Is a spindle sander worth it?

I had a Grizzly similar to this, I got it like new for $100 so I went for it.
I used it a few times... but if you have a real 2x72 belt grinder with small wheel attachments, then it might be in the corner collecting dust. Maybe if you have a knife model on a regular basis that needs that shape or form, that could work for you.
 
I wouldn't get a spindle sander instead of another type of sander like a belt sander or disc sander. But if you can get it for a good price it can be a useful addition to your other tools. There will be specific knifemaking tasks or other jobs not knife related where it can come in handy.
 
What kind if belt sander do you have? If it can take a small wheel adapter, I'd take a small wheel long before I'd take a spindle sander. They're great for woodworking, but the sanding sleeves don't last too terribly long on steel and micarta and such. It's better than, say, and dremel, or trying to hand sand all day long, but not necessarily the best tool or the job if you're trying to profile harder materials.
 
I have one similar and love it. I also have the small wheel adapter for my NR 2" x 72". I use my porta band to cut my scales close to the pop bottle shape I like then go the oscillating spindle sander to finish shape sand it. I like this method as I can hook my shop vac to the OSS and it's relative dust free unlike sanding wood on my 2 x 72 with small wheels. Maybe if I had a awesome dust collector for my 2 x 72 Id change my mind though.
 
those are nice for doing handle curves. i have the harbor freight cheapie. the worst part of them in my opinion is the price of the sanding tubes, and they do not come in many different grits, mostly lower grits for wood. i re-cover my tubes with fresh sandpaper, attached with a strip of masking tape, and a rubber band. that way i can use paper up to 1000 grit. i did buy a set of small wheels for my 2x72, but i have to re-set up the machine every time go from flat platen to wheel with each grit change, so for my situation its more efficient as far as time is concerned.
 
I have a spindle sander set up on my grinding bench, right next to the 2x72. I use to use it a lot more than I do now. Last few years what I use it for is to knock the 90 degree corners off of handles and bolsters during part of the handle shaping stages. Its really handy for this but if it died tomorrow I probably wouldn't replace it.
 
I do have the small wheels for my KMG. L LCoop I think you closed the deal for me. You're right about the dust. I'm kinda a nut about keeping the dust and shavings down. Seriously, if my shop is clean I take more care in my finishing work. It's psychological, but that just me. Any time I can save cleaning up is more time making knives.

Horsewright Horsewright that's exactly what I was worried about. Even having it right at hand, it's not a killer tool for you. However, setting the initial bevels on handles and bolsters .... well ... I just gotta try it. And it's a Jet.

john april john april Cool! I never considered that. (I've never wrapped a dubbie, so I'm not sure I can do it.)

OK that's it. I'm going to run over any buy it.
 
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