Get the ridgid and register for the "lifetime" warranty.
Spindle/belt sander
Hi, I'm looking to buy my first stationary sander and am looking to spend around $300 or less. From all the prior posts on here it sounds like the general view is that a spindle/belt combo (Ridgid, Triton, Wen) is a better bet than a 6" disc/ 4" belt combo (i.e. Ryobi, Wen, Harbor Freight etc.)
So, question is which $300 or less spindle/belt sander would you buy if you had to buy new today?
Ridgid - sounds like a lot of folks have these but bought them 10 or more years ago before cost cutting set in. Now it sounds like the old model (EB4424 - $269) is being phased out and no replacement parts are available and the new model (R4840 - $299) has awful reviews so far due to quality issues (loose screws in the box etc.)
Triton's model ($259) has generally better reviews (at least not the same issues) but it is only 10 bucks cheaper than Ridgid and is lower spec (weaker motor, smaller table, no miter slot, no micro adjustments to level the table etc.). It also seems to just be an orange version of the Bauer or Wen models ($220).
So, if you had to pick, which would it be? I can't decide!
Thanks!!
So, question is which $300 or less spindle/belt sander would you buy if you had to buy new today?
Ridgid - sounds like a lot of folks have these but bought them 10 or more years ago before cost cutting set in. Now it sounds like the old model (EB4424 - $269) is being phased out and no replacement parts are available and the new model (R4840 - $299) has awful reviews so far due to quality issues (loose screws in the box etc.)
Triton's model ($259) has generally better reviews (at least not the same issues) but it is only 10 bucks cheaper than Ridgid and is lower spec (weaker motor, smaller table, no miter slot, no micro adjustments to level the table etc.). It also seems to just be an orange version of the Bauer or Wen models ($220).
So, if you had to pick, which would it be? I can't decide!
Thanks!!
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
If the Rigid is the combo spindle/belt model I would go with that over spindle only.
That said, the Triton is a very good machine, not used much in my work, but indispensable when needed.
That said, the Triton is a very good machine, not used much in my work, but indispensable when needed.
You still will want a disc sander in addition to the spindle sander so leave some room on your workbench for one.
I have had the original Ridgid model for a number of years (8-10) and I like it just fine. There are times where a disc sander may come in handy as well. I keep mine up on a shelf and I like the fact that it's not very heavy. I purchased and modified a Rockler sled for it. Dust collection isn't great but it's a stationary sander so I don't expect much. I would recommend it. I have seen several complaints on the newer model.
Ridgid, yes. Just know of stationary sanders these are the weak sisters of all sander types. IOW very easy to stall. Although the cost is more, a good 6" x 48" belt/disc sander is a great platform, and the better ones have surplus power. Marry that to a decent oscillating drum sander and you will be able to do much more work, on many more shapes and sizes.
Lifetime warranty is a joke in many Home Cheapos across the nation, totally depends on where you live, the store manager, and direction the wind is blowing. It is not a guaranteed thing, even if you register.
Lifetime warranty is a joke in many Home Cheapos across the nation, totally depends on where you live, the store manager, and direction the wind is blowing. It is not a guaranteed thing, even if you register.
One nice thing about most benchtop sanders, normally small and light enough to pick-up and get it off the workbench and place it on a shelf or under a workbench.
If you get the ridgid and plan to put it in a flip cart be sure to add a draw to store all the accessories.
I too have had my Ridgid sander for a number of years. This topic pops up here every few months. The Ridged is far better than the other brands in the same price range. And I too also store mine on a shelf, under my work bench. Lite weight, and has a couple of recessed hand holds to help carry it around. I also have a 6×48 belt, 9"disk combo sander. I actually use it a whole lot more than the Ridgid sander. Never use the disk side of it though.I have had the original Ridgid model for a number of years (8-10) and I like it just fine. There are times where a disc sander may come in handy as well. I keep mine up on a shelf and I like the fact that it s not very heavy. I purchased and modified a Rockler sled for it. Dust collection isn t great but it s a stationary sander so I don t expect much. I would recommend it. I have seen several complaints on the newer model.
- northwoodsman
I had a Ridgid for a few years and it was a useful machine, particularly the spindle sander for my purposes. I never could get the beltsander to behave quite right although it was also useful, just furry on both sides as tracking adjustment seemed pretty common. Maybe should have tried a few more belts.I have had the original Ridgid model for a number of years (8-10) and I like it just fine. There are times where a disc sander may come in handy as well. I keep mine up on a shelf and I like the fact that it s not very heavy. I purchased and modified a Rockler sled for it. Dust collection isn t great but it s a stationary sander so I don t expect much. I would recommend it. I have seen several complaints on the newer model.
- northwoodsman
I too have had my Ridgid sander for a number of years. This topic pops up here every few months. The Ridged is far better than the other brands in the same price range. And I too also store mine on a shelf, under my work bench. Lite weight, and has a couple of recessed hand holds to help carry it around. I also have a 6×48 belt, 9"disk combo sander. I actually use it a whole lot more than the Ridgid sander. Never use the disk side of it though.
- bigJohninvegas
I have an older 6" x 48" x 9" Delta sander which I agree with you that I use a lot more than the dedicated spindle sander I have now. Having said that, the spindle sander is darned useful at times!
Heck, or even if you angle it too far! I had one of the rubber feet pop out and when i tilted it to put the foot back in everything fell out and lost some of the washers. I still need to find one but its under a very heavy metal cabinet.If you get the ridgid and plan to put it in a flip cart be sure to add a draw to store all the accessories.
- controlfreak
FWIW - Completely folding down the Ridgid sanders 'angle adjustable' table top will prevent the extra drums and washers from jumping out of storage slots. It's an undocumented design feature on the older model.If you get the ridgid and plan to put it in a flip cart be sure to add a draw to store all the accessories. - controlfreakHeck, or even if you angle it too far! I had one of the rubber feet pop out and when i tilted it to put the foot back in everything fell out and lost some of the washers. I still need to find one but its under a very heavy metal cabinet. - SMP
Looking at the newer model, doubt it has same feature.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
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