What is the difference between an oscillating and a plain spindle sander?

The spindle moves up and down through a 5/8-inch stroke while it spins. That motion clears dust from the abrasive and spreads wear, so sleeves last longer and edges come out smoother than on a fixed spindle.

What sizes of spindle sleeves does it use?

It takes five sleeves from 1/2 inch to 2 inches, plus a 24-inch by 3.86-inch belt. That range covers most inside curves and small radius work in furniture and craft projects.

Can it sand flat edges as well as curves?

Yes. The belt handles straight edges, end grain and flat faces, while the spindles handle curves and inside cuts. You switch between the two setups rather than buying two machines.

Is it suitable for a small home shop?

It is built to sit on a bench, so it fits where a floor-standing sander would not. The trade-off is that large panels and long boards are awkward to support.

Does it need a dust collector?

It has a dust port, but the onboard collection is basic. Hooking up a shop vacuum or small dust collector keeps the work area cleaner, especially when sanding MDF or resinous woods.