As a woodworker, you need a variety of tools to ensure that you can make all of your products to the specifications you require. Power sanders are one of the most essential pieces you can have as they allow you to smooth edges and make finished parts that are both safe and reliable.
One of the most versatile and useful sanders that you can have in your shop is a spindle sander. This tool enables you to work on rounded pieces and edges that would otherwise be challenging or impossible with other machines.
Because sanding is more of an art than practice, you need to make sure that your machine allows you to get the most bang for your buck. Oscillating spindle sanders operate by not only rotating the spindle at high speeds but moving it up and down while you work. This motion ensures that you use every part of the sandpaper, as well as provide a smoother surface and edge.
Today we’re going to look at the best spindle sanders on the market so that you can be sure that you have the right one for your needs.
Best Oscillating Spindle Sanders – Comparison
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Grizzly G0739 Oscillating |
| Check Price |
![]() | Grizzly G0529 Oscillating Spindle |
| Check Price |
![]() | WEN 6523 Oscillating Belt |
| Check Price |
Best Oscillating Spindle Sanders – Review
When looking for the right oscillating spindle sander, pay attention to the shape and dimensions of the drums and the sandpaper. Also, some models will come with extras (like a disc sander), which can be nice to have as well.
Here are the top models we’ve seen so far:
1. Grizzly G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander
Starting us off is this tabletop model from Grizzly. We really like what this brand has to offer when it comes to sanders.
Not only do you get higher quality parts and service, but you get added versatility thanks to the additional drums, sleeves, and inserts provided.
Also, Grizzly products are built to last, so you’ll be able to use this sander for years to come.
When picking out the best oscillating spindle sander for your shop, you can either choose one that sits on the counter or one that has its own base that sits on the ground.
We highly recommend models like Grizzly G0739 if you’re short on real estate in your workshop or you don’t craft pieces that are too large. The size and convenience of this model are somewhat stifled by the minimal surface area, but it’s perfect for smaller jobs as a result.
When it comes to performance, the G0739 delivers every time. It spins at 2800 rpm and oscillates at 58 times per minute, meaning that you get smoother, more refined edges every time you use it. Compared to other tabletop models, this sander is much more powerful and reliable.
We also like that it comes with six different sleeves and inserts. This enables you to work on a broader variety of pieces with ease. Also, they are super simple to change, and they store on the unit itself, making everything even more convenient for you.
- Durable cast iron construction
- Powerful ½ HP motor
- Operates at 58 oscillations per minute
- Spins at 2800 rpm
- Six table inserts provided
- Six sanding sleeves
- Five sanding drums
- Three spindle washers
- Onboard storage for all components
- Tabletop model weighs 32 pounds
- Limited surface size
- In rare cases, the disc may not be flush with the table
2. Grizzly G0529 Oscillating Spindle/Disc Sander
If you’re looking for extra versatility with your sander, then look no further than this combo set from Grizzly. Not only does it provide an excellent spindle sander, but it comes with a 12-inch drum sander on the side as well.
Grizzly G0529 Oscillating Spindle allows you to work on flat and rounded edges without having to buy separate machines or interrupt your workflow.
One excellent feature that comes with this sander set is that both surfaces are adjustable. You can create bevels and work on angled pieces by moving the tables up or down by up to 45 degrees. The drum sander also comes with a miter gauge to help you keep your parts straight while working.
The spindle sander oscillates at 60 spm and spins at 1725 rpm. Although this is not as fast as the tabletop model, it ensures that you’re not going to burn out or damage your pieces. The spindle also comes with four different setups so that you can adjust the size and dimensions as needed.
The other beneficial feature that comes with this set is that both sanders have a dedicated dust port. These allow you to connect a vacuum cleaner to the machine so that sawdust and debris can be collected while you work. If you hate cleaning up afterward, you will love this feature.
- Durable cast iron construction
- Operates at 1725 rpm
- Spindle and 12-in drum sander in one
- Adjustable surfaces
- Four spindle sizes provided
- Sturdy base for stability
- Powerful one horsepower motor
- Oscillates at 60 SPM
- Lubricated ball bearings for less maintenance
- Miter gauge on drum sander
- Two dust ports for easy cleanup
- Height is not adjustable
- May be too short for some users
3. WEN 6523 Oscillating Belt Spindle Sander
If you like the idea of having a tabletop sander, but you want something more versatile than the Grizzly above, then you will love this model from WEN.
WEN 6523 is another combo sander, which means that you can work on a broader variety of pieces without having to switch back and forth between machines.
This table is remarkable because it provides both a belt and a spindle sander. Switching them out is fast and efficient, and there is onboard storage for all parts and components.
The spindle operates at up to 2000 rpm, while the belt sander caps off at 1575. With a 3.5-amp motor, you can get the perfect edge every time.
What we also like about this tabletop model is that the surface is fully adjustable. It can tilt downward for bevels and then come back up to be perfectly flat. Moving the table into position is also fast and easy.
Overall, this combo sander is designed to make your life so much easier and more efficient. The only thing it’s missing is a dust port for easy cleanup.
- Dual action sander
- Belt and spindle setups
- Durable metal construction
- Tabletop model
- Belt operates at 1575 rpm
- Spindle runs at 2000 rpm
- 3.5-amp motor
- Five spindle sizes provided
- Onboard storage for all components
- Beveling work table
- Oscillates 58 times per minute
- Weighs less than 30 pounds
- Can be quite noisy
- In rare cases, it may be missing drums
4. Shop Fox W1831 1/2 HP Oscillating Sander
When looking at different benchtop sanders, you can either choose something that is more of a workhorse (like the WEN or Grizzly models), or you can find a machine that is all about convenience more than performance.
This unit from Shop Fox falls into the latter category. Although the specs for this device are similar to the ones we’ve seen above, it’s not built with the same level of quality, meaning that it’s designed for casual workers rather than professional ones.
Nonetheless, this sander has some excellent features. Performance-wise, it uses a ½ horsepower motor to drive the spindle at 2000 rpm, as well as 58 oscillations per minute. A solid cast iron table provides the stability that you need to get the job done efficiently.
Unlike other benchtop models, this sander also comes with an integrated dust port for easy cleanup. You may have to modify your shop vac to attach it to the port properly, but it will make your life so much better once you do.
As with most other spindle sanders, this unit comes with a variety of drum and paper sizes. You get six in total (along with three spindle washers), and they all store on the device itself for convenience.
Overall, if you’re a casual woodworker and you want something that will take your work to the next level, this unit is perfect for you.
- Durable metal construction
- Powerful ½ horsepower motor
- Six sanding drums provided
- Six sandpaper sleeves included
- Three spindle washers
- Tabletop model
- Weighs only 30 pounds
- Integrated dust collection port
- Operates at 58 oscillations per minute
- Spins at 2000 rpm
- Can be loud
- Some components can feel flimsy
5. Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander
Next, we have another high-quality benchtop sander model. This one is from Triton, and it comes with all of the features and specs that you would want on a machine like this.
As we have seen, bench models are usually the preferred way to go with these kinds of sanders because they are easier to move around and come with some really impressive components.
When looking at the performance of this sander, it holds its own against any of the others ones we’ve seen so far. It spins at up to 2000 rpm, and it oscillates 58 times per minute. The 3.5-amp motor is surprisingly quiet, and it is extra reliable and efficient. This sander also comes with an integrated dust port so that you can collect all of your dirt while you work.
As far as extras go, this sander comes with six different spindle sizes. However, what’s nice is that it not only has the paper to go with them, but it has a unique washer for each drum. Other units only have three, which can get confusing sometimes when swapping out for different sizes.
Triton TSPS450 also comes with a quick-change wrench tool so that you can work even faster.
- Benchtop model
- 3.5-amp motor
- Spins at 2000 rpm
- Oscillates at 58 opm
- Six spindle drums
- Six sandpaper sizes
- Six spindle washers
- Quick-change tool
- Dust-sealed on/off switch
- Onboard storage for all components
- Weighs 32 pounds
- Cast iron table
- Quiet operation
- Integrated dust collection port
- Limited surface size
6. Delta Woodworking 31-483 Heavy
Although we really like benchtop spindle sanders, one thing that many of them are lacking is adjustability with the table. Although there are a few exceptions, most of them have a single flat setting, which means that you can’t work on bevels or angled pieces as well. Fortunately, though, this model from Delta corrects that issue and ensures that you can get the most from your sander.
What we like about the table is that it can move vertically as well as at an angle. This allows you to work on a wider variety of pieces without having to switch to a new machine. The bevel system has two locking mechanisms as well to ensure that you get the most stability while working.
When compared to other benchtop sanders, this one is less powerful. It spins at 1725 rpm and oscillates only 29 times per minutes, which is ideal for softer woods and smaller pieces. Thus, if you want to work on different materials or detail work, this is the perfect model for you.
Other features of this sander include five drum sizes, an integrated dust port for easy cleanup and collection, and on-board storage for everything.
Also, keep in mind that this unit weighs almost three times as much as other bench-top models.
- Durable cast iron construction
- Powerful ½ horsepower motor
- Adjustable table – lifts, lowers, and angles
- Locking switch mechanism
- Operates at 1725 rpm and 29 opm
- Integrated dust port for easy cleanup
- Five spindles with paper
- Onboard storage for all components
- Twin locking handles for bevel
- Heavy-duty motor parts for longevity
- Heavier than other bench models
- In rare cases, the table may be bent or damaged upon arrival
7. Delta 31-484 1HP Tilting Spindle Floor
Although benchtop spindle sanders are great for convenience and versatility, they are limited in how much power and performance they can deliver. So, if you’re looking for a machine that can handle almost any kind of wood with ease, you may want this industrial-grade sander from Delta.
Delta 31-484 1HP Tilting Spindle is a floor model, meaning that you have to put it in a semi-permanent area. At almost 400 pounds, you won’t be able to move it once it’s set, so make sure that it’s in the right place.
This model has some exciting features that make it unique and more performance-driven than other units. First of all, it uses a trunnion adjustment system to allow for bevelling. To put the spindle at an angle, you spin the wheel until you get to the desired position. Fortunately, the table remains flat so that you can work faster and more efficiently.
Second, this sander oscillates 71 times per minute. This is perfect for most hardwoods and larger pieces, although it could create problems if you’re doing detail work. However, with 10 spindle sizes to choose from, you have a lot more options when working with this unit.
As with other spindle sanders, there is on-board storage for all components, and it comes with an integrated dust port for cleanup.
- Floor model
- Durable cast iron construction
- Tilt arbor design
- 10 spindle sizes
- Spinning adjustment wheel
- Large stop button for safety
- Onboard storage for all materials
- Powerful one horsepower motor
- Operates at 1725 rpm, 71 opm
- Integrated dust port for easy cleanup
- Louder than most other models
- Extra heavy and requires multiple people to move
Best Ridgid Spindle Sander
When comparing brands, Ridgid stands out from the crowd because the company makes some of the highest quality sanders and power tools out there. Although Ridgid is well-known for a variety of machines, this spindle sander is highly regarded for both its reliability and versatility.
If you’re looking for a sander that can deliver the kinds of results you want, you should check out what the Ridgid EB4424 has to offer. Like Grizzly and Delta, this company doesn’t mess around when building sanders that are easy to use and last a long time.
1. Ridgid EB4424 Sander
If you like the idea of having a belt and a spindle sander in one, then you will appreciate what this model has to offer. Unlike other combo units, switching back and forth between the two options is quick and painless. In fact, you don’t even need tools to make it happen, which further adds to the convenience.
The other thing that we like about Ridgid EB4424 sander is that the surface is adjustable. You can create a 45-degree angle for bevels, or you can leave it flat for other projects.
As far as performance goes, this unit spins at either 1650 or 1725 rpm, depending on which sander you’re using. The spindle also oscillates 60 times per minute, making this a robust and dependable sander for your needs.
Although this unit is somewhat limited in spindle sizes, it does come with the most commonly used options, and it does have on-board storage for everything, including the belt sander portion. Finally, this model comes with an integrated dust port as well.
- Tabletop model
- Adjustable surface for beveling
- Combo sander – belt and spindle
- Durable construction
- Lubricated ball bearings for less maintenance
- Tool-free conversion between belt and spindle
- Onboard storage for convenience
- Integrated dust port for cleanup
- Belt spins at 1650 rpm, spindle at 1725
- 60 oscillations per minute
- Four spindle sizes – drums, paper, and washers
- Heavier than other bench models
- In rare cases, the unit may shut off unexpectedly
Best Jet Spindle Sander
If you’re looking for power and convenience, then Jet is another excellent brand for spindle sanders. As we are about to see, the company does well when it comes to building strong and stable machines for all of your work.
Also, they have high-quality motors that ensure that you get the right amount of sanding done, whether it’s a benchtop or floor model.
Jet sanders are kind of pricey, but you get a quality machine, so it can be worth the extra investment. Let’s see what this brand has to offer.
1. JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Sander
When looking at this sander and comparing it to other bench units, we have to say that this one is about the middle of the road. We like the size, functionality, and stability of the machine, but it’s hard to say how well it performs against the competition.
With a ½ horsepower motor and an adjustable table, you can do a lot with this sander. It lifts and lowers as well as tilts, enabling you to get more from each project. Non-slip rubber feet ensure that the machine stays in place while you work, and it has an integrated dust port for fast and efficient cleaning.
Overall, this is a decent sander, and it will provide you with a lot of professional-grade results.
- Durable construction
- ½ horsepower motor
- Fully adjustable table
- Lifts and tilts
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Integrated dust port for cleanup
- Five spindle sizes – drum, paper, washer
- Dust-sealed on/off switch
- Precision ball bearings for less maintenance
- In rare cases, the spindles can get stuck while operating
- Heavier than other bench models
2. Jet 723950 Floor Mount Oscillating Spindle Sander
Our final model is this massive floor sander. Although it’s not quite as heavy or as cumbersome as the Delta unit, it is still impressive once you get it into place. This sander also comes with larger spindles, allowing you to work on more significant projects if necessary.
One feature that’s unique to this model is the baffled undercarriage. This is designed to create more suction from the blower, which ensures that less dust is kicked back into the air while you work.
The other neat thing is that there is a storage cabinet underneath. This is where you can hold the various spindles and papers that come with the machine. The door is dust sealed so that they don’t get dirty, which is a nice touch.
- Floor model
- Durable cast iron construction
- Dust sealed switch
- Integrated dust collection
- Table is adjustable and tilts back and forth (45 and 15 degrees)
- Five spindle sizes – drums, paper, washers
- Onboard storage cabinet underneath
- Precision ball bearings for less maintenance
- In rare cases, the table may not sit perfectly level
Final Verdict
When trying to find the right oscillating spindle sander, it depends on how much functionality you need. For example, we like the raw power and versatility of the Delta 31-484 floor model, but you may need something less intense for your work. When it comes to bench sanders, we really appreciate what the WEN has to offer. We like the fact that you can switch between a belt and a spindle sander with ease.
Also, the motor and overall construction of that model are top-notch.