Just a belt sander and a disc may not give the best precision cuts. You will need a tool like the best spindle sander to get those perfect surfaces with random angles.
There are a dozen factors that you have to look for in a spindle sander. So, here is a comprehensive oscillating spindle sander review.
Out of the 5 oscillating spindle sander reviews, my top pick is Triton TSPS450. It not only gets the job done easily but also offers great accuracy.
Besides, the remaining four come with the best power, value for money, strong body, and performance. Each has unique sanding techniques with visually pleasing outcomes.
Halfway through the blog of oscillating spindle sander review, there’s a buying guide. Consider reading through the key elements of a spindle sander in this section before boiling down to your preferred choice.
- Best Spindle Sander Overall: Triton TSPS450
- Best Value for Money Spindle Sander: WEN AT6535
- Best Spindle Sander For Performance: Grizzly Industrial G0739
Best Spindle Sander Overall: Triton TSPS450 3.5-amp Oscillating Spindle Sander
My first choice in the oscillating spindle sander review is the Triton TSPS450. It has a strong table made of iron, giving it stability. It comes with comfortable storage and numerous extra accessories.
Features:
- Sleeve Height: 4-½ inch
- Work Table: 11 ½” W x 14 ½” L
- Motor: 3.5 Amps
- Speed: 2000 rpm
- Stroke Length: 5/8 inch
- Oscillation Speed: 58 opm
What I liked about Triton TSPS450 3.5-amp Oscillating Spindle Sander?
This Triton product is manufactured to deliver accuracy in the finish. Thus, it can be proved to be an excellent choice. It comes with a sound cast iron workspace for optimal support of your wood piece. The spindle has 2 actions, rotation as well as oscillation, for better control and a smoother finish.
What I didn’t like about Triton TSPS450 3.5-amp Oscillating Spindle Sander?
The larger sleeves and spindles do not properly fit the arbor. Also, you will see that the inserts do not come up to the surface of the table. So, small parts get caught up here.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up and work with
- Noiseless functioning
- A lock-out safety key that can be removed is provided. This prevents the machine from starting up accidentally.
- Parts can be accessed and replaced easily.
Cons:
- The dust port has an odd size.
- Inserts provided don’t extend all the way up.
Who can use it?
This tool is ideal for those working on small wood pieces, as the Triton TSPS450 is small enough to get into them. Experts can also make some uniquely beautiful designs with their use.
Best Spindle Sander for Power: Shop Fox 1/2 HP Single Phase Oscillating Spindle
My second pick in oscillating spindle sander review is from the brand Shop Fox. This is a small, easy-to-fit but versatile oscillating spindle, great for those working with wood in small spaces. It can be a great addition to your tool box as you can easily store it. The table top is made of cast iron. It weighs 32 pounds; is a compact but powerful device.
Features:
- Sleeve Height: 4-½ inch
- Work Table: 11-½” W x 15” L
- Motor: 3.5 Amps
- Speed: 2000 rpm
- Stroke Length: 5/8 inch
- Oscillation Speed: 58 opm
What I liked about Shop Fox 1/2 HP Single Phase Oscillating Spindle?
This product is a compact piece of machinery. But, it has great motor power and can give as smooth a finish as any other similar product. The 58 oscillations per minute ensure an even sanding which looks polished, refined, and chiseled out. It is versatile enough to accomplish a wide range of sanding activities. The various inserts included with the Shop Fox Oscillating Spindle Sander offer extra support on the work surface.
I like the nut that’s on the top. You can avoid losing traction by compressing the rubber sleeves.
What I didn’t like about Shop Fox 1/2 HP Single Phase Oscillating Spindle?
Be careful with the sleeves. They may run up the drum. Not very quiet, but not noisy either. I think the noise is because of the brush motor.
Pros:
- Small in size, portable, but with a powerful motor.
- Comes with six spindles: 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2, and 3-inch diameters with corresponding sandpaper.
- A 1-1/2 inch dust collection port ensures no mess.
- The on-off switch has a removable key.
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified.
Cons:
- Noisy
Who can use it?
This is ready to use straight off the packing box. Hence even beginners can use it effortlessly. Its 6 spindle sizes offer a variety of sanding activities for seasoned woodworkers too.
Value for Money Best Spindle Sander: WEN AT6535
This spindle sander is quite flexible in its functionality. In addition, it has a worktop that can bevel up to an angle of 45 degrees, great for producing angled edges or edges with a slant.
Features:
- Sleeve Height: 5-⅝ inch
- Work Table: 14-½” x 14-½” (tiltable up to 45 degrees)
- Motor: 3.5 Amps
- Speed: 2000 rpm
- Stroke Length: 5/8 inch
- Oscillation Speed: 58 opm
What I liked about WEN AT6535?
This ‘easy on the pocket’ spindle sander is a universal hit among both professionals and novices in the field of wood-carving. It comes with mostly all of the features that pricier items similar to this offer their purchasers. A cast iron worktable spindle sander, it has a powerful motor ensuring all kinds of sanding activities without a glitch. Item weight of 30+ pounds gives you stability and strength. Six different sanding sleeves and 5 different rubber drum spindles allow this product to be quite versatile. If you are unable to connect your hose end to the dust port, then use the adjustable rubber pipe connector.
What I didn’t like about WEN AT6535?
I can’t see it as a disappointing tool except for the noise factor.
Pros:
- Economical price
- Stainless steel material
- two-year warranty
- Powerful motor
- Sturdy, heavyweight body
Cons:
- Generates more noise when compared to other models.
Who can use it?
Professionals and beginners in wood carving will find this product handy, easy to use, and great at delivering results.
Best Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander For Pro’s: Jet 708404 Oscillating Spindle Sander
Do you undertake heavy sanding tasks frequently? If yes, then this slightly costly spindle sander is more suited for professional sanders like you. It is a long-lasting, sturdy sander with one of the biggest work tables. This makes it suitable for projects of all sizes.
Features:
- Sleeve Height: 6 inch
- Work Table: 14-½” x 14-½” (tiltable up to 45 degrees)
- Motor: 3 Amps
- Speed: 1725 rpm
- Stroke Length: 1 inch
- Oscillation Speed: 30 opm
What I liked about Jet 708404 Oscillating Spindle Sander?
This model comes with a worktable large enough for all kinds of woodwork. It suits both small and large projects. It has a tilting table which makes angled and slanted sanding so easy. Though expensive, it has great performance and a strong, sturdy body. Its accessories are of high quality too. Great for people undertaking woodworking projects on a large scale.
What I didn’t like about Jet 708404 Oscillating Spindle Sander?
The sides of the machines have the receptacles which do not fit the inserts and spindles properly. Plus, usually shop vac is around 1-¼ inches. However, this tool has a dust port of about 2 inches.
Pros:
- Angled work table design allows for slants and curves’ sanding.
- One can regularly work with it; sturdy design.
- Has rubber feet, won’t skid.
- One-inch spindle gives a scratch-proof finish.
- Prolonged sleeve life.
- A removable safety switch is provided.
Cons:
- Is on the pricier side
- Heaviest sander amongst all
- The inserts and spindles do not find enough space to fit in the receptacles at the sides.
- Dust port is 2 inches.
Who can use it?
This is more suited to professionals working on big projects. But, amateurs who don’t mind paying a little more will definitely benefit from it as well.
Best Benchtop Spindle Sander For Performance: Grizzly Industrial G0739 – Benchtop 1/2 HP
This is truly one of the best brands in the market. It is a small benchtop model which saves space. Comes with a powerful motor, a cast iron table, and plenty of accessories to suit whatever type of woodwork you wish to undertake. The price of this spindle sander is of a medium-budget range.
Features:
- Sleeve Height: 4-½ inch
- Work Table: 20″ W x 14″ L
- Motor: 4 Amps
- Speed: 1725 rpm
- Stroke Length: 5/8 inch
- Oscillation Speed: 72 opm
What I liked about Grizzly Industrial G0739 – Benchtop 1/2 HP?
This product packs a lot of punch for its price, which is definitely not too high. It has a cast iron table for stability and is versatile enough for a wide range of wood-carving and other activities in wood. Comes with a whole lot of accessories, hence can accomplish pretty much any task expected of it. Though you may have to stretch a little to get to the throat plates. That’s because they are stored at the back of the machine. Has a powerful motor which gives a great performance. Overall a worthy investment!
What I didn’t like about Grizzly Industrial G0739 – Benchtop 1/2 HP?
I seriously do not like the noise it produces when it is connected to the dust collection system. Also, you limit the air exit channel when the drum is raised. For a dustless performance, don’t mind connecting it to a shop vac. Sanding large pieces will need a substantially bigger floor as this one has a small table.
Pros:
- Compact but strong benchtop
- Includes cord and plug
- Various accessories are available – 5 rubber sanding drums, 6 sanding sleeves, 6 table inserts, and 3 spindle washers. All of these range from 1/2 to 3 inches in size.
- Has a paddle safety switch with a removable key.
- Easy to change sandpaper and spindles
Cons:
- Working surface area is limited
- It seems when you connect it to a dust collection system, it makes a lot of noise.
Who can use it?
This product is great for making sanding work easy and achieving a smooth finish to the edges. So, it is suitable for anybody seriously interested in wood-carving and similar activities.
My Verdict
There are numerous good products of this type available in the market. But, the Triton TSPS450 3.5-amp Oscillating Spindle Sander is a winner and a sensible choice amongst them all.
The Triton TSPS450 3.5-amp Oscillating Spindle Sander is an absolutely great purchase that won’t disappoint. Though quiet (it has a noise rating of 89 dB) and compact, it runs on a powerful motor. Thus, it performs great in all different types of sand activities. Its unique selling proposition, however, is in sanding/polishing contours, slants, and curves. This gadget is brilliant in artistic carpentry.
Its six different sanding sleeves with matching rubber drums and table inserts ensure a range of woodwork activities. This product is suitable for wood projects of any size and can be used equally well by beginners and seasoned professionals alike. It comes with storage onboard for all its accessories, making it extremely easy to be transported from one work site to another. Lastly, this is a benchtop model; it won’t take too much space but is nevertheless a delight to work with. The dust port does cleaning afterward so effortlessly and easily.
Buying Guide
You have to look at a few factors when purchasing a spindle sander. From the size and type of spindle sander to its speed, learning the terminologies will help.
Motor Power
The strength of a unit determines the performance of the project. As a general rule, the greater the motor’s capacity, the faster it will complete the job and put less stress on the sander. Theoretically, the horsepower of a motor determines its strength.
Spindle sanders range in capacity from 1/4 to 1 HP. When dealing with hefty and bulky weights, the more the horsepower, the finer the accuracy. A lower hp motor is also beneficial, but only on lighter grounds where you could sacrifice certain accuracy. Essentially, pay attention to the revolutions (orbitals) per minute. If the RPM is higher, you will be able to finish the job quicker. In addition, often, a 3 to 3.5-amp motor is sufficient. If it’s less than three amperes, search for other features that compensate for the somewhat low score.
Spindle size
To operate smoothly, oscillating spindle sanders demand different sizes of the spindle. You have the option of adjusting the spindle diameter to enhance the performance of the finished operation.
The majority of oscillating spindle equipment includes 4 to 6 various-sized spindles. It is sufficient for skilled woodworkers or wood hobbyists to achieve exceptional results. The smallest spindle size is a quarter-inch diameter, which is suitable for everyday operations. All equipment used in the task must be no larger than two inches in diameter. Some users who work with significant components may choose to use more oversized spindles.
Dust collection
While using an oscillating spindle sander, there can be a lot of dust produced on the site. This makes dust collection port a necessary factor in your buying guide. The dust collector usually includes a collection chamber with a nozzle to which a vacuum can be connected to pull in the debris. Dust ports ranging from 1 to 2 1/2 inches are often available. You will have to connect the vacuum tube manually.
The bigger the port, the more sawdust you can gather in a shorter time. Breathing dust is not good for the body. Also, it can block your unit, causing unforeseen problems. You seldom know when a minor flaw will turn into a devastating mechanical accident. Thus, look for a precise dust extractor.
Versatility
The different drum sizes and sleeves modify the spindle’s size. Wider drums are intended for wider loops and turns, whereas smaller ones are for more refined movements. Most of the top picks in this oscillating spindle sander review include various drums and sleeves. These allow you to get started on almost any work instantly.
Noise
The robust motors are necessary for cutting down on time it takes to complete a single project. But, they might become noisy and produce a lot of vibrations, impacting the quality of your job. There is a vibration and noise reduction system found nowadays in machines. Even huge, powerful motors are handled with simplicity and little noise using this technology.
Other Accessories
The accessories play an important part in giving accuracy and flexibility to your tasks. It also allows you to start working on your projects right away, depending on their size. Table inserts, sanding drums, sanding sleeves, oscillating belts, screws, power tools are a few things you would need.
The higher the number of accessories included in the pack, the more projects you can do with it. As a result, always allow the extras to support you in the completion of your undertakings. Also, note where and how the accessories are arranged for easy access.
Sleeves changing
The sanding spindle procedure is as much about altering grit sleeves as it is about sanding. It should be simple to adjust the sizes based on the type of wood being used. You won’t be sanding the actual dimensions of a wood piece all of the time since you’ll occasionally run into larger ones.
The sleeve kinds must be able to fit into the work area simply without much effort. Any expert or inexperienced craftsman ought to be able to change the drum with ease.
Work Table
There are specific essential characteristics to look into while choosing a work table. To begin with, the material from which it is made will determine its longevity. And, the primary surface for polishing, the design cannot be overlooked.
Next, the work table’s size determines the work surface area accessibility. Furthermore, the bigger the size, the ideal since you may have a wider surface area and items to sand.
Warranty
You should consider the spindle sander’s durability before purchasing one. The most excellent approach to determine a product’s longevity is to look at the company’s warranty duration. On average, the more solid and durable the instrument, the lengthier the guarantee term.
Price
Not always, the top models of the spindle sander should be expensive. You may get an awesome product even for a reasonable price.
Type
Benchtop, floor-standing, and portable spindle sanders are the three basic types. All 3 types of sanding work in the same way, but their size and setup differ.
Floor-sanding
Spindle sanders that stand on their legs or a base are known as floor-standing spindle sanders. Worktops are often at a comfortable height, making them simple to operate. However, they’re bulky, weighing up to a few hundred pounds, and they’re difficult to maneuver.
Benchtop
These are constructed to sit on top of a workstation or table. Thus, it allows the user to put them up almost anywhere there is a flat surface. These models are substantially lighter than floor-standing spindle sanders. They weigh as little as 30 or 40 pounds in some cases.
Portable
Portable spindle sanders are small sanding tools that may be carried around with you. Sometimes they may not be suitable for smaller items. However, they can be particularly handy for sanding curves on large furniture or projects.
Weight and Dimensions
Consider the size and weight of the spindle sander, especially if you have a tiny workshop or want portability.
The machine for any woodworking project that involves moving around must be light. And the woodworkers who work in a central location can choose heavy machines because they provide better robustness. When it comes to size, it’s also essential to think about onboard storage. You will have to store the spindle when it’s not in use for a long time. So, choose accordingly.
A floor-standing spindle sander is at least 3 feet in height and has a width of at least one to two feet. It is the best spindle sander for heavy working large workstations as it is not a portable tool and can weigh around 300 pounds. Portable spindle sanders, as the name suggests, are the lightest option and can be carried around. You will hear people saying that portable sanders are trickier to use.
Benchtop types commonly weigh 30 to 40 pounds, making them light enough to lift onto a workbench or work surface but heavy enough to stay put. They do, however, require setup before each usage, and they aren’t as good at sanding curves on larger objects.
Materials
The material of the spindle sander is important. Some materials are more appealing than others, from the base to the worktop. The best spindle sander tools, both floor-standing and tabletop, are pretty safe tools, but they’re easier to operate if they stay put. Metal and solid plastic bases offer a little extra weight to the tool. Plastic housings are ideal for portable models since they are lightweight.
Work surfaces must be precisely smooth and level, and the longer they can stay free of rust, the better. Cast iron and aluminum are both great options. A light coat of wax on both surfaces will keep them smooth and corrosion-free for many years.
Speed
The best spindle sander can sand a wide range of materials. Some top-of-the-line sanders can spin up to 1,500 RPMs, while others can spin up to 3,000 RPMs.
Adjustable speeds are available on the best spindle sanders, making it easy to achieve the right edge and work efficiently.
Additional features
The best spindle sanders include additional safety and convenience features. So, look for a spindle sander with a large on-off switch that’s easy to locate and use in the event of an emergency. Many of these switches also include a removable key for further security.
Kits with multiple drum dimensions add flexibility and variety and make achieving the ideal edge a little easier. Smaller drums are ideal for tight inside curves, while larger drums make smoother curves a little easier to achieve.
Because spindle sanders produce a lot of sawdust, look for models with a dust collection system to keep your workspace clean.
Conclusion
I hope this comprehensive review of the best oscillating orbital sander will help you achieve optimal results. Considering all the criteria, my best pick is Triton TSPS450. But check out the rest to know if they suit your requirements. And read through the factors needed to purchase the oscillating spindle in the buying guide.
Happy buying!
