12 Best Belt Sanders

Are you a bit overwhelmed with the variety of belt sanders on the market?  Are you looking for the best belt sanders on the market? In this guide, we review some of the best belt sanders on the market to help you find the right one for your projects.

 

 

 

 

1.  WEN 6502T Belt Sander

The WEN 6502T features a 4.3 amp, 1/2 HP motor with up to 3600 rpm to sand, smooth and remove the jagged edges and splinters on wood and lumber. This belt sander also features a 4-by-36 inch belt and a 6-by-6 inch disc. You can easily switch and replace sand paper grits as changing the 4 by the 36-inch belt is not difficult. The belt also tilts from 0 to 90 degrees and the cast-iron base prevents vibrations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 4.3 Amp Motor
• 3,600 RPM
• 4 By 36 Inch Belt
• 6 By 6 Inch Disc
• Belt Tilts From 0 to 90 Degrees

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  WEN 6321 Belt Sander

The WEN 6321 strips paint, sand, and smooth splinters and jagged edges easily. It features a 7 amp motor that spins the belt at 820 feet per minute. This belt sander can sand the tightest of corners as its front roller extends past the top edge of the housing. The WEN 6321 also has a lock-in safety feature that allows for continuous sanding without requiring a constant grip on the trigger switch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Easy-to-Change Sanding Belt
• Extended Front Roller
• Lock-in Safety Feature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  SKIL 7510-01 Belt Sander

The SKIL 7510-01 has a 3 by 18-inch sand cat belt. It also features a 6 amp motor that produces the power to get your projects completed. This belt sander also features a pressure control technology system to enhance your results by warning you whenever excessive pressure is applied. The belt is kept on track with the auto-track system.

Additionally, the SKIL 7510-01 also features micro-filtration as it captures and contains fine dust particles. This belt sander sands right up to the edge for maximum capacity with flush edge sanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• Pressure Control Technology
• Micro-Filtration System
• Auto Tracking System
• Flush Edge Sanding

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Makita 9403 Belt Sander

The Makita 9403 features an 11 amp motor with electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load. It has a 4-inch belt with a speed of 1,640 ft./min for fast stock removal. The Makita 9403 can be used by carpenters, woodworkers, general contractors, and many other tradesmen.

Additionally, the Makita 9403 features labyrinth construction that seals and protects the motor and bearings from dust and debris to prolong its life. Its extended base allows flush sanding and the large front grip ensures comfort and control for the operator. Moreover, this belt sander produces low noise with a decibel rating of 84.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 11 Amp Motor
• Electronic Speed Control
• Low Noise with 84 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Makita 9903 Belt Sander

The Makita 9903 features an 8.8 amp motor with electronic speed control under load. With variable speed control, you can match the speed to the application. This belt sander can be used by general contractors, carpenters, floor installers, furniture makers, and many other craftsmen.

Additionally, it also features an auto-tracking belt system that tracks the belt without adjustment. The Makita 9903 also features an innovative design for sanding flush to the wall with the nose and side of the sander. With a noise output of 84 dB, this belt sander operates with little noise. Moreover, its large front grip design provides comfort and control for the user.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 8.8 Amp Motor
• Electronic Speed Control
• Variable Speed Control
• Auto-Tracking Belt System
• Large Front Grip Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  CRAFTSMAN Belt Sander (CMEW213)

The CRAFTSMAN belt sander features a 7.0 amp motor with 800 fpm to generate the power to complete all of your projects. It has an angled belt design to work in tight spaces. This belt sander also has a tool-free belt release for quick and easy belt changes. With a three-position over-molded handle, you experience comfort while using this belt sander. Moreover, with a dust bag built into the design, it collects the dust thereby protecting the belt sander and prolonging its life span.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• 7.0 Amp Motor
• 800 FPM
• Angled Belt Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Jellas Belt Sander

The Jellas belt sander features a 7 amp, 120v motor that is over 13 feet per second. It also features variable speed control that allows you to match the speed with the application. The variable speed ranges from 120 to 400 rpm. You can turn this belt sander over to a bench sander by using two metal C clamps. It has a detachable dust collecting bag that is easy to attach and detach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 7.0 Amp, 120V Motor
• Variable Speed From 120 To 400 RPM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  WEN 6500T Belt Sander

The WEN 6500T has a 3.2 amp, 1150 fpm motor to complete your tasks. This 2-in-1 sanding machine features a 4 by 36-inch belt and a 6 by 6-inch disc. This belt also tilts from 0 to 90 degrees. With its open-style steel frame design, this renders the WEN 6500T versatile and makes it easy to transport and store.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 3.2 Amp Motor
• 1150 FPM
• 2-in-1 Sanding Machine
• Tilts From 0 To 90 Degrees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Makita 9032 Belt Sander

The Makita 9032 has a 4.4 amp motor with electronic speed control. This belt sander features variable speed control which ranges from 980 to 5,600 ft./min. It is ideal for general contractors, woodworkers, sculptors, and many other craftsmen. With its adjustable sanding arm, it pivots up to 100 degrees to work in hard-to-reach spots. It can be used on both wood and steel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 4.4 Amp Motor
• Variable Speed Control
• Adjustable Standing Arm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  GALAX PRO Belt Sander

The GALAX PRO features an 8 amp motor that produces the power to tackle sanding floorboards, decks, and many other challenging tasks. It features variable speed control that allows you to regulate the speed with regard to the application. It also features an auto-tracking belt system to track the belt without adjustment. You benefit from continuous operation thanks to its lock-on button.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Variable Speed Control
• Auto Tracking Belt System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  RIDGID R2740 Belt Sander

The RIDGID R2740 has a 6.5 amp motor that is belt and gear-driven for more durability and convenience. With its automatic belt tracking system, the belt can be automatically adjusted. The RIDGID R2740 also features variable speed control that matches the speed with the application.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 6.0 Amp Motor
• Automatic Belt Tracking System
• Variable Speed Control

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.  Woodskil Belt Sander

The Woodskil belt sander features a 3/4 horsepower induction motor that provides up to 3600 revolutions per minute and 1800 fpm. This belt sander includes a 4 by 36-inch belt and a 6 by 6-inch disc. The Woodskil belt tilts from 0 to 90 degrees. You can easily monitor the condition of the belt with its PC guard. Moreover, the sanding disc has a support table with a bevel function from 0 to 45 degrees and a miter gauge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Induction Motor
• Transparent PC Guard
• Double Safety Switch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Belt Sander?

1.  Size

The size is the surface area that can be covered while operating the sander. It is measured by width and length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Platen

The platen is the plate on the bottom of the sander that makes contact with the workpiece. The more the length of the platen, the more grit particles are abrading wood. There are two types of platen – metal, and graphite. Metal platens are thin and warp or buckle. Graphite platens do not warp as often as metal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Tracking

The belt needs to stay on the platen for it to track. There has to be perfect alignment of the front and rear rollers. Today, many belt sanders are designed with an automatic belt tracking system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Variable Speed

With variable speed control, you can match the speed with the application. This makes controlled sanding easier as belt sanders remove a lot of material at high speed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Dust Collection

A belt sander will generate a lot of dust while it operates. You will need a good dust collection system to protect the belt sander and your surrounding from the dust. Many come with a dust port or an adapter that fits your vacuum or dust collector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Comfort

The comfort of your hands should not be taken as a minor issue. You must be comfortable when you use the belt sander. Many are designed ergonomically so you are comfortable when you work with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Power

The power generated to operate the belt sander is crucial. The more power it generates, the better it is in getting the task completed. Belt sanders are usually rated by the amount of current they carry and it is measured in amps. More current equates to more power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Speed of Belt

The speed of the belt sander is directly related to the speed of the motor. The speed of the belt sander determines how quickly it will sand. Slower speeds are often used for delicate sanding while faster belt speeds are often associated with stock removal.

 

 

 

 

Types Of Belt Sanders

There are two types of belt sanders – stationary or benchtop belt sanders and handheld belt sanders.

 

1.  Stationary Belt Sanders/Benchtop Belt Sanders

Stationary belt sanders are bolted in place and the stock is brought to the sander. They can work on harder materials as they have wider and longer belts. Stationary sanders are not mobile as they are fixed to a location.

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Handheld Belt Sanders:

Handheld Belt Sanders are freehand tools and are versatile as they work on many surfaces. They are often used for projects that require minor or moderate sanding like renovations. It is a popular choice of craftsmen on the job site.

 

 

 

 

Safety Tips On Using A Belt Sander

1.  Always protect your eyes from debris and other particles. Wear protective eyewear.

 

 

 

2.  Use ear protection to protect your ears from long-term exposure to the noise thereby preventing hearing damage.

 

 

 

3.  Always concentrate on the job you are doing. It is a power tool that can result in injury or damage to your project. Pay attention and do not lose concentration.

 

 

 

4.  Cover your hair and keep it away from the sander especially if you have long hair.

 

 

 

5.  Always verify that the trigger is off before plugging the sander into the power outlet. They have a locking button that keeps the switch in the “on” position.

 

 

 

6.  Always unplug the belt sander before changing belts or emptying the dust bag.

 

 

 

7.  You don’t want to breathe in dust. Make sure it has good dust control mechanisms.

 

 

 

8.  Make sure the objects are securely held in place before you begin to work on them. If not, they will slide away.

 

 

 

9.  If you sand metal, blow or vacuum the dust out of the sander before using it on metal and remove the dust bag. Sparks are created when working on metal and this can start a fire if it is mixed with the sawdust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belt Sander Accessories

1.  Vacuum Cleaner Dust Bag

The vacuum cleaner dust bag is attached to the vacuum cleaner to collect dust particles and other debris.

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Sanding Belts

Sanding belts are used to work on your projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

Belt sanders are very important for sanding and other projects. Although there are many types of belt sanders available, getting the wrong one for your projects is not desirable. In this guide, we discussed some of the best belt sanders on the market to help you choose the right one for your projects. Our recommendation for a belt sander is the WEN 6502T Belt Sander.