Ridgid EB4424 14663 5 Amp Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander Review

I researched spindle sanders for about a week or so before making a decision to buy the Ridgid EB4424. I liked the idea that it is "multi-purpose" - functioning both as a spindle sander and a belt sander with a tilt table. I couldn't find anything else that offered all the features that the Rigid does, and the $250 price seemed too good to be true (most other spindle sanders cost more, sometimes MUCH more, but with fewer features). I almost didn't buy it because of the low price (made me somewhat suspicious). However, I have other Ridgid products and they have been very reliable.

Shopping the web for pricing, I ran across a great deal...new units for $199, but also found factory reconditioned units priced even lower than that. I decided to take a gamble and order a factory reconditioned unit and paid only $150! Figured if I didn't like it, or if the recon didn't work properly, I could return it. Thankfully, I found it works perfectly and it has found a permanent home in my workshop!

Upon opening the box, the interior packaging looked brand-spanking new and everything inside it was in new condition. No sign at all that this was a recon unit. (The only clue that it was reconditioned was the owner's manual had "Reconditioned Unit One-Year Warranty" printed on the cover.)

Set-up is minimal and simple. When I checked the adjustable table-half to see if it was level in relation to the stationary table-half, I found the table did not need any adjustment whatsoever! The only adjustments I made was to the Allen screws under where the orange plastic spindle table insert fits into. Easy, 2 minute job. Ridgid even includes the 3/32" Allen wrench. They thought of everything it seems.

I've used it now for 8 months (purchased Feb. 2009), and I couldn't be more pleased. I use the belt-sander attachment to true-up miter joints, straight joints, and general "flat" sanding tasks for small boxes and the like. Swapping out the belt sander attachment to convert to a spindle sander takes less than a minute.

Of course, the oscillating/rotary spindle is the main reason I bought the unit and it has exceeded my expectations. The motor has plenty of "oomph" and makes quick work of sanding the interior and exterior sections of curved wood cutouts and so on. I really enjoy how Rigid designed the entire unit. The built-in storage keeps all the accessories and attachments neatly stowed and is very handy indeed!

I consider the Ridgid EB4424 a bargain at any price. You get 2 tools in one and the unit performs better than advertised. If you've been thinking about adding a spindle sander to your workshop, I think you will be well-pleased choosing the EB4424!

EDIT: I just noticed (Oct. 25, 2009)that in the EB4424 product description posted on Amazon.com shows the unit weighs 300 pounds! NO - not so! It weighs just over 40 pounds is all.

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Product Description:
Oscillating Edge Belt / Spindle Sander Product Features: Ball bearing construction - for smooth operation and long life Two machines in one - combines edge belt and spindle sanding in one high performance tool Oscillating and rotary motion - for fast, burn-free finishes on edges, faces, contours, inside and outside curves Tool free conversion from belt to spindle - changes are quick and easy, no tools required Table tilts 0-48 degree - with detents at most popular angles (0 degree, 15 degree, 22.5 degree, 30 degree, 45 degree) to sand bevel edges Completely outfitted - includes 4 in. x 24 in. belt, all drums and a set of sleeves On-board accessory storage - all drums, throat plates, washers and belt mechanism store neatly on the tool Sof-Touch(tm) knobs, hose adapter with built-in sawdust collection port, recesses in base for sawhorse mounting

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