10 Best Oscillating Sanders of 2023 – Detailed Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Belt sanders are very difficult to use. Using them can be arduous and frustrating as they produce too much dust while sanding and cannot get into tight spaces. This is where an oscillating sander comes into play, providing solutions to these problems.

This power tool, suitable for many woodworking projects, helps produce smooth surfaces and superb finishes on our workpieces. Also, they save time, energy and are a much better option than our regular sanders. There are so many perks of using this effective machine.

You are probably itching to know more about these spindle belt sanders that can work magic on your wood components and even make sanding so much fun. Happy reading! This guide will look at 10 of the best spindle sanders of 2021 on the market to help our readers decide which is best suitable for their project.

Our Top Picks

Sander	Motor Power (A)	OSCILLATION PER MIN (OPM)	SPEED OF SPINDLE (RPM)	PRICE
Shop Fox W1831 Oscillating Spindle Belt Sander	3.5	58	2000	See price here
JET Bench Oscillating Sander	7.5	30	1725	See price here
TSPS450 Triton Spindle Belt Sander	3.5	58	2000	See price here
6510T WEN Oscillating Sander	3.5	58	2000	See price here
WEN AT6535 Spindle Sander	3.5	58	2000	See price here
Grizzly Industrial G0538 Spindle Sander	4	72	1725	See price here
WEN 6524 Oscillating Sander	3.5	58	2000	See price here
ShopSeries RK9011 Oscillating Spindle Sandler	3.5	58	2000	See price here
W1846 Shop Fox Benchtop Oscillating/Edge Belt	2.6	30	1725	See price here
EB4424 Ridgid Spindle Sander	5	60	1725	See price here

Factors to Consider When Buying an Oscillating Sander?

Before deciding on the best oscillating sander for your woodworking project, there are a number of factors to consider. Here, we have come up with a list of some of the most important ones:

Is it a Regular or a Spindle Sander:

First and foremost, before venturing into your sander search, you should know that there are two different types available for sale – the Regular Sanders and the Oscillating Sander.

Regular sanders can smoothen surfaces but find it difficult to sharpen and flatten properly, making them unsuitable for many projects. Meanwhile, the oscillating sander is effortless to use, as it produces bespoke and custom shapes and sizes according to your desires. This power tool can easily achieve the perfect curve and arcs that you crave on your workpiece.

Motor Capacity:

A very important factor to consider, motor capacity determines the duration and longevity of the entire operation. A motor with good capacity translates to better working accuracy and great speed for an oscillating sander.

However, there are times when the sander’s motor may begin to malfunction, leading up to heating issues within the machine. That said, this rarely happens if you have a solid and robust engine. But for light projects, handheld or small spindle sanders will suffice, as they can last for lengthy periods.

Dust Collection:

Sanders generate dust and can make the working environment very messy. Hence, to curtail this problem, you should look for an oscillating sander with a dust port, as its collector helps to isolate dust. The collector can be emptied, cleaned up, and used again for further projects.

Easy Changing:

From time to time, you will need to replace the different parts of your sander machine. Hence, your sander must be flexible enough to be manipulated to simply and quickly change its internal tools and gears.

If you use sanders on a regular basis, opt for one that can be installed with relative ease. You might have to move it around frequently, so the best bet is to choose a very flexible one, as it will save you a lot of hassles.

Table Size:

Take into account the sander’s table size before deciding on which brand to buy because it is a factor that helps to get the perfect sanding. When the table can be tilted, you are even in more luck.

With an extensive table size, you get the license to use the workpiece on the sander and perform your operations accordingly. Going for a big table will ensure that your work is more comfortable, accurate, and even enjoyable.

Dimensions and Weight:

This is not so important for choosing a sander machine since most tools have similar sizes and shapes and are usually carried about for use. Even though the intensity of work varies, you will ultimately get your desired perfect sanding nonetheless. So, you may want to prioritize other factors.

Noise Rating:

Sander machines produce loud noises that are pretty disturbing and can unsettle people in your workshop. While you should ideally opt for an oscillating sander with a low noise rating, should you find one that satisfies your needs, it is advisable to buy it, regardless of the noise. You can operate it in open spaces to reduce the sound hazard.

Durability:

Of course, you want your oscillating sander to remain in good shape for a very long time, as it is a long-term investment. Hence, you should choose one that is made from durable materials.

The construction of a sander machine’s worktable helps to determine its durability. Most worktables are made of cast iron, a very strong, rugged, and durable material that is highly recommended. That said, other durable metals are suitable, such as alloys and aluminum.

Versatility:

When choosing a sander machine, it is advised that you go for one that has several essential features to satisfy your various needs. They may have different sizes for sleeves and drums. This way, you can save cost as you don’t have to buy some accessories to make your work more efficient.

Spindle Size:

An oscillating sander is flexible and can work with various spindle sizes. Changing the size of your spindle can enhance the sanding performance and quality in a specific piece. Products often come with about four to six spindles, which is satisfactory for most woodworking projects.

For a sander made for regular use, the tiniest size is ¼ inch-diameter, while the maximum size is two inches. However, people who work on bigger pieces will probably need to utilize larger spindles.

Included Accessories:

You should look out for the added accessories that come with your oscillating sander before buying. Ordinarily, all sander machines come with included components to help you begin work as soon as possible.

Some of these components include sandpaper, washers, table inserts, sanding sleeves, sanding drums, and so on. The more accessories your machine has, the higher the versatility in project types to handle.

Price:

Finally, you will want to check out the cost of the oscillating sander. It is worth noting that you don’t have to break the bank to purchase the best spindle sander. All you need to do is to figure out the features required for your project. Afterward, proceed to pick out a product that best suits your taste for an affordable price.

Detailed Review of the Top 10 Oscillating Sanders of 2021

After some in-depth research, we have come up with this list of the top 10 oscillating sanders to buy in 2021.

 1. Shop Fox W1831 1/2 HP Single Phase Oscillating Sander

Product Specs

• 58 OPM, 2000 RPM, 3.5A
• Weighs 34 Pounds
• Locking power switch
• ½ horsepower magnet motor

Why do we love it

This oscillating sander has a powerful motor to ensure even and smooth surfaces on woodwork projects. It is known for its working precision. Furthermore, it has onboard storage, made of cast iron, for keeping accessories. This storage is very spacious and serves as a support for sanding. Finally, it comes with a dust port to rid dust generated during sanding.

2. JET Bench Oscillating Sander

Product Specs

• 30 OPM, 1725 RPM, 7.5A
• Weighs 77 Pounds
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 45-degree tilting table

Why do we love it

This sanding machine is straightforward to use, versatile and durable. The positioning of the spindle sander allows it to be used for long periods. It features about five spindle sizes and a safety button to prevent unanticipated startups. With its threaded ends, the spindles are quick to change. Also, it has a 2-inch dust port for ridding dirt.

3. TSPS450 Triton Spindle Belt Sander

Product Specs

• 58 OPM, 2000 RPM, 3.5A
• Weighs 28 Pounds
• Rigid cast iron

Why do we love it

This is a reputed oscillating sander brand and one of the best available on the market. Its dual configuration is right up there amongst its features – as it can be utilized as a spindle sander and belt sander at the same time. The cast aluminum is well positioned on the top to allow for precise sanding. Featuring in-built storage, this sander can store accessories. It is equipped with a dust port, mounting holes for stability, and vented throat plates.

4. WEN 6510T Oscillating Spindle Sander

5. WEN AT6535 Oscillating Sander Oscilating Belt Sander

6. Grizzly Industrial G0538 Oscillating Sander

7. WEN 6524 Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander

8. ShopSeries RK9011 Oscillating Spindle Sandler

9. W1846 Shop Fox Benchtop Oscillating/Edge Belt

10. EB4424 Ridgid Oscillating Edge Belt and Spindle Sander

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oscillating Sanders

Sanding can be very arduous, especially when one is using a belt sander. They produce too much dust, take up one’s time, and are difficult to use. However, what if I told you sanding could be much more fun. With the use of an oscillating sander, you will enjoy every minute of smoothing that edge surface of your workpiece. Spindle sanders give a precision finish without the user having to use their hands too strongly.

An oscillating sander will help you achieve a smooth, accurate, and precise surface working on a curved piece. It will look as smooth as the surfaces that an orbital sander would make on flat and straight edges. This power tool has a rotating cylinder that connects with the wood grain without causing any damages to it to create a perfect curve. Even the best belt sanders cannot manage to do this.

While running curved wood through its drums, they leave no marks, allowing one to smooth wood pieces pretty quickly. Furthermore, spindle sanders move vertically to enable one to utilize the whole sanding surface, which extends the life of the drum.

Another advantage of oscillating sanders is that they can reach into holes that have been made into wood pieces, giving a similar texture as the remaining project. Regular sanders cannot access these interior spaces. This is another factor that makes spindle sanders stand out.

When it comes to disadvantages, an oscillating sander is generally more expensive than belt sanders. They are highly revered and can only be purchased at high rates, discouraging many people from getting them. This is one of the major reasons people have decided to stick with regular sanders, as it helps them cut costs.

Also, they require a good level of expertise to operate. Before sanding, you must read through the instruction manual thoroughly to get the hang of the machine. As some people do not have the time or patience to do this, they cannot utilize spindle sanders effectively.

Finally, these oscillating sanders are usually very heavy and are mostly used for industrial projects. Hence, they may not be very suitable for light-duty tasks, and belt sanders should be a better option for this.

FAQs

What do we call an oscillating sander?

It is a machine utilized for making precise, accurate, and smooth finishes to woodwork pieces. There is a tool called spindle, whose function is to smoothen out hole cuts, saw marks, and rough edges.

What is the use of an oscillating sander?

It is used to execute precise finishes on the exterior and interior workpieces. It can easily create precision on curved edges in a relatively short time.

How to change the sanding sleeve on the oscillating sander?

Detach the spindle and the spindle washer, hex nut. Replace the former sleeve with a fresh sleeve. After these, you can put the oscillating sander back in order.

How to use an oscillating sander?

• Ensure all the parts are working accurately.
• Make a mark on the part of the wood to be worked on.
• Choose the appropriate drum size.
• Begin sanding the wood piece slowly and steadily.

How to change drums on the oscillating sander?

• After taking off the table insert, lose the drum using two wrenches.
• Remove the old drum.
• Tighten the fresh drum into the oscillating sander by hand.
• Put the oscillating sander back in order, and you are all done.

Can a oscillating sander be used on metal?

Yes, you can use them on metal. However, make sure to have several sanding drums, as metal sanding tends to reduce the lifespan of a drum quickly.

What is causing my oscillating sander to slip?

This is likely to be as a result of a poor and loose connection between the sanding drum and the spindle. To prevent this slip from occurring, make sure that your sleeves are appropriately tightened.

Can a router substitute for a sander?

Of course. To make this happen, you must adjust the router. Also, ensure that the router’s speed is at its lowest to prevent any form of mishap.

What is the proper way of storing a oscillating sander?

• After sanding, unplug the sanding machine from the source to avoid unexpected startup.
• You can also take out the rubber spindle and sanding sleeve if you do not plan to reuse the sander until after a long period.
• Clean all dust particles and dirt from the surface of the sander.
• Use a neat material to wipe off the dust from specific areas.
• Keep it away from children – in a safe, dry, and warm place.
• Cover it up with any neat material to protect it from dirt.

Can I get extra sleeves and drums for my oscillating sander?

Yes, you can get extra sleeves and drums for any oscillating spindle belt sander brand. Given that these accessories are prone to wear and tear, you will replace them at some point. You should find sleeves and drums at most hardware stores.

How do you change the sandpaper on an oscillating sander?

• Pick out your favored rubber spindle and sanding sleeve.
• Put the throat plate on the recessed space.
• Set the sanding sleeve and right rubber spindle size into the spindle.
• Thread the top hex nut. That is all.

Does a titling table help an oscillating sander?

When sanding needs to be done at an angle, an oscillating sander will require a table that can adjust or tilt. That said, there are hacks around this, but they rarely work. There are no tips to adjust the angle of a worktable as quickly and perfectly as a titling worktable would.

Final Words

Now, we have reviewed 10 of the best oscillating sanders to purchase in 2021. We hope this detailed guide will assist you in choosing the right oscillating sander for your specified needs. These are power tools and should be handled with care. Ensure you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before going on to operate your sander.

Do not jump to a conclusion about which particular machine to go for. Try to read this guide repeatedly to identify the specific functions you desire in a sander. After this, you can choose the right sander for these functions, and you are good to go. Happy sanding!