Tool of the Week: RIKON Benchtop Oscillating Belt/Spindle Sander

A new week means a new tool. As we continue celebrating woodworking for our Trade of the Month, it is time to talk about the part of a project that can either pull everything together or expose every shortcut: sanding.

The RIKON Benchtop Oscillating Belt/Spindle Sander is special; it gives you two sanding tools in one compact machine. It can handle straight edges, outside curves, inside curves and other shapes that are difficult to clean up with a regular handheld sander.

The 4 × 24-inch sanding belt works well for flattening edges, removing saw marks and cleaning up the outside curves of a workpiece. When the project includes tighter inside curves or openings, switch to the spindle setup and choose the sanding diameter that best matches the shape.

The machine provides five sanding diameters:

1. 1/2 inch
2. 3/4 inch
3. 1 inch
4. 1-1/2 inches
5. 2 inches

Having several sizes available makes it easier to match the abrasive to the curve instead of trying to force one sanding drum into every project.

Both the belt and spindle sleeves oscillate up and down as they run. This spreads wear across more of the abrasive while providing a more efficient sanding action than a sleeve that only spins in place.

The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees, allowing you to sand beveled edges with either the belt or spindle setup. A 1/2 HP motor provides the power, while the cast-metal table gives your workpiece a solid surface for better control.

Other useful features include:

1. Onboard storage for accessories
2. Multiple included table inserts
3. Five sanding diameters from 1/2 to 2 inches
4. A 1-1/2-inch outside-diameter dust connection
5. Included 80-grit abrasives
6. A five-year warranty

You will probably still need finer sanding before applying a finish, but this machine can handle much of the shaping and cleanup that normally eats up your time.

This sander makes sense for woodworkers building furniture, signs, toys, decorative pieces or anything else with curved parts. It can also be useful after making cuts with a bandsaw or jigsaw, especially when the edge needs to be smoothed and brought closer to the final line.

It is not the biggest machine in the shop, but it can solve a frustrating problem: sanding curves accurately without doing everything by hand.

If curved edges regularly show up in your projects, the RIKON 50-310 Belt/Spindle Sander could earn its bench space very quickly.