Harbor Freight Oscillating Spindle Sander Product Tour (CMRW#33)

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

Thanks for a well presented "unboxing" and a very articulated opinion Chris McDowell. Always enjoy your videos. You have some great insights and explain things well. Your comfort in front of the camera and over all video quality has greatly improved, and the were good at the start. That said, when you're excited (good or bad) you start talking much faster making you difficult to understand. I have a similar problem when I do presentation. I found that if, between each major idea, I bringing myself to a stop and take a single breath through my nose before continuing, I keep a better pace. Audience feed back suggests they view the breaks merely as a natural pause, allowing them time to better process what i just said. Don't know how well it would work for you. For myself, it has greatly improved how my professional work is received.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Thanks Michael for your insight! I will take it to heart and try to remember it when I'm recording. I have to give presentations at work as well and I catch myself sometimes speaking too quickly. It's almost like the idea I have in my head wants to get out of my mouth faster than I can actually say it. I'm glad you pointed this out because it helps me get better. No one at work has ever given me any pointers like this. Thanks for watching my videos. You are always supportive and your comments are always very kind.

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

CMR Woodworks | Chris McDowell being supportive is what the woodworking community is all about. I'm glad you find my comments helpful and uplifting. You really are doing a geeat job my friend.

[@richardmadsen115]

I bought one about a year ago, mounted it to a piece of MDF and have had no problem at all in my garage workshop. The dust collection works great and the thing works really well for me. It would not be good in a commercial shop but is perfect for my shop.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Mine is still just perfect. Not a single problem. I do wish the base was a little more sturdy, though.

[@enterprise59]

Several years ago, I had a Ryobi spindle sander. Large table, worked perfect. Didn't have to put any inserts under the drum, just the top insert, and each drum came with a washer you put on TOP of the drum, then a lock washer, then nut. Can't buy them anymore, and sorry I sold it when we downsized.

[@BraxtonWirthlin]

I've got the same one, and it works perfect for me. The only problem I have with it is that I have a hard time getting the new sanding sleeves on the rubber drums. I'm not sure if this is a common problem, or if the harbor freight replacement sleeves I bought are just slightly too small for what ever reason. But aside from that it's a great little tool. It's definitely a on the light side, but I always screw it down to my bench top so that prevents it from moving on me anyway.

[@CMRWoodworks]

I plan on bolting mine down as well as soon as I get a permanent place for it. Thanks for commenting!

[@TheNajSD]

Have you had issues with the spindle not being square? I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish this.

[@moyperezwoodshop1722]

Hey chris thanks for the video. I actually bought the same one about a year ago. The first time he he. The plastic housing was broken where the top get bolted down and the top wobbled some thing fierce. I went back to HB and they replaced it no prob even though I used up some of the sanding drums. We will just call that severance pay. Overall I've used it for about a year and no problems. I'm happy with it for now. Not having used any other brand I can't really compare it. But not bad. For the price it does the job fine. The only thing I would say is be careful when moving around the plastic housing is flimsy.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Severance pay, haha! Good to hear that they will at least replace the tools that have issues. Hopefully I won't have to worry about doing that.

[@wayinone]

The washer is supposed to put on top of the drum, right? This will prevent the sanding sleeve going up during operation.

[@CMRWoodworks]

You are right. I read the instructions again. However, I haven't had any issues. The washer that is already attached to the nut seems to compress the drum enough to make the sleeve stay. I had been putting the drum washer on the bottom because it doesn't look like there is really much for the drum to sit on if you look inside. Seems like what is there would do damage to the drum from what it looks like to me.

[@crazethedave]

I have one and haven't had a problem,it's a little loud but works good.

[@CMRWoodworks]

I agree, it is a bit loud. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@btrswt35]

I really wish you would have done a close up of the underside. About the only thing I could see was the motor. Also, it would have been good to see you use something more than 1/4 plywood. Something like 3/4 and some decent force on the pejce would have given much more of an idea of how much torque it has.

[@CMRWoodworks]

+David Mm sorry, David. I just grabbed what was nearby. It works well with 3/4 as well. Maybe if I get around to the follow up, I can hit a few things I missed. Thanks for your input!

[@JgHaverty]

+David Mm Works fine. This isn't intended to be a 'shaping" machine anyway, you have bandsaws and routers for that. I use it to sand the inside corners of guitar bodies (some extremely hard woods there sometimes), and those are 1.5-1.75" thick and it handles them absolutely fine.

[@tooljunkie555]

I look at buying tools this way. ..if im going to use it on a daily basis then I go for the gold..if im gonna use it on a here and there basis I go for the freight... On tht note:ive heard nothing but ok-good things about it.minus it being loud ..something like this I would buy test out for a week and use it everyday for like a hour and then determine if its good to stay or go back..to each his own ..good luck with it

[@CMRWoodworks]

The sound is kind of obnoxious. If I'm buying a tool I typically go for something with a little better reputation, but I've heard pretty good things about this particular one so I gave it a shot. Thanks for the good luck wishes!

[@tooljunkie555]

CMR Woodworks | Chris McDowell your welcome! & no doubt,,for a hundred dollars. .seems worth it. &u can always return it wth in 30 days if it doesnt ya know??

[@Scarekrow24]

the up and down oscillation doesn't appear to be at or more than half the total length of the sanding tube. so when flipped over to use the new grit, is there a gap in the middle that gets little to no use? (depending on work piece thickness of course) If such is true, is this common to all spindle sanders or does the "spend more get more" philosophy still hold true even for devises that do little more than spin and oscillate?

[@CMRWoodworks]

+kevin scurlock there is a gap in the middle, but what I've given thought to is some sort of riser to put the work piece on to raise it up enough to get that unused portion. Just haven't tried yet. Not sure if it is common to all spindle sanders.

[@Scarekrow24]

Yeah, that could work.I'd try an exact copy of the table out of plywood or something, need a way to secure it tho, and figure out how thick it needs to be.

[@JgHaverty]

Some tools require precision. A router, a lathe, pretty much all hand tools... but some do not. This is one of those tools that do not require super precise finishing to perform its job. I bought one of these for 20$ second hand, because I honestly was in the middle of a job and I needed a tool like THAT day. It works. I believe its more of a function of "how long". If you find yourself needing this tool every day, then dont be a fool and spend the money on something that will last you the long haul of course. Negatives -> - the base is relatively small. For larger jobs, this thing wont cut it - the inserts are straight garbage lol. I made some out of mdf that are vastly superior and actually flush to the base. - At its "normal" price, its hilariously over priced, but the coupons fix that as he discusses. - changing the paper isn't the most painless - relatively short cable (personal thing I guess, easily fixed or just use an extension cord lol) Honestly, most people that shop at harbor freight know what they are buying... typically "junk" that works out ok. Some parts are just laughable at best, and others require "Tweaks" to make good, but at the end of the day, the price is reflected in that. Not sure where all the hatred for HF comes from... just dont expect Festool quality at that price either :)

[@CMRWoodworks]

+JgHaverty thanks a lot for all of you input! Mine still works great. No problems.

[@bobcatt2294]

You also would need to check out run-off while you were checking on the shaft's being at a right angle.

[@CMRWoodworks]

There's no run-out. I could tell when I did the test piece. No wobble at all.

[@williamzanghettijr5862]

How is the spindal sander holding up? I am looking at buying one. Please reply Thanks William

[@yinyangguitars6456]

i've been using mine - problem free- for over two years.......works great.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Still works just fine!

[@soro1964]

thanks for the video. this is next on my list. i bought the harbor freight 9" benchtop bandsaw and it works great. central machinery makes tools for ryobi and a few other big names. i looked at the ryobi benchtop bandsaw and it was identical to hf. only difference was the color. look at the grizzly spindle sander its identical to this one.

[@CMRWoodworks]

+soro1964 I've heard of that in other industries where one manufacturer makes things for larger companies. I've never compared the woodworking tools, though. The sander works just fine. I think I will get the 12" disc sander next. Thanks for watching!

[@Woodlogger]

I have been looking at spindle sanders. How is this one holding up for you? Still like it?

[@CMRWoodworks]

I haven't got a tremendous amount of use out of it yet, but it has worked just fine for what I've done with it so far. I plan on doing a follow up video at some point in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@heru-deshet359]

If you're an inside club member, you can buy one on sale for 78 bucks at HF.

[@RoundTownWithMike]

I wish they made the table adjustable up and down like 4" or so so that you can utilize more of the sander. The bottom gets used but not eh middle. You can flip ths sander over but still.

[@CMRWoodworks]

I have used a block before to raise up my workpiece to use the higher parts of the bobbin. An adjustable table would be nice, though!

[@JgHaverty]

A neat idea, and probably will do it myself, Im going to gut my HF spindle sander, and make an entirely new frame and base for it. I need a larger working area than what it gives you, and that seems like a fairly reasonable solution. Some plywood will be good :)

[@MisterLumpkin]

What grit are the sanding drums in the box? Are these a standard spindle size and available anywhere else?

[@metal2]

100 grit

[@tooljunkie555]

Culdnt find the link on the update ..How do u like the spindle sander now? Is it a 👍or👎..

[@CMRWoodworks]

I love it. I have had zero issues with it. Still haven’t made an update video, lol. Guess I shouldn’t have said in the video that I would :)

[@tooljunkie555]

Chris McDowell | CMR Woodworks good to know. Idk if I should splurge the extra 100 and get the rigid or say screw it and get the harbor freight..I work in my shop everyday 6-8hrs a day so it'll see it's use for sure..that's my only co dern cuz I bought harbor freight tools few years back and they lasted only a few months of everyday use"/ hmmmmmm...lol I guess I'll buy them both and see which 1I like better after a week lol

[@tooljunkie555]

Chris McDowell | CMR Woodworks I would still do an update video I'm sure a lot of people are curious and would like to see it me being one of them

[@LanguageStuff]

Hmm are you talking about the rigid one where you can swap out either the belt or the spindle? I’d get that one because of the belt. You are limited only to apindle work with the harbor freight. I now have to get another tool for belt sanding work.

[@nlo114]

Upside-down? The trick is: Open box, fold flaps back, invert box, lift box off machine. Lift bag off machine. Sander stays right-way up on bench, not on floor after slipping lifting it out of the box. Easy-peasy!

[@Kirk9350]

Nice shirt man! Boyer is from Altoona Pennsylvania. Near my home town. Thanks for the review. It helped.

[@discgolftrainnut]

I have one and haven't had any problems. Seems to have enough power for it's size.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Good to hear. I have yet to hear anything particularly bad about this tool which is why I went for it. Thanks!

[@metal2]

I have one had it for like 3 months now ,it works great I lost the top nut to hold on the drums ,now try to get parts for most any thing harbor sell good luck 90 %of the parts they cant get , so I have a metal lathe made one nut for the top better off to go like grizzly tool they have all parts to anything they sell so please think if you buy from them will the part be able to get call there tech support on a item ok

[@ramonribalta]

Para conseguir una máquina como esta que tengo que hacer

[@charleyandsarah]

Nice video and explanation. We've had too many bad experiences with buying from Harbor Freight, though. Good luck with your new sander.

[@CMRWoodworks]

I've got my fingers crossed on this one. There may be only 1 other power tool I would consider from there - the 12 inch disc sander. Looking at the other tools on display didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Seemed kind of rinky-dink by the look of them.

[@Halloween111]

I Shop a lot at HF. I have found that their tools tend to be one or the other. Pretty decent or total garbage with very little between. They also have cheap and higher end. I have gotten some of the cheap stuff that was total shit, but put my return money towards their higher end version of the same tool and been pleasantly surprised at the difference.

[@charlesholland6851]

even david pichuto- from Make Something uses this. he said he loves it and has been using for years

[@CMRWoodworks]

+Charles Holland I know and it's been good to hear how his has held up. Kinda eases my mind even more. I plan on getting the 12" disc sander too. Thanks for watching!

[@charlesholland6851]

i need one. i may try the ridgid spindle/belt combo. and grizzly has practically same one. and its only 200 bucks

[@melechhaarayot9273]

6:34 “Quick Tip” Face was really funny. But That is an excellent tip thank you

[@JubinskyWoodworks]

looking forward to getting this. great video. thanks!

[@CMRWoodworks]

+Jubinsky Woodworks thanks, man! It works great!

[@nmssis]

it's been about a year....any update on this item?

[@CMRWoodworks]

It still works great, just haven't gotten around to doing an update video.

[@nmssis]

Chris McDowell | CMR Woodworks excellent, thank you!

[@johnmillspaugh2129]

coupons at Harbor Freight aren't what they used to be. In this case, my coupon indicates it doesn't apply to many items including Central Machinery.

[@Zerkbern]

I shop Harbor Freight. There are bargains to be had there--especially on tool bags. But I have realllly hesitated to buy any of the power tools. That said, I had kinda convinced myself that if I WERE to buy an HF tool...maybe the Spindle Sander would be a low-risk bet. So. Stop reading my mind! No, seriously, thanks for the timely review. -z PS: You can sign up for a regular Harbor Freight flyer with all the coupons, somehow....I don't know how/where...but they come to my house all of the time.

[@CMRWoodworks]

This is one of the only 2 power tools I'm considering from harbor freight and the other is a disc sander. I've heard some pretty good stuff about both. Glad this video helped!

[@Davesdiy]

My experience with Harbor Freight has been either utter crap with no redeeming features or functional and good enough considering the cost. The problem is you don't know until you buy it which category an individual product will fall into.

[@CMRWoodworks]

That's what I've heard about Harbor Freight. Could be good or could be a lemon, won't know till you buy. I've got my fingers crossed on this one. So far I feel as if it will be okay. Thanks for commenting!

[@frehleycomet]

What i don't understand about these sanders is you use the bottom portion when it goes up and down and if you can rotate the spindle around and use the other side that's good but what about the center portion. I see a lot of wasted sanding area.

[@Pro1er]

Not all wood is 3/4" in thickness, the drum is also made for thicker wood up to ~4 inches.

[@RenoScruggs]

The Grizzly I have is pretty light to.

[@CMRWoodworks]

***** thanks for the feedback!

[@RenoScruggs]

Hey no problem and thank you for the video. Cause I just got my sander a few days ago and when it came I already how to put the drums and sleeves on thanks to your video. This is my first spindle sander. I think if you make a lot of band saw boxes these spindle sanders to me are a must have tool. Thanks again !

[@kentrockwoodtyler8798]

Nice review. Thanks.

[@AndreaArzensek]

That Bosch circular saw looks sweet!

[@CMRWoodworks]

Haha, yeah I've wanted a circular saw for a long while now and that one was on sale 30 bucks off.

[@protect.your.digits.creations]

Go on their web site and sign up and you will get coupon and catalogs .

[@CMRWoodworks]

+Gregg Voice of Reason thanks for the info!

[@theonlyari]

So, i assume its broken now?

[@CMRWoodworks]

Not broken

[@theonlyari]

Thats pretty shocking. Every power tool i have purchased from harbor frieght has died within 3 months. I figure harbor freight is a great place to buy a tool if you just want to test it out before committing to buying the expensive version.

[@davidbrooks311]

I wish you guys using their phones would realize that when you step away from the phone to speak louder. Sometimes cheap is good for tools you don't use every day. thanks for the review and please remember to speak up.

[@CMRWoodworks]

+David Brooks Yep, I try to speak up, but sometimes I guess not enough. When I do speak up enough, I sound mean or forced or something. Some people think I have an attitude, but it's just me trying to speak up without looking like I'm yelling.

[@davidbrooks311]

Cris I have the same problem only it happens to me at just my normal tone.

[@mfwoodshop]

I like the size nice and compact. I have alway stay away from harbor freight be of quality, I would be interested to know what your opinion is in a few months after longer use. Thanks for sharing Chris

[@LutherBuilds]

I think as long as he isn't constantly using it for several hours a day, every day, it should last a while. Harbor Freight tools are good for most hobbiests but usually not for pros. Certainly if one has the money to be able to afford better quality, then they should buy them. But some harbor freight stuff is junk so I'll be curious as well to see how this holds up.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Mike!

[@CMRWoodworks]

I have a good feeling about this one so I hope I'm not disappointed. Thanks Joshua for commenting!

[@docwilkey]

Thanks for the info

[@CMRWoodworks]

Sure thing!

[@michaelsummer7082]

All you have to do is Google Harbor Freight Coupon and they have a permanent 20% coupon too.

[@CMRWoodworks]

+Michael Summer I found that out after the video. There is a website that keeps all current coupons and you can print them. Thanks for the input and for watching!

[@DennisRLing]

Recommend you invest in a wireless mic.

[@JDeWittDIY]

Harbor Freight really is a mixed bag when it comes to acceptable quality. There are a few bargains there, and a bunch of stuff to stay away from.

[@CMRWoodworks]

J DeWitt yeah, there are really only a couple of other power tools there that I would maybe consider at this point. I do plan on getting the 12" disc sander, however.

[@JDeWittDIY]

CMR Woodworks | Chris McDowell I've looked at their disc sander. I have an old motor from a washing machine I think, and I want to use it to power a homemade disc sander, when I get time to make it, of course!

[@gregholeton7149]

Dude, is that the machete I gave you for standing in my wedding......in the magazine rack on the wall?

[@CMRWoodworks]

+Greg Holeton Dude! Where did you come from? I don't remember if that is the one you gave us or not. I just know I've had if for a long time, haha.

[@lucasdee7076]

i find not oscillating deep enough should go up and down about 3 inches

[@nopethegeek]

go to retailmenot.com for digital coupons you can use right off your phone.

[@andrews5926]

U can subscribe to their magazine

[@bildanz]

cell phone google coupon they scan it right off phone

[@BigWebstas]

Why did you ignore your kid :( That bugs "Dadda can i be out here with you.. 💔"

[@motoputz3201]

shoot man, just use a smart phone to google for harbor freight coupons