I vote MIGHT be same:
The expensive part, the cast base on Rikon has square upper left hard corners and Rockwell is rounded. The distance from edge to power panel, and belt tension/lock are different. But digging deeper I also find images of Rikon 50-112 with exact same casting/panel/lock as the others.
My question would be which Rikon version sander will be the box? :-(0)
There is a discontinued Grizzly G0547, appears to use same square casting with belt tension/lock on opposite side. There are also Craftsman units that look like the square corner Rikon with same lock.
Did you check the parts lists? Those can be easy way to spot same mfg.
Rarely will mfg change the reference numbers of the part drawing that they sell to different OEM.
IME - There could be 3-5 different mfg making this same tool.
Would be very hard to tell them apart.
Let me explain if you care to know why:
Combo sanders like these have been made for decades. There is constant drive for innovation and cost reduction; while trying to look cool and new. Which also means every mfg will attempt to design a cheaper/better machine as they undercut each other on price.
Does not help that the clone tool effect is a direct result of OEM shopping for cheapest mfg source. They send out a package of drawings to request quotes. One or two will make suggestions on cost reduction, and original OEM will adopt the changes for lower price.
All the folks who didn't win the contract, but had to make a prototype as part of bidding competition; decide to try to sell the new design machine to other OEM. The new OEM might want different color, labels, and a different manual; but will buy a thousand of the tools for sale to compete with original OEM.
It is not uncommon for first OEM to design the casting(s) and pay directly for tooling at steel provider; so they don't have to pay for tooling charges with several mfg's. This casting source is listed on drawings. That makes it easy for the competitors to buy same casting. The OEM might even release the tooling prints to a 2nd casting mill to ensure they have adequate supply if demand explodes.
Despite the Chinese casting plant having a OEM contract and IP agreement; the competitive bidders are all allowed access to casting design. Even if they lose bids, and OEM removes their ability to buy the design; they just pay a (lower) tooling fee changing the name on original tooling drawings, for pattern they own.
Also find that Taiwanese mfg have hard time keeping engineers, as they will change jobs for a 1-2% raise. Most of the tooling/assembly engineers end up working for several machine mfg. Which means they all know what and for whom tools are made.
Many of the WW tool mfg management are related by blood. Sons' leave dad's company and start a competitor. Then cousin's get angry, leave, and open a machining company that cleans up same castings for both. Uncle ends up buying land and building as loan for the son, and he rents extra space not used to another competitor who hires son's wife as the accountant.
IMHO - There are no secrets in the machine making world in South Asian countries.
Nothing funnier/scarier than sitting down with 3-5 of the executive staff of different competitive companies, watching them gamble playing Mahjong together, drinking several bottles of their favorite expensive (often Japanese) scotch; while they discuss who most needs the business being quoted this week, and who will offer the lowest price.
Have watched this rampant information exchange, and anti-competitive behavior happen in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and China.
PS - In China, often have a member of regional political office at the Mahjong game too. He always reminds the executives to send copies of the OEM design to the national Chinese library.
And now you know why all tools look nearly the same.
Sorry for all babble, but I spent 20+ years setting up overseas mfg and sourcing custom designed equipment world wide. The above is just a taste of how it works. Only if I could describe the bribes required for really big deals to get signed, would this rant be complete. Thanks for reading.
Best Luck with purchase.