If you’re looking to find one of the best belt sander on the market, you have come to the right place! This particular review post is designed specifically to make sure you know everything there is to know about belt sanders. To begin with, you’re going to learn how you should choose the best belt sander as well as what the benefits and disadvantages are going to be.
In addition, you’ll see product reviews from five of the top products on the market. From these reviews, you’ll learn a lot about what each product can offer and you will have no problem making a smart and informed decision when it comes time for you to buy the belt sander. Check our selected another belt sander for knife making.
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Top 5 Best Belt Sander For Woodworking
There are thousands of belt sanders on the market. This can be overwhelming when you try to find which one is right for your sanding job. This particular belt sander is designed to be lightweight and easy to use. It’s also got a nice design that ensures your comfort while you’re working on wood or metal surfaces.
Here we recommended the top 5 best belt sanders with their feature, function, pros, and cons.
1. Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
One of the better brands you are going to find when it comes to sanders and power tools, in general, is Makita and you’re going to love Makita belt sander and everything it has to offer. Perhaps one of the best features about Makita 9403 handheld belt sander is the fact that it is going to be one of the quietest sanders on the market and its class thanks to the low noise level of just 84 decibels.
Additionally, the four-inch-wide belt works at a speed of 1,640 feet per minute so you get incredibly fast material removal.
Furthermore, in terms of the features and specifications of Makita 9403 belt sander, you’re going to enjoy a great construction material along with a sealed motor and bearing to keep it free from any contamination. The large front grip is positioned in the right place so that you enjoy incredible comfort at all times as well as maximum control. This 4×24 belt sander as a whole weighs just 13 pounds and comes with a one-year warranty to keep you covered at all times.
What We Like:
- Quietest belt sander in its class
- Four-inch wide belt
- 1,640 feet per minute
- Sealed motor and bearings
- Large front grip
What We Don’t Like:
- Little on the heavy side
- Can accidentally gouge some material
2. Makita 9903 8.8 Amp 3-Inch-by-21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
If you liked the sander that was reviewed above but you might want to find something a little different, Makita 9903 belt sander can be one of the best choices for you.
It is similar when compared to one of the other sanders that was reviewed above in the fact that it comes with a powerful 8.8 amp motor and it operates at a very low noise level of just 85 decibels at its loudest setting. One other feature you are really going to love is the variable speed control dial that helps to enable the user to match the belt speed of the sander to the material that they are sanding.
In addition to everything else, there is an auto-tracking belt system that helps to track the belt without needing any adjustments. The innovative design of this electric belt sander helps to make it possible for flush sanding to the wall with the nose and side of the sander. Last but not least, the front grip design is perfect for comfortable operation as well as providing complete control over the operation of the sander.
What We Like:
- 8.8 amp motor
- 85 decibel noise level
- Auto-tracking belt system
- Innovative design
- Front grip design for comfort
What We Don’t Like:
- Quality could be better
3. PORTER-CABLE 362V 4-Inch by 24-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
If you want to find something different than one of the Makita brands that was discussed above, this can be a great choice because even if the price is a little more expensive, PORTER-CABLE 362V variable speed belt sander is well worth it. This comes with a powerful 12 amp motor that helps to provide professional power at all times.
The motor is located in a specific place to help ensure you get maximum performance and perfect balance at all times. Additionally, it is specifically designed for flush sanding to vertical surface for the best results possible.
Furthermore, you’re going to enjoy the variable speed dial that is conveniently located on the handle so that you can quickly and easily adjust the belt speed of the belt anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 SFPM. The quick-release belt change lever helps ensure that you can easily change the grit of the sanding paper with little to no effort. Lastly, you’re going to get a 100G belt, a dust bag assembly as well as an operating manual so you can do everything you need to do with this sander.
What We Like:
- Powerful 12 amp motor
- Designed for flush sanding
- Variable speed dial
- Quick release belt-change lever
- Includes dust bag assembly
What We Don’t Like:
- Dust collector could be better
4. Black & Decker DS321 Dragster 7 Amp 3-Inch by 21-Inch Belt Sander
If the most important thing for you is to work on a budget when picking out a belt sander, then you will find that this sander is a great choice because it is one of the most affordably priced options on this post. Black & Decker is one of the better brand names that you can trust when it comes to power tools and Black & Decker DS32 sander is one of the best and highest quality sanders in its class.
In terms of the features and specifications, you’ll find that the innovative front roller helps make it easy for you to reach tight corners that you might find when it comes to you sanding all sorts of material.
Furthermore, you’re going to enjoy a retractable, three-position handle that helps to give you a comfortable grip at all times along with optimum control over everything you do with the sander. Last but not least, you’re going to enjoy a cloth dust bag that helps to significantly reduce the amount of dust and debris that enters your work space where you do your sanding.
What We Like:
- Quality tool
- Innovative front roller
- Gets into corners
- Comfortable handle
- Easy to control
What We Don’t Like:
- Could be stronger
5. WEN 6321 7 Amp Heavy Duty Belt Sander with Dust Bag, 3″ x 21″
Much like the previously reviewed belt sander on this post, this is going to be another reasonable and affordable option for you to choose from when it comes to a belt sander with a lot of great features.
The seven amp motor on this particular sander works to rotate the belt at an amazing 13 feet per second and the compact design helps this sander to weight only 6 pounds so that you can easily get great results at all times since you won’t have to fight fatigue when it comes to using WEN 6321 sander on a daily basis.
In addition, you’ll find some other great features including a detachable dust bag that works to really minimize the cleanup you have when you use the sander on a regular basis. Furthermore, you’re really going to enjoy the lock-in safety feature to allow for continuous sanding without need a constant grip on the trigger at all times. Last but not least, this product is backed by a two-year warranty and a massive network of skilled technicians to help you when any problem might arise.
What We Like:
- 7 amp motor rotates at over 13 feet per second
- Compact design
- Detachable dust bag
- Two-year warranty
- Locking trigger feature
What We Don’t Like:
- Might not be the best quality
- Sanding can be uneven
When it comes down to it, you will have no problem picking out the best belt sander thanks to all of the information that was provided above.
Not only do you get to read five reviews of the best products that you can find on the market, but you also got to read all of the important things you need to keep in mind when it comes to picking out the best belt sander for you.
With this information in mind, you will easily be able to pick out a belt sander that meets your needs and excels at all of the jobs you need it for.
How To Choose The Best Belt Sander
Wood sanding is a very time-consuming task. But, if you used the right product for your project it’s a very less time-consuming task.
There are hundreds of belt sanders on the market, but you need to choose one that is perfect for your job requirements. While choosing a belt sander, you need to consider the following factors:
Inline Units
One of the most important things for you to keep in mind when it comes to buying a belt sander is which unit you want to buy. In general, you are going to have your choice between an inline unit and a transverse unit and you need to know the difference before you make any sort of decision.
First up is the inline unit which is the best option for anybody looking for portability over anything else. In addition, you’ll find that these units are easy to use and manage for individuals with little to no experience.
However, these units make for a really poor choice if you are looking to complete a bigger project that requires extensive work.
Transverse Units
If you don’t want an inline unit, then you’re next option is to go with a transverse unit and these are going to be the best choice for anybody that wants to get a more durable sander that is stronger and can be used each and every day.
While these units are able to handle some of the bigger and larger projects you face, they face a big downfall when it comes to the portability of the unit. If you’re okay with sacrificing portability for high power, a transverse unit is a way to go.
Where You Will Use It
When it comes down to it, it’s important for you to figure out where you plan on using the unit. Typically, you’ll find that a belt sander is designed mainly for large areas and jobs where some more rough sanding is needed. As mentioned above, you need to consider the portability you need as well because that can dictate which type of sander you will buy.
Overall, you’ll find a belt sander that is perfect for anyone looking to sand doors, tabletops, or any materials looking for a quick finish.
Power
When it comes to the power of the sander, it is one of the most important considerations you need to keep in mind. Typically, the power of the sander is going to come from one of three power sources: battery, electric, or even an air compressor.
The electric motor is a great choice for anybody looking for portability but the air compressor can help to deliver the best power when it comes to the sander. When you make the choice regarding what type of sander you want to buy, spend a lot of time when it comes to the power source.
Safety
As unfortunate as it might be, the safety of the sander you want to buy is often one of the more important considerations you want to keep in mind because it can make a massive difference when it comes to life or death when using the sander. Luckily, there are a lot of great safety features on sanders on the market today so make sure you keep those in mind and find a sander with those features.
As an example, you should look for something that ensures you have a safe and secure work environment around you. Additionally, make sure you always wear earplugs and safety goggles when you are using the sander.
Portability
This has already been touched on in some of the points already mentioned above but it is one of the more important things to keep in mind for people who plan on bringing the belt sander with them from place to place. If you do want to find something that is portable for you to bring everywhere, I recommend looking for a small and compact sander that still has plenty of power and great features.
You want to make sure you have the portability at your hand, but it is not worth giving up a ton of features and power just to have a compact unit.
Dust Collection Capabilities
Sanding is one of the best things you can do but the dust and debris it creates is easily one of the worst things when it comes to trying to keep a nice and clean workspace around you. No matter what, you can get really annoyed with sand and dust flying everywhere do you want to make sure you get a solid dust collection system attached to your sander.
In some situations, you can find a sander that picks up the majority of the debris around you and that might be enough. However, if you want to spend some more money, you can find a dust collection system that picks up and collects even the smallest dust particles so you never have to worry about the debris around you in your work area.
Changing Belt
Unless you are only using the sanding belt for one particular thing and nothing else, you’re going to need to change the belt throughout the time you are working on it so it is important to get a belt that comes with an easy change system. If you find a unit that is difficult for you to change, you’re going to get easily frustrated and it will lead to more time changing out the belt than actually working. You might not see it as a big deal at the moment, but once you get the belt sander, you’re going to love an easy change belt system.
Ease Of Use
Whenever you buy any power tool or something similar, ease of use is one of the more important things to keep in mind because you want to make sure you have an easy working experience so you don’t hate using the sander. When it comes to picking out the sander you want, I recommend looking for something that is easy for you to use, has an easy control panel, and has clear instructions. The easier it is to use, the better off you will be when you work with the sander.
Which Brands Make The Best Belt Sander?
Since there are so many different belt sanders on the market, it is hard to test every single one of them out and find out which brand does make the best products. However, I do know that some brands do stand out more than other ones when you look at all of the options on the market today. I recommend checking out these brands when looking for the best belt sander you can get your hands on.
Porter Cable.
Porter Cable is one of the best names to look at when you are trying to get a good sander because they make some of the highest quality products available. They have been around for decades and always make high-quality products that last long. They also charge higher prices but the quality is always worth it when you get to use the sander.
Makita.
Makita is another one of those power tool brands you can rely on to give you something that is high-quality and will last for years. They are also really good at making options that are easy to use so you never have to put too much effort into your work with the sander.
Black & Decker.
Black & Decker is a name everyone should know when it comes to power tools because they have been around for so long and have created some of the best products on the market. This is another brand that charges a little more money, but you definitely get what you pay for with a sander from Black & Decker.
WEN.
WEN is another brand that makes some high-quality products and when you get one, you can make sure it will last. WEN is also well known for making great belt sanders with easy change belts so if this is something you are having issues with in the past, check out what WEN has to offer.
What Are The Different Belt Sander Types?
There are actually a few different types of belt sanders that you can use based on the type of work you are doing and what kind of surface you want to finish. Since there is more than one, I’ll go over each and let you decide which is best for your needs.
Flat Surface
When you want to keep a flat surface, the first thing you should do is look at what kind of belt sander has a flat table on it so you can easily help flatten out rough surface, and any other. This makes it quick and easy for you to get things right and start working on your project without having to worry about anything else.
Wide Belt
If you want a sander that is going to work on a wide surface, then you need to get one with a wide belt. These types of sanders are made for heavy duty use and will be able to handle whatever you put them up against without having an issue. This is something great for professionals looking for a fast way to get a project done.
Corded vs. Cordless
When you get a belt sander, you need to decide whether or not you want it corded or cordless belt sander. Most of the time, people think that cordless belt sander is better but this isn’t always true and could end up costing you more money because you have to keep buying batteries for the sander.
When I buy a belt sander, I usually go with a corded one because they have more power and run longer than the cordless ones. If you want something that is going to work well for a long time without having any issues, then go with a corded sander.
Floor Sander vs. Handheld Belt Sander
There are actually two different belt sanders that are handheld sander, so I’d like to discuss each one and let you know which is best for your needs so you can get the right sander for all of your projects. The first option you have is a handheld belt sander. This is great for people who need to sand areas that are smaller than what you would get with some of the other types of belt sanders.
The second type is known as a floor-based belt sander (benchtop belt sander), which means it sits on the ground so you can easily move around and sand your area without having to worry about anything else. This is great for people who want something that is easy to use and they can take it around with them so they can work on things in multiple places without spending a ton of time moving the sander from one location to another.
Portable Vs. stationary belt sander
A portable belt sander can be picked up and moved to any other location without much issue. These are really good for people who need to get the job done outside of their shop or garage because they aren’t limited by where they can use it. These are great for professionals who need to work in multiple places throughout the job.
A stationary belt sander sits on a table or mount so it isn’t portable, and its call bench sander. This is perfect for construction workers who need to have a sander in one spot so they can work on the job while the sander helps them get the job done. If you need a sander in one spot and aren’t going anywhere with it, then this is probably the benchtop belt sander that you can get.
Advantages To Belt Sanders
When you look specifically at the benefits of belt sanders, there are quite a few that you will find and you’ll see that some of them were discussed above. Some of the top benefits you are going to find are that the abrasive belt are incredibly easy to use for just about anybody who needs to use them.
Additionally, these belts do an excellent job at removing any unwanted surface residue on materials where other sanders might have a hard time doing so. Second, to last, the belt sanders you find are suitable for soft metals because they will not get clogged as other sanders do.
Lastly, the biggest benefit of a belt sander is they work incredibly fast and they have a wide range of uses so that they can be used at just about any time you need them.
Belt Sander For Woodworking (FAQ’s)
How much are belt sanders?
Since there are so many different types of belt sanders, it is hard to say what you will pay in general. That being said, you can easily find them for less than $100 or in the hundreds depending on what type of belt sander you are getting.
What types of materials can I sand with a belt sander?
Since there are so many different types of belt sanders, it depends on which one you have as to what materials you can use it on. Most of the time, people will use these types of sanders for wood because they allow you to easily get into all kinds of surfaces and smooth them out without any issues.
What is a Belt Sander Used for?
Belt sanders are great for smoothing out wood surfaces and getting rid of old paint. Additionally, you can easily use them to fix damaged things around your home or office including furniture that might have some scratches or other issues on it. If you need something to sand down a surface so the paint will stick better, then this tool is perfect for that as well.
What is the best type of sander?
If I had to tell you which sander was the best for all people then I would have to say that it is a high-speed, high-torque floor sander because not only does it have all of the power you need but it also has some added features that make it easy to use on any project.
Which sanding belt is best?
If you are looking for the best sanding belt, then I would have to say that it is one that has microgrit technology. The reason being is because this type of belt works fast and they are incredibly durable to ensure you get the most out of your belt while also staying safe while working.
What should I look for in a sander?
If you are looking to get the best sander you can, then I would have to say that it is one that has variable speeds so you can adjust the speed when working with different things. Additionally, if there are any handles or grips on your sander to protect your hands from getting burned when using it, then that is always a plus.
What is the most popular size belt sander?
If you are looking for a belt sander for personal use, then the most popular size is one that is 7 inches. This way, if you need to sand a few areas around your house or office then it will work great and also not take up too much space when storing it.
What is the difference between a belt sander and a hand sanding block?
A big difference between a belt sander and sandpaper is that the sandpaper will eventually go through while a belt sander does not. This means that you can get rid of old paint from surfaces or wood with your belt so it will be easier to get started on new projects.
What is the difference between pneumatic and an electric sander?
The main thing to note when it comes to the difference between pneumatic and electric belt sanders is that you can easily use an electric one for small areas around your home while using a pneumatic one for large construction sites. Also, another difference is that pneumatic sanders require an air compressor to work and electric ones do not.
How much does a belt sander weight?
A belt sander can weigh anywhere from 8-12 pounds or more depending on the size of your sander. Just know that the heavier it will be, the more difficult it will be to move around while constantly working.
How long does a belt sander belt last?
That depends on which type of belt you are using and what kind of work it will be performing. Usually, a belt can last about the same amount of time as to how long your project is going to take you to complete so you should use that as your gauge for this question.
How many types of sanders are there?
There are three main types of sander that you will be able to find which include an orbital sander, belt, drum sander, or disc sander. All three of these have their own benefits and drawbacks depending on what you need them for.
Conclusion:
In general, belt sanders are some of the best tools you can have because they allow you to do a lot of different things and they’re easy to use for just about anyone. When it comes down to it, you have to think about what types of materials you are going to be working with and how much you want to spend on a belt sander.
I hope that these belt sander reviews and buyer’s guides help you find the best belt sander for your needs. One of these choices would make a great addition to anyone’s workshop. If you’re still unsure about which one is right for you, I recommend checking out my overall best belt sander review for woodworking to get a look at what things you should be looking for in a belt sander.
