Spindle sander with a follow bearing

[Elegost]

Folks,

I am looking at getting a spindle sander like this one:

Oscillating Edge Belt / Spindle Sander - RIDGID Professional Tools

They do not seem to come with any kind of robosander-like follow bearing that you can use to sand to a template.

Are these sanders only useful for freehand shaping to a scribed line?

 

[kfowler8]

I have one. It's one of the most essential piece of equipment I own. It's incredibly versatile. It does not have a template function though.

 

[monsterwalley]

Folks,

I am looking at getting a spindle sander like this one:

Oscillating Edge Belt / Spindle Sander - RIDGID Professional Tools

They do not seem to come with any kind of robosander-like follow bearing that you can use to sand to a template.

Are these sanders only useful for freehand shaping to a scribed line?

You would have to have a really thick template to keep the bearing/guide surface on without coming out. I would imagine the up and down motion would wear a template or bearing out pretty quick if you did use something thick enough.

Other than that I love mine and use it constantly.

If I do use the robosander, I have it chucked up in a drill press. If you just use it to clean up your edge with a template, they don't load up too bad.

 

[pshupe]

I probably use this tool the most for guitars. Very versatile. When I first got it I thought it would be good to be able to lock the up and down motion in place, in which case a robosander attachment would be very useful. It does not come with that feature however.

Cheers Peter

 

[mountainwhimsy]

I saw this discussion elsewhere. The solution is to make a doughnut that fits around the spindle. This creates a bearing surface a fixed distance away from the surface of the spindle, while still allowing the spindle to go up and down. Then create a template that is offset (smaller) than the original template. This smaller template rides along the doughnut, allowing the spindle to access the wood being sanded. I'm going to have to try it once I get a spindle sander.

 

[Elegost]

So what do you guys use it for, if not for template following? Cleaning up routed forms freehand?

 

[Jmorris]

So what do you guys use it for, if not for template following? Cleaning up routed forms freehand?

I used to use a temple bit to rout bodies. Now I cut close to the outline with my bandsaw and use the spindle sander to clean up the cut. It makes sanding the end grain so easy, as well as the inside of the horn. The uses are multiple. You won't regret the purchase, I promise you.

 

[monsterwalley]

So what do you guys use it for, if not for template following? Cleaning up routed forms freehand?

Profiling the neck. Shaping the headstock. Shaping control cavity plates.
Removing hair off of knuckles, you name it.

 

[Ole'Lefty]

That Ridgid sander is probably the most consistently praised tool discussed here. Second would be the Bosch Colt. I use a drillpress with a very wide speed range and an insert in the table for the bearing to sink about 1/2 way in it. Even though it works fairly well, it still isn't that Ridgid. By the way, the latest laminate trimmer from Ridgid is very good. I have the predecessor on a dedicated binding cut jig. The new one is much like the Colt. My tablesaw is a Ridgid 3650 and I have their generic 14" bandsaw.

 

[emoney]

Locally, anyway, looks like Home Depot is closing out on the Bosch Colt and it's under $70.00 right now. Thought I'd share.