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 9A motor will perform far better than a 2.5A 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 inch x 21 inch 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 some of 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 On Amazon |
| Metabo Hpt Belt Sander | 9 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 5 years | Check On Amazon |
| Skil Belt Sander | 6 amp | 3 x 18 inches | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Astro Pneumatic Belt Sander | - | ½ x 18 inches | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Jellas Belt Sander | 7 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
| RIDGID R2740 Belt Sander | 6.5 amp | 3 x 18 inches | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
| Wen Belt Sander | 7 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
| Craftsman Belt Sander | 7 amp | 3 x 21 inches | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
8 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 8.8A 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 feet/min (FPM), 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 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.
Highlights:
- Variable speed of operation
- 8.8A motor
- Multi-purpose power tool
- 690 to 1440 ft./min speed range
- Easy to use power tool
- Ergonomic design
- 1 #80 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 9A, 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.
Highlights:
- Variable speed of operation
- 9A 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
Skil 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 6A motor that drives a 3 inch x 18 inch 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.
Highlights:
- Pressure control technology
- 6A motor
- Auto track system
- Micro Dust collector
- 3 inch x 18 inch 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 inch x 18 inch 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.
Highlights:
- Variable speed of operation
- 0.5 HP power rating
- ½ inch x 18 inch 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
- Light weight power tool
Cons:
- Can’t be used for heavy operations
- Less powerful than electric options
5. Jellas Belt Sander
You might have not heard about the Jellas brand as it is a fairly new brand that makes a bunch of 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 BS750-SD 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 an 7-amp motor.
There is an adjustable knob on the sander using which you can adjust the speed & track of the belt between 120 RPM and 400 RPM and has 6 adjustable speeds. Speaking of the belt, it has a 3 X 21 inch for a large work area. The kit also consists of six different grits (40, 60, 80, 120, and 180) and a total of 10 sheets along with the original sanding grinder. The self-locking switch won’t hold the button for a long time.
It includes 10 pieces of different grit sheets, and an original sanding belt in the pack. Being a coded electric powered, this power tool has a cord of 10ft length. A detachable dust collection bag is pretty handy to collect and clean the dust from sanding. This sander comes with 2-year customer support yet won’t offer any warranty on the product.
Highlights:
- 7-amp motor
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Clamping lever for sanding belt
- Rubber wrapped handle & auxiliary handle to reduce vibrations.
- Self-locking switch to run for a long time without holding the button.
- 6-speed adjustable belt speed (120 – 400 RPM)
- 10 sanding grit sheets with 6 different grits
Pros:
- Compact belt sander
- Highly efficient and flat grinding
- Easy to machine adjacent surfaces
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Makes a bit more noise while operating.
- No information is available on its warranty.
6. RIGID R2740 Belt Sander
RIGID is another new manufacturer that makes various power tools and accessories. We have included a belt sander from RIGID that has a lot of positive responses.
Up next, we have a belt sander from RIGID called the RIGID R2740 Belt Sander. What makes the RIGID belt sander so special is it contains two fans, one for cooling the main motor and the other for collecting the dust. This two fan setup makes up for an efficient dust collection system.
Coming to the specifications, it has a 6.5A motor that has an adjustable speed between 400 to 950 SFPM (Surface Feet per Minute). The size of the belt is decent at 3 inch x 18 inch. The small belt size and a light weight of just 5.8 lbs., makes it a compact sander.
You get the belt sander, a dust collection bag, an 80 grit sanding belt in the kit. But the good thing is that RIGID offers a 3-year warranty on the product.
Highlights:
- 6.5A motor
- 400 – 950 SFPM motor speed
- Weighs 5.8 lbs.
- 3 years of warranty
Pros:
- Compact sander
- Good warranty
Cons:
- Only one sending belt in the kit
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 7A 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.
Highlights:
- 13 ft./sec speed of operation
- 7A 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
8. Craftsman Belt Sander
Craftsman is a world-renowned brand that does need any introduction. It is known for manufacturing robust power tools and hand tools that offer high performance.
No wonder Craftsman’s belt sander makes it to our list. The belt sander runs on a 7A motor to drive the belt up to a maximum of 800 FPM for removing the material faster. The belt sander has an angled belt design that allows you to sand areas near joints.
Craftsman’s belt sander has 3 positions over the handle that provides you comfort when using the machine. You can change the belt easily without using any tools. The belt sander comes with a dust bag to collect debris and maintain a clean working environment.
The equipment is lightweight and weighs only 6.64 lbs. The compact and lightweight nature lets you handle and carry the belt sander easily.
Craftsman provides a 3 years limited warranty from the date of purchase.
Highlights:
- 800 FPM
- 7A motor
- Angled-belt design
- Tool-free belt release
- 3 positions adjustment handle
- Weighs only 6.64 lbs.
- Compact size
- 3 years warranty
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Can sand adjoining surfaces
- Easy to change the belt
Cons:
- Motor is not very powerful
- No variable speed option
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 picked 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 9A belt sander can be easily used for metallic surfaces, whereas 5A 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.
Also Check: Best random orbital sanders
Best Belt Sanders – FAQs
Ans: Motor power, belt speed, belt size, ease of belt change, dust collection system, ergonomics, and build quality are essential factors to consider when choosing a belt sander.
Ans: The motor power of a belt sander is typically measured in amps or horsepower. For most tasks, a motor power ranging from 6 to 10 amps or a 1 to 3 horsepower motor is sufficient. The specific requirements depend on the intended use and the type of materials being sanded.
Ans: Belt speed affects the efficiency and finish of sanding. Higher belt speeds are generally more effective for removing material quickly, while lower speeds provide better control and finish. Look for a belt sander with variable speed settings for versatility.
Ans: The grit size depends on the project. Coarse grits (lower numbers) are suitable for material removal, while finer grits (higher numbers) are used for finishing and polishing.
Ans: Belt sanders are ideal for large, flat surfaces and heavy material removal. They are commonly used for tasks such as sanding floors, decks, and furniture, as well as shaping and smoothing wood, metal, or plastic surfaces.
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 SKIL Sandcat Belt Sander as a budget-friendly choice. Even though it is an affordable belt sander from our picks, the SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat Belt SanderDS321 houses a 6A motor that is quite strong in the competition. The available belt size is 3 inch x 18 inch 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 9A motor that drives a standard 3 inch x 21 inch 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 inch x 18 inch 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!
