Best Overall
Makita 9903 3" x 21" Belt Sander
Best Bang For The Buck
Wen 6502T Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander
Best For Details
DeWalt 20V Max XR 18” Bandfile Kit
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For anyone who work with wood , including carpenter , cabinet makers , woodwind trading floor refinishers , and DIYers , knock sanders are indispensable because they can chop-chop smooth uncut wood surfaces . We explore more than a dozen poser and pick out the good of them for quiz in our workshops . In doing so , we establish a clean winner : theMakita 9903 3″ x 21″ belt ammunition drum sander , chosen because of its high - carrying out motor , auto - belt alliance , dust udder , and a max belt focal ratio of 1,440 foot per minute ( FPM ) .
Like all thebest puppet , a quality smash sander save oodles of time , transforming a workpiece from rough to smooth and prepping it for finishing sandpaper with a random orbital or detail sander . Ahead , learn what to look for when shopping for this business leader prick , and find out how the trace model earned a smirch on our lean of the estimable belt sander .
Our Top Picks
We tested top - ratedbelt sanders — both bench eccentric and handhelds — to find the best option for different types of woodworking projects . Here , we list the professional and bunco game and foreground the task where each sander performs best . and the product specs detailed above to regain the best belt sanders for your next projection .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Performance5/5 ; Dust Collection4.5/5 ; Value4.8/5
The Makita 9903 belt electric sander is a savage ! This traditional belt smoother can be used to remove the old discolouration and polish off fromhardwood flooringand legato rough woods surfaces before apply the finishing touches . We tested this wide belt sander on different type of wood , and it quickly removed raggedness from both hardwood and softwood . However , we had to take care when testing on softwood ( cedar ) to prevent off too much material at once .
We liked the auto - trailing belt alignment feature article , which maintain the abrasive belt centered on the track even after several sanding passes caused the belt to stir up up . We estimate the dust collection purse reduced the amount of airborne junk by about 65 percent , which we apprize , but we ’d still recommend wearing a dust mask when using this belt sander .
What our tester says:“If I could make one request , I ’d ask Makita to make this manakin in a cordless version to increase its versatility . But , overall , this is a great belt sander and a timesaver for smooth 2-dimensional wood airfoil . ”—Glenda Taylor , mathematical product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Makita belt sander onAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : comfort of Use4.8/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Dust Collection4/5 ; Value4.8/5
There ’s a fortune to like about the Wen 6502 T workbench - mode belt sander — and respectable of all , it ’s affordable . The knock characteristic let it to be used as a horizontal or a upright belt sander , which increases its versatility . It also comes with a 6 - inch disk drum sander , which we used to sandpaper minuscule items .
We bolt the Wen sander to our work bench , although at 37.6 pound , it ’s beefy enough to quell put on its own for many sanding projects . We were able-bodied to easily adjust the belt build up bland or perpendicular , and the electric sander was sturdy and static in both positions . We tested the Wen for sand unlike case of wood , both hard and soft , and it made agile work of removing weathered turn up and indentation from vapid boards .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The 6 - inch disc sander was outstanding for ending - grain sanding and shaping pocket-size small-arm of wood . The power saw ’s disgorge aluminum mesa helped stabilize the workpiece , and its miter standard of measurement was a boon for sanding precise goal slant . It also feature a dust embrasure , but even when we associate our shop class vacuum hose , it only cut back airborne detritus by about 40 percent . Still , that ’s helpful .
What our tester says:“I was proud of with the Wen ’s tone construction and versatility . Even though it ’s a budget sander , I feel it ’s good enough to realize a spot alongside professionalwoodworking puppet . ”—Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews examiner and author
Get the Wen bash sander atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWen .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Performance5/5 ; Dust Collection4/5 ; Value4.5/5
If you ’ve done more than a handful of woodworking or construction projects , you ’ve almost certainly had to get originative so as to sand intemperate - to - strive smudge . We ’ve wrapped emery paper around small control stick and dowels to sand in those qualified spaces , but it ’s clumsy at best and can take a tenacious time to get good event .
DeWalt ’s 20 - volt bandfile rap sander offer a game - changing solvent . We did n’t test this particular drum sander on monotonous board ; instead , we searched gamy and low to find small nook and crannies on wood task that we could n’t pass with a traditional belt sander , and we were impressed !
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The belt on this cordless sander is 18 inches farseeing and just ½ inch astray , and the sanding arm is adjustable , so we were able to move it into the post that made it easy to reach various tryout slur . We really like the speed ascendance view of this drum sander — it come with a dial for general speed options and a varying amphetamine gun trigger for even more control condition .
It comes with a compact , 1.7 amp - hr ( Ah ) PowerStack battery and battery charger . PowerStack assault and battery are humble but more powerful than standard batteries , and we found the 1.7Ah easily capable of running the sander . If you need more might , you may always swap in another DeWalt 20V Max barrage fire .
Get the DeWalt belt sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orTheHomeDepot .
Photo: Amazon
Best Compact
Grizzly H3140 1" x 30" Belt Sander
This compact bench sander by Grizzly is well - suit for a small woodshop or even for a craftsman or hobbyist . We mounted this sander to our work bench because it count just 10 pounds and had a tendency to slither during usage when it was n’t bolt down .
This is a light - obligation belt sander , but we set up it work well for smooth out down rough grain on humble particular , such as dowels and 1 - by-1 board . It comes with a tilting table , which we were able-bodied to adapt when we wanted to sandpaper slant and board - remnant miter .
This little Grizzly does n’t volunteer a bunch of fancy bell and whistles , but it does what it ’s conjecture to do : it sandpaper minor workpieces effectively . It could likely also be used as a belt sander for knife - qualification or to sharpen the bound of modest blades , but we did n’t test it in that content .
Photo: Amazon
We plug in our shop vacuum hose to its rubble interface , but it did n’t make a measurable difference in the amount of airborne dust , so we ’d recommend using this small rap sander outside or in conjunction with a separate detritus extractor .
Get the Grizzly belt sander fromThe Home DepotorGrizzly Industrial .
More Great Options
We did n’t personally test the following belt sanders , but we selected them for inclusion in our batting order based on their build quality , features , power , and carrying out . If you ’re still uncertain about the right swath sander for your indigence – betting odds are you ’ll find it here .
Best Benchtop
Bucktool BS4603 Bench Belt & Disc Sander Combo
Using a handheld belt sander for small projects or quarantined parts is difficult because you necessitate two script to hold the belt sander , while the prey aim must be secured in a vise . or else of rigging up that variety of system , consider opting for a benchtop poser , like this one from Bucktool . The benchtop belt sander remains stationary while the user make a motion the target area material to the rapidly moving sanding belt to sand , shape , or sharpen .
We like the design of this whack disc sander combo better than the Wen jazz band sander because the disc is located at the terminal of the car , which make it less probable to step in with the use of the knock sander .
The unmediated - drive motor scheme meliorate sanding efficiency , while the toilsome root word foreclose the sander from mistake or shifting during use . We also like the Bucktool drum sander ’s adjustable belt arm and its aluminium work table that tilt up to 45 level for beveled sand with the built - in disc sander . Just keep in mind that this stationary tool is not designed for portability .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Bucktool whang sander atAmazonorBucktool .
Best Cordless
Ryobi 18V One+ 3” x 18” Brushless Belt Sander
We ’re gravid fans of the convenience that cordless tools tender . One of the most usual problems in a crowded workshop is the constant tripping peril created by corded major power cock . While benchtop tools can be dress up , plugged in , and positioned to restrain this take , handheld power tools need to be carry and move around the workshop . That ’s why we suggest investing in a cordless rap sander , like this one from Ryobi , to decimate this safety peril and increase versatility and control .
This Ryobi belt electric sander include a 3 - inch by 18 - inch , 80 - guts sandpaper belt and a dust collection bag . It also features an on - off initiation - lock switch and an adjustable knob handle for salutary handling . However , this cordless model can only reach speeds of 850 FPM , so it ’s a medium - tariff electric sander . And it does not make out with a battery or a charger , so drug user will need to purchase these accessory separately .
Get the Ryobi belt sander atThe Home Depot .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best Handheld
Metabo HPT SB8V2 3" x 21" Variable Speed Belt Sander
Benchtop belt drum sander are great for smaller labor or to work on isolated piece of a heavy project , but we favour a handheld belt sander , like this Metabo HPT example , which is better for sanding a enceinte object that can not reasonably be raise into posture for use with a benchtop sander . The Metabo HPT knock sander has a sinewy 9 - amp motor and a variable speed switch that allow for the user to adjust the speed of the sanding belt from 820 to 1,475 FPM . That ’s not as fast as some of the models we examine , but it will still sand down rough surfaces cursorily and expeditiously .
To improve control and visibility , the belt sander has a transparent tracking windowpane that we think would be especially utilitarian when sanding in a tight outer space , up against a wall , or in a corner where profile is limited . The sander collects dust in a left over - side - mounted rubble collection bag to help keep the workspace fair and unobscured . However , despite these outstanding highlights , this model is a twilled galvanising belt sander , which imply that the power electric cord limits the mountain chain and portability .
Get the Metabo belt sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orMetabo .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Belt Sanders
When selecting belt sanders for our batting order , we looked closely at the top blade in the industry , including DeWalt , Makita , Grizzly , and Wen . ab initio , we looked for build calibre and powerful performance . After we whittled the list down to about a 12 choice , we further pin down it by turning our care to consumer experience and satisfaction . From that shorter list , we selected the intersection you see on this list for script - on testing in our workshop .
The actual examination was straight , but the unconscious process was n’t superposable for each swath sander . We execute four tests with each sander , but those tests were gear to each sander ’s best usage . For example , we tested the handheld sanders with magnanimous smash for remove old rouge and smoothing vapid wood Earth’s surface , while we used modest boards and dowels to try narrow - smash bench - panache model and combo machines with sanding discs . last , we tested the handheld DeWalt by getting into crocked place and smoothing the wood that would otherwise be difficult to strain .
During testing , we present points establish on a gloss . The better a sander performed on a test or judgement , the more points it clear . After testing was complete , we averaged the item to determine our best overall plectron and to categorize the others as to their secure use .
Photo: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing a Belt Sander
To find a suitable smash sander for your next carpentry projection , consider whether you are looking for a benchtop knock sander , a handheld belt sander , or even a totally cordless belt sander for improved manoeuvrability . Also , research power , speed , size , and weight so that you find the good belt sander for your needs .
Benchtop vs. Handheld
There are two master belt sander types differentiated by their mobility : benchtop rap drum sander and hand-held belt electric sander .
Motor Power and Power Source
Many belt ammunition drum sander , including benchtop and handheld example , connect to a superpower outlet with a powerfulness electric cord or through an extension electric cord . This twilled alternative offers consistent might , though it limits the range of the twist . Some manufacturers also offer cordless belt sander variants that operate on battery power , though these machines are typically less brawny than their twilled counterparts . There are also a few pneumatic sanders on the market , but these tools need to be connected to an air compressor , and they are not as authentic as twilled belt sanders .
Typically , whang sander motors range from about 2 A to over 10 amps , though the power output of a cordless drum sander is usually given in voltage , ranging from 16 to 20 volts . Note that some enceinte - obligation benchtop belt sanders postulate a connection to a 220 - V electric serviceinstead of the standard house 110 volt , so be sure to check the product entropy before purchase .
Speed
The belt on a knock sander is drive up to high speeds using the rotational force give by the drums . In most fortune , the knock focal ratio is measured in feet per min ( FPM ) , range from about 500 to 4,500 FPM or more . Some maker provide the speed in rotations per minute ( RPM ) , so it ’s important for buyers to record the detail carefully to guarantee that they sympathize the information distinctly .
Many belt drum sander have just one fixed speed . When users turn the sander on , it will take a few moment to attain this speed , and it will stay consistent until they turn it off . However , buyers can also find belt sanders with variable speed dials and triggers that permit them to control the swiftness .
Size and Weight
A small whang smoother is a good option if you take the peter for precisedetail sanding , but if you call for it to remove loggerheaded level of Sir Henry Joseph Wood or metallic element , you will want a heavy - duty product . seem for a sturdy handheld belt sander for work on larger objects like a tabular array or door . These gadget can make bridge player tiredness during use , so it ’s recommended to find a product with a well-to-do grip and ergonomic design to help reduce strain on the user .
Lightweight hand-held drum sander with broad sanding belts are a good alternative if portability is necessary , but if shoppers are in the mart for an industrial belt sander , they should prefer for a heavy theoretical account that wo n’t shift while they do work . Alternatively , most stationary belt sander model can be for good bestride to a workbench .
Additional Features
Once you have narrowed the selection to a few product using the key factors mentioned above , you’re able to face for extra feature , like a built - in dust collecting bag , on - off trigger lock , or pressure index number .
Tips for Using Belt Sanders
Whenever youuse a belt sander , it ’s recommend that you wear appropriate personal protective equipment , such as closed - toe brake shoe , long gasp , a foresightful - sleeve shirt , safety chicken feed , a mask , and gloves . ensure the space is well - ventilated and that there is enough light source to work on the project safely .
Whether you are sand Natalie Wood , metal , or any other material , verify to move the handheld knock sander at a uniform stride to preclude damage to your project . Similarly , if you are using abenchtop sander , you need to move the material at a consistent stride and air pressure . Also , ensure the benchtop or table belt electric sander has a flat , stable surface to sit on during use . This will help keep down vibrations and increase precision .
FAQs
If you still are n’t certain how to opt from the best belt sanders , the following result to some of the most common questions about belt smoother may help you gain a better understanding of how and when to use a belt sander .
A belt sander is a powerful dick used to trim edge , level surfaces , and anatomy textile . Typically , this tool is specify to bump off thick layers of wood and metal to prepare the task for detailed sanding , though some precision rap smoother are desirable for short - responsibility finish projects .
The bang on a belt sander lasts about 12 to 18 months , depending on the absolute frequency of use . However , the actual swath sander will last between 5 and 10 year if it is decent maintained , clean , and stack away when not in use of goods and services .
Photo: Amazon
No . permit the weightiness of the drum sander and the motion of the belt do all the work . iron out down can result in an uneven surface or gouge .
That depend on the undertaking . A 3 - inch by 21 - inch belt sander is democratic for sandpaper flat materials , while a model with a narrow-minded belt is better for reaching loaded smear or sanding small item .
Yes , but take some time to acquaint yourself with the tool before sanding on the literal projection .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Unplug the drum sander and release the tenseness lever to slay the sure-enough belt . Then , mistake a new belt over the rollers and re - pursue the tension lever tumbler to tighten up it in position .
you could , but first , fit the smoother with a whack made for sand metal . A steady sanding bang for Mrs. Henry Wood can fall apart out quickly when used to sandpaper metallic element .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a contractile organ , ware tester , and writer focusing in the first place on construction , DIY putz , and home appliances .
Additional research allow by Timothy Dale .
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
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