The term “sanding” stands for rubbing a certain surface with a sandpaper. As the name suggests, a belt sander is a simple power tool that allows you to use a motor powered belt that has a sandpaper-like finish to scratch or rub over a certain surface area. As this machine is pretty simple, there are many variants available in the market that possess different characteristics. If you are looking to buy a belt sander, you should look into following important factors to get the perfect one:
- Motor Capacity: The motor power in a belt sander is equally important as compared to any other power tool. For example, a 9 amp motor will perform far better than a 2.5 amp motor.
- Size of Belt: As you might have noticed already, the belt size varies in different belt sanders. The belt size is basically the surface area that you can cover while operating the sander—having a larger belt area such as 3 x 21 inches will help you cover more area.
- Speed of belt: The most important aspect of a power tool is the speed of operation. Similarly, in the case of belt sanders, you have to consider the speed of the motor that will affect the overall speed of the tool.
Today, we are presenting you with the best belt sanders available in the power tool market right now. Because of their detailed description, you can easily select one of these power tools for your personal as well as professional use. We also included a Buying Guide that will help you with your purchase. So, make sure you read the article until the end before making a choice.
Best Belt Sanders
| Belt Sanders | Motor capacity | Belt size | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita Belt Sander | 8.8 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 1 year | Check the Price |
| Metabo Hpt Belt Sander | 9 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 5 years | Check the Price |
| Skil Belt Sander | 6 amp | 3 x 18 inches | 1 year | Check the Price |
| Astro Pneumatic Belt Sander | - | ½ x 18 inches | 1 year | Check the Price |
| Black Decker Belt Sander | 7 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 2 years | Check the Price |
| Tacklife Belt Sander | 5 amp | 3 x 18 inches | 2 years | Check the Price |
| Wen Belt Sander | 7 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 2 years | Check the Price |
7 Best Belt Sanders Reviews
1. Makita Belt Sander
Makita is a well-known brand that has served a lot of satisfied customers. Along with many other power tools, they also make belt sanders.
At the 1st position in our list of best belt sanders, we have placed Makita 9903. It is a variable speed belt sander that is driven by a powerful 8.8 amp motor. This is an efficient machine that can be used for a variety of applications. As you can adjust the speed from 690 to 1440 ft/min, you won’t have a problem working on different kinds of material that require a certain speed of operation.
It is easy for the initial setup as it has a built-in tracking mechanism that will adjust the belt automatically. Makita 9903 is designed considering the user’s comfort and control over the tool. Talking about the belt, it supports 1 ea abrasive belt that can be used on both metals as well as the wooden surfaces. This tool weighs 9.5 lbs and has a 1 year warranty period from Makita.
Best Features:
- Variable speed of operation
- 8 amp motor
- Multi-purpose power tool
- 690 to 1440 ft/min speed range
- Easy to use power tool
- Ergonomic design
- 1 ea 742308-3 abrasive belt
- Weighs 9.5 lbs
- 1 year of warranty
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- The warranty period is short
- Comparatively expensive price tag
2. Metabo Hpt Belt Sander
Next up, we have a belt sander from Metabo HPT. Metabo HPT, which was previously known as Hitachi power tools, has produced many successful products such as this belt sander.
At the 2nd position, we have Metabo HPT SB8V2. This is the most powerful belt sander from our list as it contains a 9 amp, 1020 watt motor. This is quite a bit of power that can be suitable for all sorts of sanding operations. It also has a variable speed adjustment option that allows you to set the speed from 820 ft/min to all the way up to 1475 ft/min. This option comes in handy if you desire to use the belt sander on various types of surfaces.
The gripping surface of Metabo HPT SB8V2 is made up of elastomer material to provide a soft yet firm and controlling grip on the machine. It also has a tracking window that allows you to visually inspect the operation for better output. This belt sander weighs 9.5 lbs and has a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty period that is longer than all other options.
Best Features:
- Variable speed of operation
- 9 amp motor
- 1020 watt motor
- Multi-purpose power tool
- 820 to 1475 ft/min speed range
- Comfortable to use power tool
- Ergonomic design
- 753242 abrasive belt
- Weighs 9.5 lbs
- 5 years of warranty
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Long warranty period
Cons:
- High power consumption
- Comparatively expensive price tag
3. Skil Belt Sander
Skilsaw is a highly rated brand that is known for its budget-friendly products. Therefore, we have included their belt sander on our list.
At the 3rd position, we have Skil 7510-01 Sandcat belt sander. The unique feature of this belt sander is the pressure control technology. This warns the user when excess pressure is being applied on the belt. This prevents damage to the belt as well as to the workpiece. It also has an auto-track system for easier belt arrangements. There is a micro-dust collection filter that can absorb even the finest dust particles.
There is a 6 amp motor that drives a 3 x 18 inches belt. This much power is good enough for wooden surfaces. The sanding belt has an 80 grit abrasive rating, and the belt can be changed by moving a single lever. Just like any other machine, it also has an on/off switch, but it also has a lock-on button for smoother operation. This is a lightweight tool as it weighs only 6.75 lbs and holds 1 year of the warranty period.
Best Features:
- Pressure control technology
- 6 amp motor
- Auto track system
- Micro Dust collector
- 3 x 18 inches belt size
- Easier to change the belt
- 80 grit abrasive belt
- Weighs 6.75 lbs
- 1 year of warranty
Pros:
- Safe to operate
- Lightweight belt sander
Cons:
- The warranty period is short
- Comparatively weaker motor
4. Astro Pneumatic Tool Belt Sander
Astro Pneumatic Tools, as the name suggests, is a very popular brand that specializes in pneumatic tools and equipment. They also make a pneumatic belt sander that we have mentioned below.
This is a special purpose belt sander from Astro Pneumatic Tool. This is a pneumatic belt sander that houses a very slim abrasive belt. It has a 0.5 HP power rating that is said to be good enough for industry-level operations. It has a 40 grit abrasive belt that is ½ x 18 inches in size. This is the minimum size of the belt that can be found in our list of best belt sanders. It can have certain advantages. For example, this tool can be used to machine a tight, hard to reach area that might be inaccessible by regular belts. Also, it can be a perfect tool to remove weld spots.
It also has a variable speed control option that makes it a versatile power tool. Along with the machine, you get 3 different abrasive belts, which are 40 grit, 60 grit, and 80 grit, respectively. Astro Pneumatic Tool 3037 has a 360-degree adjustable arm mechanism that adds up in the versatility of the tool. This is an extremely lightweight belt sander as it weighs only 2.2 lbs. It has a 1-year warranty that can be considered good enough for a lighter machine.
Best Features:
- Variable speed of operation
- 5 HP power rating
- ½ x 18 inches belt size
- Good for removing weld spots
- 40, 60 and 80 grit abrasive belts included
- Easy to use power tool
- Lightweight tool
- Weighs 2.2 lbs
- 1 year of warranty
Pros:
- Pneumatic belt sander
- Ligh weight power tool
Cons:
- Can’t be used for heavy operations
- Less powerful than electric options
5. Black Decker Belt Sander
You must have heard about Black+decker as it’s a pretty experienced brand that makes power tools. Along with many other options, they also have belt sanders in their lineup.
This is yet another affordable belt sander from our picks of the best belt sanders. This can be considered as a day to day sanding project companion for your workshop as well as your home garage. This is a compact size belt sander that is run by a 7 amp motor that drives the belt at the speed of 800 ft/min. If you pay attention to the design, you will notice that the end of the tool is made a bit smaller than the rear section. This helps to easily machine adjacent parts of the same work surface.
You can set the handle of Black Decker DS321 in three different positions according to your need and holding comfort. As it is a compact machine, it weighs only 6.5 lbs. Even with a competitive price tag, Black Decker provides 2 years of the manufacturer’s warranty period, which is pretty good.
Best Features:
- 800 ft/min speed
- 7 amp motor
- Compact size belt sander
- Comfortable to use
- Three steps adjustable handle
- Ergonomic design
- Weighs 6.5 lbs
- 2 years of warranty
Pros:
- Compact belt sander
- Easy to machine adjacent surfaces
Cons:
- Weaker motor capacity
- Single-speed of operation
6. Tacklife Belt Sander
Tacklife is a popular as well as a high rated brand that makes various power tools and accessories. We have included a belt sander from Tacklife that has a lot of positive responses.
Up next, we have a belt sander from Tacklife. What makes the Tacklife belt sander so special is the number of accessories you will receive alongside the product. You will get 13 pieces of abrasive belts within which 7 pieces will have 80 grit rating, and 6 pieces will have a fine 120 grit rating. Also, you can use this belt sander as a fixed table sander or a portable hand sander. This opens up a variety of applications that will be possible with it.
Coming to the specifications, it has a 5 amp motor that runs at a maximum speed of 560 rpm. This power rating might not be sufficient for heavy applications, but you can surely get a lot of general work done without any problem. As it is a little bulky in size, this belt sander weighs 7.6 lbs. Tacklife presents the user with 2 years of the warranty period that is quite good.
Best Features:
- 13 pieces of belt included
- 7 Pieces of 80 grit and 6 pieces of 120 grit belt
- Multiple operations possible
- Portable as well as fixed belt sander
- 5 amp motor
- 560 rpm motor speed
- Weighs 7.6 lbs
- 2 years of warranty
Pros:
- 2 in 1 belt sander
- Multiple belts included with the product
Cons:
- Weaker motor capacity
- Operation speed is a bit slow
7. Wen Belt Sander
Last but not least, we have a belt sander from Wen. Wen is an acknowledged brand that makes many heavy-duty power tools.
Wen 6321 houses a 7 amp motor that provides a belt speed of up to 13 ft/sec. It also has a built-in lock switch that will lock the trigger, so you don’t have to keep it pressed for long operations. To change the belt, Wen has provided a quick-release lever that makes it very simple to operate.
Wen 6321 is backed by 2 years of the manufacturer’s warranty period that is essential in case of power tools. Along with that, you will get an ergonomic design that makes the belt sander pretty easy to handle and operate. Even with a considerable amount of power, Wen 6321 is a compact belt sander that weighs around 6 lbs
Best Features:
- 13 ft/sec speed of operation
- 7 amp motor
- Easy to use power tool
- Ergonomic design
- Weighs 6 lbs
- Auto-lock switch
- Quick-release lever for changing belt
- 2 year of warranty
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Single-speed of operation
Buying Guide For Best Belt Sanders
As we have provided detailed information on the features of all of the best belt sanders, you must have one or two in your mind. But, you also need to gain knowledge about a few more important characteristics of a belt sander before making your final choice.
Hence, we are giving you a very informative buying guide. Here, you can find all the important aspects of belt sanders along with their necessity and importance. You must read the buying guide completely as it will definitely help you choose the perfect belt sander for you according to your needs.
1. Motor Power
You might think that sanding may not need as much power as compared to other power tools. But still, the power rating is a considerable factor in the case of belt sanders. You should always opt for a high powered motor as more power guarantees you successful sanding on harder surfaces. For example, a 9 amp belt sander can be easily used for metallic surfaces, whereas 5 amp sander can only provide decent results on the wooden surface.
2. Size
The size of the belt sander can also be a crucial feature that must be checked before buying one for yourself. There are some options that can be fixed on the surface. But, the majority of belt sanders are handheld and need a constant maneuver. If the sander is bulky, it will be evidently harder to control and operate. But, a compact machine is always very easy to control.
3. Weight
The weight of the belt sander is also as important as the size of it. As the machines get bulkier, their weight increases, and weight factor has the same effect on maneuverability as the size factor. But, you should also keep in mind that heavy-duty belt sanders contain a high power motor that is generally heavier than the general motors. So, the weight of the machine has a direct effect on its power rating.
4. Speed of Operation
This factor is important for all power tools. As power tools are designed to save time and effort, the speed of operation plays an important role in an ideal belt sander. This speed is basically the speed at which the belt rotates. If you go for a high-speed belt sander, you can have your work done a lot quicker. But, along with maximum speed, you should also pay attention to the speed adjustment settings as different materials require different speeds of operation.
5. Dust Collection Capacity
Almost every single belt sander comes with a dust collection bag. But, the capacity of the bag varies with the product. The belt sander that has a high capacity dust bag will be able to operate for a longer time before needing a cleanup exercise. Similarly, if the dust bag is small, you will have to clean the bag frequently that is always undesirable.
6. Warranty Period
Lastly, we will suggest you take a look at the warranty period of the belt sander before buying it. As it is a power tool, there is a high chance that some delicate parts of the tool might get damaged while in operation or due to constant load. In such times, having a warranty period will grant you access to free of cost repairs and even replacements in major fault cases.
Conclusion
Belt sanders can help you to reduce manual work by a huge margin. A belt sander can get the sanding task done in a matter of minutes. Therefore, we have made a list of best sand collectors in this article along with their properties, pros, and cons as well. You will also find a buying guide that explains a few necessary characteristics that make a belt sander ideal for all applications. After reading through all of the information above, you must have made your mind about your choice. Still, we will recommend you to take a look at our recommendations below to clear any second doubts.
- At first, we will recommend you Black Decker belt sander as a budget-friendly choice. Being the cheapest belt sander from our picks, DS321 houses a 7 amp motor that is quite strong in the competition. The available belt size is 3 x 21 inches that can be considered standard.
- You should consider Metabo Hpt belt sander if you are looking for a heavy-duty belt sander. Amongst all of our picks, SB8V2 has the most powerful 9 amp motor that drives a standard 3 x 21 inches belt. There is a long 5 years of the warranty period that is higher than all other options.
- Lastly, we will recommend you Astro Pneumatic belt sander as a special purpose power tool. You already must have noticed that unlike other options, this is a pneumatic belt sander that drives a ½ x 18 inches belt, which is considerably smaller. This can be used in small and tighter areas easily.
Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
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