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Rikon 50-300 spindle sander mini review.... of sorts

3K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  jklingel 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I just bought this and figured I would share my impression of it, at least as much of it as I am using. Setting it up is basically plug and play; not much to do. Before I removed the table, I checked it for flatness; there's a 1/64" to 1/32" concavity in both directions. The cast table is machined smooth, but not super accurately. The mechanism for rotating and locking the tilting table in place is of stamped material, not machined. The table-tilting crank gear is metal. It looks like it would work pretty well. There is a plastic contraption of some sort bolted under the table for dust collection. It seemed to operate as it should, but I am not a fan of plastic for the long haul. There are two bolt-on shelves for holding spindles and table inserts, and they fit properly. Table inserts (for different spindle diameters) are plastic and the one I inserted fit really close to the table top. I did not pay too much attention to that, or mic it, because I won't be using the table. I have only eviscerated 3 bowls so far, but the machine runs smoothly, bobs up and down, is quiet, and has no apparent vibration or wobble in the spindle. The speed at which it runs is fine with me; it removes a lot of wood fairly quickly. I bolted it to a stand instead of setting it on a bench, as I don't think it is heavy enough to stay put, especially with the table removed; that is just a guess. Overall, I think it will be a good little machine. I have a 3" x 4 1/2" spindle coming, and if it runs that real well I will be happy.
 
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#4 ·
Fog: Roger that. I really fear getting a replacement, too. It will cost me a ton to return this one, and what if it happens with the replacement? I may just go back to using my drill press, but it has developed an audibly "click" since I started using it after about 80 bowls worth of non-recommended use. Causal? Coincidence? Dunno, but it may be cheaper to fix it repeatedly than keep returning sanders. I don't think we have any stocking dealers here to give any a good eye-ing before I buy. No brand seems to have stellar reviews anywhere. Sad.
 
#5 ·
FWIW, Amazon is shipping this puppy back on their dime, and sending a new one before this one arrives….what a place to shop!.... After talking w/ Rikon cust service, I am replacing this with its identical twin. Part of that decision is that I have a bunch of sleeves and a 3" spindle for it, plus a bench I put together just for it, etc. In other words, a bit of laziness and faith. I will post the skinny after I run this next one for a while.
 
#7 ·
Because I will remove the table from the spindle sander, a thought occurred to me; why did I not just get an old, large drill press that has some serious bearings in it instead of a little OSS? The oscillating aspect is of no particular benefit for what I do. Hmmm. Maybe next time they'll let me play the game on Monday instead of Sunday….
 
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