Let me clarify the spindle sander question

[Dave Bagwill]

The spindle spins, as spindles do, on my Rigid belt/spindle sander - but the sandpaper sleeve itself stops as soon as it touches the wood. It's like there is no friction between the spindle and the sandpaper.

I hope that's clear, I'm sure there's a better way to phrase it. :-(

But how to solve the problem?

[Kevin in California]

Put one wrap of masking tape on the rubber spindle, then put on the sleeve

[Dave Bagwill]

Works for a minute only, but thanks.
I thinned the bridge plate another way, I'll work on the spindle later on.

[Chad Hadsell]

This post is old, I know, but since it's still unanswered, I figured I'd throw in my $0.02:

I have the same sander and experienced the same problem until I started really cranking down on the nut that screws in on top of the spindle. First, make sure you have the correct black washer installed on top of the rubber spindle. Then crank the nut tight enough, and it pushes that washer down into the spindle, which in turn causes the rubber of the spindle to slightly compress in height and (here's the key) expand in width. That expansion holds the sanding sleeve tight.

Of course, this doesn't work with the thinnest spindle that doesn't have the rubber piece. I just try to avoid using that one!

--Chad

[Dave Bagwill]

Ok, thanks Chad.