Belt sanders are the most important tools for woodworking projects. There was a time when smoothing out wooden surfaces with sandpaper and other tools was a tedious task. Well, not anymore. Easy for you, these are basically motor-operated machines which have a mounted, long belt of sandpaper. Belt sanders are versatile, handy machines which can make sanding wood a breeze.
You will need sanding tools for sanding surfaces in order to make cabinets, cupboards, and doors or just for finishing up your home improvement projects. These versatile machines come in different types with various sizes, shapes, and features. Basically, you can move these powerful sanding tools along the length of the wooden surfaces to smooth them out. Apart from that, stationary belt sanders are also available. You can simply mount them on a bench and pass the target material through it.
With many brands offering different varieties of this product, making a choice for a good purchase is a difficult task. Lucky for you, this article will provide in-depth reviews of the brands available. Along with that, a fully detailed buyer’s guide on the different types of belt sanders and how to use them. Till the end, you’ll surely be able to pick the best belt sander for yourself.
Product Image | Product Name | Key Features | Details |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Porter-Cable 362V Belt Sander | Weight 15 Pounds Motor 12-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | TACKLIFE PSFS1A Belt Sander | Weight Six Pounds Motor Five-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | Porter-Cable 371K Belt Sander | Weight Nine Pounds Motor Five-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | Hitachi SB8V2 Belt Sander | Weight Five Pounds Motor Nine-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | Makita 9903 Belt Sander | Weight 10 Pounds Motor 8.8-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Porter-Cable 352VS Belt Sander | Weight 10 Pounds Motor Eight-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | Makita 9403 Belt Sander | Weight 14 Pounds Motor 11-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | WEN 6321 Belt Sander | Weight Six Pounds Motor Seven-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | Black & Decker DS321 Belt Sander | Weight Six Pounds Motor Seven-amp | Buy on Amazon |
![]() ![]() | SKIL 7510-01 Belt Sander | Weight Seven Pounds Motor Six-amp | Buy on Amazon |
Best Belt Sanders Reviews 2020
If you are a professional, then the perfect belt sander for you will have some defined criteria. Simply, it should be high-quality, durable and efficient enough to last you long term. While many belt sanders available have these qualities, the best one for you will depend largely on how you intend to use your product. The combination of the best quality and benefits with a reasonable price is what, in the end, makes a good choice.
Here’s a clear evaluation of the top picks for belt sanders, to help you make the best purchase for the best price.
This brand has made quite a name through its quality and accessibility despite its less-known name. It’s a lightweight, and durable machine that provides maximum utility even when you intend to use it at home.
The best feature you’ll get with this product is its multiple usage. You can use it to sand wood, glass, tile, and other materials. Also, by using different grit paper, its suitable for wire drawing and polishing as well.
It weighs only six pounds, therefore working with the product will be relatively effortless. In addition to that, the package includes 2 screw clamps so it can also be fixed on to a table. This will give you the flexibility to make changes according to your convenience.
Apart from that, you can customize its speed according to your needs. This can be easily operated through knob with six speed dials. Its sanding belts are state-of-the-art. Seven pieces of 80 Grit and six pieces 120 Grit sanding belts made of aluminum oxide will give you the smoothest surfaces with the least effort.
Besides that, it also protects you against health hazards through its extra accessories. It comes with a box for dust attached to it and a vacuum adaptor. This makes collecting the dust very easy so you can keep your work environment clean.
Users find this product great for in-house use. Satisfied customers have given it a four-star rating. Its powerful ability to get the job done and customized speed settings make it the most recommended product.
- Comes at a reasonable price
- Good user reviews
- It can stop working if used under a lot of pressure
- Not reliable to use commercially
This versatile belt sander is a great choice when it comes to easy usage and flexible set up. Therefore, it’s a great choice for users who go for ‘do-it-yourself’. For commercial and more rigorous use, you should choose from other options available.
This high-tech belt sander by porter-cable is another great choice for home users. With a lightweight, compact size, it takes up less room and gets the job done effortlessly. It has an innovative design which features a relatively small belt compared to other sanders.
Though it has a weak motor of only five amps, it does a great job by sanding even the tightest spaces. This is possible because of its 2.5 inch x 14-inch small belt.
In addition to that, when it comes to great utility this one is the choice. It comes with flat edge which can be used to sand corners effectively. Similarly, due to its low center gravity, it provides great maneuverability and balanced control to the operator. This will keep your sanding process smooth and error-free.
The front handle makes a bittersweet addition to its design. Though it helps to keep a good grip, it does often obstruct you when you use it to sand the corners. Nevertheless, you can use its electrical cord as a secondary handle when taking up tough, exhausting sanding jobs. This will give you good control and leverage over the machine.
Another excellent feature is its recessed switch. It’s made with a dust-free formula which keeps it from facing a sudden shut down during the sanding process.
The full package for Porter-Cable 371K includes a dust nozzle, 3 80 Grit sanding belts and a portable plastic case. Also, it has a one-year manufacturer warranty, less than typical belt sanders of its leagues. This means that it's only suitable for you if you intend less rigorous, short term use.
This sander has an average of a 3.5-star rating. Users appreciate its great performance and wood finishing results. Also, reviews complain about it heating up a bit after prolonged usage.
- Puts less strain on the operator’s arm
- Compact
- Lightweight
- For home use only
- Has an underpowered motor
This easy-to-use sanding belt is great for home use. But in the case of heavy duty usage, it will not be sustainable.
If you are willing to give up a little more cash, then this brand is the one for you. It’s a durable and heavy-duty belt sander, sporting a nine-amp motor. It comes with a multi-purpose, wear-resistant belt which can be used both commercially and at home.
In addition to that, it features a unique transparent window. This lets you witness the on-going sanding process directly. Efficiently, its dust bag is located on the left side, thus, it does not come in the way of the process. The handles are made of a state-of-the-art elastomer ergonomic design to reduce vibrations and give a firm, sturdy control.
Besides that, the belt has a unique touch as well. Made with a V-belt technology, it helps you keep on track without worrying about any adjustments. Also, these belts are easily replaceable if needed. The brushes and other important parts are easy to find or fix in case of a mishap.
Most importantly, it's astonishingly lightweight, due to its plastic body. Its heavy-duty workability, with that point, gives a great combination. It comes with a five-year warranty which is one of the best in its league.
The all-over customer rating for this model is four stars. Other than that, users are happy with the amount of work it carries out in a specific span of time. The performance is appreciated by almost all buyers. The only point of concern is the static energy caused by the plastic body. This makes the model generate occasional electric shocks, according to users.
- Good value for money
- A lot of wood can be cut off with it in less time.
- The dust bag is small in size
- Short cord
It’s a good choice for both home and commercial usage, at a great price. Unique features such as the V-belt and see-through window make it a good investment. Though it has its negatives, it can always be fixed easily as its parts are available. Also, it has a good warranty period.
This Makita belt sander lives up to its brand name. Weighing only 10 pounds, it’s great to use whether you use it at home or your workshop. Its user-centered design will give you a great working experience.
It's highly versatile and usable for almost all purposes. This is because of its adjustable speed settings which range from 690 to 1440 feet per minute. Equipped with an 8.8-amp motor, it can be operated easily if adjusted to the right speed for each purpose.
In addition to that, it has an individual sanding shoe, so that you can set the depth of sanding as well. Also, you can use it for flush sanding against walls because of its extended base feature. If you are a carpenter working at his workshop, then this model will do the job for you. It can do challenging jobs effectively such as cabinetry and fine sanding jobs.
Besides that, its front-grip handle gives you a strong grip so you can move the machine in a straight line. The belt also has an auto-adjustment option, so you can track the belt and stay in control always, while the large dust bag collects the waste.
This model gets a five-star user rating on an average. The reviews are mostly positive attributing to its lightweight design with maximum productivity. But, users have complained that its flush-sanding feature does not work properly.
- Error-free usage
- Extended power cord
- Large dust bag
- Sanding shoe attached
- Low noise during operation
- Expensive
- Not for mainstream industrial use
If you are a person who does not compromise on quality regardless of the price, this is the product for you. It has great features with an easy and accurate operating system which will last you long term.
This belt sander is best for sanding flat surfaces. It is equipped with a unique feature of a metal-based housing. This makes it less flexible, therefore, you can keep it fully straight during operation for accurate sanding. Apart from that, the metal housing works as a heat absorbent, which increases its work hours by keeping the machine cool.
Also, its belt is properly centered to avoid going off track. The plastic dust collection bag is designed to swivel 360 degrees. This keeps it out of your way while you are work to control any errors and distraction. Great for sanding corners, this feature is not typically found in all sanders.
Boasting a four-star rating by users, this sander promises the best quality and utility. The only evident problem faced by users is its noise. Ear protection is advised for long term usage. Otherwise, the machine has an impeccable performance.
- Tough design
- Adjustable tracking knob
- Speed adjustments
- Not built for heavy usage
According to its price, this is the best choice. This is because this model gives you unique features of a swivel dust bag and metal body. Also, its variable speed and belt adjustments are a huge plus for all sanding purposes.
Another amazing belt sander from Makita. This model is fit for heavy duty usage. You can use it rigorously without worrying about the motor. The best part is its state-of-the-art labyrinth composition. This means, all its parts are concealed inside its body in form of a labyrinth. This ensures that no dust particles or residue enter the operating system and hinder its efficiency in any way.
Similarly, it’s a powerful machine which can be used for sanding large surfaces. Prolonged use will not damage its motor in any way. Equipped with a dust bag, the dirt and debris produced will be collected at one place to be easily disposed of.
In addition to that, its outlook consists of a strong four-inch belt to serve a wide range of uses. Also, it weighs 14 pounds which helps keep the unit in place for precise, error-free work.
Mostly, customers have given this product good reviews. This is evident from its five star rating. Although, not everything is positive about this sander. Users complain about its small-sized bag. They say its not usable at all according to the sander’s capacity. Also, there is also a problem with the voltage it requires. Make sure you check the specifics thoroughly to avoid inconvenience.
- A noise-free operating system produces only 84 decibels
- Sturdy front handle for better grip
- One-year warranty
- Expensive than other models of its league
- Not suitable for home use
This model from Makita is a good choice for industrial users. Its high price also promises good quality and long term usage. Also, its accessible features and functional design are worth investing in.
Don’t judge this lightweight, compact belt sander by its size. It comes with a wide array of adjustments and flexibility encased in a durable, functional body. You can use this at home or at your workshop. It can be turned to a speed of 820 feet per second by its seven-amp motor. This means for your home uses such as pulling off paint and beveling or deburring edges.
Apart from that, its front roller is extended. You can access tight corners and tricky parts with it, without your hands or the body of the machine getting in the way. Also, its ergonomic handle will keep you focused and give you better control over the work. It also features an on-lock button which can be used to keep the trigger locked down.
In addition to that, you can use the adjustment knob to increase or decrease the tension of the belt. It also provides a range of belts with different grit which can be changed easily. These qualities make it a versatile machine to serve various purposes. You will also get a detachable dust bag and an 80 Grit belt with the package.
With a five-star rating, this model is popular among users. While most customers appreciate its efficiency and the fact that it generates less noise, there are some complains as well. Mostly, it's because of the small bag which has to be regularly emptied when you’re working on a large-scale project. The plus point is, it has proved to be versatile for users who turn it upside down for stationary usage.
- Two-year warranty
- Balance and speed combined
- Low price
- Customer support provided
- Not suitable for commercial usage
This model is the best one available for a low price. It offers great features and utility you would get in an expensive, heavy-duty unit. Thus, it will last you well to use it at home or at your workshop for a wide range of processes, through its speed and belt adjustment systems.
Made for professional carpenters, this model from Porter-Cable has the most powerful and strong design. It sports a mighty 12-amp motor, which you can easily use to tackle the most difficult sanding jobs. It can manage speeds from up to 1000-1500 feet per minute.
Besides that, it comes with a three-year warranty, which makes it best suited for a long term, heavy duty use. Also, it provides the user a good grip and control through its ergonomic handle and metal-based body design. This prevents errors and helps keep your work precise. The metal housing also works as a coolant which keeps the machine from heating up, enhancing its work life.
Its accessible designed levers make it easy to change the belts according to your needs. You can also track the belt to keep your sanding straight. Moreover, its dust bag comes mounted on a 360-degree swivel which keeps it from getting in your way while sanding.
A unique feature in this model is its flush sanding function. Because of this, you will be able to sand the toughest corners and surfaces easily.
Happy customers give this model a five-star rating. While most users appreciate its high working power and versatility, there's one negative point common in some reviews. Users state that the machine tends to heat up when used for more than 15 minutes at a stretch.
- Balance and speed combined
- Easy-release lever
- Tracking knob
- 100 Grit Belt provided
- Strong motor for heavy-duty use
- Small dust bag
- Short cord
- Expensive
If you are a carpenter, this model by Porter-Cable is the product of your dreams. Even with its high price, it’s worth every penny if you take its features, utility, and accessible design into regard.
Once again, the Black and Decker Belt Sander is an ideal machine for DIY use. It will work efficiently if you use it to sand your cupboards or doors. But, its motor can heat up and cause serious malfunctions if you use it for tough sanding jobs.
Nevertheless, its features are appreciable. It has an adjustable handle with a flush body design which can help you sand out places that are difficult to reach. This makes sanding both vertical surfaces, and corners, a breeze. It has a small, compact size and also a relatively small front roller which makes it accessible for multiple purposes.
You will get a dust bag, a 100 Grit sandpaper belt, along with a complete user manual in the full package. The large trigger, wide handle, and fast release button team to provide a sturdy control over the machine during operation. Only six pounds in weight, you will get the job done with this sander effortlessly.
The user reviews for this model range from five to only one star by some. This gives it an average three-star rating. This is because users have usually complained about its deteriorating work quality over time. Its highly performant in the first few weeks and becomes feeble and unproductive after that. Also, some users have also had very bad experiences which include the device not being able to sand surfaces at all.
- Cheap
- Seven-amp motor
- Angled belt
- No speed control
- May need time to time adjustments
- Low power
- Not suitable for commercial use
The Black and Decker Sanding Belt is the choice for you if you want a machine to use at home or at your personal workshop. It has good features and will do the job for you even if you are on a budget.
This is a handy belt sander for home users. Lightweight and easy to use, it will get your casual tasks done with ease and efficiency.
It has some great features which make it a good low-budget choice. Its pressure control technology will warn you when you apply more than the ideal pressure. Also, it has a belt tracking system so that you make correct, straight sanding lines.
Apart from that, it has a great cleaning system. It captures minute dust particles through its micro-filtration process so that does not enter and damage the machine. Also, the dust canister is made out of clear, transparent material so you will be able to see when it needs to be emptied.
This model has a great rating of 4.3 stars. Reviewers mention that they are happy about its user-friendly technology which makes it great for first-time users. Other than that, its highly-performant and does its job efficiently.
- Changeable Belt lever
- Reasonable price
- Handy and lightweight
- Not for industrial use
- The dust collection system may not work well
This is the best model for a low-budget customer for casual, infrequent use.
Types of Belt Sanders
• Stationary Belt Sander
As mentioned, you have to fix this sander at a certain position and pass the object across it. The belt is attached on top of the machine to make this possible. Usually, this sander is heavy and bulky compared to its handheld counterparts, because it's not supposed to be carried. You can also mount it on work surfaces, its called a bench sander in this case. In terms of utility, a stationary sander provides more precision and accuracy as you only have to control the object while the machine does the work for you. Both woodwork and metalwork can be done with this sander. Most importantly, its large size and heavy body combined with its stationary form make them ideal for commercial use.• Handheld Belt Sander
This sander is what most people go to complete their home improvement tasks. That's why it's more common than stationary sanders. In addition to that, this type of sander is more versatile. When you survey the market, you will find a wide range of belt sanders differing in size and weight. That makes an ideal option if you want to choose one to fit your needs.You can find the sanding belt at the bottom in this model. This increases efficiency when used for sanding stationary surfaces. The user simply has to apply pressure from above and move the sander along the length of the material. But, this process requires more effort by the user as compared to the stationary belt sander. Most importantly, this type of sander usually has a speed regulating system. It helps you change the settings according to the material and desired outcome. The more the speed, the sander will sand your object more rigorously. Besides that, some handheld sanders can also be used as two in one. This means you can use them upside down, like a stationary sander. But, you should take caution while taking up such a feat if you are not a professional.Buyer's Guide
• Motor Power
First things first, you need to be sure that the sander you purchase has the power to take up your required tasks. While usually, a sander does not need much power to work, it should be enough to do its job effectively. The motor amps range from six amp to 10 amp and sometimes more than that. In this way, the price will also be directly proportional. But, despite the high price, powerful motors tend to give the best results and last long-term.• Weight
The size of the belt attached to the sander determines the size of the machine. Sanders with a three by 21 belt are bestsellers because of their small, manageable size which makes sanding for home projects a breeze. Other than that, if you wish to buy a more commercial, heavy duty machine, then you should opt for the four by 24 sander. If you wish to carry your machine around and work in different places, a smaller, compact size will be convenient for you.• Speed
There is a wide range of speed settings available on most belt sanders. But, if you want you can also get one with a single speed setting. In this case, the type of work you do with your sander will be limited. While choosing a sander with adjustable speed will give you a wider range of choice and versatility. Sanders with only two options are also available. But the ones with multiple speed adjustments make the best choice.• Waste Management
Sanding wood with a belt sander creates a lot of clutter and residue. That's why the latest belt sanders are equipped with dust bags to manage and collect the waste generated from the project. While it is important that you choose a sander with an attached dust bag, you should also pay attention to its size. You will have to stop working in between to empty the bag if it is too small compared to your machine's endurance. The best belt sanders come with a dust port attached to them. You can attach these ports to your workshop vacuum cleaner and discard the dust directly. This is the best choice for efficient waste management because it won't need to be emptied and will not come in the way of your sanding process.Conclusion


Sanding plays an important role in home improvement and woodworking projects. Whether you are finishing up your furniture and doors or giving the final touches to cabinets and cupboards, you will need to sand your wooden pieces during renovations.
Belt Sanders make this task possible and relatively easy. There are many options available in the market, as discussed above, for you to pick out the most reliable sanders for your needs.
While the range includes versatile sanders that are easier to use, there are many other aspects you should keep in mind while buying one for yourself. Look closely at the belt sander model, the belt size and its motor power. These are the basic points to consider according to the job you wish to complete. Also, you will want to keep an eye on the weight, and speed settings of the machine as well.
Hope these reviews and discussions on the best belt sanders helped you in your selection process for the perfect belt sander. If you are not intending to make a purchase right now, then keep this information in mind for when you intend to replenish your toolkit in the future.