A push block of some sort would be a safer option than gloves.

I first used a Craftsman 6x48 with a 9" side disc sander. It worked OK but there are better options. The only thing that "got me" was the disc when I wasn't even using it..

I have a Rigid oscillating edge sander from Home Depot. It is light weight with a short platen but pretty handy. I didn't use the spindle sander since I already had a Jet J-BOS5. I used the Rigid for a few bows before finding a used 6 x 80 Grizzly edge sander on Craigslist. The Rigid worked well for the price but the used Grizzly is my go to sander. I added a pattern sander to the motor end of the Grizzly. I think the Rigid has a good long warranty and some guys needed to use it..

I lost the ends off two finger nails this past Saturday. Gloves would have saved me..

I have a 6X48 Griz that has served me well over the years. I did have to put a motor on it this year (bad bearing and other stuff) after running it for 12 years.

QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
I lost the ends off two finger nails this past Saturday. Gloves would have saved me..

:eek:   not good.  For small material you can always use double sided tape onto a larger piece to keep fingers a safe distance from the belt.