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Not all woodworking involves sanding straight lines and edges.
What do you do when you need to sand something curvy, round, or with odd angles?
A spindle sander is exactly when you need for a job that requires more precision than a belt or disc sander. There are a lot of features available that make it difficult to figure out which is the best spindle sander for you.
We’re here to cut through the confusion with our buying guide and spindle sander reviews.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
Top 8: Best Spindle Sanders with Reviews 2024
Here's a list of what we found on the market:
1. Delta 31-483 Heavy Duty Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Motor: 1/2 HP, 115V, 1 Phase
- Speeds: 1,725 RPM, 29 OPM with 15/16 in. oscillation length
- Table: 14 3/4 in. x 14 3/4 in., tilting, precision ground cast iron
- Opening Diameter for Inserts: 5 1/2 in.
- Spindle Length: 5 1/2 in.
- Dust Port: 2 1/4 in., included adaptor for up to 4 in.
- Base Dimensions: 14 1/2 in. depth x 14 1/2 in. width
Pros
- Heavy duty model
- Designed for larger and harder woods that require the extra power, precision & tablespace
- 5-year warranty
- Steel frame construction for minimum vibration
- Tilting table
Cons
- Expensive and not recommended for the casual user.
- Dust collection not the best but does the job.
- Dust port is an odd size.
- Solid construction means it is a heavy machine - not suitable to move about.
2. Grizzly G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Motor ½ HP
- 2000 PRM
- 15 x 11.5” worktable
- Includes: 5 sanding drums, 6 sanding sleeves, 6 table inserts, 3 spindle washers
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Great value for money
- Compact and portable but still very versatile
- Convenient onboard storage to keep everything together
- Easy setup
- Ready to go right out of the box because of all the included accessories
Cons
- Small worktable compared to heavier duty models
- Moves around a bit and tends to work a little better if mounted to a table or workbench which eliminates its portability
Overview
The Grizzly G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander is one of our favorite for a lot of reasons. It’s compact, lightweight, and portable. Plus, it comes with a lot of drums, sleeves, and inserts that make it really versatile and ready to go right out of the box.
There aren’t a lot of complaints about this Grizzly oscillating spindle sander. Users love that so many things are included and it has a convenient onboard storage system to keep everything handy for when you need it. No trips to the hardware store required – you can just get right to work.
Grizzly is a trusted, reliable brand so it’s easy to believe that the quality is there. It’s a little on the expensive side compared to other models, but it’s worth the investment if you’re going to be using it a lot. It also has a safety switch with a removable key, which is ideal because then you’ll know no one can get their hands on it and possibly injure themselves while you’re away from your workshop.
The worktable is a little on the small side, but this is designed to be a somewhat portable unit so a smaller worktable is expected. Overall, this is a reliable, compact tool that’s ready to work right out of the box.
3. WEN 6510 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Motor ½ HP
- 58 oscillations per minute
- 2000 RPM
- 15 x 11.5” worktable
- Includes: 6 sanding sleeves, 5 rubber drums
- 2-year warranty
Pros
- One of the cheaper models around
- Perfect for beginners or anyone doing low to mid-sized projects
- Compact and easily stored away when not in use,
- Hands down the best budget item on our list
Cons
- Not a good choice for large projects
- Slightly lightweight so it's prone to moving
- Not much else to complain about for a budget model
Overview
For the best oscillating spindle sander on a budget, check out the WEN 6510. With a ½ HP motor and a compact, portable design, this sander performs just as well on smaller projects as some of the more expensive options on this list.
The biggest thing about this sander that makes it stand out is the quality you get for the price. It’s the least expensive option on our list and still manages to be a versatile, powerful, and effective tool. If you have never had a spindle sander before and think you might get a lot of use out of one, this is a great tool to start with before spending a lot of money on a different model that you may not even use.
As we mentioned, the WEN 6510 is definitely worth the investment. With the included sleeves and drums, this sander can adapt to almost any job effectively. It’s a good tool for beginners to try because its price won’t put a huge dent in your budget.
Since it’s so lightweight at only 35 pounds, users complain that it moves around a little during use. It might perform a little better if it’s secured to a table, but then it would obviously no longer be portable. Other than that, most people who use this tool don’t have too many complaints.
4. Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Powerful 3.5A (450W) motor
- 58 oscillations per minute
- 2000 RPM
- 14.5 x 11" worktable
- 6 sanding sleeves with matching rubber drums & table inserts
- Onboard storage for accessories
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Highly rated with users
- Excellent dust collection system
- Quiet & stable
- Belts and motor brushes are easy to access and replace
Cons
- Odd sized port for shop vac reported by users
- Not recommended for heavy-duty work
5. Jet 708404 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Table that tilts to 45-degrees for sanding angled materials
- 1/2-horsepower motor accommodate even the heaviest sanding project
- 1-inch spindle delivers scratch-free finish
- Oscillating action prolongs the sleeve life
- Non-skid rubber feet prevents the unit from slipping
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Powerful benchtop model
- Durable enough to use heavily on a daily basis
- Doesn’t get bogged down with heavy wood or pressure
- Tilting worktable allows for easy beveling work
Cons
- One of the more expensive picks
- comes with limited included accessories
- Not recommended for the casual user for light work
Overview
If you’re looking for a machine to do daily, heavy-duty woodworking tasks, the JET 708404 is it. This Jet spindle sander is the most expensive of our top six, but if you’re looking for something in the higher end range, this is your best bet.
The biggest difference between this sander and the others on our list is the tilting worktable. This makes it really easy to do beveled projects. It’s also significantly taller than other sanders, which is a good thing if you’re tall. If not, you’ll need to mount it to a table that’s a good height for you to use it comfortably.
As we said, this is the most expensive spindle sander in our reviews, but it’s also the one that is most suited for heavy daily use. It won’t get bogged down easily by a lot of pressure or heavy wood and can handle almost any job an experienced woodworker would expect it to.
A lot of users have complained about the packaging of this sander. At 82 pounds, this is a heavy sander and a lot of people have complained that the packaging isn’t strong enough and it tends to get damaged during shipping. Still, once this machine gets some use, people are pretty happy with its performance.
6. Shop Fox W1831 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Motor: ½ HP
- 58 oscillations per minute
- 2000 RPM
- 15 x 11.5” worktable
- Includes: 5 rubber sanding drums, 6 sanding sleeves, 6 table inserts, 3 spindle washers
- 2-year warranty
Pros
Cons
Overview
For a hobbyist or DIYer, the Shop Fox W1831 is a great little machine because it is lightweight, versatile, and has a powerful motor. It’s easy to set up and ready to go right out of the box so it’s a good choice for a beginner.
This is the lightest of our top six spindle sanders and one of the few that has a safety key. This makes it a perfect tool for anyone who has kids near their workshop as you can be sure they won’t be able to mess with it.
This spindle sander is one of the least expensive ones in our reviews. It’s a pretty basic machine and doesn’t have a lot of frills, but for someone who is looking for something basic to do small DIY or crafting with, this spindle sander would be a good fit.
Although it doesn’t have enough onboard storage for everything you need, it’s easy to use. Since it’s lightweight and portable, you can easily tuck it away when you’re done using it so it’s a good fit for someone with a small workspace.
7. Powertec OS1000 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Motor ⅖ HP
- 1725 RPM
- 18” diameter worktable
- Includes: 5 sanding drums, 6 sanding sleeves, 6 table inserts, 5 drum washers
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Large round worktable is ideal for supporting work equally from all sides
- Changing sanding sleeves is quick and easy
- Table inserts are made of steel and exceptionally durable
Cons
- Plastic gear not as durable as it needs to be to support heavy duty daily use
- The least powerful motor of all the options on our list
Overview
The POWERTEC OS1000 has a large work surface and it comes with a wide range of drums and sanding sleeves. Plus, it has onboard storage so everything you need is right at your fingertips.
This is a pretty substantial piece of equipment. It’s heavy and, while it’s not as portable as some of the other options, it is durable and really tough. Even the table inserts are made of steel. The large, round worktable is a plus as it allows you to work more evenly on all sides of the sander than a square or rectangular table would.
The price of the POWERTEC OS1000 18″ oscillating spindle sander is middle of the range for comparable models. While it isn’t as powerful with only a ⅖ HP engine, it’s work surface and durability make it ideal if you’re looking for something to use for small to medium jobs.
Because it’s motor isn’t very powerful, most people who own a POWERTEC OS1000 use it for light, occasional use. It probably wouldn’t stand up to a lot of daily, heavier tasks but for a casual DIYer or hobbyist, this sander has just enough power.
8. Delta SA350K Spindle Sander
- Motor ¼ HP
- 1725 RPM
- Adjustable spindle, from ¾ to ½”
- 18” diameter worktable
- Includes: 5 rubber sanding drums, 5 table inserts
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Straightforward assembly
- Toggle switch and lockout key for safety
- Large work surface allows it to tackle bigger jobs while remaining portable
Cons
- Users report somewhat frequent problems of stripped gear on the oscillator
- Not suitable for heavy woodworking on a daily basis
Overview
The DELTA SA350K Shopmaster Boss bench top spindle sander is out best value. It comes with everything you need to adjust the sanding drum from ¾ to 3”.
One thing that makes this the best spindle sander for the money is the large worktable, which will let you do a variety of sanding jobs more comfortably. There are reasons that some people prefer round worktable to square runs, mostly because a round table has more equal support than a square one. (Of course, this boils down to personal preference in the end.)
It’s priced in the mid-range for similar benchtop spindle sanders. While it’s a little less powerful at only ¼ HP, the large work surface is great. Plus, the toggle switch and lock out key is a great safety feature to have, especially if you have children anywhere near your workshop.
Customers have complained about the gear to the oscillator being stripped, but most are very happy with the product they receive. If you’re looking for something to use for light to medium woodworking, this one is worth checking out.
Buying Guide
If you’re working on projects with curves or irregular shapes that a disc or belt sander can’t quite conform to, a spindle sander is just what you need. Spindle sanders are able to get into small, curved places and can save you a lot of time when sanding by hand might seem like your only option.
Projects that would benefit from the use of a spindle sander are:
- Toy making
- Furniture making
- Crafts
- Instrument making (guitars, violins, etc)
- Decorative molding
- Cleaning up bandsaw marks
Some craftsmen who own a drill press will attach sanding drums to them, which is a way to modify the tool to act as a spindle sander. This in an option and will create a similar effect, but it’s important to realize that a spindle sander is still the best tool for irregular sanding jobs.
Because a spindle sander oscillates (meaning it not only spins but moves up and down), it uses less sandpaper and also gives a smoother finish. For the projects you’ll be using a spindle sander for – toy, furniture, instrument making, etc – a smooth finish is very important.
While you can use a sanding drum on a drill press, in order to get the smoothest finish possible, using a spindle sander is still a better choice. You definitely don’t want any roughness or splinters on something like a toy or a piece of furniture.
Essential Features
Power: motors vary in horsepower. Of our top six, for example, they range from ⅖ HP to ½ HP. The amount of power you need largely depends on the kind of jobs you’ll be doing with your spindle sander. If you plan to use it regularly with thick, hard varieties of wood, choose one that has a higher horsepower to make sure it doesn’t get bogged down when you’re using it.
If you’re planning on only using your spindle sander for small jobs and softer, thinner materials, a lower HP is okay. That said, it still might be better to invest in a more powerful model because you never know what jobs will come up in the future.
Versatility: the various sized drums and sleeves that change the size of the sanding spindle. Smaller drums are for finer, more delicate jobs while larger drums are used for bigger curves and bends.
Most of our top choices come with a lot included drums and sleeves so you’ll be able to do most any job right away. If you have a particular size drum you need, check with the manufacturer’s to see what additional sizes they offer.
Dust Collection: While we didn’t really cover this in our reviews because it’s not necessarily a measure of how well a spindle sander works, every spindle sander has some kind of dust collection system. It generally consists of a collection chamber with a valve where you can hook a shop vac up to suck up the sawdust.
Check the specifications for the dust management system on the model that you’re most interested in to see if it gives you what you need. Some may require a hose adapter so the hose on your vacuum fits properly.
Conclusion
Considering all the criteria, we believe that the Grizzly G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander it the clear favorite. Users have minimal complaints about its quality and it will stand up to heavy daily use more than almost any other option on our list.
It comes will all the drums, sleeves, and inserts you need to do any basic sanding job while being compact, portable, and lightweight enough to store it away when you’re not using it. Grizzly is a brand known for making high-quality equipment and we believe this extends to their G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander.
Bought the sander to save my time. Having read the reviews of other makes decided on this one. Best decision kit-wise I have made! So far it has coped with daily use on some tricky woods no stalling or slowdown at all. Simply brilliant!
Very informative blog, it’s really very important to use those tools which required minimum input and gives maximum output, this above-mentioned sander is the best tool to fulfill your purpose in no time. A lot of details about sanders and their use is present on the sanders guide website, Explore your niche in no time.