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| Preview | Name | Awards | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Jet | Best Overall | |
  | POWERTEC | Best for the Money | |
  | WEN | Best on a Budget |
Chances are you don’t have a spindle sander sitting around in the workshop. That’s because most people don’t realize they even need one until they go to sand something round, curvy or with strange angles. Once you reach that point, you know you want the best spindle sander money can buy, but how do you know which one is right? Read through our comprehensive best spindle sander reviews to find the model that’s right for you.
As a woodworker, you consistently use a variety of tools depending on the type of job you’re performing. Power sanders are a common part of the tool arsenal for any home user, but not normally a spindle sander.
These are required for jobs that need additional precision and attention. The disc and belt sander just won’t cut it for these tasks. Spindle sanders come with a wide variety of features, so it’s difficult to figure out which one is best for you. That’s why we put together this handy guide; to make the selection process easier for you.
Best Spindle Sander Reviews
Best Heavy-Duty Spindle Sanders (Priced over $300)
For most contractors, professionals and DIY enthusiasts, it’s important to have the best of the best when it comes to power tools. That’s no different when dealing with the best spindle sander. To get a top of the line machine, you’re going to spend more than $300. Here are our favorite options.
1. JET 708404 JBOS-5
1/2-horsepower motor accommodate even the heaviest sanding project
If you plan to do woodworking tasks on a daily basis or for professional purposes, you’ll want the best spindle sander on the market. Jet is a leader and one of the more expensive options. This high-end sander offers a tilting worktable, which many others don’t have.
It’s also taller than most other sanders. It doesn’t get bogged down from heavy wood or pressure and can handle anything you throw at it. That’s because it has a powerful ½ horsepower motor that spins at 1725 RPM. The unit includes five spindle assemblies, two roundtable inserts, and two oblong table inserts for maximum versatility.
The non-skid rubber feet on the unit keep it from slipping which is great when you are working on larger pieces. It also comes with a heavy-duty worm and gear mechanism which provides consistent performance. The oscillating gears run inside of a sealed, lubricated box which offers more durability and longer life.
There’s also a removable on/off safety switch to prevent accidental starting. With the built-in two-inch dust port, it’s simple to keep your workspace clean and tidy. There are also some built-in storage racks that hold your table inserts and spindles nearby while working.
Your investment comes with a five-year warranty which offers some extra peace of mind. Just keep in mind that this is a heavy sander at 82 pounds. You aren’t going to easily move this around your shop.
If you are interested in this machine, you’ve got to see it in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwjQ35Kw6QU&feature=youtu.be
What Customers Say:
Most of the owners couldn’t be happier with their purchase. Here’s what one customer said, “The cast iron table is flawless. There is tons of power. It is quiet and smooth. The table top tilts easily to 45 degrees which is a nice feature.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 82 pounds
- Measurements – 18.2 x 17 x 20.8 inches
- Motor – 0.5 HP
- RPM – 1750
- Warranty – 5-year
- Geared toward professional use
- Heavy-duty construction
- Powerful motor
- Tilting worktable
- Exceptional warranty
- Heavy and not portable
- Might be too tall for some people
2. Delta 31-484 1HP Tilting Spindle Floor Oscillating Spindle Sander
Unique tilt arbor design with 10 interchangeable spindles
Benchtop spindle sanders are excellent when it comes to versatility and convenience, but they aren’t the best spindle sander for professionals. If your budget allows, you’ll do far better with the performance and power of an industrial-grade spindle sander instead.
Delta is a leader in the industry because of their robust machinery. It does weigh almost 400 pounds, so you won’t be moving this model around like you would a benchtop version. What you trade off in portability, you gain in function and ability.
Its trunnion adjustment system makes beveling easy. You just put the spindle on an angle and rotate the wheel until you reach your desired position. All the while, your table remains flat allowing you to work more efficiently and faster.
Considering this sander oscillates at 71 times a minute, it’s ideal for larger pieces and hardwoods. It’s not the recommended option if you need to produce a lot of detail work, but, you do have access to ten different spindle sizes which adds some versatility.
There’s also some onboard storage for your components plus an integrated four-inch dust port for simple cleanup. It’s even backed by a five-year guarantee, so you know the investment is protected.
You’ve got to see this spindle saw in action to fully appreciate the value.
What Customers Say:
There aren’t a lot of reviews yet on this machine, but Delta has a long-standing reputation for pleasing customers. Here’s what one person had to say, “I like the machine and use it more than I thought I would. It is well built.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 396 pounds
- Measurements – 31 x 30 x 46 inches
- Motor – 1 HP
- RPM – 1750
- Warranty – 5-year
- Durable construction
- Ten spindle sizes
- Spinning adjustment wheel
- Provides onboard storage
- Powerful, efficient motor
- Heavy and not portable
- Most expensive on our list
3. Delta Woodworking 31-483 Heavy-Duty Oscillating Bench Spindle Sander
On board storage for all accessories
If you want a heavy-duty spindle sander, but prefer the benchtop design and a lower price, this Delta option is the best spindle sander for your needs. Most benchtop versions neglect table adjustability; but not this model. Delta ensures that you get the most from your unit by creating more versatility.
Not only does the table move vertically, but also on an angle. This gives you the flexibility to work with a variety of pieces without moving to another machine. This sander’s bevel system uses two locking mechanisms that ensure you have maximum stability as well.
When you compare this to the Delta version above, you’ll see that it is less powerful. It only spins at 1725 RPM while oscillating at 29 times a minute. That’s what makes this perfect for smaller, detail pieces. In fact, this Delta combined with the floor model we reviewed would work in conjunction to complete a workshop.
This spindle sander comes with five different drum sizes, onboard storage and an integrated dust port for simple collection and cleanup.
This unit does weight 84 pounds so it isn’t as portable as some other options we’ll review. Once you place it, you won’t want to move it again unless you need to. Even though this model is lower priced than the other Delta option, it still comes with the five-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Customers Say:
The best part about this unit for professionals is the weight. That’s because they desire a product that is stable and secure. Read what this customer said, “It has the weight so it is very stable and plenty of power to chew through wood.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 84 pounds
- Measurements – 14.8 x 18 x 14.8 inches
- Motor – 0.5 HP
- RPM – 1725
- Warranty – 5-year
- Durable construction
- Heavy-duty design and motor
- Adjustable table
- Provides onboard storage
- Superior warranty
- Not designed for large projects
- Pricey
Best Mid-Range Spindle Sander (Priced Between $150 and $300)
There’s a nice balance between performance and price if you downgrade to something in the mid-range category. For the occasional user, many of these can still be the best spindle sander.
1. POWERTEC OS1000 18″ Oscillating Spindle Sander
Sand contours, arcs, curves and other irregular shapes faster and easier
For those that need a heavy-duty spindle sander, but don’t desire to invest a small fortune, the Powertec tool is a great choice. This best spindle sander has a ⅖ horsepower motor that outputs 1725 RPM. The 18-inch worktable is big enough for your largest projects. Plus, your purchase comes with five sanding drums, six sanding sleeves, five drum washers and six table inserts.
You’ll find decent support on every side of your project. If you need to change the sanding sleeves, you’ll see that it’s an easy and quick process. On top of that, all the table inserts are exceptionally durable because they’re constructed from steel.
The onboard storage keeps everything handy, perfect for keeping you moving through your task. This sander is ideal for medium-sized projects on an occasional basis. It arcs, contours, curves and deals with other irregular shapes with ease. Its oscillating action keeps friction heat to a minimum which protects your wood and prolongs the sleeve life.
There’s a safety power switch lock for some additional peace of mind plus a full one-year warranty. The downsides to the unit include a plastic gear that isn’t as durable as we would’ve liked. This machine also weighs 60 pounds which makes it difficult to move around when needed.
What Customers Say:
Many people found that the unit was simple to use and liked that there was no setup needed to get started. Here’s what one customer had to say, “Machine has virtually no vibration and runs very smoothly; similar to a sewing machine on very low speed.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 60 pounds
- Measurements – 24.5 x 22.5 x 20.5 inches
- Motor – ⅖ HP
- RPM – 1725
- Warranty – 1-year
- Durable construction
- Stable
- No setup required
- Provides onboard storage
- Reduces friction
- Plastic gear isn’t durable
- Tough to move around
2. Shop Fox W1831 1/2 HP Single Phase Oscillating Spindle Sander
1/2 Horsepower Permanent Magnet Motor, 120-Volt, Single Phase, CSA Certified
At just 33 pounds, this benchtop sander is ideal for anyone needing portability and durability combined. This choice for the best spindle sander utilizes a ½ HP motor and produces 58 oscillations per minute at 2000 RPM. The tool comes complete with five rubber sanding drums, six table inserts, six sanding sleeves and three spindle washers.
Don’t let the small size deceive you; it’s mighty and comes with every accessory you need to get started, no setup required. This machine is perfect for the DIYer or hobbyist because of the versatility.
We think the safety key is one of the best features, especially if you plan to use it around kids. While it’s a basic machine without a lot of perks, it’s ideal for most home users to do their crafting and DIY projects with.
When you’ve finished with your scroll saw or band saw, this is the perfect tool to complete those smooth edges on. The different diameter sanding sleeves make it ideal for handling anything you complete on it. There’s even onboard storage to keep all the accessories nearby, although we found that not everything fits neatly.
In addition, this sander has a 1-1/2-inch built-in dust port to keep the shop clean. There’s also a two-year warranty to protect your purchase. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a heavy-duty machine. It will bog down if you attempt to put too much pressure on it.
You can see this sander in action with this YouTube video:
What Customers Say:
Most customers felt that this is the best spindle sander in this price range. Check out what this user said, “Other models in the same price range have smaller motors, don’ oscillate very far and are poorly engineered. I owned two others in the same price range. This one is the best.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 33.2 pounds
- Measurements – 14 x 15 x 17 inches
- Motor –0.5 HP
- RPM – 2000
- Warranty – 2-year
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- No setup required
- Includes built-in dust port
- Has safety key
- Onboard storage doesn’t hold everything
- Not designed for heavy-duty contracting jobs
3. Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander
Powerful 3.5A (450W) motorNo Load Speed - 2000 RPMOscillation Speed - 58 OPM
The lightweight Triton sander is considered to be one of the best because it has a powerful 3.5A 450-watt motor, spins at 2000 RPM and produces 58 oscillations per minute. All this power is available without a large price tag, making it a great choice for someone desiring the perfect balance between capability and budget.
It also features a 14.5 x 11″ worktable which allows enough room for your projects. The sander itself comes with six sanding sleeves plus the matching table inserts and rubber drums. It’s a quiet unit and stable as well. If you need to replace the motor brushes or belts, you’ll be amazed at easy they are to access.
With the onboard storage for accessories, everything you need is close by at all times. This machine is perfect for sanding arcs, contours, irregular shapes and curves as well. The oscillating action of this sander moves the drum up and down which reduces static friction. This prevents burn and band marks on your workpiece. It also reduces wear on the sanding sleeve.
While the unit does require a shop vac to collect the dust, there is a port included. It’s important to note that some people felt the port was an odd-size and didn’t fit their shop vacs perfectly.
At just 28 pounds, you’ll find this sander easy to move around the shop. This allows for additional versatility when working on your projects. This might not be the best spindle sander for a professional contractor, but it’s perfect for the home enthusiast or DIYer. With the three-year warranty, you’ll have plenty of protection as well.
Learn more about this sander with a helpful YouTube video:
What Customers Say:
Most hobbyists have been thrilled with their purchase. Check out what this user had to say, “Good for my purposes. Easy to use and conveniently stores all the pieces on the frame. Adequate power. If you’re looking for a decent spindle sander for light to medium duty applications, this is a good choice.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 28.5 pounds
- Measurements – 18.5 x 16 x 20.5 inches
- Motor –0.5 HP
- RPM – 2000
- Warranty – 3-year
- Lightweight
- Powerful motor
- On-board storage
- Easy to replace motor brushes and belts
- Large worktable
- Dust port might be sized incorrectly
- Due to lightweight, isn’t as sturdy as some other options
4. WEN 6523 Oscillating Belt & Spindle Sander
Operate with belt speeds up to 1575 FPM and spindle speeds up to 2000 RPM
For those of you that want a tabletop sander with some versatility, this WEN option is a good choice for you. It’s a combo sander meaning you have the flexibility to work with a variety of materials with ease. This enables you to stay in one spot instead of switching between your machines.
Considering it houses a belt plus a spindle sander, it’s a great value as well. Even a beginner can switch out the sanding mechanisms with ease. Plus, there’s handy onboard storage to hold your components and parts.
The spindle produces 2000 RPM and the onboard belt sander functions at 1575. Thanks to the powerful 3.5-amp motor, you’ll achieve a perfect edge each time you use it.
This best spindle sander option has a surface which is fully adjustable as well. It tilts downward for bevels and then comes back to flat perfectly. It’s simple to move the table to the position you desire so you can accomplish your tasks faster than before.
This sanding combo also comes with five throat plates, six pieces of sandpaper and four rubber sanding drums.
Overall, this combo sander is designed to make your life so much easier and more efficient. With the durable metal construction, you know this machine is built to last. Plus, it’s covered by a two-year warranty.
At just 27 pounds, you’ll find that this versatile machine is completely portable as well. Move it around the shop at will without an issue. The downside to this machine is the noise factor, but if you have it in the shop, it shouldn’t bother anyone.
If you’d rather see it in action, check out this video:
What Customers Say:
The versatility of this tool combined with the low price has many people amazed. Read this review, “I was simply amazed at the quality of this product. It appears that WEN cut no corners here! However, they obviously cut the price to a level that it simply does not make sense to purchase just a spindle sander alone.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 27 pounds
- Measurements – 18.5 x 16.5 x 18 inches
- Motor –0.5 HP
- RPM – 2000
- Warranty – 2-year
- Lightweight
- Two sanders in one
- Handy on-board storage
- Durable metal construction
- Fully adjustable worktable
- Noisy
- Some customers experienced missing drums
Best Budget-Friendly Spindle Sander (Priced Under $150)
If you don’t plan to use the spindle sander often, you might be able to choose one of the budget options. These aren’t going to have the same power or features that the higher end models do, but they’ll work in a pinch.
1. POWERTEC OS1400 14″ Oscillating Spindle Sander
Sand contours, arcs, curves and other irregular shapes faster and easier than traditional hand sanding
You don’t need to sacrifice your budget to get the best spindle sander for occasional use. This oscillating spindle sander is powered by a strong 2.6-amp motor that produces 1800 RPM and 30 oscillations per minute. That’s enough to handle most of your small to medium-sized jobs.
The 14-inch diameter cast iron table provides enough room to handle your workpieces with ease. Plus, it’s built to last, so you don’t have to worry about durability. It doesn’t feel quite as solid as your more expensive options, but that’s to be expected.
The built-in dust port makes clean up a breeze; helping you to keep the shop free of dust and debris. In addition, there’s an onboard storage area for all the accessories. With the unit, you’ll receive six drum sizes.
Use this machine to sand arcs, curves, irregular shapes and contours. It’s simple enough to figure out, even for a beginner. Plus, it comes complete with a one-year warranty, so you don’t need to worry about your investment.
This sander weighs 31 pounds, so it’s still light enough to be portable, but many people find it to be noisy. Overall, it’s a great value for the money and ideal for your smaller jobs. This wouldn’t be suitable for contractors or anyone looking to do regular work. That’s why you’ll want to think ahead to your future projects before making this purchase. If there’s a chance you’ll need something more powerful; you’ll do better off with one of the options above.
What Customers Say:
This is a basic sander, so it’s not uncommon to find some reviews where people didn’t understand that when they made the purchase and then were disappointed. You can’t expect a top-of-the-line spindle sander at this price, but if you realize that, you’ll be happy. Here’s what one person had to say, “The functionality of the sander is great. I used it to give a piece of wood a nice sloping-rounded edge and it was flawless.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 31.5 pounds
- Measurements – 14 x 14 x 15 inches
- Motor –0.5 HP
- RPM – 1800
- Warranty – 1-year
- Low price
- Ideal for smaller projects
- Handy on-board storage
- Large worktable
- Includes dust port
- Not as durable as many others
- Won’t provide enough power for large projects
2. WEN 6510 Oscillating Spindle Sander
Features onboard storage for all accessories along with a dust collection port for hooking in a dust extractor
Don’t overlook this tool as the best spindle sander just because it’s the lowest price on the list. This powerful 0.5 HP motor turns the machine at 58 oscillations per minute and 2000 RPM. It also comes with a large 15 x 11.5” worktable, five rubber drums and six sanding sleeves.
This is the ideal machine for any beginner or those focused solely on small to medium-sized projects. It’s easily stored and compact when you don’t need it.
While it does have the power needed for your household jobs, it’s not created the same as most on our list. The majority of the parts are plastic, so if you’re worried about durability, you’ll want to invest a few more bucks into one of the other options listed above.
It is lightweight at just 35 pounds, making it portable. Because of that lighter weight and the lower quality construction, it isn’t as stable as most. You might notice it moving around slightly during operation. You could secure it to a table, but then it won’t be as portable.
This machine does come complete with onboard storage and a dust collection port as well. It’s even backed by a two-year warranty, which is surprising considering the cost.
Overall, if you just need a low-cost option to sanding down contours, odd shapes, curves and arcs, this is a winner. Add it to your tool shop and watch your production ability increase.
If you’re concerned about how well it works, you can check out this video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP9T-UwWo8I&feature=youtu.be
What Customers Say:
Some customers felt that this is another brand name sander repackaged and well-worth the small cost. Here’s what one of them had to say, “This is the least expensive example of a batch of virtually identical sanders that vary by paint and ring color only. The working internals are all the same. So if you don’t care about what color your sander is, this one is the best choice. And it isn’t bad looking!”
Specifications:
- Weight – 35 pounds
- Measurements – 20.3 x 15.5 x 24 inches
- Motor –0.5 HP
- RPM – 2000
- Warranty – 2-year
- Low price
- Perfect for your smaller projects
- Comes with onboard storage
- Large worktable
- Includes two-year warranty
- Made with plastic
- Not as sturdy as other options
Best Spindle Sander Buying Guide
If you work with projects that feature irregular shapes or curves, you’ve probably found that your belt or disc sander isn’t helping you accomplish the task. The best spindle sander gets into those curved, small places. Not only does this help you perform a more detailed job, but it also saves some time.
Some projects that benefit from a spindle sander include:
- Furniture construction
- Toy making
- Instrument making
- Crafts
- Cleaning up the marks from a band saw
- Decorative molding
Some woodworkers that use a drill press simply attach their sanding drums to them, creating a makeshift spindle sander. While this might cut it, you would do better to use the best tool available to get the job done.
Spindle sanders use less sandpaper because they oscillate. Another perk to that is that you achieve a smoother finish.
Here are a few of the features to look for when making your selection.
Power
Just like with any power tool, your horsepower varies. Most of the best spindle sanders range from ⅖ horsepower through ½ horsepower. The power you require depends on what type of work you perform. If you need to use the sander on hard, thick types of wood, you’ll want more horsepower than the person sanding thin materials.
With that said, it’s often wise to purchase a more powerful tool than you think you need because you never know what you’ll need to do in the future.
Versatility
Spindle sanders come with various sizes of sleeves and drums. The smaller the drum, the finer and more delicate job it performs. If you have a large drum, you’ll be prepared to handle big bends and curves. The best spindle sander comes with several sleeves and drums to add versatility.
If you’re using the spindle sander for a specified job, you’ll want to make sure that the manufacturer produces the sizes you need.
Dust Collection
While this has nothing to do with how the sander works, it’s still something to consider. Each sander comes with some form of dust collection. Most of the time, it’s just a collection chamber that has a valve. In this valve, you hook up your Shop-Vac to suck out the sawdust.
It’s essential that you read the descriptions carefully because some of the sanders require you to purchase a hose adapter to make you vacuum fit.
Brand/Price
Your last consideration should be the brand and price. Most people already have a brand they are committed to, but if you don’t, it’s helpful to read reviews. You want to purchase from a trusted brand because you want a tool that’s durable and reliable.
It’s also important to keep in mind that higher prices don’t always mean it’s the best tool. Sometimes, you are paying for additional features you won’t use. If you need to stick to a budget, it’s possible to get a decent power tool at a price that works for you.
Using Your Spindle Sander
Once you purchase the best spindle sander, you need to learn how to use it properly. Here are some steps to get you started.
- Gather your equipment. You can’t start a project if you don’t have everything you need.
- Ensure you have the right spindles that contain varying levels of grit.
- Prepare your area for work.
- Mark your wood. You might think that you can gauge the work with your eye, but it’s also best to take this step. If you don’t take the time to make these simple marks, you might regret it later.
- Select the proper drum diameter. Start with the drum that is slightly smaller than you think you need because it’s always possible to sand more, but impossible to put the wood back if you take too much.
- Sand your workpiece with a smooth, long motion. It works just like your typical sander where you allow the drum to do all the work. Just don’t hold it in one place or you’ll end up with unwanted marks.
To see how a spindle sander operates, watch this helpful video:
Spindle Sander Safety
When you operate your spindle sander, there are some rules you’ll want to follow to keep yourself and others safe.
- Wear your safety goggles anytime the spindle sander is in motion.
- Make sure you utilize your dust collector.
- Keep your sleeves up above your elbow to ensure your clothing doesn’t get caught.
- Avoid wearing anything loose like neckties or scarves.
- Inspect your sander and the area prior to starting the tool.
- Don’t begin sanding the stock until your machine reaches full speed.
- Only apply light pressure while using the sander.
- Keep your fingers clear of the spindle at all times; preferably an inch away.
- Don’t get your workpiece caught between the table openings and the spindle.
- If anything doesn’t seem right, turn off the sander.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve reviewed our top choices for the best spindle sander, the decision is yours! You can lower your time in the shop by using these powerful tools instead of manually completing your work. The extra time you gain is worth the small investment in one of these sanders.
Complete your jobs as a professional and let others be amazed by your skills. If you own one of these sanders, we’d love to hear your thoughts; make sure you leave a comment and let us know if you recommend your spindle sander.
