Trouble with this new/used spindle sander

[brad hays]

I picked this little guy up cheap as it still runs well, just needs a new set of sanding drums to get it productive again. Only issue is, I've never owned one of these sanders and I'm not sure how to go about getting this old spindle off. I bought it with the smallest diameter sanding rubber drum or whatever on it. According to the ancient instructions I looked up the sanding element should come off once the top nut and washers are removed, but this one's not budging. It came with a large flat wrench that looks like it's meant for a couple different size nuts. It's meant to be used for the retaining nut on the top of the spindle but it also seems like it's meant to fit a larger nut as well, although I can't figure out where it is.


Should I just go ahead and cut this sand drum and rubber off the spindle, or is there something else I'm missing that needs loosening?


First pic is my sander, second is from something else that shows the same old Craftsman sander I have.

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[Ralph Boumenot]

I have that same sander which I bought in 1995 at Sears. My drums deteriorated over the years and I replaced them all with Grizzly ones. You aren't missing anything else to loosen. One nut and two washers is all there is.

[Curt Harms]

As Ralph says you have everything apart that needs to come apart. Maybe try moderate heat like a hair dryer? Maybe somebody else has a better idea. If all else fails just cut it off, you're buying a new set right?

[Dave Sabo]

Pretty sure there is no “drum” for the smallest size - the sleeve just slips over the spindle.

Yours must have glued itself to the metal spindle. I’d just cut it off and clean up the spindle.

[Bill Dufour]

You can try freezing the rubber to expand it. Most folks get that backward.
Bill D

[glenn bradley]

I have that same sander which I bought in 1995 at Sears. My drums deteriorated over the years and I replaced them all with Grizzly ones. You aren't missing anything else to loosen. One nut and two washers is all there is.

@Ralph - Is it correct that there is no small drum? That is, that the sleeve just slips over the metal at this size?

[Jim Becker]

@Ralph - Is it correct that there is no small drum? That is, that the sleeve just slips over the metal at this size?
I have a different brand OSS, but the smallest size abrasive cylinder does indeed just slip over the metal spindle. I suspect that's typical of most, if not all of them.

[james manutes]

I have a different brand OSS, but the smallest size abrasive cylinder does indeed just slip over the metal spindle. I suspect that's typical of most, if not all of them.
Also true for my Jet OSS - on the two smallest sizes .

[Ralph Boumenot]

I am not 100% sure but I don't have a rubber that small and the sanding tube fits on the spindle.

[brad hays]

I'll get a light down on the top of it to make sure there's no rubber before I get to it, but yes I'm getting a whole new set so I guess it doesn't matter much one way or the other. Glad to know I wasn't missing something, cause with my track record that was as likely as anything else :)

[Rick Potter]

It is probably just stuck on the steel 1/2" shaft that is also the 1/2' 'drum'. Drizzle some liquid wrench down the sleeve, lock two nuts on the top threads and gentle wiggle the sanding drum with some vise grips. Do not clamp them very tight....don't want to score the shaft.

Should loosen up quickly.