Best Bench Sander Roundup

[@monteglover4133]

I have used the Ridgid one for several years and found it to be quite good. I generally just use the belt using the ends for contours. If you use a dust collector rather than a vacuum it seams to work much better, because of the higher CFM. My only complaint is the sanding drums are a little hard to find, whereas the belts are the same as my belt sander.

[@kkperu6375]

Thank you for doing all the research/leg work, buying different machines, and providing this analysis...super valuable. I’m looking now at the Wen. I tried the table top sander from Wen and the belt kept sliding all over so I took a break from them. But if it saves me $200 then I think I’ll bite again.

[@A.C.71]

I'm super surprised only the ridgid has the miter slot..I mean wtf??? That feature is super easy to include and super useful.

[@ratdog3055]

When Ridgid first brought their sander out they had problems with motor failures. I have had mine for over three years now and it still runs strong. I use it as well as my combo bench sander. I also mounted it on a (blasphemy) Harbor Freight stand! I like the larger table it has compared to the other units.

[@1683clifton]

I got the triton, exact same tool. Over the rigid, which I don't have to compare, first think i like is that the 3"drum is on the right hand side. Very pleasing for making tele style bodies and mdf templates.

[@victorfiore6332]

So here's a question, what's the warrantys look like on all of them?? I know that Ridgid has a life time one, Grizzly has the 2 or 3 year for extra.

[@bdm1000]

Nice job, thank you. Any thoughts about the usefulness of the Ridgid's miter slot?

[@HDBoyWonder]

Red: I bought the Wen 3x21, portable belt sander. Generally, it seems to work OK on the first couple of sanding jobs. However, you can see plastic gears inside and the plastic housing requires screws to hold the two sides together, one of which goes right through the middle of the dust port, rendering it a useless clogging point. Are you sure the hardware inside is the same on all these? WEN makes attractive and affordable products, but surely the company has to make compromises somewhere to meet lower price points.

[@agreetobeagnostic1322]

Just bought the Ridgid, it’s a very versatile sander! Only issue I have with it so far is make sure the belt attachment is secure and tight because the guide wear plate on the end is just barely long enough and if it isn’t 100% seated and tight it will slightly pop out of place. Why they couldn’t have made it 1/4” longer so this isn’t an issue, and it should be made of brass as I can see it will wear out quickly.

[@antelop3629]

Thanks for the realistic review on these products.

[@Ryan-mn6on]

Hey Bear is this one of those videos sponsored by ambien? lol I would be interested in an updated video between this and one of those disk / belt sander combos.

[@notajp]

I’ve had my Ridgid for at least 10 years now, and it’s been fantastic. I’ve used the piss out of this thing and it still works great. You definitely NEED dust collection tho as these things make prodigious amounts of dust. I love the size of the table. If you work on large workpieces a lot, you’ll really be glad for the additional real estate. No regrets here! It’s been worth every penny to me...

[@steveferguson1232]

I have the Wen 6” dis with belt combo and Wen spindle sande. They both are great. I have the Wen track saw and it is dead on when cutting. I know they are inexpensive and being on disability that’s what I based purchases on. My next will be the 12” variable speed drill press

[@landonashby2029]

I haven't purchased one yet but it looks like on the Rigid Sander you can lower the table and it will keep your spindles and accessories from getting dusty when you're not using it. That would be another chalk tick for Rigid.

[@KagedCreations08XX]

I've been looking at the Wen one, I have their smaller bandsaw and it's been pretty decent for what I use it for

[@timffoster]

MITER SLOT. You didn't mention the miter slot on the Ridgid. The rest of the sanders (all rebranded, btw) don't have one.

[@A.C.71]

Exactly, this feature should be a no brainer for all these..I mean

[@34stzoo]

Yeah, but the warranty on the Ridgid is outstanding! That a big reason why i purchased the Ridgid outside of the quality and performance of the unit.

[@vicmcmanus6856]

I am totally happy with my Ridgid. The best part is their warranty. None of these are industrial grade and not intended for a high production shop. For the home wood worker, the Ridgid is the top dog with all factors considered.

[@andrewdaniels4766]

I found a Ridgid with all the pieces intact at my local flea market today for $65! Needless to say, when I did some research and saw they were going for $299 online, I snatched it right up. Works great. I think I'm in love.

[@orcasea59]

Have the manufacturers stabilized the belt sander on these? I have heard they flex back and forth, so a radius nearer the top will be different than near the bottom. That is unacceptable in a belt sander.

[@TheLookingOne]

Interesting Are the Bauer drums the same size as the Ridgid drums? Can the Bauer drums be used in a Ridgid? Can the Bauer stop plate for the belt sander be used as a stop plate for the Ridgid? Cheers,

[@denoftools]

I don’t have all these units anymore, so I can’t test and compare directly, but here’s what I can say. I was able to take the stuff from the win and put it on the rigid and I have been able to take the stuff from the mower and put it on the win so my guess is it the Bauer would fit the rigid. However, they have done some updates to the rigid in recent years, so I’m not 100% sure.

[@TheLookingOne]

@@denoftools Thank you.

[@briankruse3584]

Just purchased the WEN thickness planer from the depot. If it’s okay I’ll get the sander next Christmas. Thanks.

[@denoftools]

Let me know. I'm real happy with the sander and considering getting some more Wen products.

[@briankruse3584]

Red Beard will do I’m building a couple of Adirondack chairs for my crabbing 🦀 deck

[@PawOfRizzo]

A buddy of mine has this Ridgid sander, and he's liked it quite a bit. I think he mostly foregoes the drums and aims for using the belts.

[@CoolFLDad]

Great demo vid. Thanks red I’m starting my shop out of my 1 car garage so space is an issue because my wife parks in it during winter.

[@douglasfranklin1452]

They may look alike but they are not . If you look at the spindles and the stops. The Ridgid has the spindle and stop on the left side of the machine . with this setup the belt will run clockwise.

[@ttp_007]

Re-branded....These big companies visit trade shows, and ask the smaller factories to make the tools with their colors and brand on them....And for some quantity on the purchase contract they even ask for slightly modification on the design to differentiate from others. Same s**** different color and name.

[@charliemikeguitars5909]

Another good video, thank you. Planning on getting the Rigid myself, I need a little most real estate, I build guitars and need it.

[@tonymartin3738]

Lot of people put these sanders like the ridged and put them on flip top cart for extra storage

[@walterrider9600]

thank you great info . oh heads up what i could do at 34 i can not do at 64 sigh it sucks lol have to get over it .

[@KennyInVegas]

My HF belt sander like yours lasted 7 uses and then the axle locked up..... gotta return it.

[@cardsfanbj]

Why link to Amazon for the Ridgid instead of to big orange? You don't get the LSA if you buy it off Amazon.

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Nice vid thanks. Picking up a Rigid tomorrow

[@rocketmunkee]

Has anyone had concerns about Rigid or WEN for lack of support or warranty? I read someone complaining about the obsolete parts on the Rigid (a plastic fan blade that fails). I found a Rigid factory refurb that is affordable compared to the WEN that I'm so tempted to get, but worried about having to replace a part later on. lol!

[@shaboo2]

Rigid warranty service is horrid, it's slow as melasis! WHO can go 6-8 weeks with a major shop tool in the repair shop. New outlook: I'd rather have a better tool that's more rugged than a lesser tool w a longer warranty.

[@jdj62464]

The Ridgid EB4424 has a 5 amp motor (actually 4.6 amps) w/60 OPM and up to 1725 RPM w/Spindles and a bigger table @ 18 7/8"x16 1/4" for $249 @ HD the belt runs CW. The Wen 6524 had a 3.5 amp motor w/58 OPM and up to 2000 RPM w/spindles and 1575 FPM w/belt, table size is 16"x8" for $179.61 @ HD the belt runs CCW. Things to keep in mind both of these sanders are made overseas and both are geared towards the home DIY market, they are not intended for production or heavy shop use. Guess what it boils down to is 1.1 amps and a little bigger table worth the extra $69.39 bucks, at first I was going for the Ridgid but after closer inspection and reading reviews that extra $70 is better spent on other tools or supplies.

[@johnallen8680]

The non Rigid machines look identical as if they've come out the same factory and have just been badged up to the importers name. Its a pity you didn't try to interchange parts between the sanders to see if they were interchangeable.. If they are the same then one could just buy the cheapest 'brand'

[@karateman82]

I know this video is 3 years old and you probably will not see this but is the decking on the wen and ridged flat and square to the belt? I have seen other videos where this was a problem and wanted your take on it. Thanks

[@denoftools]

I haven't seen that nor have I even heard of that issue and I have two of the Wen sanders. I also now have the Harbor Freight version as well. As far as I can tell these are all made in the same factory. When you get one, just double check it and return it if it's not square or you can't adjust it.

[@karateman82]

@@denoftools Awesome! Thanks for the reply and all the great information

[@dougprentice1363]

Wen probably included the nut and big washer because of problems with rigid. My rigid drums expanded fine when it was new. 10 years late, no matter what I did, sleeve would slip. I thought I lost a part, or maybe my mind. I saw a video John heisz posted. He had same problem. He solved it by making plywood washers to go on top of drums. Solved my problem.

[@marklengal9990]

How important is the miter option on the rigid?

[@denoftools]

The miter slot? I never used it. There has been one on every sander I've had and I've never really had a use for it.

[@pawpawsshop]

Most bench sanders have a 3.5HP motor on the except the Ridgid it has a 5HP motor on it. The extra horsepower and a faster speed makes it work better and faster.

[@tombob671]

good job

[@medievalsessions]

Yeah re-branding is a thing...In fact most companies slap their name on tools they didn't make to a large extent, and really if you look into it, it is a common theme across all consumer products in general. Doesn't mean it's a bad thing but it's good to be aware of if you trying to get a good price on whatever.

[@TheJcdm327]

That's what Craftsman did/does.

[@ZombieDancer]

I have been binging your videos lately. My kids think it's funny that I watch a talking bear on KZbin . Great content keep up the great content

[@Hero1117a]

like WEN stuff

[@SuperJamster1]

The bear says "I decided to put on my sleuthing hat". That's funny, because the word sleuthing actually refers to hunting groups of bears in the days of ole. Nice.

[@colemahaney880]

I got the Wen and love it

[@TheJcdm327]

After watching this video I decided to get the Ridgid. Unfortunately Home Depot is sold out. Talked to the main customer service center....nobody has a clue when or if they will be sold again. 2 of the 3 people I talked to suggested that they stopped carrying the sander. That's hard to believe but who knows? The local HF has one in stock. Gonna buy it before they run out. The Ridgid is a better deal at $269 but if they're out they're out. Perhaps someone else can follow up with Home Depot.

[@denoftools]

Ridgid has been have some serious supply issues all year. Not sure what is going on with them.

[@toonman361]

What I don't understand is why the belt sander (with radial sander) is so much cheaper than the spindle sander, whatever brand? Why should we pay a premium for the spindle sander? Thanks.

[@denoftools]

Never understood the pricing on these items. The only thing I can surmise is that it has to do with supply/demand. Lots of people can use a belt sander but spindle sanders are more of a specialty tool.

[@timffoster]

The belt sander with radial sander isn't an oscillating sander. Surely that's going to account for some of the price difference. A big plus is that these oscillating sanders have a table perpendicular to the belt. Belt sanders don't have that. Instead, you get a smaller sanding surface (3" ...1/2 of the disc) and a smaller table perpendicular to the disc. That's why I'm selling my belt+disc sander and getting an oscillating sander.

[@josephromero1596]

Congrats on 200k 😎 my wife just started a channel and she has a very long road ahead to make it on here lol

[@denoftools]

The key is consistency and listening to your audience

[@talkingdonkey1817]

Very informative and helpful video. I love the bear. Cheers from New England!

[@atomiczombie22]

Thx for the test. Educational.

[@fngrusty42]

Hey us older retired guys , worked all our life's we don't have wimp hands , the nut and wrench is for you wimps starting out. Just needed to set you straight on that one, great video other wise.

[@RedRoyce]

Hey papa Bear! I hate to bug you but i'm wanting one of these sanders also very soon and are you still sold on the Wen Sander for $209 i think it is now on Amazon? Or would you say look at this one or that one also now? Thank you!

[@PHIL_S]

Bought the Wen due to cost and the belt/spindle sander combo feature - never has failed me in 2yrs - I consider the Wen to be a notch above HF - I also have the same disk/belt sander you have from HF - use it only for sharpening and fast stock removal on wood - the HF was and is not square to anything - the disk sander wheel is not flat - I have also fiddled with it for better dust collection. So Wen worked out of the box with no real set up required - HF requires messing around to get set up correctly and even then …… I like the Wen so much I bought the 13inch 3 blade lunchbox planer - I have not used it much but the 3-4 times I have I have like the results

[@Kianrui]

Which do u recommend me to buy?? Wen or Ridgid or Ryobi??

[@fadedprodigy8620]

Made in USA. Ridgid.

[@FalconChief1222]

FYI. Rigid offers a Lifetime Service Agreement. Something I don't think the others have.

[@johngibson3594]

Nice review

[@scottcountryman6090]

Live you bear

[@tpobrienjr]

Dust collection?

[@denoftools]

Dust collection is so so. I don't like where the dust port is on the ridgid as it blocks access to the rear storage. There have been a couple of really good DIY projects to upgrade the DC on the ridgid and I see no reason why the same would not work on the other models.

[@johnspisak9729]

Sorry, I thought this was a serious tool review. It's only a joke.

[@rrrrkoop2776]

thanks.

[@jeffadams4527]

Just scored the Ridgid new for $162.00. Wish me luck, at least I know who backs it.

[@denoftools]

DUDE! You can't do that. You can't just say, hey I got killer deal and not share the love.

[@nickmalone3599]

Good review

[@zzz7zzz9]

he didn't even tear-up once from that cigar smoke gettin' in his eyes. impressive.

[@CheesedoffBlog]

This is a really informative review and really helped me decide which sander to go with. You mention a blog post but never share a link in the video or in the description. Neither google nor the search box on your site turned up anything related to sanders from your blog. Your content is good, but it would be great if you spent more time polishing up the parts that matter, rather than editing in your mascot as a talking head. Which, while it is a unique feature or your channel, doesn't really add any value the video.

[@ilias4156]

family channel, yes!

[@donpettinger8079]

Thanks for this video. Great job!!!

[@larndavies6954]

Love the bear, wish we had these sanders here in Australia

[@denoftools]

I bet you could order that Kingstar off of Alibaba.

[@larndavies6954]

Found the wen via England @ $450-500 Australian though including freight. Ali express was a bust but will check alibaba. Fingers crossed. Can get via eBay ex USA for around $350 for the rigid but I need 240v vs the states 120v. Might be an import opportunity for other woodworkers maybe lol. Cheers

[@larndavies6954]

Yep Alibaba have them at US $70 each if I buy 270 min qty lol. If I want one I either become a supplier or pay extortion type prices for one. Oh well I can still watch your reviews. Cheers

[@denoftools]

Tell them you are thinking of carrying these sanders but you need to get a "Sample". You'll have to pay some nasty shipping but I'm guessing it will still be under $200 total.

[@larndavies6954]

I can live with that sort of price, thanks for the suggestion, the bear rocks...ps my teenage daughter thought I was nuts when she saw me watching this review lol

[@Pro1er]

The sander similar to the Wen is popular in Europe sold under various labels. I like that the screw know is not a left hand thread like the Ridgid. I have the Ridgid and while I do like it, I feel they could have done a much better job with the design. First, it is impossible to align the table to be level on the left and right side at the same time because of the way the locking mechanism works. The first one I had also had a warped table so it was *way* off from being level. Second, the detents for setting the angle on the table are not even close to being accurate - even after adjustment. Third, the motor needs more power. Forth, the dust collector is pretty much useless. There is a guy on KZbin that designed a homemade attachment that does help greatly though. And lastly I can't find sanding sleeves that fit the drums without slipping, The Ridgid brand, which do work, aren't sold at Home Depot anymore, so I bought some Diablos and shimmed them with printer paper. I bought a 2" drum for mine, (the largest supplied is a 1.5"), and I made a new throat plate for it. It's a nice addition - there is a big difference between the 1.5" and 2" drum.

[@williamlewis3965]

the Ridgid has a lifetime warrantee

[@davidhamm5626]

Okay, that sounds good, but what happens when you break it? Is there a repair center you can take it to, in your area? If not, you have to pack,ship, and wait.! Lots of people miss that fact, though a tool like that may never need it.

[@MusicByJC]

OK. You sold me. I clicked the big Amazon button.

[@denoftools]

Do a video on it once you get it and I'll link to it.

[@migdi242424]

Good fun video.. Thanks.

[@rodw]

You've done it Again bear. Great job

[@markturbitt8807]

One belt sander and the rest spindle sander

[@carlwebinar1571]

Ridgid free parts and service for life. Wen has a 2 year warranty.

[@ericwilliams538]

The Bauer, Triton, Wen, and Grizzle sanders all look exactly the same....

[@Archtops]

Very good video! the Bear is perfect. Liked and Subbed.

[@crucialjosh5951]

Forgot about the grizzly one

[@izzyzilla80]

I think the rigid was the best but a they all work

[@philippeterson9512]

I got my Ridgid for $99 at Factory Tools Direct.

[@johnmillspaugh2129]

199.00 there now!

[@eyekeepsitreal684]

What time of the year was it on sale for $99 ????

[@TheTechGuider]

100 is a great buy

[@kaferjake3615]

Great review! Keep it above the belt (sander, that is!)

[@denoftools]

I see what you did there!

[@eric44707]

No mitre slot and no lifetime warrantee on the wen like the ridged.

[@denoftools]

I've had both and never really used the miter saw but you are right about that lifetime warranty.

[@jdj62464]

Can anyone help me out, I can't decide between the Wen 6524 Oscillating Belt/Spindle Sander and the Ridgid EB 4424 Oscillating Edge/Spindle Sander or Grizzly T27417 Oscillating Edge/Belt Sander?? The range in price from $210-$250 with the Ridgid being the most expensive and having a bigger motor 4.5 amps and longer warranty 3 years, while the other 2 are 3.5 amps and 2 year warranty. Does Ridgid actually stand by their Lifetime parts and service warranty/guarantee or do you have to fight with them if you need to use their warranty?

[@denoftools]

They are all made in the same factory in China. The way I'd suggest making your decision is on features. The ridgid has a bigger table and miter slot. The Grizzly is smaller and could would better in a shop that has space constraints. Ridgid will back up their warranty IF you do everthing they require you to and don't lose your paperwork.

[@jdj62464]

@@denoftools thanks, think I'll spend the few extra bucks and get the Ridgid. Not being in a production shop and for the amount of use it will receive it should last a lifetime.

[@uptopmikep7065]

UNless I missed something you never mentioned the quality of dust collection. On the Ridgid dust collection is HORRIBLE!!!!!!!

[@grandtrunk49]

They all look alike.

[@justinstewart3060]

“2 door coupe version”.. lmao 👍🏼

[@JohnJones-it3us]

Damn wish rigid were still going Thor $200! They’re $260 now and the cheapos are $200.

[@shawnhaggerty7108]

The Rigid is a piece of junk.....plz don't waste your money. The motor is under powered. Unless all you do is light sanding on the weekends......don't buy it. My brother tried to warn me and I didn't listen.

[@jeffadams4527]

Best score since I met my wife.

[@davogifman542]

I know right Outcast 👴! Some of us were block sanding since ⏱ before you went into your first 🐻 hibernation. 🤣 Now you use your fancyfied📈 electrical 🔌fangle dangle gizmo✨,and I'll use my block sander💪👋,and I'll yabba-dabba-out-Do ya! 🤔 LoL

[@denoftools]

Saying you like block sanding is akin to saying that school food is better than say... Texas Roadhouse. And seeing as how I'm 50 and you are that much older then me you best behave yourself or I'll call the people at the home and tell'em you're all backed up again and you need another colonic ;-)

[@davogifman542]

LoL Yeah let's not do that. They're just too rough with the straw. 🤣🤣

[@davidfeldman7315]

now 250 and wen cant get

[@denoftools]

Yeah, I saw that prices have gone through the roof lately. Tariffs?

[@boxmfg]

Da Bear

[@BM-wq7ue]

why are you a bear

[@denoftools]

Why are you a cat 😺?

[@mysticjbyrd]

Wen makes good shit!

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

inside they're identical, all Chinese Made from the same BIG factory.

[@UncleSarkis]

I am assuming the same. Do you know that for sure? I'm about ready to buy one of these WEN's, but am hesitant and scared in case it breaks.

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Seriously?? A talking bear??, lol

[@denoftools]

N. American Tool Bear to be exact.

[@DIY101]

The bare facts

[@russmartin4189]

I have a WEN thickness planer and drill press. Both have performed well and their product support was great. That is why I decided to buy this. It is coming in about a week. However, I paid $209 now. If you think that is just normal inflation, think again. It is Trump's tariffs. Everything from China has gone up, and that is a lot of everyone buys. No, China is not paying the tariffs. The guys who bring the stuff here pay it and pass it on to you. That said, it is still a good deal, but Trump is getting your beer, money not the president of China. Don't believe me, look up how tariffs work.

[@fadedprodigy8620]

Maybe stop supporting Chinese products, buy and support American made products. Also it was a good thing trump did that, we need to stop making things in China. Bring our jobs back, don't send them overseas just to make a quick buck. China sucks anyways.

[@russmartin4189]

@@fadedprodigy8620 They don't make an economically priced bench sander in the US, nor cell phones, computers, TVs, or what you are wearing. Don't buy Chinese and have nothing and go naked.

[@hammondge]

And now it’s $194 and the tariffs you complain about are still in effect. Lol! No, Trump doesn’t receive tariff $$$. Get a grip. No one here cares about your politics.

[@russmartin4189]

@@hammondge Tariffs are paid by the importer to the US Treasury. They are not paid by China. However, Trump said the tariffs were paid by China and the money was flowing back into the US. NO. That was a lie. By the way., my comment was 2 years old. Don't you have a time limit on how old the posts are that you respond to?

[@hammondge]

@@russmartin4189 You obviously don’t understand why the tariffs were imposed. It didn’t seem to impact your decision to continue to support the Communist Chinese.

[@jimmyscustomaudio]

1st the rigid was great, but they are made by tti, same company that makes ryobi and they have cheaped out on parts, just bought one and motor started smoking right out of the box. Just because things look alike doesn't mean they are the same, even coming out of the same factory doesn't mean its made with the same parts....I actually thought you were going to do a real review of these sanders not just give your opinion on tools you haven't used

[@denoftools]

Here is a tip, watch the whole video before you go and make a claim like "tools you haven't used". Also, point in fact, TTI does NOT make this sander. They outsource it to Kingstar. Not only do I know the tools but I also spoke with the factory that makes these. And lastly, the fact that you had one tool go to smoke out of the box is in no way an indicator or the quality of a manufacture. No single individual has the capability of examining enough examples of a product on their own to make a statement like that. Its a mathematical fact based on data sets and the sheer fact that you don't "get that" is probably the largest indicator here.

[@jimmyscustomaudio]

Red Beard and The Den of Tools, well there are plenty of people with the same complaint about the rigid motor failing in an extremely short period of time, you talk about the grizzly that you don't actually have to compare to the others.... have you used the grizzly???? And unless you called Taiwan you didn't speak to anyone producing the ridgid.... look it up it's manufactured by tti

[@jimmyscustomaudio]

TTI licenced ridgid(power tools) back in 2003

[@marya.sirotzke4829]

Or maybe it's easier for a women's fingers. I have several tools for woodworking and always go for what I can handle. They need to make more equipment made for women!