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Belt sanders are easy-to-use tools for smoothing rough areas, leveling surfaces, or trimming to a scribed line. Unlike random orbital sanders, belt sanders produce a linear motion, allowing you to sand with the grain. To help you find the right choice for your needs, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best belt sanders on Amazon. Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Belt Sanders
- Most Powerful: Makita 9403 Belt Sander
- Best for Small Jobs: BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander
- Best Design: CRAFTSMAN Belt Sander
- Best Speed-Adjustable: Metabo HPT Belt Sander
- Best Features: SKIL 6 Amp Belt Sander
Most Powerful: Makita 9403 Belt Sander
Makita 9403 Belt Sander
- $249.24
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Size: 4 x 24 inches
- Motor: 11 amps
- Features: Low 84 dB noise level
- Warranty: One-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive reviews liked that this belt sander operated quietly and delivered smooth results with minimal effort. Others were satisfied with its power, noting that it was efficient for big projects, such as sanding a large deck, in a short amount of time. However, some customers felt this sander was overly heavy, making it difficult to use. Others had problems with the dust collector breaking off after minimal use.
Best for Small Jobs: BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander
BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander
- $80.24
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Size: 3 x 21 inches
- Motor: Seven amps
- Features: Three-position adjustable handle
- Warranty: Two years
What Customers Are Saying
Several customers liked this sander for its excellent performance, with many reviewers noting it was the perfect device for small jobs. Others liked its front flip-up feature and its adjustable handle positions. On the other hand, some reviewers felt this belt sander had fewer features than similar products. Others felt it didn’t have a high enough power level to work efficiently.
Best Design: CRAFTSMAN Belt Sander
CRAFTSMAN Belt Sander
- $74
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Size: 3 x 21 inches
- Motor: Seven amps
- Features: Angled belt that allows sanding closer to adjoining surfaces
- Warranty: Three-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this belt sander said it was lightweight and comfortable in their hands for carrying and maneuvering. Others liked its powerful motor for small jobs and its excellent value. A few customers felt this sander could have had more power and noted that the dust collector bag was small. Others said it made loud noises while in use.
Best Speed-Adjustable: Metabo HPT Belt Sander
Metabo HPT Belt Sander
- $169
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Size: 3 x 21 inches
- Motor: Nine amps
- Features: Adjustable speed control between 820 and 1,475 FPM
- Warranty: Five-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left positive reviews for this belt sander liked its ergonomic design, high power level, and sturdiness. However, some customers found this sander had poor dust collection. Others felt it was cumbersome to use and overly heavy.
Best Features: SKIL 6 Amp Belt Sander
SKIL 6 Amp Belt Sander
- $59.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Size: 3 x 18 inches
- Motor: Six amps
- Features: Automatic track belt alignment that keeps belt centered
- Warranty: Five-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Several customers liked this belt sander’s easy maneuverability and quick belt changes. Other positive reviews mentioned that it was quiet while operating. However, some felt this sander had inefficient dust collection, while others said that this sander had issues with overheating.
Buying Guide for Belt Sanders
Before purchasing a belt sander, it’s important to consider how its specifications and features impact its performance. Consider the following five factors before buying a belt sander.
Size
A belt sander’s size refers to the dimensions of its belt, expressed in length and width. A belt sander’s size impacts the total area it can sand at once, with wider and longer sanders polishing a larger area than smaller models. Most belt sanders are three inches wide and 21 inches long, but some models can sand larger areas.
Dust Collection
Sanding wood kicks dust and debris into the air, covering your workstation and irritating your respiratory system. Most belt sanders come with a dust collection bag that traps the sanded grit before it’s released into the air.
Handle
Belt sanders offer different ways of controlling the tool to deliver a precise polish to your workpiece. For example, some sanders have rear handles and three-position front handles to give customers an adjustable grip. Other models have a front-facing ergonomic handle that provides additional support while sanding.
Speed Control
The speed of a belt sander is measured in FPM. Some belt sanders are single-speed models, while other models have adjustable FPMs to match a range of applications.
Grit
A belt sander’s grit is a rating that refers to the size of the sandpaper abrasive, with a larger grit signaling a finer texture and a smaller grit referring to a coarse, abrasive texture. Most models have a grit number of around 80, which is coarse enough to remove varnish but gentle enough to prepare wood for finishing. Some models are equipped with a coarse grip belt that can remove a layer of debris from a workpiece.
Tips for Using a Belt Sander
Belt sanders are simple machines to operate with a little practice, and they can be incredibly useful in smoothing or leveling surfaces. However, there are certain best practices you should keep in mind when using a belt sander to ensure you get the best results.
Keep Your Surface Straight
Moving the sander in as smooth and consistent a motion as possible is essential in evening out surfaces. Ensure the cord is out of the way and that your work area is flat and straight.
Wear Hearing and Other Protection
Belt sanders are loud devices, so it’s important to wear hearing protection. Gloves can help protect your hands, and a dust mask will ensure that you don’t breathe in fine particles.
Move the Sander in the Grain’s Direction
Going with the grain while operating a sander will generate the best results. Move the sander back and forth in a rhythmic motion.
Don’t Apply Pressure
Let the weight of the sander apply its own pressure. You don’t need to add more force to properly do the job.
Unplug Before Changing Belts or Emptying the Dust Bag
Leaving a sander on while changing belts or emptying a bag could lead to serious injury.
Use a Stop to Keep the Sander in Place
While clamps would get in the way of your work, a stop will help keep your sander in place and stop it from sliding across the work area as you operate it.
Go Slowly
When using a belt sander, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Go in one long stroke, then move the sander to the side by half of that distance to ensure full surface coverage. Going slowly will help ensure you don’t change the speed or direction, which could ruin the material.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belt Sanders
What is a belt sander used for?
A belt sander is used to polish, level, and shape rough wood surfaces by applying motorized power to abrasive sandpaper.
How much weight should I apply to a belt sander?
You should not apply weight when using a belt sander. Belt sanders have enough power without requiring the need for additional manual effort. When guiding your belt sander across a workpiece, there’s no need to lean on the sander to help it perform better.
What’s the difference between a belt sander and an orbital sander?
A belt sander polishes wood and other surfaces by using sandpaper that continuously loops, whereas an orbital sander is equipped with sandpaper discs that polish in small circles. Belt sanders are typically used for larger sanding projects, while orbital sanders are used for small spot treatments.
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