Spindle sander?

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Padre

Padre

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Does anyone here use their drill press as a spindle sander? Using something like this?

Or should I spend a few dollars and buy a Grizzly dedicated oscillating spindle sander?

I am building a bunch of adirondack chairs and some garden benches, and need to sand a lot of curves.

Thanks.
 
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that was one of the first things I did with a benchtop press I bought..
I got those drums so I could finish a wine rack. It worked, but it took
a bit of time and several sleeves.
Is it as good as a dedicated spindle sander? No. But it was the only
project I needed done and I haven't used it since, so I'm glad I didn't
spend the money on a spindle sander.

You might also look into a balloon sander. You should be able to
make one easily enough.. with commonly available parts, too.
Kinda like a horizontal spindle sander on steroids.. :tongue:
 
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I have a 3" diameter drum that I have used in the drill press and for the little bit (like 6 times in 30 years) that I needed it for it is okay. I would never use it for extended use because the bearings in a drill press are for the most part meant to resist upward forces and not side loads. The taper holding the chuck on are also not meant for side loads either. They can come loose and drop off and it will get your attention if it happens. :eek: Get a dedicated machine if you need to do lots of inside curve sanding. Make sure it uses commonly found sizes of sanding sleeves.

Pete
 
I use an oscillating spindle sander all the time. Spindles from 1/2 inch through 3 inches. Handy tool. Beats a drum sander on a drill press every time. Also doesn't tie up a drill press.
 
+1 for the Ridgid combo spindle/belt sander. I have had mine for four years and it has been a good unit.
 
Chip,
A very long time ago, I had a table top Craftmans DP. I built a jig and used it a lot as a spindle sander. It caused the bearing to get loose and the quill got sloppy. I also had to move the drum up or down occasionally to get to "new" paper on the drum. Then as I was sanding the "tightener" for the quill to move up and down would work it's way loose and move. It was not a great set up. Somewhere along the line I got a Delta Osilating Spindle sander. It is a table top, and has a matching 12" Disc sander. So natually I had to have that too! They are awesome tools and have never regreted buying them. They have been used a lot over the years and have held up well, for what I have considered as "cheap tools". I have noted they seem a little pricey of late though....
 
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Mike,
I am making quite a few adirondack chairs for my family this spring, as well as refurbishing two garden benches for my wife. All of the arms, supports, etc. need sanding. So, from the advice I have garnered, here, a dedicated spindle sander is the way to go. Russ might just be the answer! :)
 
Padre said:
Does anyone here use their drill press as a spindle sander? Using something like this?

Or should I spend a few dollars and buy a Grizzly dedicated oscillating spindle sander?

I am building a bunch of adirondack chairs and some garden benches, and need to sand a lot of curves.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

That is how I started Chip, then I bought the Delta (like the griz) spindle sander and they pull the dust away from the table and into a dust bag, or you can hook your D/C system up to it.

Lin.
 
Padre said:
Seer said:
I have the Rigid sander and love it
Click to expand...

For you folks that have the Rigid, is THIS the one?
Click to expand...


My friend has that one and it is a pretty nice set up. Can use both spindle and a short belt sander. That's the one I think I would get if I bought one. It would also be easy to make a jig for squaring pen blanks on. You have to use some care when changing from spindle sanding to the belt sanding attachment. Pretty easy to stripe the threads on the bolt(s) that hold the attachment on. My friend did that early on. I was pretty easy to fix though. He has never done it again.

Okay, I want to add, if you are going to do "a lot" of heavy spindle sanding than I'd go with a heavier setup then that Home Depot one. Like the Grizzly one you linked to.
 
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Padre that is the one that I have. The dust collection is ok not great but ok. I think that the Grizzly product is better than the Ridgid but I wanted a combo unit when I started and I needed it "right now" for a project. As Charles says the Grizzly is probably the better choice for this particular project, but I love my combo unit for is universal uses.
 
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I dunno.. I'd still go for a balloon sander if you're going to do a lot of
those chairs. They're great for profile sanding.
Found a Grizzly link, it shows a 1HP motor running at 1750rpm.
Sounds a lot like a low speed grinder setup to me. Throw on a
pulley and you could mount the drum most anywhere on your
own stand.
http://grizzly.com/products/Drum-Flap-Sander/G8749
 
I struggled along with the first option for along time - I hated using it - It did not do a very good job for me?
I recently purchased a rigid oscillating belt sander at the annual warehouse sale they hold about 45 mins from my house. Ryobi, rigid, BD all the regular names sell there excess, reconditioned items with warranty.
The rigid sell for about $200 at HD - I was able to get a brand new unit at the sale for $90!
It works GREAT.
I would recommend it highly even at $200?
 
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