The Best Belt Sanders
If you're the type of person who scoffs at calling a carpenter, eats sawdust for breakfast, and has a workshop that would make your neighbor's she-shed or man-cave cower in fear, we know you don't cut any corners with your DIY projects. The craft of woodworking is defined by precision and patience, and having high-quality tools can either make or break a masterpiece worked on tirelessly for days on end. In the realm of belt sanders, we expect nothing less. Having a formidable motor with air-tight components and a rugged build is what will keep your shop running around the clock. Below we've gathered together a few of our favorite belt sanders for your review, including products sure to satisfy everyone from the new homeowner to the unionized contractor.
SKIL Sandcat Belt Sander
SKILs To Pay The Bills
Belt sanders are no small investment, so for one so highly regarded to come in at such a reasonable price, it’s no surprise Skil’s Sandcat made it to the top of our list. One of the biggest mistakes DIY-ers make when smoothing down wood or metal surfaces is putting excess weight on the machine. Not only can this make the components of the sander wear down more quickly, but the undue pressure will sand away much more material than intended. The Skil Sandcat eliminates that possibility with its pressure control warning system, letting the user know before it’s too late. In addition to this innovative technology, the Sandcat has an automatic tracking system that prevents the belt from straying, and a filtration system with a container to keep particulates as far from your lungs as possible.
Pros:
- Lights indicate the level of pressure applied
- The pouch is easily detached and cleaned
- The side edge is perfectly 90 degrees flush
- The exhaust port fits standard 1.25-inch vacuum tubing
Cons:
- Cannot be clamped to turn into a desk sander
Wen Belt and Disc Sander
All For Wen and Wen For All
Unless you have a sturdy workbench or rugged clamps, it’s not exactly a walk in the park to sand everything with a handheld unit. What if, for example, the object which needs sanding is small, irregularly shaped, or requires precision such that only a human hand can provide? Boasting a massive cast iron base and room enough for two base bolts, the Wen Belt and Disc Sander allows you to tackle wood and metalworking projects at nearly every angle. Two of our favorite features are the disc sander’s miter gauge as well as the belt sander’s 90 degrees of movement.
Pros:
- Port for attaching dust collector
- Minimal setup from box to the workbench
- The motor can reach 3,600 RPM
- Disc sander accepts a variety of sizes
Cons:
- The metal fence may require some adjusting
Wen Variable Speed Detailing File Sander
The Devil Is In the Detailer
In the belt sanding world, most of the models you come across will usually accept three-, four-, and possibly six-inch sandpaper. Regarding many projects, this is sufficient. But what if you need something closer to the equivalent surface area of a nail file for intricate detail? Wen strikes again. The Variable Speed File Sander is capable of 55 degrees of motion and nine speeds, ranging from 1,080-1,800 feet per minute. The result? A fine-tuned piece of equipment that will allow you to smooth down tiny edges of molding, giving you the ability to reach tight cabinet corners with an unobstructed view.
Pros:
- The automatic system reduces the need for manual adjustment
- No tools required to replace the sandpaper
- Includes three sand belts
- Two-year warranty
Cons:
- Sander can be very loud
Makita 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander
It's Makita or Nada
One of the preeminent manufacturers of power tools and a corporate titan for over a century, Makita prides itself on precision machining with a long line of saws, generators, anglers, and drills. The 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander is no exception. Made in the UK and designed in Japan, this sander boasts some serious specs. The ergonomic handle prevents slippage as you apply pressure to the belt, while the whisper-soft engine will keep that buzzing noise out of your dreams hours later. The factor that separates the Makita from the rest, however, is its unique “labyrinth” design, simply meaning there is only one place to gain access to the motor and bearings of this beast. By preventing dust accumulation, you can rest assured that your investment will leave the competition in its (saw)dust.
Pros:
- The dust bag can move 360 degrees for optimal comfort
- The belt is guaranteed to be 90 degrees flush
- 4-inch wide sanding belt
- Generates only 84 decibels of noise
Cons:
- A much higher price point, although certainly worth it. With this one, you get what you pay for
Bucktool Combo Belt Sander and Knife Sharpener
Scratch Your Creative Itch
Not often do we have the opportunity to smoothen a knife block and sharpen a butcher’s knife with the same tool. Bucktool’s Combo Belt Sander and Knife Sharpener is the perfect gift for everyone from a hunter to a Michelin chef – or simply the outdoorsy homeowner who cuts steak as much as they cut logs. The 120V, 3,450 RPM motor means that, with patience, it can sand just about anything down to the desired grit. If, however, you lack that patience and tend to put too much weight on your precious machine, fret not. The Bucktool Sander contains a nifty induction motor, meaning as you apply more pressure to the belt, the engine compensates and slows down as not to burn out the component. If you’ve come looking for a smart, versatile design for a wide array of wood and metal-based projects, you’ve come to the right place.
Pros:
- The grinding wheel and sanding belt require no tools to adjust or remove
- Meets CSA standards
- Fantastic customer service
- Included metal brush wheel for rust removal
Cons:
- Will vibrate a lot if not bolted down properly
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common applications of a belt sander?
Belt sanders are primarily used before putting varnish or wood stain onto a complete piece of wooden furniture. Usually, when chunks of wood are cut, bolted, or otherwise fashioned together, scratches will inevitably show up. In order to keep the final stain or varnish from appearing discolored or irregular, the entire surface must be sanded to a specific grain; not too fine so that the stain doesn’t apply, nor too coarse that the finished product is too dark. Generally, sandpaper between 100 and 120 grit should do the trick.
What safety precautions should I take before operating a belt sander?
As with all motorized tools, you must take the utmost precautions prior to starting your machine. Essential accessories to keep in mind are close-toed shoes, safety glasses, and safety gloves. Before plugging in the device, ensure that the sandpaper is securely tightened along the belt and that the sandpaper itself is not too worn out. Lastly, ensure that the exhaust port for the sand dust is facing away from you, or connected to a bag for collection.
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