For any type of wood sanding, shaping or smoothing task, you need a belt sander.
Whether you are a carpenter making furniture, a contractor laying floorboards, a DIY renovator installing kitchen cupboards, or a hobbyist with a small craft project, the belt sander will help you to complete all your woodworking tasks fast and efficiently.
The 8 Best Belt Sanders
- SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat 6 Amp 3 x 18-Inch Belt Sander
- Tacklife PSFS1A 3 x 18-Inch Belt Sander
- WEN 6502 4 x 36-Inch Belt and 6-Inch Disc Sander
- Hitachi SB8V2 9.0 Amp 3 x 21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
- Makita 9403 4 x 24-inch Belt Sander (Our Top Pick)
- PORTER-CABLE 362V 4-Inch by 24-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
- RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt and Disc Sander
- Genesis GBS321A 3-x 21-inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
Our Top Pick for the Best Belt Sander
Our top pick for the best belt sander is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander.
Makita is well-known for their quality and easy-to-use power tools so you know you can trust their belt sander to deliver a solid working performance. With loads of power and a intuitive design, this best-in-class sander is an essential sanding tool for both professional and DIY woodworking enthusiasts.
Ultimate Wood Finishing Power Tools
Whatever type of project you have to complete, the belt sander is the ultimate wood finishing power tool for any professional job site or home workshop. It can accomplish so many woodworking or metal work tasks.
- Sand back a piece of rough lumber and deck board
- Remove unwanted splinters and other types of material
- Remove old paint and rust from wood and metal
- Round and shape rough edges
- Smooth and polish a wooden surface to create a beautiful finish
How to Choose The Right Belt Sander For Your Project
Choosing the right belt sander will depend on the types of woodworking projects you have planned. Some belt sanders are designed for small, light-duty sanding projects like the Skil or the Rikon. While other sanders have extra powerful motors and large belt sizes that make them essential tools for medium-duty tasks like removing stubborn old paint or rust, like the Hitachi-SB, Porter-Cable or the Genesis.
Heavy-duty models, like the Wen and Makita, are engineered for professional/industrial projects such as rounding and shaping edges for furniture, sanding back a maple wood floor or working on large pieces of wood for building a house.
Sanding Belts
Sanding belt sizes range widely, and what you choose would depend on the type of project. More intricate work needs a smaller belt, while large projects such as sanding flooring, would benefit from wider belts.
Some manufacturers also include extra belts like an 80-grit or a 100-grit belt for different types of sanding applications.
The belt sander might even come with a miter gauge or they may be designed with two tools in one, like the Wen or Rikon, which is both a belt and disc sander, which gives you extra woodworking functionality.
To be able to find the best type of belt sander that will fit your project, here are some important features to consider.
Power
When it comes to a power tool like a miter saw or a circular saw, it is all about the strength of the motor. If you have light duty sanding tasks, a motor Ampage of 4.3, 5, or 6 amps will deliver the right amount of sanding power. Motors with 8, 9, 11 or 12 amp will provide ample power for heavy-duty projects.
Another feature to look for when choosing a belt sander is the speed setting. If you need more control over the belt’s speed, some belt sanders have variable speed settings, while other sanders have only one speed.
Track Centering System
Keeping the sander firmly positioned on your workpiece will make the world of difference to your project. This is where a track centering system comes in handy. If you are an experienced woodworker, you may not need it, but for beginners or for heavy-duty tasks, a track centering system keeps the belt sander in place and centered on the workpiece which saves you on time and frustration.
Weight
Although belt sanders are designed to be portable, some high-powered models have a considerable weight to them like the Makita. Extra powerful sanders should have some weight to them as their solid housing construction protects the larger sized motor. But if you are sanding back miter or beveled angles, a heavyweight sander may be too hard to maneuver on the workpiece.
A lightweight sander can also pose a problem if you need to work continuously for an hour or more and the motor can overheat. So for smaller jobs or working in a tight spot choose a lightweight belt sander. For large industrial or DIY projects, choose a heavier and tougher sander.
Ergonomic Handles
Handles are extremely important for any type of power tool. Belt sanders usually come with two handles, one large handle at the back and a knob style handle at the front, which gives you optimal control over the tool. Ergonomic handles that are comfortable to hold and give you a good secure grip, will make your sanding tasks so much easier.
Dust Filtration Systems
Keeping your workpiece, workspace or job site clean and free from sawdust is important for good health and safety practices. A dust filtration system like a dust collection bag will keep any dust particles safely stored until you are ready to empty the bag. A clear dust canister is a good idea as it lets you keep an eye on the amount of dust in the canister. If the belt sander does not come with a dust collection bag or canister, they may have a dust collection port, like the Tacklife belt sander, where you can attach a shop vac or other type of vacuum.
Best Belt Sander Reviews
1. SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat 6 Amp 3 x 18-Inch Belt Sander
Extremely affordable, lightweight, compact and powerful, the 3 x 18-inch Skil belt sander is the ideal tool for small light-duty woodworking projects like sanding along the edges of a door or sanding floorboards.
The belt sander has a powerful 6-amp motor that provides ample power for most sanding jobs and the power button has a very handy lock-on feature when you need continuous power for larger tasks.
There are two ergonomic handles, which allows you to easily maneuver the sander alongside walls, ceilings, and along the edge of floorboards for perfect edging and finishing.
Skil has included a great safety feature, the built-in pressure-control alert system, which alerts you when you are exerting excessive pressure on the machine.
The 80-bit sanding belt has an auto-alignment track system that helps you to keep the sander centered and firmly in place on any surface. You can easily change the belt with the single lever function.
You can keep your work zone tidy with an attached large micro-filtration system dust canister that has the ability to capture fine dust particles and its clear plastic construction shows you when it is ready to be emptied. If you have a lot of dust to clean-up, you can hook up a household vacuum cleaner to the 1-1/4-inch vacuum adaptor.
The belt sander also has a 6-foot power cord to give you good maneuverability around your workspace.
Skil also offers a 3, 4 or 5 belt sander pack.
The SKIL 7510-01 belt sander is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent price
- Ideal for small renovation projects
- Powerful 6-amp motor
- Easy to maneuver alongside walls, ceilings, and floors
- Lightweight at 8.2lbs
- Contoured handles enable steady operation
- Optional hookup to most household vacuums
- Power button lock-on feature
- Pressure control technology
- Auto Track System
- Micro-filtration captures and contains fine dust particles
- Clear view dust canister
- Single lever belt change
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- The continuous power switch is not easily accessible while the sander in operation
- Not ideal for heavy duty tasks
2. Tacklife PSFS1A 3 x 18-Inch Belt Sander
The 3 x 18-inch Tacklife belt sander is a high performing and smartly designed power tool that can be used for medium to heavy-duty sanding projects.
Built for fast and efficient stock removal, the 5-amp motor has ample power even under load and rotates the blade at 14 feet per second and the 6 variable speed dial allows you to adjust the speed to suit your woodworking tasks.
The Tacklife belt sander has a sanding platform design when you flip it over, and it comes with two screw clamps to fix it to a table. The large belt surface allows you to cover more area, and the tool-free belt release allows for quick and efficient grit and sandpaper changes.
Lightweight at 6.45 lbs, the belt sander is easy to maneuver and the new and improved overmold silicon wrap front handle and the sub-handle is comfortable to hold. The locking switch enables you to work for a long time without having to maintain a constant grip on the trigger.
Highly portable, the sander features an extra long 9.8 ft. power cord with Velcro tape for flexible operation and easy organization.
The dust collection system collects 90% of the dust and you can also attach a shop vac to the vacuum adaptor to maintain a clean work environment for large workspaces.
The Tacklife belt sander comes with a metal screw clamp and the sander is covered by a 24-month warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent price
- High performance
- Sturdy and well made
- Variable 6-speed dial
- Fast and powerful
- Large belt surface
- Quick-change belt system
- Lock-in safety design
- Effective dust collection port and vacuum cleaner adaptor
- Silicon wrapped handle and sub-handle
- Can be used as a sanding platform
- 24-month warranty
Cons
- Not great for sanding corners
- No additional belts are included
3. WEN 6502 4 x 36-Inch Belt and 6-Inch Disc Sander
If you need a belt sander that is powerful, versatile and can handle tough sanding projects, the Wen 6502 Belt and Disc Sander is a great choice.
The Wen belt sander is powered by a strong 3600 RPM, 4.3-amp motor that gives you ample power to sand, remove splinters or jagged edges from all types of wood for a smooth finish even under heavy load and it will not lose power.
The two-in-one sanding machine offers both a 4 x 36-inch belt and 6-inch disc for extra project functionality.
Designed for heavy-duty jobs, the Wen belt sander has a spacious and sturdy cast-aluminum beveling work table and the solid cast iron base is designed to securely sit on a workbench. If you need to work with rough cuts of lumber, the sander’s construction prevents any heavy vibrations while you work.
You can tilt the belt from a horizontal to a vertical position, from 0 to 90-degrees, and the tension release lever allows for quick sandpaper changes.
The 2¼-inch dust port allows you to attach a shop vac or any type of vacuum to the port so that your workspace is kept clear of dust and debris, as the belt sander does not have a dust collector.
For extra worksite safety, the sander has an extended safety guard.
For extra safety, Wen has added a blade guard that acts as a stop for the wood to maximize control and precision during operation.
Wen offers a 2-year warranty on the belt sander, and the sander comes with an 80-grit sanding belt, an 80-grit sanding disc, a miter gauge, and the sander is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for wood and metal
- Two-in-one belt and disc sander tool
- Solid and sturdy heavy cast iron base
- Minimizes any heavy vibrations
- Removable miter gauge
- Dust port
- Spacious beveling work table
- 90-degree belt
- Extended safety guard
- Tension level allows for simple changes change sandpaper
- Comes with 80-grit sanding belt and an 80-grit sanding disc
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- No dust collection bag
- Can overload after continuous use
- No ergonomic handles
4. Hitachi SB8V2 9.0 Amp 3 x 21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
The Hitachi SB8V2 Variable Speed Belt Sander is a versatile and powerful tool which is perfect for the home DIY renovation enthusiast.
Whether you need to work with steel or wood and have extra challenging tasks like removing tough paint from rough pieces of wood, the Hitachi-SB8V2 sander delivers great power, speed, and accuracy.
The belt sander has an extremely durable design, with a wear-resistant V-belt and a powerful 9-amp motor that offers a no-load speed of 820–1475 ft/min which makes any type of sanding job quick and easy.
You can adjust your speed to suit your tasks with the variable speed dial and the trigger lock means you can keep working for longer without having to hold the trigger down. For extra accuracy, the Hitachi offers a clear front cover tracking window which allows you to see the sanding surface and the sanding belt to make sure the tool remains on track.
If you need to work in tight corners, the dust collection bag is conveniently located on the left-hand side of the tool and reduces any dust, making your workspace safe and keeping it clean. For even more effective dust collection, you can attach a vacuum to the sander.
The soft elastomer covered grip on both the main and sub handles make this one of the most comfortable sanders to operate.
Hitachi offers a very generous 5-year warranty on their quality belt sander.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good price
- Fast and accurate
- Very powerful
- Wear-resistant V-belt
- Strong 9 AMP motor
- Variable speed dial
- Low noise
- Clear front cover tracking window
- Soft elastomer covered grip on both the main and sub handles
- Large left-side mounted dust bag
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- The housing can cause static electricity to build up
- Dust bag can cause some balance issues
5. Makita 9403 4 x 24-Inch Belt Sander
The Makita is a powerful, fast and reliable sanding tool which makes it an excellent choice for woodworkers, carpenters, furniture makers, floor installers, and deck builders who require a best-in-class professional belt sander.
Designed for tough working conditions and for sanding of wood and metal materials, the Makita has a strong labyrinth construction that includes double insulation which seals and protects the motor and ball bearings from dust contamination. The replaceable ceramic wear plate and low profile offers great balance and keeps any gouging of wood to a minimum.
The powerful 11-amp heavy-duty motor has electronic speed control, which can maintain a constant speed even under load. The exposed nose and base allows you to sand flush against the wall and the 4-inch wide belt has a speed of 1,640 ft./min, which means fast and efficient stock removal.
The easy lever control allows for quick belt changes, which means you spend less time with the mechanical stuff and more time completing your projects.
Even though it is a very powerful tool, it is a surprisingly quiet operator at low 84 dB, which makes it one of the quietest sanders on the market. It does not have a variable speed option but it is such a workhorse you will not miss this extra feature.
For easy operation, the Makita has multi-position ergonomic handles, which includes a large comfortable back handle and an easy gripping knob-style handle on the front. The lengthy power cord allows for extra portability around the job site and it is conveniently located on the upper portion of the handle.
The 360-degree swivel cloth dust bag will ensure efficient collection of dust. The dust bag is quite small but you can attach a shop vac for more efficient sawdust removal.
The belt sander comes with an 80 grit belt and the Makita 9403 belt sander is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year guarantee.
Makita also makes a 3×21-inch variable speed belt sander.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Designed for heavy-duty tasks
- For professional contractors, carpenters, and large DIY jobs
- Fast, accurate and powerful
- Innovative design
- Very good balance
- Double insulation construction
- Powerful 11-amp motor
- 84dB low noise output
- Superior labyrinth construction
- The large front grip is positioned for operator comfort
- 360-degree swivel cloth dust bag
- Conveniently located power cord
- Comes with an 80 grit belt
- Available as 3 x 21-inch
Cons
- Expensive
- No variable speed
- Heavy
- No auto-track
- The dust bag is very small
- Only 1-year warranty
6. PORTER-CABLE 362V 4-Inch by 24-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
If you are looking for a powerful sander for a commercial workspace or medium to heavy-duty home renovations, the Porter-Cable 362V belt sander is an excellent choice.
Built for hard work, the Porter-Cable has an all-metal design, a powerful 12 amp motor that delivers 20% more power, and the efficient belt-and-gear system smoothly transfers power from the motor to the sanding belt.
Designed for easy operation, the variable-speed dial is conveniently placed on the rear of the handle, allowing for fast belt speed adjustments from 1,000 to 1,500 SFPM. The quick-release belt change lever and fingertip belt-tracking knob make belt adjustments effortless.
Although the belt sander is quite heavy at 15.5 lbs, it has a compact design which makes it just right for precise flush sanding against vertical surfaces. The motor is located directly over the platen which gives the sander perfect balance and two molded plastic ergonomic handles give you all day comfort.
The large-capacity dust-collection bag swivels at a full 360 degrees, so it will not get in the way of your sanding tasks and it is very easy to remove and empty once it is full.
The Porter-Cable belt sander comes with a 100 grit belt, dust bag assembly, operating manual, and is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Ideal for professional and DIY renovation use
- Durable all-metal construction
- Compact design
- Ideal for flush sanding against vertical surfaces
- Powerful 12-amp motor
- Efficient smooth running belt-and-gear system
- Quick-release change lever
- Fingertip tracking knob
- Variable speed dial
- Fast belt speed adjustments from 1,000 to 1,500 SFPM
- 2 ergonomic handles
- Large 360-degree swivel dust collecting bag
- Easy to remove and empty dust bag
- Comes with a 100 grit belt
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Dust bag leaks
7. RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt and Disc Sander
This two-in-one 1 x 30-inch belt and 5-inch disc sander from Rikon Power Tools is the perfect belt sander for light-duty wood or metal craft projects, repair work, or detail sanding tasks.
Small but powerful, the belt sander has an efficient 1/3HP 3,450 RPM motor that ensures a smooth working performance and fast stock removal.
If you have limited space in your workshop, the Rikon sander has an integrated belt and disc sanding surface design, so it will fit easily on a benchtop or table and alongside other cutting tools like a band saw.
The cast iron housing is strong and durable and the base has four height adjustable rubber feet that also provides stability and durability.
The tool-free knobs are easily accessible and allow for correct positioning of the belts on the frames and the work tables can be adjusted from 0 to 45-degrees and there is a miter gauge that slots in.
To keep your workspace free of harmful sawdust, the sander features dual 1½-inch dust ports and there is a safety on/off switch.
The belt/disc sander comes with a miter gauge, an 80 grit disc, and a 100 grit belt, and it is covered by Rikon’s generous 5-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good price
- Great value for money
- Perfect for small craft projects: home decorations, jewelry, toys, doll furniture, repair work and detail sanding
- Powerful and efficient motor
- Quiet operation
- Fast stock removal
- Two cast iron tables
- Two-in-one belt and disc sander
- Compact design
- Can be mounted on a bench
- Work tables can be adjusted to 45-degrees
- Miter gauge included
- Tool-free belt tracking knob
- Safety on/off switch
- Dual 1½-inch-inch dust ports
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- No variable speed
- Can get hot after working for long periods
- The switch can be hard to turn on and off during operation
8. Genesis GBS321A 3-x 21-inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
Versatile, fast, efficient and reliable, the Genesis-GBS321A Belt Sander is must-have sanding tool for general contractors, carpenters, and DIY renovators. Whether you need to sand back doors, cabinet surfaces, wood handrails to prevent splinters, or prepare surfaces for paint or stain, the Genesis can do it all.
The sander has a powerful 8-amp motor that can operate at constant speeds even under load. You can match the sander’s speed to suit your particular application with the variable speed control dial and it does an excellent job at flush sanding. The auto-tracking system will track the belt without adjustment and the single lever quick-change belt change feature means you have minimal downtime.
It features a low profile and lightweight design that provides superior balance and grip, which is an essential feature for when you have to work in tight spots or corners.
For better control and overall easy operation, the belt sander has an adjustable ergonomic large front grip handle and a back grip handle which are comfortable to hold. If you need extra maneuverability with large projects, the belt sander has a good sized 6.5 feet power cord.
The highly efficient dust collection bag will reduce dust in the work area.
The Genesis-GBS321A is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Extremely affordable price
- Great value for money
- Excellent performance
- Versatile, efficient and reliable
- Low-profile, lightweight design
- Variable speed control
- Single lever allows for quick belt changes
- Ideal for wood and metal
- Powerful 8-amp motor
- Cloth dust collection bag
- Auto-track system
- Low noise
- 2 ergonomic handles
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- The dust bag is not very effective
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
Our Top Pick for the Best Belt Sander
Our top pick for the best belt sander is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander.
Makita is well-known for their quality and easy-to-use power tools so you know you can trust their belt sander to deliver a solid working performance. With loads of power and a intuitive design, this best-in-class sander is an essential sanding tool for both professional and DIY woodworking enthusiasts.
This article first appeared on morningchores.com Original Article
