Grizzly T27417 vs Ridgid EB4424 | Sander Comparison

Last updated on January 11th, 2023 at 11:43 am

Choosing between Grizzly t27417 vs Ridgid eb4424 for a hybrid sanding tool can be difficult. They combine an edge belt and spindle sander. Their performance and construction are similar. There are still factors to compare as you pick one that meets your needs. Look at their design, power, speed, cost, and weight. Below is a review of both tools that makes your journey easier as you decide to go purchase one.

Grizzly t27417 

The Grizzly T27417 converts from an oscillating spindle sander to a 4″ x 24″ oscillating edge belt sander for multiple sanding applications. It easily sands your workpieces’ outside edges and inside and outside contours. 

The oscillating movement of the spindle sands workpieces efficiently. It burns less, removes more, and wears the sandpaper less. The package includes a 0–45° tilting table and storage for sanding sleeves, drums, table inserts, and edge sanding attachment.

When using these tools, it is easy to change belts. The aluminum makes it lightweight. Pre-drilled holes to mount a miter jig would have been nice. The assembly and instruction manual is a bit blurry, but reading through will help you grasp all the parts and the installation process. 

The spindle and changeable belt are easy to install. It is smooth on the edges and sands down any shape. It is easy to set up and versatile with great power. The table comes with easy adjustment. 

Pros

• Efficient 
• Built-in storage
• Combines two tools
• Easy to install
• Lightweight

Cons

• The table is a bit flimsy
• No miter slot

Ridgid eb4424

Ridgid EB4424 Sander is a 2-in-1 machine that combines an edge belt and spindle sanding in one high-performance tool. It features a ball bearing construction that gives smooth operation and long life. The oscillating and rotary motion provides fast, burn-free finishes on tricky spaces such as edges, faces, contours, and inside and outside curves. 

Tool-free conversion from belt to spindle changes is quick and easy, and no tools are required. The table tilts 0-48 degrees to sand bevel edges with detents at popular angles (0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees). The package includes a 4-inch X 24-inch belt, all drums, and a set of sleeves. 

The onboard accessory storage accommodates all drums, throat plates, washers, and belt mechanisms. It stores accessories neatly on the tool. The tool has user-friendly features like soft-touch knobs and a hose adapter with a built-in sawdust collection port.

Recesses in the base for sawhorse mounting make this sander easy to use. It has a 3/8 HP 5 amps motor and runs at 1,725 spindle r/min. It weighs up to 40 lbs, and the package includes a sander bed assembly with a 4inch X 24 in. sanding belt assembly, 1/2in, 3/4 in., 4inch, 1-1/2 in., and 2 in diameter sanding sleeves with four drums, drum washers, hex key, table insert, and throat plates. The tool-free conversion from belt to spindle makes changes quick and easy. No tools are required during the process, making it user-friendly. 

Pros

• Tool-free
• Ease of use
• The efficient dust collection system
• High performance 
• Smooth

Cons

• It is small
• The table is too big

Favorite Features of the Grizzly t27417

Motor brushes

This sander has a permanent magnet motor that uses carbon brushes for operation. These brushes need replacement over time since they wear out. When you have no idea what a worn out looks or works like, the motor brushes sometimes have a loss of power, inconsistent operation of the motor as the motor cuts in and out, or failure of the sander motor to start.

If you are having trouble with the performance of the motor, be sure that the motor brushes are replaced. When replacing the brushes, try replacing them one at a time so you can keep track of which wire connects to each motor brush. The motor brushes have plug-type prongs that insert into the motor. When removing them, pull them out first instead of just up. 

2-in-1 feature

It combines an edge belt and spindle sanding all in one tool. That comes with the advantages of both sanding tools. A belt sander is for trimming material, sanding rough surfaces, leveling surfaces like a hardwood floor, and freehand rounding and shaping.  What makes this possible is a lot of power that can handle coarse grits.

A spindle sander moves the drum up and down during the rotations preventing static friction, which causes burns and band marks on the wood. It also increases the life of the sanding sleeve by spreading the wear across a wider surface area (Howstuffworks.com). It quickly converts from a spindle sander to an edge belt sander.

Table

The sanding tool features a 0–45° tilting table with detents at 0, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45°.

Built-in storage

Built-in storage is for sanding sleeves, sanding drums, table inserts, and edge sanding attachments.

Favorite Features of the Ridgid eb4424 

2-in1 machine

The Ridgid eb4424 is a two-in-one machine that combines edge belt and spindle sanding in one tool. 

Ball bearing construction 

The ball-bearing construction allows smooth operation and extends the life of your tool. They give less resistance and easily replaceable parts. It also handles high loads and increases motor performance (Engineeringlearn.com). 

Oscillating and rotary motion 

This feature is for fast, burn-free finishes on edges, faces, contours, and inside and outside curves. 

Table

Table tilts 0-48º – with detents at 0º, 15º, 22.5º, 30º, 45º to sand bevel edges

Storage system 

It features onboard accessory storage for all drums, throat plates, washers, and belt mechanisms to be stored neatly on the tool. 

Soft touch feature

It has user-friendly features such as Sof-Touch™ knobs, a hose adapter with a built-in sawdust collection port, and recesses in the base for sawhorse mounting.

What could be better

Grizzly t27417 

• The table could have been more efficient.

Ridgid eb4424

• The dust collection could have been better with a shop vac.

Similar Features

• They both provide built-in storage for accessories.
• Both units have storage for the belt sander in the back.
• They have a 0–45° tilting table.

Key Differences between Grizzly T27417 and Ridgid EB4424

• The Ridgid eb4424 is a bit smaller than the Grizzly T27417.

The verdict

The above review makes the selection process easier for you since you have the pros and cons of each tool. That way, you can pick one with weaknesses you can live within your business. They have more storage for your accessories and a 0-45 degrees tilting table. For smaller spaces, you might need the Ridgid eb4424. For smooth edges, Grizzly t27417 might be the perfect tool. I assume you have made your decision based on your needs.