JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 Phase

by Jet

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring 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.

The JET JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 HP Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander offers: A powerful 1/2 HP induction motor that delivers one-inch oscillating action Precision ball bearings and a heavy-duty worm and gear mechanism for reliability A table that tilts to 45 degrees Built-in storage racks for spindles and table inserts 1/4-, 1/2-, 5/8-, 1-1/2 and 2-inch spindle assemblies

A removable on/off safety switch prevents accidental start-ups.

The JBOS-5 creates a one-inch oscillating action that reduces friction heat, protecting your wood pieces and prolonging the life of the sleeve. View larger.

The five included spindle assemblies offer plenty of versatility for a wide range of projects.

Oscillation Reduces Friction and Ensures Consistency
The 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 Performance
The 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 Sanding
To 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 Operation
Designed 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 Finish
You 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 Products
Opened 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 Box
Complete 1/4-, 1/2-, 5/8-, 1-1/2 and two-inch spindle assemblies, two round table inserts, and two oblong table inserts.

Product Description

This model 708404 sander is ideal for sanding contours and those hard to reach spots that other sanders just cant get to. This sander provides a scratch free finish due to the oscillating action of the spindle. Features include a 1/2HP motor, a large cast-iron table that tilts to handle all bevel sanding projects and built in dust collection. Five spindle sizes are included as standard equipment: 2", 1-1/2", 5/8", 1/2", and 1/4" as well as two round and two oblong table inserts. A larger 3" spindle is available as an accessory.

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Product Details

Product Manual [298kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 17 x 20.8 inches ; 82 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 81.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00005A3GW
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 708404
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,282 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #27 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Sanders > Disc Sanders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

111 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Updated - Jet's spindle sander, with comparisons to Delta's, June 3, 2005

By 

RKM (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

*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.

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT ADDITION TO A SMALL SHOP, August 31, 2003

By 

KRASSEL (SPANAWAY, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

I too want to thank all the contributors who took the time to write a review on this great machine. It definitly influenced my decision to buy the Jet JBOS5. The table on mine was perfect right out of the box and only required getting the shipping gunk off before it was ready to use. It is very quiet while running and has no noticeable vibration. It is heavy enough to not need clamping to the work table while in use. I use the smaller spindles more than the larger one's and have not had a problem with bending them as some of the reviewers have. I make a lot of Bandsaw box's and this tool makes sanding the inside of the drawer cavities a dream. Can't believe I spent the last few years sanding them by hand. The built in dust collection system seems to work ok, still end up with a little dust on the table but the majority of it goes out the hose. I made some inserts to use with the smaller spindles (plexiglas) but the ones that come with the machine are certainly adequate to the task. I haven't felt the need for the 3" spindle as I don't do much furniture work, but this machine has plenty of "ummph" to power a spindle of that size if necessary. I have reccommended it to several friends and would reccommend it to anyone. It definitly is a cut above the delta and ryobi offerings.
UPDATE....Nov 2004....I've had this machine for over a year now and am still impressed with it's performance. Can't even estimate how many board feet of wood this sander has cleaned up. Anyone who has tried to sand out bandsaw blade marks on the inside of a box will come to love this thing. I recently purchased an extra set of spindles, so I can have two grit's available. Changing spindles is easier and faster than changing grit size on the spindles. Kind of a spendy way to go, but it has speeded up my production quite a bit. Still haven't bought the 3" but may do that soon. Got some "furniture" projects coming up and it will be very handy. Have had zero problems with this machine and I use it a lot. Still highly recommend it.
October 2006..Yep another update..finally got the 3" drum and insert. Well worth the money, find myself using it a lot. Highly reccomend.

68 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Sweetheart Deal, December 21, 2003

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JET 708404 JBOS-5 5-1/2 Inch 1/2 Horsepower Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander with Spindle Assortment, 110-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

This sander kicks. I got the first one, and for some reason, the motor was off center, so it was much closer to the edge of one of the rings. It must have been an assembly problem. It's brand new, so rather than fuss with it, I called Amazon, and they promptly sent a replacement. That is why I deal with Amazon. On to the new sander.
This is a heavy, approx 80 pound, cast iron top, benchtop sander. The cast iron top is rock solid, smooth, straight, and even all the way across it's ground polished surface. I'm a critical nut, use a dial caliper to measure things, use the Incra table saw fence, which is accurate to within .002" inch. So when I talk about this Jet sander, keep that in mind.
Right out of the box, I used the Bosch digital protractor (another highly recommended item) which measures angles in tenths of a degree. (Equal to 3600 dots in a circle), and the spindle was accurate to within 7/10ths of one degree at the most extreme angle, and within 1 or 2/10ths of a degree at the others. So you could say right out of the box it was not off by even one degree. The best you can expect to get for measuring an upright metal shaft, with an expandable thick rubber tube, designed to squash out to hold a circular sleeve of sandpaper. For all intents and purposes, that it dead on. :-)
This does not pertain to the built in rule, you use to set the top to 90 degree, 45 degrees, or whatever tilting angle you may choose. After you perfectly set the top with any 90 degree square, it is advisable to loosen the setting screw, and fine adjust the pointer. See mention of this farther into the review.
It would be a lot easier to simply say, this Jet Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander is perfectly dead on, but then again, perfect is a relative term. I hope your having as much fun reading this review, as I am writing it. :=)
So what about the rest of the machine. I wouldn't bother buying anything more powerful. The 1/2HP induction motor found in the base, is a direct drive, with more than enough power to sand rock wood. I mated it on top of a Sears, very inexpensive, two shelf, red, metal, roll around cart. Lots of room for the sander, at a nice height. Also plenty of room, or extras, like the 3" optional drum and insert ring, the wrenches, and whatever amount of sanding tubes, you may need storage for. The lower shelf has even more storage. At the risk of sounding vain, the creme white Jet, with black and red accents, looks great on the matching red color stand. With the roll around wheels, it makes a lot of use for a little bit of dollars. It is Sears least expensive.
Back to the sander. You will want to take out a square, and set the table top to exactly 90 degrees to the spindle, then loosen the holding screw to the pointer, and precisely point it to the 90 degree mark on the built in rule. In doing so, and moving it to the 45 degree mark on the rule, by tilting the table, it was a dead on 45 when measuring. So the rule is accurate, once set.
The nitty gritty is that this sander is quiet, smooth, plenty of power for sanding edges, even on stacked hardwoods. It has multiple spindle sizes included. The little ones are not meant to lean on, (they go that fine) so if you are trying to remove stock quickly, choose the larger shaft sizes. I do recommend getting the optional 3" spindle, and insert ring, to maximize the smoothness and evenness of sanding larger surfaces.
I look at this as a lifetime tool. No need to buy a much more expensive floor standing model.
One note on cleaning the top. The manufacturer advises you to clean the cosmolene off of the top with kerosene, and a paper towel. Cast iron rusts just by looking at it, so they protect it for shipping. Anything like a solvent with totally eliminate any surface protection at all. In that condition, even the humidity in the air with start microscopic rusting. Not only does Jet advise you to clean it off with kerosene (which is an oil based product), they then advise you to wax the top.
If I had to be critical of the unit, I would say the one disadvantage of a benchtop unit, is that you have to limit the table top size, to prevent tipping over when using larger stock. The Jet JBOS-5 has sufficient top surface to meet my needs, but ever since I installed a large side, and outfeed table on the table saw, I am sensitive to the advantages of larger outfeed tables. One could be built and added onto the benchtop model, and give you more surface than the floor models.
All in all, with this kind of solid construction and performance, and price, this is the sweetheart deal. Highly recommended.