RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander vs WEN Products 3.5-Amp Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander, 6524
Buy the RIDGID EB4424 if you want a heavier, more powerful machine with a lifetime service agreement and a wider tilting table. Buy the WEN 6524 if you want to spend less and can live with a 3.5-amp motor and a 2-year warranty. The RIDGID is the sturdier sander; the WEN is the budget pick. Check the current prices at each store before you decide, since both go on sale often.
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RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander
Choose the RIDGID EB4424 if you sand hardwoods and curved parts often and want 5 amps, a 40 lb cast build, and lifetime service.
- 5-amp motor holds speed under load better than the WEN.
- 3/4 in. stroke clears dust from the abrasive faster.
- Table tilts to 48° with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degrees.
- Lifetime service agreement covers repairs.
- On-board storage for drums, throat plates and belt assembly.
- 40 lb is heavy to move around a small shop.
- Costs more than the WEN.
What separates them
| RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander | WEN Products 3.5-Amp Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander, 6524 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 5 A, 3/8 HP | 3.5 A |
| Spindle speed | 1,725 RPM | Up to 2,000 RPM |
| Oscillations per minute | 60 | 58 |
| Stroke | 3/4 in. | 5/8 in. |
| Table tilt | 0° to 48°, 5 positive stops | 0° to 45° |
| Spindle sizes | 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 in. (plus 1/2 in. sleeves) | 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 in. |
| Weight | 40.2 lb | Not listed; lighter class |
| Warranty | Lifetime service agreement |
Price history
- RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander: lowest $299.00 on Nov 2 at Amazon.
- WEN Products 3.5-Amp Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander, 6524: lowest $183.00 on Nov 2 at The Home Depot.
Prices at every store
RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
WEN Products 3.5-Amp Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander, 6524
- The Home DepotCheck price at The Home Depot
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander | WEN Products 3.5-Amp Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander, 6524 |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage | 5 A | — |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | — |
| Product Weight | 40.2 lb | — |
| Input | 3/8 HP, 5 Amps. | — |
| No Load Speed | 1,725 spindle | — |
| Belt Speed | 1,350 belt | — |
| Oscillation | 60/min. | — |
| Stroke | 3/4 in. | — |
| Belt Size | 4 in. x 24 in. | — |
| Sanding Drums | 3/4 in., 1 in., 1-1/2 in., 2 in. | — |
What reviewers say
RIDGID Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander
Owners of the EB4424 generally rate it well as a value benchtop combo sander, praising the quick belt-to-spindle change and stable table. Common complaints center on dust collection and the plastic throat plates.
- Fast tool-free change between belt and spindle
- Solid, vibration-free running for the price
- Accurate table stops for bevels
- Dust collection leaves a lot behind
- Throat plate inserts can be fiddly to seat
- Heavy to lift and store
WEN Products 3.5-Amp Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander, 6524
Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 32 ratings. Owners generally treat it as good value for a hobby shop, with the oscillation and dual belt/spindle function getting the most praise. Complaints tend to center on power and on setup and switching between modes.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for sanding curves in hardwood?
- The RIDGID. Its 5-amp motor and 3/4 in. stroke remove material faster and resist stalling. The WEN works but is slower on thick stock.
- Is the RIDGID worth the extra money?
- If you sand often, yes. You get more power, a wider tilting table and a lifetime service agreement. For occasional use, the WEN covers the same jobs.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- RIDGID. Its lifetime service agreement covers the tool for as long as you own it. WEN backs the 6524 with 2 years.
- Do both take a 4 x 24 in. belt?
- Yes. Both use a 4 in. x 24 in. belt and both convert between belt and spindle without tools.
- Which is easier to move around?
- The WEN. The RIDGID weighs 40.2 lb, so it is best left on a bench. The WEN is the lighter machine for a small shop.
- Can I hook up dust collection to either?
- The WEN lists a 1-1/2 in. dust port. The RIDGID has a built-in dust port as well; check the port size before buying an adapter.
