Need Help with OSS Sander Selection

[phrog]

Has anyone seen or used the new Harbor Freight OSS Sander? It looks like the discontinued Ryobi OSS 500 and has the same specs as the Ryobi? Thinking of buying the HF and would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Richard

[JR]

Has anyone seen or used the new Harbor Freight OSS Sander?

Got a link?

[drumpriest]

My pic has been the Ridgid spindle/belt sander. I have one, it's so useful, beyond just being your typical OSS.

[Stan]

I think the item mentioned above is Item # 95088-0VGA.

If you search by item #, you'll get linked to a page without the picture of the sander, if you search for 'spindle' in the keyword field, you'll get the small picture.

[wardprobst]

Fine Woodworking reviewed OSS this month- the HF is not in the mix but the best overall and best value is the Rigid. Couple of things- it also is belt sander, the table tilts, and it's about the right height for bench use. I have been trying to buy one for some time but haven't hit the "deal" yet. For the difference in price I think the Rigid is my choice.
DP

[phrog]

Link to HF OSS

Got a link?

JR, what STAN said. Thanks. The Black Friday price locally will be $79.00
Richard

[JR]

Try looking at the Harborfeightusa site for a better pic. It does look similar, but looks smaller than the Ryobi to me, which is too bad. The large table on the Ryobi was one of its best features, IMO.

I think the answer to value for an OSS has to include your belt/disc sander needs. If you have bench space, a small OSS like this might do fine, as long as you also have a belt/disc sander you're happy with.

Like others, I ended up with the Ridgid combination unit. In my small shop it works great. It's a great product, but I would prefer to have a standalone OSS and separate belt/disc system if I had the room.

JR

[jbalders]

It's definitely different than the Ryobi. It seems to be a little taller, and it has a smaller table.

My Ryobi OSS is approximately 20" D x 15" W and 14" H. The drums park on spindles on the right hand side, and the plates go in slots on the left hand side.

I picked my Ryobi up for $45 last year sometime and for the little bit of work I've used it for, it's been great. If I hadn't gotten it for that price, I'd probably have sprung for the Ridgid given that I already have a disc sander.


Jeff

[phrog]

OK, the Ridgid

Thanks for all the help guys. Guess I'll buy the Ridgid. My only reservation is that I already have a belt - disc sander that I like and thought I would be repeating myself with the Ridgid in an already crowded garage. But it seems everyone likes the Ridgid. Guess it's hard to go wrong with the Ridgid. Again, Thanks.
Richard

[germdoc]

Hey, Phrog, I was back in Chatt. last weekend--saw the HF on Brainerd Rd. right where the cinema used to be.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the Ryobi been discontinued?

The HF looks pretty neat, if the price were $25-50 less. The "problem" with the Ridgid is it's so dang big, and a bit pricy for those of us who don't need a dedicated OSS or belt sander frequently. I may get one one of these days.


Later: I read the review in FWW. Dang, I almost went out and bought the Ridgid last night. It looks like a fine tool that is both innovative and sturdy. Since I don't already have a belt sander, the Ridgid would seem to be the way to go. Unless HF puts their OSS on sale for $50-60...