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(More customer reviews)*Skip to bottom of review for update*
I've had a Delta BOSS spindle sander for ~5 years and it worked well until the motor burned out. Repairing it would cost almost as much as a new one, and even if repaired its longevity was questionable (other than that I've been pleased with its performance), so I looked for a replacement and settled on the Jet. I've used the Jet and it does the job intended. However, it has some areas in which it could be easily improved. Following are some comparisons between the Jet and the Delta.
1) The Jet is slightly quieter than the Delta, but not a lot - neither is a loud tool.
2) The Delta's round table is larger than the Jet's square one. The Jet's table is beefier (the Delta's never showed any tendency to flex).
3) The Delta's base is plastic, while the Jet is all metal. The feet for the Delta are molded into its base, with non-skid rubber inserts attached - all four of the molded feet are cracked, though this never caused a problem. The Jet has non-slip feet as well, and given the construction I don't think they'll be cracking or breaking off.
4) The Delta's mechanism is simple and looked robust enough. I've read that people have had problems with the nylon drive gear - I did not. However, the cover for the gears broke off at some point.
5) The Delta's steel table inserts fit around the spindles well (one for each spindle), with a pattern cut into them to improve dust collection. Delta has modified the BOSS since, and I don't know if its inserts are still steel. There are fewer inserts (also steel) for the Jet (one size is used for multiple spindles). The table inserts in the Jet aren't flush with the cast iron table top, necessitating shimming them.
6) The Delta has storage for all its accessories. The Jet has storage for some of its accessories. There's storage for the spindles and inserts, but no provision for storing the supplied wrenches required for changing the spindles. Also, there's no storage for the optional 3" spindle and insert. The Jet's insert holder slots are too narrow for the inserts to slip into (they can be forced). Some filing of the holder would correct this for the most part, but the mounting bolts will restrict the depth to which the insert can fit in the innermost slot. Some of the holes in the spindle holder are too small for the spindle to seat into completely.
7) The Delta comes with the full range of spindles (up the 3"). The Jet comes with smaller sizes (down to 1/4"), but the 3" spindle is a costly add-on (and its insert is extra).
8) The Delta is almost too tall while sitting on the benchtop (I'm 5' 9"). The Jet is ~3" taller, so it's too tall for benchtop use for me. I built it a rolling stand that puts it at a more comfortable height. This also solved the problem of lifting the Jet onto the bench - it weighs considerably more than the Delta.
9) The Jet's spindles are ~1" longer than the Delta's, but given the Jet's tilting table feature, in normal (right angle) use the extra length is lost, and the capacities of these sanders are similar.
10) The Delta's dust collection is efficient (when hooked up to a shop vacuum or dust collector - the bag is useless). The Jet is much more open underneath (between the table and the base, to accommodate the tilt feature), so dust collection suffers. I've experimented with some thin plastic sheeting to enclose this volume better). Both tools have odd-sized dust ports.
11) The Jet has twice the horsepower of the Delta (1/2 versus 1/4), but I never bogged down the Delta (these are fairly aggressive sanders, so light pressure is the norm). The Delta's motor is an open design (i.e., dust can get in) with no built-in fan, whereas the Jet has a TEFC motor.
12) The Jet costs ~$150 more than the Delta.
Bottom line: The Jet is a more solidly built machine, and appears to be constructed for the long haul. It has some rough edges that, if corrected, would take it from "very good" to "excellent". Given the extra $150 cost compared to the Delta, Jet should make these corrections. Even as is I'd classify it as a "keeper". The Delta is a decent machine for the money, but my experience with the motor kept me from buying another like it. I own a number of Delta tools (stationary and benchtop), many 15 years old or more, and this is the first failure I've experienced with one.
*Update 4/2007*
I've used the Jet sander for 2 years and I'm still pleased with it - no mechanical problems whatsoever.
The thin plastic sheeting mentioned above works fine for improving the dust collection so I have continued to use it.
I considered trying to adapt the spindles and sleeves from the Delta to the Jet, primarily so I could use the Delta's 3" spindle. The Delta would fit on one of the Jet's smaller diameter solid metal spindles (the sleeve length difference has to be addressed). However, I couldn't get the sleeve off the Jet's spindle. I didn't want to cut it off, so I gave up and bought the 3" spindle and insert. The 3" size is just too useful to pass up. It's also overpriced and should be standard equipment. Oh well.
With the 3" spindle and insert the storage problem became a real headache, so I removed the two shelves that came with the Jet and built two larger ones out of oak and mounted them where the metal shelves had been. The new shelves are the same length, but are slightly wider (they don't protrude any further out than the table top). As with the metal shelves, one side holds the spindles and the other the inserts. On the insert side I also made provision to hold the two wrenches. Metal angle brackets, bent to match the shape of the sander body, hold the new shelves in place. This is a vast improvement to the stock shelves.
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JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 PhaseFeaturing design improvements like a relocated and sealed on/off switch (to prevent dust infiltration), and shelves for storing your five complete spindles, the JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 HP Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 Phase is a true powerhouse. Its tilting table, spindles with threaded ends, and robust induction motor tackle the toughest sanding projects with ease.
A removable on/off safety switch prevents accidental start-ups.Oscillation Reduces Friction and Ensures ConsistencyThe JBOS-5 creates a one-inch oscillating action that reduces friction heat, thereby protecting your wood pieces and prolonging the life of the sleeve. Its main spindle support also runs on precision ball bearings and is oscillated by a heavy-duty worm and gear mechanism for reliable, consistent performance job after job.
Additionally, the oscillation gears run in a sealed, lubricated box to prolong their life and durability.
Powerful Induction Motor for Reliable PerformanceThe JBOS-5 comes equipped with a powerful 1/2 HP induction motor that easily handles all your sanding projects. And thanks to the table inserts and a built-in, two-inch dust port, you won't have to worry about dust and debris falling into the motor and marring its performance, compromising your view of the workspace, or causing injuries and accidents.
Tilting Table for Bevel SandingTo give you the flexibility to handle a variety of jobs and material sizes, the JBOS-5's table tilts to 45 degrees. This tilting ability also accommodates bevel sanding projects.
Safety Features for Smooth OperationDesigned for safe and smooth operation, the JBOS-5 boasts several innovative safety features. First, a removable on/off safety switch prevents accidental start-ups. There are also built-in storage racks to keep spindles and table inserts handy and within safe and easy reach. Finally, the benchtop includes four non-skid rubber feet to keep the machine stable during use.
Quick Spindle Changes and a Scratch-Free FinishYou can trust the JBOS-5 to deliver precise, quality results in less time. Spindles have threaded ends for quick, easy changes, and a one-inch spindle ensures a scratch-free finish.
The JBOS-5 measures 17 x 20.8 x 18.2 inches (WxHxL), weighs 82 pounds, and is covered by a five-year warranty.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich ProductsOpened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the BoxComplete 1/4-, 1/2-, 5/8-, 1-1/2 and two-inch spindle assemblies, two round table inserts, and two oblong table inserts.
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