Bauer Oscillating Edge Belt and Spindle Sander 56870 Compared to Ridgid EB4424 from Harbor Freight

[@idaholewis265]

This is one of the best, most thorough reviews i have seen 👍 Thank you for your time making the Video!

[@ShopRamblings]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brettdickinson7708]

I taught construction technology for 27 years and have worked in construction for over 45 years. The Rigid was one of my most versatile machines. As a teacher, I purchased four of the Rigid EB224s over the years and for my personal shop have purchased them twice. One thing that was not mentioned in the review (at least I did not pick it up), is the much larger working table on the Rigid. For this feature alone, it is worth the extra money. No other competition offers such a large table and when working with larger pieces of materials, this is critical.

[@ShopRamblings]

You are right. There are a dozen different brand sanders that look like they came out of the same factory. The Ridgid is different from all the rest. That is why you will see the Ridgid in the background of shops from high end to low end. It just works, and that is what is most important

[@jasonwhitaker2726]

One of the best comparison reviews I think I have ever seen.... for anything. Really appreciate the "here's what it is" approach without any bias or perceived favoritism. As someone in the market for an oscillating sander, I couldn't have seen a better real world review. Thanks!

[@ShopRamblings]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Thedestressguy]

thanks for doing this fantastic comparison video. You put to rest many concerns/ questions I had about the two machines and put the decision of the purchase back on the viewers needs! Nicely done!

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks

[@ronwilliams329]

Good review. It's very good when you can offer a review of two similar products and can be critical of both but yet offer praise of both when warranted without going over the top on either one. Sort of a "Detective Friday" type of review! Good job!

[@ShopRamblings]

When you buy the products for yourself to use, you can say what you want without having to skew the facts.

[@j_b_9381]

Aside from color, the Bauer appears to be an exact copy of the Wen belt/spindle sander I currently have. I have been very satisfied with it so far. It's about 1 year old now and not a single issue.

[@ShopRamblings]

Yes, there are about 6 different brands that I believe are made in the same factory.

[@bolerkai]

This is the best comparison review of these tow machines I have seen so far. Thank you

[@ShopRamblings]

You are welcome

[@berthaduniverse]

I have the Wen 6524 ,( for 4 years now), and it looks much like the Bauer. I use it for pretty light duty stuff, and I'm pretty happy with it so far

[@ShopRamblings]

I would not be surprised if they are made in the same factory. I have a couple Wen power tools. I have been happy with everyone of them.

[@justingreaves3722]

Good job. That was very non biased and to the point. I will be keeping an eye out for any more comparison videos you do

[@ShopRamblings]

I appreciate that!

[@opajones640]

Thank you for a good review. My question is, since you have had the Rigid for a while, have ever you used the miter slot or is it just a sales feature?

[@ShopRamblings]

Never used it.

[@Dahna_]

The reason they want you to use the nut is because when you tighten it will expand the spindle rubber a little at the top and the sandpaper wont be so loose like it is without the nut. you can use the wrench that it comes with to tighten the nut down and it makes the sandpaper fit better onto the spindle.

[@ShopRamblings]

Correct, or you could screw down a knob that would also squeeze the spindle and not have a separate nut and wrench to keep up with.

[@scorpiorysing]

The nut is not wider than the spindle, where the knob is wider. Perhaps no problem for most work pieces, but if you have something tall, the knob will prevent the workpiece from contacting the spindle.

[@enterprise59]

Guess it comes down to how much you're going to use it vs "once in a while". I'd go with the Bauer my self as I don't use my current Central Machine (Harbor Freight) oscillating sander very much.

[@ShopRamblings]

The Bauer will probably last most people a lifetime. I don't use mine much, but it does come in handy when I need it.

[@rawbacon]

I was just looking at these sanders and the Bauer and Wen look like clones, I wonder if they are made by the same place.

[@ShopRamblings]

I believe there are several made in the same place branded differently.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome video!! Also the Ridgid has the mitre gauge. The Bauer doesn’t. Very handy tool

[@ShopRamblings]

Yes it does!

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

@@ShopRamblings I looked it up on Harbor Freight’s site and the Bauer doesn’t look like there is a mitre gauge. That’s the only reason between these two I’d go with the Rigid instead Thank you.

[@wolflahti412]

Clear and comprehensive

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks

[@philipchandler330]

Thanks so much great evaluation.

[@ShopRamblings]

You're very welcome!

[@michaelfink1017]

No miter slot on the Bauer is a deal breaker for me. I have the Ridgid - it's fantastic...zero complaints

[@ShopRamblings]

I've had the Ridgid for years. I have never used the miter slot. I like it for the bigger work area.

[@PaulDalansky]

Haven't seen anyone comment on this yet (but if they have, ignore this comment). You said in the video that the Bauer is faster (2000 vs the Rigid 1600). I believe this is an error. Per the specs that I am reading on the Bauer, the speed when using spindles is 2000, but only 1600 feet/minute when using the belt. (ft/min makes more sense on a belt compared to a rev/min). So both machines appear to have the same speed specs, so it is not surprising to me that the Bauer 3.5 Amp motor bogs down more than the Rigid 5 Amp motor on harder jobs)

[@PaulDalansky]

Also, 2000 spec on each machine is 2000 rpm.

[@ShopRamblings]

Good analysis.

[@johnsanford3596]

The nut rather than the knob on the Bauer is likely because the knob is larger diameter than the smallest spindle, and in some applications, including sanding the interiors of "tubes" or such that are slipped OVER the spindle, the larger diameter interferes. Using a left hand thread on the shaft is a fail on Rigid's part. It might not be in a shop that uses the tool more frequently, especially changing between the belt and the spindle, but for someone who changes rarely, it's no bueno.

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks, that makes sense.

[@MLK60100]

I would miss the mitre slot.

[@ShopRamblings]

I do t use it much.

[@jdandy48]

My guess is the nut for the 1/2" and the 3/4" sanding tubes is smaller than the diameters allowing a person to put it through a hole. The nut is a bigger diameter causing interference.

[@ShopRamblings]

That might be it.

[@andrewjacobus1264]

Great video thanks for the review of the Bauer I was thinking of getting the Bauer because it came with the belt and spindle drum and I’m considering it, anyways great review sir

[@ShopRamblings]

Both are great.

[@johniacuessa]

Thanks you did a great job with comparison and compete info

[@ShopRamblings]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chashint1]

The knob is larger diameter than the two small spindles, this makes it impossible to sand anytime taller than the spindle. I really wish the Ridgid had included a left thread nut.

[@ShopRamblings]

That would be a benefit. If you have a fastener store around, you could probably get one under a dollar.

[@LongGun223]

Just the review I was looking for. Thanks.

[@ShopRamblings]

Glad I could help

[@VendMD]

Very good review and comparison. Thanks much

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks for watching!

[@robbrobb2161]

Excellent review. Thank you for the detail.

[@ShopRamblings]

My pleasure!

[@jeffcooley2698]

I got my Ridgid from DTO for 50% off on Black Friday so I’m good

[@ShopRamblings]

That is an amazing deal.

[@chrismoore4842]

Did you measure noise differences?

[@ShopRamblings]

I did not. I don't remember there being any perceivable difference or I would have.

[@larryriegle7075]

To calculate the stroke on the oscillation you need to subtract the thickness of the board from what you measured from the belt...otherwise this was a good review...I have the opportunity to buy a used rigid unit...now I know what it can do

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks

[@doublereno]

great comparison!!

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks!

[@YTubeSDD]

Great review. Thanks so much!

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks for the feedback

[@iker1644]

Good Job Thanks

[@ShopRamblings]

No problem!

[@stevesiefken6432]

Nice review!

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks

[@geomax3465]

Is SAD that this kind of tools does not get offer in Latin America because they only make it in 110V.

[@ShopRamblings]

You would think they could make it run on either.

[@CommanDOH-JKU]

The Bauer looks like it's an exact copy of the WEN Sander. Everything ie exactly the same, Plastic and metal in the same places. etc...

[@ShopRamblings]

There are about 5 brands all made in the same factory.

[@happy2meetu34]

Nice review 👍 👍 👍

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks

[@mrniusi11]

it's just amps. amp hours is for battery life.

[@ShopRamblings]

You are correct.

[@assistdelrey]

The plastic material is "Delrin", not Delron.

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks

[@williamkaiser8490]

Rigid

[@ShopRamblings]

That is the one I use.

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

Rigid is the way to go. Never compromise on quality, Buy once, cry once. You are buying a sander which is effective. Just get the better one. Period.

[@ShopRamblings]

I agree it is better but also costs more. They both have their place.

[@TurdFerguson149]

Ridgid is good, but not as good for dust collection

[@frijoli9579]

Just a nitpick but it's Del RIN.

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@davecorsaro9015]

The Rigid has a lifetime warranty.

[@ShopRamblings]

Almost, but no, they dont.

[@silverbackag9790]

Old models do; newer ones have 5 years.

[@steveh8724]

The plastic is Delrin, not Delron...

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks. I am good at getting close.

[@mwilson70201]

Amp hour is a battery rating. Electric motors are rated by amps period. Otherwise very good review.

[@ShopRamblings]

I realized I amp hour instead of amp when editing it. I suck at editing, and if I tried cutting it out, it would have probably been worse. I also wanted to leave the motor sound in so you could hear the motor sound change. I am trying to cut back on side jobs to give more time to work on videos. Thanks for the feedback . It definitely makes me work harder to produce watchable videos.

[@mwilson70201]

That little slip is part of being authentic, I like authentic. I figured you misspoke, your overall presentation proves you know what your talking about

[@ShopRamblings]

I had started to get my handheld tachometer and test load speed while measuring actual amps the tool was drawing. I find most people don't care about facts anymore. They just want something quick and direct. I hope to soon stop working as much so I can spend more time making videos. I believe my videos are improving. Most are just one take, and I have never written a script.

[@PortDixieandTheJourneyDogs]

SUPER NICE REVIEW!! SIMPLE! DN TO EARTH! EASY TO GET! AND YES!!! 2/16 ISSS 50P MORE THAN 1/16!! WHICH IS ALSO CALLED AN 1/8 TO THE SMARTASS HERE WHO FELT THE NEED TO MAKE UUU LOOK STUPID BUT JUST MADE HIMSELF ETC... U SIMPLY MADE THE POINT THAT BAUER IS A GOOD ONE PROBABLY GOOD AS RIGID IF IT HAD THE SAME AMPS!? BUT FOR THE AMPSAND THE PRICE FULLY STANDS UP AND PERHAPS STANDS EVEN TO RIDGID!? FOR ALMOST??? HALF THE PRICE MAYBE!? BUT WORTH THE MONEY!? THIS IS WHAT I GOT FROM UR REVIEW! AND WHAT I THINK U WERE TRYING TO SAY HERE! GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!! I RECENTLY GOT A BAUER SANDER....ORB...AND IT BY FAR WAS WAYYY BETTER THAN OTHER HA EXPENSIVE ONES!!! WELL WORTH AND WAYYY BEYOND THE 19+TAX I PAID FOR IT!! So I am taking serious looks at Bauer tools for some of the tools I want or need esp due to such a tightass budget!!! BECAUSE WHAT I WANT AND WHAT I NEED AND WHAT I CAN AFFORD R ALLLL DIFF ANIMALS!!! AND I MUAT FIND A BALANCE IN BET!!?? SO THANKS MAN!!

[@ShopRamblings]

Thanks for the comment. I don't need anyone to make me look stupid, I can do it myself. People calling me out makes me try to make better videos. I mis-speak all the time. The problem is I always have more that I need to do than time to do it. I just happened to buy the Bauer sander for a friend. Thought I would do a quick comparison while I had both in the shop. So, I spent $538 on the two sanders. So far, I have made $19.48 off the video. That doesn't justify me spending hours writing scripts and shooting multiple takes. I am buying the tool to use. It doesn't cost me to just give a quick opinion and hope that it helps someone.