Oscillating spindle sanders are essential tools for woodworkers and professionals looking to shape and smooth irregular or curved surfaces with precision and ease.
But with so many spindle sanders in the market, each claiming to give you an edge over the other, how can you pick the best oscillating spindle sander?
We are professional woodworkers who use spindle sanders occasionally during our work. We’ll give you a comprehensive list of the best spindle sanders that could be ideal for your project.
We’ve considered factors such as size and power, the quality and versatility of the sanding spindles, ease of use and maintenance, and any additional valuable features. Let’s get started.
Our Top Picks
Best Oscillating Spindle Sander
- WEN 6510T Oscillating Spindle Sander – Overall Best Oscillating Spindle Sander
- WEN AT6535 Oscillating Spindle Sander – Best for Heavy-Duty Sanding Tasks
- Delta 31-483 Oscillating Spindle Sander – Best Noiseless Oscillating Sander
- EJWOX Portable Oscillating Spindle Sander – Best Portable Oscillating Sander
- ShopSeries RK9011 Oscillating Spindle Sander – Best for Sanding Tougher Wood
- WEN HA5935 Portable Spindle Sander – Best for Creating Intricate Designs
- Shop Fox W1831 – Best for Sanding Curves
- Grizzly Industrial G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander – Best Value for Money
- POWERTEC OS1400 Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander – Best for 240 Grit
- Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Sander – Best Spindle Sander for Dust-Free Sanding
Best Oscillating Spindle Sander Reviews
1. Overall Best Oscillating Spindle Sander – WEN 6510T Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Powerful 1/2 HP 3.5 amp motor provides 58 OPM and 2000 RPM
- Features onboard storage for all accessories along with a dust collection port for hooking in a dust extractor
- Attach the dust collector of your choice to the onboard dust port to minimize clean-up
If you want to get the best oscillating spindle sander without breaking the bank, WEN 6510T is your product.
You’ll part with a third of what you’ll pay for other best models and get the same functionality and effectiveness. So, it gives you the best value for your money.
It includes six spindles, one more than the old versions. It also includes onboard accessory storage, which increases the convenience game.
The dust port works very well, so you do not have to break your back cleaning for hours. Worry not about buying this sander, as it has an applicable two-year warranty.
So, it has factory issues, it’ll be fixed, and you will continue using it as if nothing happened. The machine works flawlessly. It’s as solid as a block of granite.
Attach the dust removal unit to your shop vac; it’ll work like a dream. The onboard storage is convenient as you can keep all your pieces together.
On top of that, the user manual is helpful as it is easy to follow and do what it says.
What We Liked About the Product
- Its stability is second to none.
- The onboard storage helps keep your workspace organized
- It is cheap but performs like top-tier models
What Could Be Improved
- Short front, but it does not affect its performance.
2. Best for Heavy-Duty Sanding Tasks – WEN AT6535 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Features five sizes of sanding sleeves: 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/2 inch, and 2 inches
- 2000 RPM motor oscillates spindle 58 times per minute with a 5/8-inch stroke
- Onboard storage maintains organization of all accessories and sandpapers
The WEN AT6535 Oscillating Spindle Sander is a powerful and versatile tool designed for shaping and smoothing wood and other materials.
Its high-frequency oscillating action and abrasive sandpaper spindle can tackle even the most challenging curves and contours with precision and ease.
One of the standout features of the WEN AT6535 is its powerful 3.5-amp motor, which provides plenty of torque and speed for heavy-duty sanding tasks.
The sander also comes with various spindle sizes and grits, allowing you to customize your sanding according to the specific needs of your project.
The sander runs smoothly, and the work table is big enough to let you finish your project hassle free. On top of that, this machine is heavy enough, so there is no need for clamping when doing smaller jobs.
It is easy to use and has a large, stable base for added stability. Its switch is dust-sealed to help keep the sander running smoothly.
The sander also has a built-in work light, making it easier to see your work surface, and a dust bag to help keep your workspace clean.
Overall, the WEN AT6535 Oscillating Spindle Sander is a reliable and high-performing tool perfect for professionals and DIYers.
Whether you’re working on a large project or a small, intricate piece, this sander has the power and versatility to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
What We Liked About the Product
- Ease of use
- It is affordable even if your budget is tight
- Works as advertised
What Could Be Improved
- It is pricey if you’re working on a shoestring budget
3. Best Noiseless Oscillating Sander – Delta 31-483 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- On board storage for all accessories
- Backed by a 5 year warranty
Most spindle sanders can be noisy. This one could be a good fit if you need one that makes less noise. Its top table is cast and ground smooth and has a formed, welded, heavy-duty base.
So, it will serve you for years and give value to your money. The sander is heavy, so it might be challenging to move it around.
Spindle sanders are challenging to beat when it comes to creating smooth and even edges on curved parts.
Though they remove material quickly and less aggressively than belt sanders, they work excellently with convex shapes.
All in all, we can proudly say that this is a fantastic little unit. It has the ideal weight, so its stability is close to none, and it has unmatched power to chew through wood.
Even though dust collection is rated at 2, you can modify it easily if you wish to. The tilting table, more commonly found on more extensive and expensive units, is one of this product’s major selling points.
The sander is well-made, has plenty of power, and is calmer than most smaller and less expensive models. Dust extraction, though not perfect, will get the job done for you.
The inclusion of a 1/4″ spindle is also a superb addition. That’s so because most lower-cost units lack one. And you know that it helps navigate very tight corners.
What We Liked About the Product
- It is very stable
- Excellent performance
- It has unique additions only found in more expensive models
What Could be Improved
- It can be challenging to get some spare parts based on your location
4. Best Portable Oscillating Sander – EJWOX Portable Oscillating Spindle Sander
Suppose you need a handheld spindle sander suitable for smoothing edges after using a scroll or bandsaw. In that case, your search could end with this product.
With four different sanding sleeve diameters, this portable sander can handle almost every sanding task.
Use it on sand arcs, curves, contours, faces, and other irregularly shaped workpieces; it will chew them like no one’s business.
One of the most intriguing beauties of this sander is that you can adjust the speed from 1800 to 3200 RPM. You could adjust the oscillations from 50 to 90 SPM, resulting in a burn-free sanding activity.
The changeable speed also guarantees that you can apply the appropriate speed based on the type of material you’re sanding or the shape or carve you want to achieve.
The EJWOX spindle sander has a keyless locking bolt, which enables you to swap out pre-loaded sanding drum hassle-free.
On top of that, it has a movable edge guide that prevents you from removing too much wood from the sanding material.
Overall, we can confidently say that this EJWOX handheld sander is worth your hard-earned cash, particularly if you need something portable that you can carry to any job site.
What We Liked About the Product
- It is portable
- It is effortless to use
- You can adjust the speed and oscillations
What Could Be Improved
- Finding three-inch long replacement sander sleeves can be tricky.
5. Best for Sanding Tougher Wood – ShopSeries RK9011 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Powerful 3.5-amp oscillating spindle sander ideal for sanding contours, arcs, and curves
- Includes 6 sanding sleeves, 6 table inserts, 5 rubber sanding drums, and 5 drum washers
- Delivers 58 oscillations per minute
You could use this sander as a tool for creating recurve bowl. It will stand firm no matter how much work you throw at it.
This sander is so powerful that you can use it on hardwood without encountering any challenges. However, it would work magic if it had even more power and a larger table surface. For the price, it works like crazy.
You should not worry about investing in this product because even if it develops problems within the warranty period, the company will gladly replace the problematic parts, and you will continue using it unabated.
Buying this product could be wise as it withstands hours of grinding without breaking apart. Though the assembly instructions are wanting, you should be fine assembling it since it is straightforward.
It is shipped on time and works like a champ. Also, it is affordable even if you are dwarfed financially.
What We Liked About the Product
- It works well for the price
- The warranty works as stated
- It works as advertised
What Could Be Improved
- It is noisy, but you get value for your cash
6. Best for Creating Intricate Designs – WEN HA5935 Portable Variable Speed Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Lightweight and portable design allows for easy handheld sanding in hard-to-reach places
- Easily transform your portable handheld unit into a stationary benchtop spindle sander by clamping it to your workbench with the included mounting hardware
- Powerful 5-Amp variable speed motor provides anywhere from 1800 to 3200 rotations and 50 to 90 oscillations per minute with a 1/4-inch stroke
This movable, changeable speed oscillating spindle sander comes with everything you require to sand tricky curves in your wood and other flat surfaces.
This WEN HA5935’s spindle spins at a speed range of 1800 to 3000 RPM. It oscillates at an incredible rate of 50- 90 oscillations every minute, thanks to a 5 Amp adjustable speed motor.
You could use a solid handheld unit or convert it to a benchtop spindle sander. You clamp it to your worktable with the included mounting hardware.
It has four spindles of different diameters to assist you with various projects. Other models necessitate bringing the material you are sanding to the machine.
That is not the case with this sander. It outshines the others in its ability to let you take the sander to where the workpiece is. So, you can travel to different job sites as you need to.
The beauty of this product is you can use it in hard-to-reach areas where you can not use a regular sander. Though tiny, consider its power, as it does the job in record time.
What We Liked About the Product
- It is portable
- It surpasses expectations
- It’s durable no matter the abuse it may have to take
What Could Be Improved
- It is challenging to use as a handheld spindle sander
7. Best for Sanding Curves – Shop Fox W1831
- 1/2 Horsepower Permanent Magnet Motor, 120-Volt, Single Phase, CSA Certified
- Table Size: 11-1/2-Inch W x 15-Inch L x 1-5/16 H
- Sanding Drum Diameter: 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2" and 3"; Sanding Drum Length 4-1/2-Inch
This sander does many things correctly but needs to impress in some key areas. It comes with six drums or spindles, giving you various sanding options.
It also has onboard accessory storage, which saves a lot of time and frustration when using it. Its 1/2 horsepower motor is one of the strongest on the market
You can’t ask for more for the price. So it allows you to complete your sanding project quickly and efficiently.
There’s no need for setup. Just unpack it, slip a spindle with a sanding sleeve onto it, plug it in, and begin sanding. It has superb balance, and you may not need to adjust the spindle as it is almost perfect.
You will appreciate that it comes with a three-inch spindle instead of two. You may not know it yet, but the extra inch works wonders.
The sander is surprisingly lightweight. The light weight allows you to easily tuck this into a cabinet and keep it out of reach to create more space in your workshop until you need it for the next project.
Its dust collection unit works remarkably well even with a small shop vac.
What We Liked About the Product
- No setup needed
- It’s lightweight
- The dust collection unit works wonders
What Could Be Improved
- It is loud
8. Best Value for Money – Grizzly Industrial G0739 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Sold on Amazon
This oscillating sander is one of the best oscillating spindle sanders you can buy hats down. It can tackle any shape of a curve you throw its way, thanks to a 12 HP 120V single-phase motor and six different diameters of sanding drums.
It has a cast iron table, which gives it the needed weight and assists in balancing on the table even when not clamped to it.
It may appear small, but keep the size from fooling you. It is a powerhouse with six distinct diameters of sanding drums and different shapes and sizes of sanding curves.
You could use it in various woodworking projects and get professional results even if you are an amateur.
As if that is not enough, it has built-in storage racks for sanding spindles, table inserts, sleeves and spindle washers.
So it helps you organize your working table, look neat, and quickly get your different types of woodworking machines when needed without turning everything upside down.
The unit is sturdy and works excellently for the price. It is also durable and needs minimal maintenance.
What We Liked About the Product
- Ease of use
- It is effortless to change spindles
- Its quality is second to none
What Could Be Improved
- Dust control can be a challenge, just like with most sanders.
9. Best for 240 Grit – POWERTEC OS1400 Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Lightweight and portable design allows for easy handheld sanding in hard-to-reach places
- Easily transform your portable handheld unit into a stationary benchtop spindle sander by clamping it to your workbench with the included mounting hardware
- Powerful 5-Amp variable speed motor provides anywhere from 1800 to 3200 rotations and 50 to 90 oscillations per minute with a 1/4-inch stroke
Suppose you are looking for a portable benchtop oscillating spindle sander to sand different shapes and curves in the wood piece. In that case, the POWERTEC OS1400 is a good option.
It is one of the best benchtop oscillating spindle sanders. For just under $200, this low-cost unit performs the same tasks as more expensive units. So, you get more for less.
Its only downside is that it lacks a beveling work table. Other than that it Apart from that, it excels in every other aspect.
The rubber drums or spindles are incredibly sturdy and built to last for ages. It has six sanding sleeves, five drum washers, and one spindle knob in addition to the five spindles.
It is powered by a 2.6 Amp 2/5 horsepower motor that spins the spindle at 1725 revolutions every minute.
The spindle oscillates at a rate of thirty strokes every minute, preventing deformation of the drums, sandpaper, and workpiece burn.
If you have been looking for sanding sleeves with 240 grit, start celebrating because you may have found a product that will give you rest on every side.
You may be sceptical at first, but you will be pleasantly surprised. The sleeves suit the rollers perfectly and perform excellently.
Cleaning them after use is a breeze. You’ll be capable of sanding 240 grit and reducing hand sanding. Removing the sleeves from rollers is also simple, and you can swap grits without a sweat.
What We Liked About the Product
- Works as advertised
- It is affordable but performs complicated tasks like a more expensive option.
- It has superb rubber drums
What Could Be Improved
- Dust control is wanting
10. Best Spindle Sander for Dust-Free Sanding – Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Ideal for sanding contours, arcs, curves & other irregular shapes
- Rotating & oscillating action for increased speed, efficiency and a precision finish
- Powerful 3.5A (450W) motor No Load Speed - 2000 RPM Oscillation Speed - 58 OPM
The Triton TSPS450 is a powerful oscillating spindle sander with a 3.5A motor and a no-load speed of 2000 RPM that you can depend on to sand curved edges and intricate pieces in your workbench.
Its spindle oscillates at a rate of 58 oscillations every minute. This is required to minimize or eliminate friction on your workpieces. You would want to reduce friction as it could cause burning and unsightly band marks.
When you buy the Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander, you get six sanding sleeves and matching rubber drums, plus table inserts to help guide the spindle and keep dust out of the motor.
This will prevent the motor from developing mechanical problems when working to prolong its life.
The sander has beautiful storage racks for storing all the accessories that come with a new sander to ensure they stay organized in one place for easy access whenever needed.
The TSPS450 has a dust extraction port to connect to a dust collector to help remove the annoying dust generated during the sanding operation.
You will be amazed at how its dust collection port work. Though the shape is odd, you’ll enjoy a dust-free operation.
What We Liked About the Product
- Works as marketed
- Excellent quality and functionality for the price
- Dust collection port works like magic
What Could Be Improved
- Basic design but works seamlessly
Best Oscillating Spindle Sander Comparison Table
Buying Guide – What to Look for in an Oscillating Sander
You do not walk into a shop and buy oscillating spindle sanders. Different spindle sanders have unique features suitable for specific tasks.
Consider the following things to help you buy an oscillating sander ideal for your unique project.
Power
Oscillating spindle sanders have different motor specifications ranging from ¼ horsepower to one horsepower and higher.
The more horsepower the sander has, the more powerful it is, making it much simpler to sand more challenging materials. Think of the power as follows:
Light duty– These spindle sanders have motors with a horsepower ranking of 13 and less. They’re great for projects, simple projects such as crafts, picture frames, and other light projects.
Medium duty– Medium-duty sanders have motors with 1/3 horsepower and are suitable for sanding thick hardwoods and more extensive surfaces.
Heavy duty– These sanders contain motors with a horsepower of 1 or more. They’re ideal for massive projects and can sand any hardwood.
Work Table
You place your work piece for sanding on the oscillating spindle sander’s worktable. The spindle sticks out of the work table’s centre, letting you sand the material on the table’s top.
There are two types of tables included with an oscillating spindle sander. It can be a stationary or a tilting work table.
A stationary table has no movement or bevel in either direction. On the other hand, a tilting table allows you to move or bevel the table when sanding beveled edges.
The beauty of a tilting table is that it enables you to work on more complicated items and curves that would be impossible or challenging to perform on a standard stationary table.
Type
Spindle sanders are classified into three types: benchtop, floor standing, and portable/ handheld. The three types all function similarly but vary in size and setup.
Floor-standing units are taller machines with their base. Since the work table is at a comfortable height, they’re effortless to use.
However, they are heavy and could weigh several hundred pounds, and occupy a lot of floor space. If your workshop is already squeezed, they may not be a good fit unless you get a more spacious room.
Portable spindle sanders are small, handheld tools. Although they are not always appropriate for smaller pieces, they could be helpful for sanding curves on large pieces of furniture or other projects.
Benchtop sanders are used on top of a workbench or table, enabling the user to set them up on any flat surface. The models are significantly lighter than floor-standing models, weighing as little as 20- 40 pounds.
Weight and Size
Consider the oscillating spindle sander’s size and weight, especially if your workshop is small and needs more flexibility.
Portable sanders are movable, but working with small appliances can be challenging.
A benchtop model is thirty or forty pounds, making them light enough to lift onto a worktable but heavy enough not to move when used.
You must set them up before every use, and they are less efficient for sanding curves on bigger chunks.
Floor-standing models are the heaviest, weighing up to three hundred pounds. However, models have locking casters hence making it easier to transport.
These models are also tall. They stand about three feet tall and extend a foot or two in either direction.
Spindle Speed
A good spindle sander has a wide range of applications. Some of the best models can attain 1,500 RPMs, while others can reach more than 3,000 RPMs.
The best spindle sanders have variable speeds, which can help you achieve the perfect edge. Slowing the sanding rate for hardwoods reduces the risk of scratch marks, burn marks and premature sandpaper wear.
In contrast, higher speeds quickly remove huge chunks of material from softer wood.
Dust Collection Port
Spindle sanders produce a lot of dust, unlike a belt sander. Getting one with a dust collection unit at the back is essential to stop dust from flying around your workshop or getting in the motor and causing havoc.
Noise
The motor produces a noticeable hum when the spindle sander is turned on. 150 grit doesn’t make much noise, but aggressive sandpapers, such as 80 grit, can significantly increase noise.
When in use, spindle sanders can be loud. And depending on the wood species, they can be louder than a table saw. So, wearing ear protection is recommended.
Other Additional Features
Look for spindle sanders with an easy-to-find large on/off switch to prevent accidental start-up. Most of these switches include a removable key for added security.
Models with multiple drum sizes add convenience and flexibility and make designing the perfect edge easier. Smaller drums are ideal for tight interior curves, while more prominent drums make it easier to achieve gentler curves.
Spindle sanders produce a lot of sawdust, so look for models with a dust collection port to keep your work area clean.
Pros and Cons of Oscillating Spindle Sanders
Oscillating spindle sanders are essential power tools for all types of woodworking projects. Here’re the advantages.
Advantages
- It is a multi-purpose tool you can use for different projects.
- Because of its small size, it is simple to move around.
- It’s ideal for sanding curves and sanding contours. It is powerful enough to remove material faster while remaining gentle enough not to damage your project’s surface.
- It is powerful enough to remove material quickly.
Disadvantages
Here are some of the disadvantages of oscillating spindle sanders
- They are pricier than others on the market. If you have a limited budget, you need to save up to afford one.
- They can be messy. If you’re working with stained or painted wood, use a different type of sander to avoid making a big mess.
- Oscillating spindle sanders can be noisy. If you need a sander but dislike wearing ear protection, consider another type of sander.
FAQs
How loud is a spindle sander?
Some models are extremely loud. Always wear ear protection, eye protection, and a dust mask when using spindle sanders.
What is the best way to use a spindle sander?
Match the curve with a suitable spindle. Hold the boards on your work surface and gently slide them against the spinning drums to eliminate the unwanted material.
Is a dust port vital for a spindle sander?
Spindle sanders produce a lot of dust, so using one with a vacuum or dust collection system is recommended. A dust port sucks in all the dust for dustless sanding operation.
What should I look for in a spindle sander?
Look for a spindle sander with dust extraction abilities so that sawdust does not fly around the workstation or get inside the motor. Get a model with a dust extraction port in the back to which you can connect a dust collector for simple cleaning, especially if you’re looking for the best dust collector for small shop.
Conclusion
The best-oscillating spindle sander should be easy to use, durable, and have a dust collection port. However, there’s no size fit all spindle sander. You pick one based on your budget and project.
Our top pick spindle sander is WEN 6510T. It is affordable, ideal for different tasks, stable, easy to use, and gives you the best value for money.