HF OSS vs Rigid OSS ???

[lago]

LOML gave me a HF OSS for Christmas. I am surprised as much as she hates to go to HF. She did look at the Rigid at BORG but declined due to higher price.

I have the option to take the HF back and get the Rigid. I did see some of the reviews for Rigid and some were not too good.

I am just looking for pros/cons on the 2 before I make the decision. Has anyone had problems with either one.

Ken

[Knottscott]

Ken - The Ridgid offers both a spindle and belt sander options, which is handy. When I researched it, the owner responses were heavily favorable. I bought it and have been very pleased with it.

Regardless, if the HF unit works, I'd be inclined to keep the one that the LOML gave me for Christmas...that's quite a gesture on her part, and shouldn't be taken too lightly. My fear is that if you return it, she'll never make the attempt again.

Merry Christmas!

[JR]

The Ridgid is definitely a lot more machine. In addition to the belt mode, which is use mostly, it has huge table that tilts.

JR

[jonathan55]

Regardless, if the HF unit works, I'd be inclined to keep the one that the LOML gave me for Christmas...that's quite a gesture on her part, and shouldn't be taken too lightly. My fear is that if you return it, she'll never make the attempt again.

Merry Christmas!

I second that!

That said I have had the HF for 5 or 6 years, have used it quite a bit and have no complaits. I am wondering how that Ridgid works as a belt sander?

Jonathan

[lago]

I don't think she would have a problem since her present was twice as much as what she paid. We will try to stop at BORG tomorrow and take a look at the Rigid.

Ken

[Sawatzky]

The Ridgid is a nice sander. I bought it and am glad I did. The other advantage is that the Ridgid has a lifetime service agreement. That Lifetime Service Agreement is why my shop is looking a lot more orange lately. I added a Ridgid circular saw and Ridgid router combo for Christmas!

[Cochese]

I'm saving for the Ridgid, and I'm trying to be good with my funds.

[kevincan]

I have a Performax OSS which is the same as the HF one. I have been very happy with it. I was thinking about getting the Ridgid but when the Performax went on sale for $90 I got that instead. I have not had any issues with the table size and it has done everything that I needed it to do.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Already having belt and disk, I picked up the HF OSS on sale several years ago, and it has done a great job, no complaints.

[phrog]

Regarding Ridgid's Lifetime Warranty: I bought a Ridgid Flip-Top stand about 3 years ago. (It had a 2 year warranty.) The first time I used it, the adjustment lever broke off in my hand. I sent Ridgid an email and asked if they would send me a new lever. (Easy replacement -remove a screw, take the old one off, new one on, and replace screw.) No, they told me to take to my nearest Ridgid service center and suggested where I take it. I took it there and was told that they could not find the part in the Ridgid part catalog. They would have to call Ridgid to get the part and they would call me when it came in. That was a couple years ago and I'm still waiting. As a result, I no longer buy Ridgid tools.

[Joe DeFazio]

Although I like a good HF bargain as much as anyone, I say: get the Ridgid.

The oscillating belt sander is extremely handy; I use it about half of the time. It allows you to sand a flat edge with ease (very tricky with a spindle, and without the burning/grooving you might get with a regular belt sander).

The tilting table practically doubles the versatility of the unit, as it lets you do miters and shaping at many different angles. It also has a miter gauge slot, which comes in handy.

The much larger table is also good to have. Although it is not easy to clamp fences and jigs/fixtures to it, due to its honeycombed bottom, you will find ways to do so (or you can fill in the honeycombing with plywood, bondo, or another material of your choice). If you clamp a fence or a fixture to the table, you will then find plenty of other uses for the unit.

[jeepman71]

I have the Rigid and do like it but I am space challenged. If I had the space I would opt for the HF OSS and add a disc/belt for the difference in price.

[scmhogg]

One more vote for the Ridgid. I have one of the grey ones. I use the vertical belt more than the spindles. A vertical belt allows you to do much more than a horizontal belt.

The bottoms of the belts tend to get frayed over time. DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN! Literally took me an hour to pick out the threads, to be able to remove the belt apparatus.

Steve