For any type of wood sanding, shaping, or smoothing task, you need a belt sander. Whether you are a carpenter making furniture, a contractor laying floorboards, a DIY renovator installing kitchen cupboards, or a hobbyist with a small craft project, the belt sander will help you to complete all your woodworking tasks fast and efficiently.
The 8 Best Belt Sanders
- SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat Belt Sander
- Jellas BS02-SD Belt Sander
- WEN 6515T Belt Sander
- Metabo HPT SB8V2 Belt Sander
- Makita 9403 Belt Sander (Our Top Pick)
- GALAX PRO Belt Sander
- RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt Sander
- RYOBI P450 Belt Sander
Our Top Pick for the Best Belt Sander
Our top pick for the best belt sander is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander. Makita is well-known for its quality and easy-to-use power tools so you know you can trust its belt sander to deliver a solid working performance. With loads of power and an intuitive design, this best-in-class sander is an essential sanding tool for both professional and DIY woodworking enthusiasts.
Check the price on AmazonUltimate Wood Finishing Power Tools
Whatever type of project you have to complete, the belt sander is the ultimate wood finishing power tool for any professional job site or home workshop. It can accomplish so many woodworking or metal work tasks.
- Sand back a piece of rough lumber and deck board
- Remove unwanted splinters and other types of material
- Remove old paint and rust from wood and metal
- Round and shape rough edges
- Smooth and polish a wooden surface to create a beautiful finish
How to Choose the Right Belt Sander For Your Project
Choosing the right belt sander will depend on the types of woodworking projects you have planned. Some sanders are designed for small, light-duty sanding projects such as the SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat Belt Sander or the RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt Sander.
While other sanders have extra powerful motors and large belt sizes that make them essential tools for medium-duty tasks such as removing stubborn old paint or rust, such as the Metabo HPT SB8V2 Belt Sander.
Heavy-duty models, such as the Makita 9403 Belt Sander, are engineered for professional/industrial projects such as rounding and shaping edges for furniture, sanding back a maple wood floor, or working on large pieces of wood for building a house.
Sanding Belts
Sanding belt sizes range widely, and what you choose would depend on the type of project. More intricate work needs a smaller belt, while large projects such as sanding flooring, would benefit from wider belts.
Some manufacturers also include extra belts such as an 80-grit or a 100-grit belt for different types of sanding applications.
The sander might even come with a miter gauge or they may be designed with 2 tools in 1, such as the RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt Sander, which is both a belt and disc sander, which gives you extra woodworking functionality.
To be able to find the best type of belt sander that will fit your project, here are some important features to consider.
Power
When it comes to a power tool such as a miter saw or a circular saw, it is all about the strength of the motor. If you have light duty sanding tasks, a motor Amperage of 4.3, 5, or 6 amps will deliver the right amount of sanding power. Motors with 8, 9, 11, or 12 amp will provide ample power for heavy-duty projects.
Another feature to look for when choosing a belt sander is the speed setting. If you need more control over the belt’s speed, some belt sanders have variable speed settings, while other sanders have only one speed.
Track Centering System
Keeping the sander firmly positioned on your workpiece will make the world of difference to your project. This is where a track-centering system comes in handy.
If you are an experienced woodworker, you may not need it, but for beginners or for heavy-duty tasks, a track centering system keeps the belt sander in place and centered on the workpiece which saves you time and frustration.
Weight
Although belt sanders are designed to be portable, some high-powered models have a considerable weight to them such as the Makita 9403 Belt Sander. Extra powerful sanders should have some weight to them as their solid housing construction protects the larger-sized motor.
However, if you are sanding back miter or beveled angles, a heavyweight sander may be too hard to maneuver on the workpiece.
A lightweight sander can also pose a problem if you need to work continuously for an hour or more and the motor can overheat. So for smaller jobs or working in a tight spot choose a lightweight belt sander. For large industrial or DIY projects, choose a heavier and tougher sander.
Ergonomic Handles
Handles are extremely important for any type of power tool. Belt sanders usually come with 2 handles, 1 large handle at the back and a knob style handle at the front, which gives you optimal control over the tool. Ergonomic handles that are comfortable to hold and give you a good secure grip, will make your sanding tasks so much easier.
Dust Filtration Systems
Keeping your workpiece, workspace or job site clean and free from sawdust is important for good health and safety practices. A dust filtration system such as a dust collection bag will keep any dust particles safely stored until you are ready to empty the bag. A clear dust canister is a good idea as it lets you keep an eye on the amount of dust in the canister.
If the belt sander does not come with a dust collection bag or canister, it may have a dust collection port, such as the Jellas BS02-SD Belt Sander, where you can attach a shop vac or other type of vacuum.
8 Best Belt Sanders – Reviews
1. SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat Belt Sander
Extremely affordable, lightweight, compact, and powerful, the SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat Belt Sander is the ideal tool for small light-duty woodworking projects such as sanding along the edges of a door or sanding floorboards.
The belt sander has a powerful 6 amp motor that provides ample power for most sanding jobs and the power button has a very handy lock-on feature when you need continuous power for larger tasks.
There are 2 ergonomic handles, which allow you to easily maneuver the sander alongside walls, ceilings, and along the edge of floorboards for perfect edging and finishing.
SKIL has included a great safety feature, the built-in pressure-control alert system, which alerts you when you are exerting excessive pressure on the machine.
The 80-bit sanding belt has an auto-alignment track system that helps you to keep the sander centered and firmly in place on any surface. You can easily change the belt with the single lever function.
You can keep your work zone tidy with an attached large micro-filtration system dust canister that has the ability to capture fine dust particles and its clear plastic construction shows you when it is ready to be emptied. If you have a lot of dust to clean up, you can hook up a household vacuum cleaner to the 1¼-inch vacuum adaptor.
It also has a 6-feet power cord to give you good maneuverability around your workspace.
SKIL also offers a 3, 4, or 5 sander pack. The SKIL 7510-01 belt sander is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent price
- Ideal for small renovation projects
- Powerful 6 amp motor
- Easy to maneuver alongside walls, ceilings, and floors
- Lightweight at 8.2lbs
- Contoured handles enable steady operation
- Optional hookup to most household vacuums
- Power button lock-on feature
- Pressure control technology
- Auto Track System
- Micro-filtration captures and contains fine dust particles
- Clear view dust canister
- Single lever belt change
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Continuous power switch is not easily accessible while the sander in operation
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
2. Jellas BS02-SD Belt Sander
Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a carpenter, the Jellas BS02-SD Belt Sander can be used for light to medium sanding projects such as stripping paint and de-rusting metallic surfaces.
Built for fast stock removal, the 7 amp motor delivers ample power even under load, and its 6 variable speed dial allows you to adjust the 120-400 RPM speed to suit your woodworking tasks.
The large worktop covers more area and is designed for additional stability and the locking button allows for continuous operation. You can use this belt sander for a variety of projects. Its belt tension lever makes it so easy to change the sandpaper and the toolless adjusting knob ensures easy belt tracking.
The Jellas belt sander has 2 soft-grip handles that are comfortable to hold and the sander is easy to maneuver, so you can also use it for vertical sanding. Its lock-on switch enables you to work for a long time without having to maintain a constant grip on the trigger.
Highly portable, the sander features an extra-long 10-feet power cord with Velcro tape for flexible operation and easy organization.
You will be able to maintain a clean work environment as the large highly effective detachable dust bag is highly effective and it can be attached to a shop vac.
The belt sander comes with a 10-piece aluminum oxide sandpaper kit and 2 metal C-clamps, and the sander is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very affordable price
- High performance
- Powerful motor
- Sturdy and well made
- Variable 6-speed dial
- Large belt surface
- Belt tension lever
- Lock-on switch
- Large removable dust collection port is highly effective
- Soft grip handles are comfortable to use
- Comes with a 10-piece sanding kit and 2 metal C-clamps
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty sanding
- Sanding belts can come loose easily
3. WEN 6515T Belt Sander
If you need a belt sander that is powerful, versatile, and can handle tough sanding jobs, the WEN 6515T Belt Sander is the ideal tool for you.
The strong 2.3 amp motor provides you with ample power to sand back surfaces and removes splinters or jagged edges from all types of wood for a smooth finish even under heavy load and it will not lose power.
For extra project functionality, this 2-in-1 sanding machine comes with a 1 x 30-inch belt and a 5-inch disc. It delivers 3160 FPM for the belt and 3450 RPM for the disc.
Designed for heavy-duty jobs, the WEN belt sander has 2 sturdy cast-aluminum beveling work tables and the solid cast iron base sits securely on a workbench. If you need to work with rough cuts of lumber, the sander’s construction prevents any walking or wobbling while you work.
You can tilt both the belt and the disc tables to 45° from a horizontal to a vertical position, and changing the belt is a breeze.
The WEN 6515T features 2 separate dust ports which allow you to attach a shop vac or any type of vacuum to the port so that your workspace is kept clear of dust and debris.
Transporting or storing this sander is very easy due to its compact design.
For your safety, WEN has added a belt guard and a bevel lock knob which also helps you to maximize control and precision during operation.
The 6515T comes with a 100-grit sanding belt, an 80-grit sanding disc, a miter gauge. WEN offers a 2-year warranty on the belt sander.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for wood and metal
- Powerful motor
- Two-in-1 belt and disc sander tool
- Solid and sturdy heavy cast iron base
- Minimizes any walking or wobbling
- Belt and disc tables can be tilted 45°
- Easy to change the belt
- Two dust ports
- Compact design
- Belt guard and bevel lock knob
- Comes with a 100-grit sanding belt, an 80-grit sanding disc, and a miter gauge
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- No dust collection bag
- Can overload after continuous use
- No ergonomic handles
4. Metabo HPT SB8V2 Belt Sander
The Metabo HPT SB8V2 Belt Sander is a versatile tool that is perfect for the home DIY renovation enthusiast.
Whether you need to work with steel or wood or remove tough paint from rough pieces of wood, the Metabo HPT belt sander delivers great power, speed, and accuracy.
The belt sander has an extra-strong 9 amp, 1020-watt motor that offers a no-load speed of 820–1475-feet/min which makes any type of sanding job quick and easy.
You can adjust your speed to suit your tasks with the variable 6-speed dial and the dial is conveniently placed at the base on the handle. For extra accuracy, the Metabo HPT belt sander has a flush surface design and its clear front cover tracking window lets you see the sanding surface and the sanding belt to make sure the tool remains on track.
If you need to work in tight corners, the dust collection bag is conveniently located on the left-hand side of the tool and it keeps your workspace clean. For even more effective dust collection, you can attach a vacuum to the sander.
The soft elastomer-covered grip on both the main and sub handle makes this belt sander one of the most comfortable sanders to operate, and it is very quiet too.
Metabo HPT offers a very generous 5-year warranty on the belt sander.
Pros
- Great quality
- Ideal for home improvements
- Fast and accurate
- Strong 9 amp motor
- Variable 6-speed dial
- Flush surface design
- Clear front cover tracking window
- Soft elastomer covered grip on both the main and sub handle
- Low noise
- Large left-side mounted dust bag
- Can be attached to a vacuum
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Only comes with one sandpaper
- Dust bag can cause some balance issues
5. Makita 9403 Belt Sander
The Makita 9403 Belt Sander is a powerful, fast and reliable sanding tool which makes it an excellent choice for woodworkers, carpenters, furniture makers, floor installers, and deck builders who require a best-in-class professional belt sander.
Designed for tough working conditions and sanding of wood and metal materials, the Makita has a strong labyrinth construction that includes double insulation which seals and protects the motor and ball bearings from dust contamination. The replaceable ceramic wear plate and low profile offer great balance and keep any gouging of wood to a minimum.
The powerful 11 amp heavy-duty motor has electronic speed control, which can maintain a constant speed even under load. The exposed nose and base allow you to sand flush against the wall and the 4-inch wide belt has a speed of 1640-feet/min, which means fast and efficient stock removal.
The easy lever control allows for quick belt changes, which means you spend less time with the mechanical stuff and more time completing your projects.
Even though it is a very powerful tool, it is a surprisingly quiet operator at a low 84 dB, which makes it one of the quietest sanders on the market. It does not have a variable speed option but it is such a workhorse you will not miss this extra feature.
For easy operation, the Makita has multi-position ergonomic handles, which include a large comfortable back handle and an easy gripping knob-style handle on the front. The lengthy power cord allows for extra portability around the job site and it is conveniently located on the upper portion of the handle.
The 360° swivel cloth dust bag will ensure an efficient collection of dust. The dust bag is quite small but you can attach a shop vac for more efficient sawdust removal.
The belt sander comes with an 80-grit belt and the Makita 9403 belt sander is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year guarantee.
Makita also makes a 3 x 21-inch variable speed belt sander.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Designed for heavy-duty tasks
- For professional contractors, carpenters, and large DIY jobs
- Fast, accurate, and powerful
- Innovative design
- Very good balance
- Double insulation construction
- Powerful 11 amp motor
- 84 dB low noise output
- Superior labyrinth construction
- Large front grip is positioned for operator comfort
- 360° swivel cloth dust bag
- Conveniently located power cord
- Comes with an 80-grit belt
- Available as 3 x 21-inch
Cons
- Expensive
- No variable speed
- Heavy
- No auto-track
- Dust bag is very small
- Only 1-year warranty
6. GALAX PRO Belt Sander
If you are looking for a sander for professional use or home renovations such as sanding floorboards or polishing metal surfaces, the GALAX PRO Belt Sander is an excellent choice.
The GALAX PRO has a strong and efficient 8 amp 380 RPM motor that delivers very good power to the 3 x 21-inch sanding belt, so you can expect greater stock removal on larger surfaces.
Designed for easy operation, the 6 variable-speed adjustment dial is conveniently placed on the top of the handle. The belt position dial allows for quick adjustments, and the belt quick release switch allows for fast belt changes, and both of these dials are within easy reach.
Although the belt sander is a bit heavier at 8.68lbs, it is well balanced, which helps you to maintain precise flush sanding against vertical surfaces. The GALAX PRO features 2 ergonomic handles, a solid back handle, and the 3-position front handle that can be adjusted to a comfortable position to suit your tasks.
A lock-on trigger switch allows for non-stop operation, a protruding front roller makes it easier to access tight corners, and the spacious dust-collection bag minimizes cleanup.
The GALAX PRO belt sander comes with a 5-piece 80-grit sanding/grinding belt kit, and the sander is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for professional and DIY renovation use
- Can be used for sanding floorboards or decking or polishing metal surfaces
- Well-balanced
- Ideal for stock removal on large surfaces
- Powerful motor
- Efficient performance
- Six variable-speed adjustment dial
- Easy to access belt position controls
- Lock-on trigger switch
- Two ergonomic handles
- Three-position front handle
- Protruding front roller
- Spacious dust bag
- Comes with a 5-piece 80-grit sanding/grinding belt kit
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Dust bag not big enough for heavy-duty use
7. RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt Sander
This RIKON Power Tools 50-151 Belt Sander is the perfect belt sander for light-duty wood or metal craft projects, repair work, or detail sanding tasks.
Small but powerful, the belt sander has an efficient 1/3 HP 3450 RPM motor that ensures a smooth working performance and fast stock removal.
If you have limited space in your workshop, the RIKON sander has an integrated belt and disc sanding surface design, so it will fit easily on a benchtop or table and alongside other cutting tools such as a band saw.
The cast iron housing is strong and durable and the base has 4 height adjustable rubber feet that also provide stability and durability.
The tool-free knobs are easily accessible and allow for correct positioning of the belts on the frames and the work tables can be adjusted from 0-45° and there is a miter gauge that slots in.
To keep your workspace free of harmful sawdust, the sander features dual 1½-inch dust ports and there is a safety on/off switch.
The belt/disc sander comes with a miter gauge, an 80-grit disc, and a 100-grit belt, and it is covered by RIKON Power Tool’s generous 5-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good price
- Great value for money
- Perfect for small craft projects: home decorations, jewelry, toys, doll furniture, repair work, and detail sanding
- Powerful and efficient motor
- Quiet operation
- Fast stock removal
- Two cast iron tables
- Two-in-1 belt and disc sander
- Compact design
- Can be mounted on a bench
- Work tables can be adjusted to 45°
- Miter gauge included
- Tool-free belt tracking knob
- Safety on/off switch
- Dual 1½-inch-inch dust ports
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- No variable speed
- Can get hot after working for long periods
- Switch can be hard to turn on and off during operation
8. RYOBI P450 Belt Sander
Whether you need to sand back doors, cabinet surfaces, or prepare floorboards for staining, the RYOBI P450 Belt Sander will help you to complete a range of home improvements jobs easily.
The RYOBI belt sander has a strong 850-feet/min brushless motor that provides the power of a corded sander but as it is battery-operated, you will have unlimited sanding portability at your fingertips. Even though this belt sander has a single-speed dial, it will have no problem removing material on rough surfaces, sanding large surfaces, or smoothing uneven edges.
Tightening the sander is made easier with the handy adjustment knob that makes sure the belt remains in the correct position. Its tool-free belt tracking design maximizes operator control and convenience. The lock-on switch allows you to work easier for longer.
RYOBI has placed the motor at the front of the sander, so it is very easy to sand flush against adjoining surfaces and maneuver the sander on vertical services. As the P450 uses a long-lasting lithium battery, you can use this sander almost anywhere, and it is especially useful in tight spots.
For maximum ergonomics, the belt sander is lightweight, its comfortable rubber over-mold handle has a microtextured grip, and the adjustable pommel handle can be adjusted up to 5 different positions.
The dust bag works very well at reducing dust in your work area and the sander can be attached to a vacuum.
RYOBI offers a 3-year limited warranty on the belt sander.
Pros
- High quality
- Good price
- Great value for money
- Ideal for small to medium DIY projects
- Strong brushless motor
- Versatile
- Even weight distribution and lightweight design
- Cordless portability
- Tool-free belt tracking system
- Belt adjustment knob
- Comfortable rubber overmold microtextured grip
- Adjustable pommel can be moved up to 5 different positions
- Dust collection bag works very well
- Dust bag can be attached to a vacuum
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Battery has to be purchased separately
Our Top Pick for the Best Belt Sander
Our top pick for the best belt sander is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander. Makita is well-known for its quality and easy-to-use power tools so you know you can trust its belt sander to deliver a solid working performance. With loads of power and an intuitive design, this best-in-class sander is an essential sanding tool for both professional and DIY woodworking enthusiasts.
Check the price on Amazon
