Ridgid Belt/Spindle Sander (EB4424)

There are a number of bench top oscillating spindle sanders and bench top belt sanders on the market. This is the only one that I know of that combines both features in a single unit.

The first thing that struck me was the compact size of the Ridgid EB4424 - essentially you're getting two machines in one trim unit, about 19" x 16" x 13". And at 40 lbs, it's easy to move about the shop or store under a bench.

The folding aluminum table top is reasonably large (10 1/2" x 16" of usable space). You can tilt the table to one of five pre-set angles (0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30° and 45°) or lock it at any other angle between 0° and 45°. The locking knob holds the folding table secure. Another nice feature is the standard sized (3/4" x 3/8") miter slot on the table top. You'll be able to use your table saw miter gauge to sand stock against the belt more easily. There is also an adjustable work rest which is handy for use with small stock (it helps to prevent stock from flying off the end of the work table).

Effectively you get a 7" flat work surface on the sanding belt. While this works fine for short stock, it makes for awkward use with long stock. As on a hand held belt sander, a tracking knob, on top of the sanding belt assembly, enables you to adjust the sanding belt so that it doesn't ride off the platten.

Switching from belt to spindle mode is reasonably quick: loosen a knob, lift the belt assembly off the spindle shaft, slip a spindle drum over the spindle shaft and re-install the knob. Each drum has its own washer and throat plate. There is no drum for the 1/2" sleeve; it slips right onto the spindle shaft. The belt assembly is stored conveniently at the back of the unit, while the spindle drums, washers and throat plates are stored up front (the sanding sleeves are stored on the drums). The largest drum size is 2"; however you can remove the work rest, and use the right end of the belt, which has a 3" diameter. Unfortunately, there is very little table top space on the right side of the belt, which makes it very awkward to sand stock of almost any size.

While the EB4424 doesn't vibrate very much in use, it's still a good idea to bolt it to your workbench, or better yet, bolt it to a sheet of plywood so that you can easily move it around the shop. Unlike other shop machines, this one is relatively quite; largely due to the small, (3/8 HP) induction motor and its soft rubber feet .

All sanders generate a lot of dust, and you really need to connect a shop vacuum to the 2 1/2" dust port. But don't expect your vacuum to pick up most of the dust, particularly in belt mode. I'd estimate that it will capture 70 to 80%.

Most shop machines need some adjustment at some time or other. On the EB4424 it's quite easy to adjust the table square to the sanding belt via a pair of set screws. Likewise, you can easily adjust the sanding belt parallel to the miter slot.

A crepe block is a good investment if you purchase this machine; it removes dust and resin from the sanding belt/sleeves. Regularly cleaning the belts/sleeves will not only make them last longer, they'll also do a better sanding job.

For someone who makes crafts or small wood projects, the EB4424 offers good functionality at a decent price.

Reviewed February 2009