5 Best Spindle Sanders (2023 Guide)

Spindle sanders are highly efficient woodworking power tools that use spinning sanding drums to oscillate up and down on a piece of wood, creating smooth, clean finishes. In addition, spindle sanders help prevent static friction and rough out curved edges.

In this sander review and buying guide, we take a close look at the best spindle sanders available so you can find the perfect fit for any job.

Top 5 Spindle Sanders

• Best Spindle Sander Overall: Triton TSPS450 Cast Iron Top Spindle Sander
• Best Spindle Sander Kit: Shop Fox W1831 1/2 HP Spindle Sander
• Best Handheld Spindle Sander: WEN HA5932 Portable Spindle Sander
• Best Budget Spindle Sander: WEN AT6535 Oscillating Spindle Sander
• Best Commercial Spindle Sander: Jet JBOS-5 Oscillating Spindle Sander

Best Spindle Sander Overall

Pros and Cons

✔ Delivers 58 oscillations per minute with no load speed
✔ Includes a dust port 
✔ Has locating holes for secure bench mounting

✘ Isn’t built for sanding on an angle
✘ Has a dust port that doesn’t fit all vacuum hoses

Good for: This is a great spindle sanding option for woodworkers who don’t need angle features but want a high-quality machine with a powerful motor and sizeable cast-iron surface. 

What Customers Are Saying

We found that buyers impressed by this product said it was well-built, had excellent dust collection, and ran quietly. However, we also learned that a minority of customers felt the sander lacked power, while others claimed the surface scratched easily. 

Best Spindle Sander Kit

Pros and Cons

✔ Has 58 oscillations per minute
✔ Includes a removable key with the locking switch
✔ Includes six spindle sizes

✘ Drum can slip if it’s not inserted tightly 
✘ Has a heavy design at 34 pounds

Good for: The Shop Fox Oscillating Spindle Sander is good for those who want a wide range of sleeve sizes and a compact yet powerful spindle sander with a durable design and high-speed operation.

What Customers Are Saying

Our research showed that customers impressed with this sander loved its robust design, durability, and range of spindle sizes. On the other hand, we found that a few buyers were less than impressed. Some indicated that the device moved too much during operation, and others claimed it let off a bad smell. 

Best Handheld Spindle Sander

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes mounting hardware to transform into a stationary unit
✔ Comes with three rubber drums, one non-marring rubber mounting pad, two clamps, and an adjustable straight-edge guide plate
✔ Includes a 1- to 1.5-inch dust port

✘ Includes fewer sanding sleeves than some other models
✘ Is less steady than other models when used as a benchtop sander

Good for: This product is great for woodworkers looking for versatility, as it can switch from a handheld model to a benchtop model without sacrificing performance. 

What Customers Are Saying

We reviewed dozens of verified buyer comments for this sander. Our research showed that those who left good reviews liked that this model was easy to use, felt high quality, and sanded quickly. However, some felt this sander was ineffective on large projects, while others said it arrived missing parts. 

Best Budget Spindle Sander

Pros and Cons

✔ Has onboard storage for easy organization of sleeves and parts
✔ Includes five 80-grit sanding sleeves of different sizes
✔ Features a 3.5-amp motor

✘ Includes fewer sleeves than some other benchtop models
✘ Has a loud operation 

Good for: This sander is great for those looking for a benchtop model that can sand wood pieces at various angles and useful features such as a dust port and beveling worktable. 

What Customers Are Saying

According to our research, customers who were happy with this product liked its ample power, easy setup, and sizeable beveling table. However, we also found a couple of reviews by customers that felt that the product was overly loud, while others had issues with the drums being wobbly. 

Best Commercial Spindle Sander

Pros and Cons

✔ Features oscillation gears that run in a sealed lubricated box for added protection
✔ Includes built-in storage racks
✔ Comes with a removable on-off safety switch

✘ Has fewer RPM than other, similar models  
✘ Is heavy and bulky

Good for: This spindle sander is good for those who want more control over the type of sanding sleeves that come with the device and serious DIYers who will appreciate the optional accessories like a benchtop table. 

What Customers Are Saying

According to our verified-buyer evaluation, customers who liked this product were particularly impressed with the sander’s sturdiness, smooth operation, and versatility. On the other hand, we also learned that some customers felt the dust port was too small, and some said the unit broke easily during use.

Spindle Sander Buying Guide

Consider the following factors when shopping for spindle sanders to ensure you create the cleanest cuts on your wood.

Sander Type

There are three main types of spindle sanders:

• Benchtop: Benchtop oscillating spindle sanders are the most common option. These can be placed on your workbench or other flat work surface. 
• Floor-standing: Free-standing spindle sanders stand on your floor and are more powerful. However, they’re typically more expensive and more cumbersome to use. 
• Handheld: handheld sanders are portable tools you can use to sand small items. They’re easy to carry around or bring with you on the go and can be stored in a drawer or peg board when they’re not being used. However, some models may lack the power of benchtop models.

Spindle Sander Size

Examine how much space you have on your workbench and which type of wood you’ll typically use the spindle sander for. That will help you find a sander that’s the right size for your woodworking needs. Benchtop spindle sanders typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and have a width of between 12 and 18 inches. 

Floor-standing devices take up more space and usually stand around 3 feet high. Portable sanders are the lightest and take up the least space.

Sander Power and Speed

A sander’s power level is marked by its Amperage capacity, voltage, and horsepower (HP), while its speed is measured in rotations per minute (RPM). Spindle sanders with heavy-duty capabilities have 1 or more horsepower. Medium-end models average around 1/3 to 1 horsepower, while light models have less than 1/3. 

Most models max out at a speed of 1,500–2,000 RPMs, while high-end models can reach as high as 3,000. Many models have variable speed control so you can adjust to the spindle speed that’s best for you. 

Sander Noise Level

Spindle sanders can be noisy, especially if you’re using a floor-standing or high-end benchtop model. The higher the RPM and HP, the louder the sander is likely to be. Wear protective ear coverings to protect yourself when using a spindle sander.

How Do You Use a Spindle Sander?

Before using a spindle sander, ensure the area is secure, and you’re wearing the proper safety equipment. Also, make sure the workpiece is the proper size and change it before plugging the device in.

To change out a drum, slip on a sanding sleeve of the same size and insert the sleeve and drum onto the spindle bolt. Make sure to tighten the sanding spindle nut before you begin sanding. 

When you’re ready to begin, plug the device in and turn on the dust collection port. Next, slowly feed the wood into the sleeve and guide the wood against the drum as you go to ensure an even cut. Once you’ve reached the desired sanding level, pull the wood piece away, turn off the dust collection port, and unplug the device. 

Spindle Sander Frequently Asked Questions

How does a spindle sander work?

Spindle sanders have a drum that creates an up-and-down oscillating action, exposing the surface of the sanding drum to the wood as it’s sanded. This helps create smooth finishes and eliminates grooves. It also helps the sandpaper last longer and reduces the risk of damage.

What safety protection should you wear when operating a spindle sander?

It’s always recommended to wear ear protection, safety glasses, and work gloves when operating a spindle sander. Additionally, you should avoid wearing short sleeves, open-toed shoes, or shorts.

What sandpaper works in a spindle sander?

Oscillating spindle sanders can accommodate sanding sleeves ranging from 60-grit pieces for coarse grinding to 220-grit pieces for fine grinding. There’s a spindle sander to accommodate almost every woodworking project imaginable.

Do spindle sanders work on straight edges?

Spindle sanders can work on straight edges as well as sanding curves. You’ll need a fence jig to guide the device on straight edges.

Do spindle sanders require a dust port?

Spindle sanders can create an excess amount of dust, so it’s best to use a dust collector or shop vac to make cleanup easier. Most spindle sanders include a dust collection port that you’ll need to turn on before operation.

How We Selected the Best Spindle Sanders

To provide our readers with the best oscillating spindle sander recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of sanders with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.