  Huge table (all of them are very close in size) and it being a chunk of cast iron means no noticeable vibration.

Good luck with your purchase.  I'm glad I upgraded from the bench top model, I had been wanting a floor model OSS for several years, obviously, no comparison between the two.

I would also suggest you start searching for suppliers for the sanding sleeves, quite a few places to buy from and the unit costs varies somewhat.

Gary

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

State, master, kindt, oliver.  I wouldn't even consider an asian spindle sander when the used market has tons of quality machines available.

 

[Gary in Texas]

There is no used market for old machinery in the Houston area, or beyond....  I would have loved a few of the old machines, you just can't find them down here!

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

There is no used market for old machinery in the Houston area, or beyond....  I would have loved a few of the old machines, you just can't find them down here!

I just found two different ones within a 200 mile radius of huston. 

Stuff is everywhere, I just moved a bunch of stuff to and from southern AL and the gulf coast of FL the last two days.  2k miles in exactly 48 hours and I got 7 hours of sleep in a nice hotel.

 

[teocaf]

I'm all over the place on this, but fact finding research is fun in its own way.  What i've found out about the Jet explains what I meant about my aversion to the brand.  Looks good on top and looks like they made some visible improvements to dust capturing capabilities.  But looking through the downloaded manual, I see what seems to be just some bent sheetmetal trunnion holding that hefty table.  Not impressed.  Also I saw that even though the Jet states a 5 yr warranty, you look on the warranty page where it states that if you use the machine for "industrial/commercial" applications, the warranty automatically reverts to a 2 year.  The Grizzly has some much heftier cast trunnions, but I'm wondering, for that price, what the Grizzly is skimping on?

I would LOVE to find something like a Kindt that WarnerConstruction suggested, as long as it's already been restored to great condition.  Willing to pay the upcharge as well (not sky's the limit, but a decent amount over new imported).  As long as I can put it to work immediately. 
What I DON'T want to get into is trying to find parts and do a major restoration myself.  I started out with a few old machines and it was taking me away from my core business to source parts and get them working right.  Major distraction that was detrimental financially and time-wise, as much as I love the IDEA of using machines made in the golden days.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.  Still looking, still pondering, while carrying on with my makeshift solutions...

 

[leakyroof]

I'm all over the place on this, but fact finding research is fun in its own way.  What i've found out about the Jet explains what I meant about my aversion to the brand.  Looks good on top and looks like they made some visible improvements to dust capturing capabilities.  But looking through the downloaded manual, I see what seems to be just some bent sheetmetal trunnion holding that hefty table.  Not impressed.  Also I saw that even though the Jet states a 5 yr warranty, you look on the warranty page where it states that if you use the machine for "industrial/commercial" applications, the warranty automatically reverts to a 2 year.  The Grizzly has some much heftier cast trunnions, but I'm wondering, for that price, what the Grizzly is skimping on?

I would LOVE to find something like a Kindt that WarnerConstruction suggested, as long as it's already been restored to great condition.  Willing to pay the upcharge as well (not sky's the limit, but a decent amount over new imported).  As long as I can put it to work immediately. 
What I DON'T want to get into is trying to find parts and do a major restoration myself.  I started out with a few old machines and it was taking me away from my core business to source parts and get them working right.  Major distraction that was detrimental financially and time-wise, as much as I love the IDEA of using machines made in the golden days.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.  Still looking, still pondering, while carrying on with my makeshift solutions...

  Usually Grizzly will cut corners in the Motor dept, and have beefy cast iron all over the place elsewhere on the machine.  ;D
I have the Bench top Jet Spindle Sander, and don't have a need for anyone's floor model, or really the space for one.
I would say take a good look at the trunnion assembly in person at a store if at all possible if it's got you worried about the sander.
As for Darcy, he doesn't go looking for the old machines, THEY GO looking for him.... [wink]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Picked up an oliver 381 tilting spindle sander today, along with a state s3 and a 24" kindt collins disc sander.

All for less then a Midi....

 

[bearpaw]

Have you looked at general or oliver?

 

[Kev]

I much prefer the idea of a tilting spindle over a tilting table. Laguna (of the modest brands) have one. The Laguna is available to me in Oz and they also offer an oscillating edge sander. Both are on my short list.

http://www.gregmach.com/product/laguna-tilt-spindle-oscillating-bobbin/

http://www.gregmach.com/product/laguna-oscillating-edge-sander/

 

[copcarcollector]

I much prefer the idea of a tilting spindle over a tilting table. Laguna (of the modest brands) have one.

Just curious why a tilting spindle vs table?

Delta looks to be the same as the laguna

 

[Kev]

I much prefer the idea of a tilting spindle over a tilting table. Laguna (of the modest brands) have one.

Just curious why a tilting spindle vs table?

Delta looks to be the same as the laguna

[member=18038]copcarcollector[/member]

With small pieces it's not so significant, but if you have anything meaty you have to support its weight and still focus on the sanding.

 

[copcarcollector]

Kev - Got it thanks! Please let us know if you do get one and which one that is...

 

[Stone Message]

......

Are there any Foggers that can recommend a similar type machine that is "professional grade" (built for heavy use)?

I recently made a video about the Jet JBOS 5 which is probably the next one down in their range.

It is certainly a tough machine and "Trade Rated".

Here is the link:



I have been very pleased with my Jet Planer/Thicknesser.

Peter

 

[Owego]

I have a ShopFox W1686 and like it.  It's the 9", oscillator model, looks just like the Jet pictured in Peter's post.  I use it for pattern making and like it.  Dust collection is not its strong point however.  I added a 3" magnetic hose nozzle, attached to a DC, that improves collection very well.