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Sanding means rubbing a rough surface with sandpaper to make it smooth. This step is crucial in any woodworking project. But when done by hand, the task itself is very time-consuming and tiring. Every woodworker should have an electric sander in his workshop.
Today we will be focusing on a particular type of electric sander, the belt sander. It is a simple power tool with a motorized belt. The belt is loaded with sanding paper which moves with the belt to handle tough sanding jobs quickly, quietly, and without creating a mess.
This article is about the best belt sanders in 2022. We’ve reviewed the best options on the market. We have created a buyers guide that will help you choose the best one for your needs. Lets dive in!
Buyers Guide: Finding Your Next Belt Sander
Because they are able to extract large amounts of material quickly, belt sanders quickly became popular. Popularity also means that newer models are being introduced, each one claiming to be more efficient than the previous. How can you choose the best one for you? By using the buyers guide we have compiled below!
Stationary Vs. Handheld Belt Sander
Belt sanders employ a pair of rollers and a sanding belt to remove the material from various surfaces. They can be divided into two types: stationary and handheld.
On top of a table, stationary belt sanders can be installed. They take advantage of the tables support to provide you with clean and accurate results, like even edges. These belts offer greater control and can be used with larger belts to extract more dust.
However, their fixed position means you have to take the material to the tool. They can only be used with small boards.
Handheld belt sanders, on the other hand, are more compact. They are therefore smaller and more portable than traditional belt sanders.
With these, there is no limit on board size. They work best with smaller belts. Plus, the dust collection of these machines is limited to their hose attachment.
What Features Should You Consider When Buying A Belt Sander?
Source of power
Belt sanders come in both corded and cordless variations. All stationary models are corded and run on AC current from a wall socket. The handheld models can either be corded or uncorded.
A corded power tool will give you more power than a cordless model. These units have limited mobility and require tethering to power supplies.
Cordless ones offer more freedom of movement. They typically operate on 18-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, but you can also look into getting a more powerful unit with a 20-volt rechargeable battery.
Consider the pros and cons of each model before you decide on the one that best suits your needs.
Speed
Another important aspect to consider is the rotation speed of your belt. This is often measured in feet per hour or fpm. Manufacturers still use the rotation per min or rpm to indicate the speed of their tools.
Many belt sanders operate at just one speed which is usually 1,500 fps. Others support variable speed which ranges from 500 to 1,500 fps. These allow you to adjust the speed of your sander according to your preference. But do note that belt sanders with variable speed control are usually more expensive.
Choose the speed setting that best suits your application.
Design
Because it affects how the tools are handled, the design of the belt-sander is important. A comfortable and secure grip is key to ensuring good handling and sanding.
Look for a device with multiple handling positions and a non-slip handle to ensure comfortable operation. It should not fatigue you, even when you sand a large surface.
Compare The Quality Belt Sanders 2022
At the top of our list, we have the Makita 9403 Belt Sander. This is a corded sanding device with a robust and efficient 11 amp motor. The device is designed to maximize productivity and features a large front grip, 360-rotating dust bag, and a conveniently located power cord. The 4 x 6 cm sanding belt allows you to sand larger areas in a shorter time. The speed control feature allows it to maintain speed even under stress and specific loads. Its powerful motor, low noise output and efficient performance are the reasons we have chosen it to be our first choice.
Pros
- Its ergonomic design makes it easy for you to use
- One of the quietest machines
- You are strong enough to handle heavy-duty jobs in sanding
Cons
- This is the most expensive option
WEN is a well-known brand of heavy-duty powertools. Its 6321 Belt Sander is a powerful device designed to deliver excellent performance without being a burden on your budget. The tool is equipped with a 7 amp motor, allowing it to rotate over 4.0 m per second. It is a compact and lightweight machine that youll find very easy to use. Thanks to its lock-in feature, you dont need to constantly grip the trigger to get it to sand. You can adjust the knob to align the belt if it loses its alignment.
Pros
- Gets the job done quickly and cleanly
- Compact and lightweight for effortless operation
- It is easy to change and adjust your belt.
Cons
- The dust collection system could be better
The next choice is a versatile and ergonomic belt sander from BLACK+DECKER. This belt sander can be used for most home jobs. It is powerful yet simple to use. It is equipped with a 7 amp motor and angled belt design for versatile usability. The low-profile machine sits flush with any surface, making vertical sanding possible. A good aspect of its design is the retractable hood that enables you to use the machine in various ways. This belt sander, just like other models, also features a dust extraction system that includes a dust collection bag. It keeps your work area clean and tidy.
Pros
- Ergonomic design for easy sanding
- Comfortable grip is assured by the adjustable handle
- Compact, low-profile machine
Cons
- Heavy-duty jobs not suitable
The Skil 7510-01 Belt Sander is also one of the most affordable power tools currently available on the market. This belt sander incorporates a 6 amp motor with a 3 x 46 cm belt that ensures a satisfactory sanding job. It is suitable for DIYers who love retouching and finishing the woodwork around their house. While it is a fixed-speed sander, the automatic pressure control feature enables it to adjust its speed according to the load. The auto track belt system ensures it always stays on the right track and completes a convincing sanding job.
Pros
- The powerful motor ensures optimum performance
- Adjust the speed to achieve the best pressure
- It is lightweight and simple to use
Cons
- You cannot adjust its speed
