Shopsmith Oscillating Spindle Sander

[wh500special]

I looked around on this forum and saw a fair amount of discussion about this device and now that SS has it on sale I think I’m ready to give it some real thought.

I’d like to get an oscillating spindle sander and had been looking at the benchtop types on and off for a while. I saw no real advantage from one brand to another and would probably end up with the Grizzly G0538 since it’s pretty inexpensive. We have a gigantic Jet floor model at work and I’m in love, but it’s hard to justify $1000 for something I wouldn’t use every day.

Space and storage aren't really concerns of mine. And the cost is a wash whether I go with Shopsmith or something else. I think versatility with the Shopsmith would be much more wide, however, which tips me in that direction. Bigger table size too.

My questions about the Shopsmith model:

What retracts the quill for the “up” stroke of the sander? Is it just the regular return spring, or does something else help it along?

It seems to me – and I could easily be mistaken – that if a person was to really try hogging off material that you could stall the upward motion of the spindle. Likewise, I guess if a guy was over zealous on cutting you could put an appreciable amount of stress in the cable when it tries to pull the spindle down.

Are these reasonable concerns?

I know generally you don’t do heavy pressure with these things, but I’m more worried about “normal” sanding stalling the motion out. Certainly with a 1.125 hp motor driving the spindle it’s not about to stop turning.

Any input would be most appreciated!

Steve

[SDSSmith]

The quill spring is used for the return or up motion on sander. The connection between the quill feed bracket and the oscillating drive mechanism is a cable so it only works in tension (extending the quill or the down motion). Personally, I have not used mine enough to comment on the stalling issue. However, you could always mount the drum sander and, with the aid of a helper, see how much force it takes to prevent the quill from retracting. Then you would know the return spring is up to the task you have planned before you buy.

Over the years I have gotten good service from the Rigid oscillating belt and spindle sander. But, I am keeping the Shopsmith oscillating sander for future use.