Are you in a hurry and don’t have the time to read the entire article? If you just want to know which spindle sander is the best, then WEN 6510T 3.5 Amp Oscillating Spindle Sander is your best option.
If you have spent any time woodworking, then you know how critical sanding is to produce a smooth surface on your woodworking project. Spindle sanders provide you with a power tool option that lets you reproduce great finishes on components that other sanders struggle with.
How to choose the best spindle sander? What features do you have to make the right purchase? This article will help you answer all the questions related to buying a spindle sander. We will also review some of the best spindle sander models on the market right now.
Best spindle sanders compared:
Spindle Sander Essentials
Stability – a sturdy surface on the spindle sander is vitally important. The dimensions of that surface will depend upon your needs. Keep a balance between plenty of area for contact with your ability to present the wood grain at the proper angle.
Versatility – look for products that provide multiple spindle sizes and safety plates. This will give you more versatility and can save time when sanding.
Ease of use – how easy it is to use the spindle sander is also greatly important. That includes how easy it is to turn on and off, as well as how quickly you can change out drums.
Safety – Larger operating buttons make it easier to operate. Safety features like an emergency shut-off are an added bonus. Designs should have all controls on the front of the machine.
Best Oscillating Spindle Sanders Reviewed
With that out of the way, let’s actually review some of the best spindle sander models that you can find on the market right now.
WEN 6510T 3.5 Amp Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Powerful 1/2 HP 3.5 amp motor provides 58 OPM and 2000 RPM
- Features onboard storage for all accessories along with a dust collection port for hooking in a dust extractor
- Attach the dust collector of your choice to the onboard dust port to minimize clean-up
OVERVIEW
A 3.5 amp motor provides users with 1/2 HP of rotating energy. This compact model might be worth considering if you are new to spindle sanders and work with mostly small or medium-sized projects.
PROS
CONS
JET 708404 Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Consistent Performance: Main spindle support runs on precision ball bearings and is oscillated by a heavy-duty worm and gear mechanism
- Long Machine Life: Oscillation gears run in a sealed lubricated box to prolong their life and durability
- Convenient Storage: Built-in storage racks keep spindles and table inserts nearby
OVERVIEW
This machine is built for daily use. Stronger build materials and design make this a contemplation for more serious woodworkers. It would make a great selection for furniture makers.
PROS
CONS
WEN 6524 Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander
- Features 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/2 inch and 2 inch sanding drum sizes and one 4 x 24 inch belt
- Operate with belt speeds up to 1575 FPM and spindle speeds up to 2000 RPM
- The 3.5-amp motor oscillates the belt and spindle 58 times per minute with a 5/8-inch stroke
OVERVIEW
Versatility is an important design element to look at with this two-in-one power tool. It makes use of sanding drums for typical spindle sanding while also including an option to attach a belt sanding component.
PROS
CONS
Shop Fox W1831 1/2 HP Single Phase Oscillating Spindle Sander
- 1/2 Horsepower Permanent Magnet Motor, 120-Volt, Single Phase, CSA Certified
- Table Size: 11-1/2-Inch W x 15-Inch L x 1-5/16 H
- Sanding Drum Diameter: 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2" and 3"; Sanding Drum Length 4-1/2-Inch
OVERVIEW
This model is worth considering if you plan to use a spindle sander on occasion or work with mostly flat and straight surfaces. It is a light-duty design intended for casual woodworking, especially with softer woods.
PROS
CONS
Triton TSPS450 3.5Amp Cast Iron Top Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Ideal for sanding contours, arcs, curves & other irregular shapes
- Rotating & oscillating action for increased speed, efficiency and a precision finish
- Powerful 3.5A (450W) motor No Load Speed - 2000 RPM Oscillation Speed - 58 OPM
OVERVIEW
This spindle sander by Triton is a good middle-of-the-road model. It will provide you with enough power to take on most small and medium-sized projects without creating too much rotation. Its price is also reasonable.
PROS
CONS
What Advantages Do Oscillating Spindle Sanders Offer?
The first time I encountered one of these devices was in my community woodworking shop. It was difficult to understand the need for this type of power tool at first. As I have progressed from simple boxes and flat components to furniture pieces and other items with curved surfaces, the true versatility of a benchtop spindle sander has been revealed to me.
If you are working on a project with a curved edge, this power tool will allow you to produce the same smooth surfaces that your orbital sander makes on flat surfaces or straight edges. A rotating cylinder addresses the curve naturally and will make contact with the wood grain without damaging it, something that even the best belt sanders or random orbital sanders simply cannot do. The sleeve covered with grit will remove a decent amount of material in a short time, just as a flat-surfaced sander would on flat boards.
That drum will not leave marks as you run the curved wood across the drum, allowing you to smooth the wood grain with minimal work. Most spindle sanders will also move up and down vertically, allowing you to use the entire sanding surface which will extend the life of the sanding drum. Incorporating a level surface to work from allows you to secure the project as you move, providing better control as you work by keeping your work surface at the desired angle of contact.
Another advantage of this type of sander is its ability to reach into holes that you have cut into the wood, providing the same texture as the rest of the project. These smooth interior edges cannot be reached by other power sanding tools and will help to prevent the wood grain from splintering. A spindle sander will simply make your project look good.
How Do You Use It?
These tools are surprisingly easy to operate. Once the drum is rotating, you can move the surface that you are working on into contact with the sleeve of sanding paper.
You can move longer sections in the same direction as the drum spins or against it. Shorter pieces can be moved in either direction as well, although I feel that moving small pieces in the same direction as the drum is spinning limits the kickback while sanding and provides me with more control.
When using a spindle sander on drilled-out holes on a wood project, you will find running the wood surfaces against the direction of the drum provides you with more control as you move the piece around the spindle.
Generally, changing spindles requires lowering the drum below the table surface and loosening it with wrenches that are provided by the machine. Once it has been changed out, you can tighten the connection point and move the spindle back into position. Always make sure the power tool is unplugged when you do this.
Safety First
Eye protection should be standard for all power tools, including this type of product. While many models are fairly quiet as they run, adding ear protection won’t hurt either. Deciding your path of movement before beginning will help you position your fingers and arms as you move the project around the drum and can prevent you from getting your fingers in the way or accidentally making contact with your arm.
Keep your project in contact with the table surface to help provide support. This will help to keep the project in your hands. I would also recommend that you do not wear long sleeves when sanding with this type of tool so that loose clothing does not accidentally wrap around the drum as it rotates.
The Best Spindle Sander To Buy
- Powerful 1/2 HP 3.5 amp motor provides 58 OPM and 2000 RPM
- Features onboard storage for all accessories along with a dust collection port for hooking in a dust extractor
- Attach the dust collector of your choice to the onboard dust port to minimize clean-up
Each of the five power tools reviewed above can get the job done, and I am sure you will find one that fits your needs. With that being said, I felt that the WEN 6524 Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander stands out as the best spindle sander on the list.
It starts with the additional belt sanding capabilities, something that none of the other models will provide you. It has a table surface that is larger than many of the sanders reviewed and includes an adjustable surface for more uniform beveled edges.
The motor used is powerful enough to operate this unit in either belt or spindle mode, which provides plenty of power for material removal. This is an upgrade to the smaller motor found on a couple of the light-duty sanders.
Finally, I found that this design offers a lot of versatility without draining the bank!
I hope this spindle sander review helped you find the best tool for your workshop. Do you agree with the list? Would you add something? Let me know in the comments below!
