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If you plan on doing some creative sanding work, you definitely have to use some of the best sanders on the market. But how do you choose one with so many options available?
The struggle is real, and we totally understand, especially if you are a first-timer. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back. Putting together this list wasn’t just a casual decision, we pulled more than just an all-nighter.
So, want to know the best belt sanders out there? Just scroll down this article. And hey! We also included a buying guide to help you pick one that best suits your needs.
Makita 9403 Belt Sander
The MAKITA 9403 Belt Sander is that belt sander that’s worth the hype. We’re talking about a machine with a real high-power 11-amp motor running at 1,640 RPM, and some high-tech belt mechanism here.
This belt can strip off paints, varnishes, and other finishes in record time to reveal a perfect finish, and it has some of the coolest features you can find in a good sander.
Let’s start with the networks of seals. This prevents dust from clogging your motor and bearings. Next is the dust control system, which does exactly what its name implies—sucks up dust made during sanding and has a variable speed control with which you can turn on or off the machine.
Thinking of how it works? Don’t worry, it’s an electric belt sander, so it comes with an electric cord and has the dopest 4″ wide by 24″long abrasive belt spun by its powerful motor for a smoother finish.
You know, with this, you’re probably expecting noise with lots of vibration, but not this belt sander! It has an auto-track system, so you can bet this will never be an issue.
Again, if you have a thing for comfort, you can’t go wrong with this. Thanks to its large rubber front handle and ergonomic design, you won’t have to strain your muscles when working for a long time. And guess what? It does not heat up as much, even when you use it for a long time.
Sanding sure does make a lot of dust, but who cares when your sander has the coolest dust collection system? Take it from us, there is no finer belt sander out there.
Pros
- 360-degree dust collection
- Auto-track system
- Double-insulated design
- Noiseless–about–84 dB
- Rubberized handle
- Little vibration
- Has an electric cord
- Built to allow flush sanding of walls
- Ideal for rough surfaces
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Weighs about 15.8 lbs, which can be too heavy for prolonged work time
- The belts tend to walk a lot
Wen 6321 Belt Sander
Looking for a belt sander that goes easy on the wallet, but gives a quality sanding experience? Search no more! The Wen 6321 3-Inch X 21-Inch Belt Sander is a solid choice.
You can easily take off old paint and smoothen edges with this sander thanks to its 7-amp motor, 820 RPM speed, and 80-grit sanding belt.
What’s more? This sander is so good that it is recommended by a network of professionals in the industry and lots of customers. Wondering why it gets such hype?
Here is the thing: how many belt sanders have a cool dust collection system, an extender roller to sand even the tiniest of spaces, weigh only 6 lbs, and don’t dent your wallet? Not to mention a lock-in safety function so you can sand for a longer time without gripping the trigger switch, and a soft handle.
No matter what you want in a belt sander, the Wen 6321 3-Inch X 21-Inch Belt Sander is no walkover. SO, whether you are a pro looking for a sander with a belt release lever and an adjustment knot for easy sandpaper change and alignment, or just a novice looking for an easy-to-set-up belt sander, you’ll totally nail it with this sander.
But that’s not all! The Wen 6321 3-Inch x 21-Inch Belt Sander comes with an electric cord and the coolest three sanding belt options (60-grit, 80-grit, and 120-grit). And the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee policy.
Pros
- Eccentric ergonomic design
- A spacious dust collector
- Front roller for covering tight spaces
- Very affordable
- Recommended by a nationwide group of technicians
- Has a lock-in safety system
- Two-year warranty
- Strong, rubber handle
- Heavy-duty motor
Cons
- The front does not sand close enough to the edges
- Dust collection system may not be as efficient as other machines in this category
Black+Decker Belt Sander (DS321)
The BLACK+DECKER has gained popularity as one of the coolest belt sanders out there. And why not? It’s straight up awesome and has all the bells and whistles you surely want in a belt sander.
First off, this machine has you acing your sand game with its 7-amp belt sander, 3 in. x 21 in. medium-grit angled abrasive sanding belt and retractable hood. So, when it comes to power and some cool finish, it definitely packs a punch. In addition, its retractable design allows you to sand up to three times closer to edges and narrow spaces.
But that’s not all. Its design is next level and has some coolest features like an enhanced reach for sanding vertical surfaces and adjoining edges and a pretty cool adjustable three-position handle that allows you to use it in different positions and orientations. Plus, it is comfortable if you plan to use it for a long time and is easy on the hand.
What’s more? The BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander (DS321) dust collection system is straight-up incredible. You don’t have to worry about debris or making a mess because this mechanism cleans up after you.
And the fact that it is placed onboard the sander is real next-level. This is because it collects the dust and makes sure it doesn’t get into the sander’s switch, stopping it from working. Plus, it comes with a dust bag that you can easily empty when it’s full. Pretty cool, huh?
Aside from that, this belt sander has a release lever and an adjustable knob, which makes changing the belt and holding it in place a breeze.
This BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander (DS321) satisfies all your DIY needs, and is one of the coolest tools around.
Pros
- Great design
- Retractable hood for reaching tight corners
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Best for beginners and DIYers
- Recommended by professionals
- Efficient dust collection techniques
- Three-position adjustable handle
- Release lever for quick belt sanding
- Adjustable knob to keep belt in position
- No arm strain or fatigue even during long hours of use
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty sanding
- The control knobs are too small
Buying Guide
What to Look Out For
If you’re thinking of copping a belt sander and you wanna know what to look out for, let’s break it down for you. This buying guide oughta to help you make the right choice.
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Motor
First off, motors are one of the most important parts of a belt sander. You gotta know what you’re looking for. Are you a high power person? Or just need something lowkey that gets the job done?
Once you’re done figuring this out, you can go for one. You know that motors spin or direct the belt for sanding, right? Yeah, the more powerful a motor is, the higher the speed.
But that’s not all. You can cover a larger area and get a smoother finish with a powerful motor. So, just get a sander with a good motor, and half your problems will be solved.
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Affordability
It is true that belt sanders with cool features are a bit on the dear side. But you can also score some cheaper ones with cool features. You don’t have to spend a lot to get the best value, like with the ones we listed above.
Belt sanders can be pricey, but that doesn’t mean they’re always top of the line, so be careful when choosing one. Maintaining a budget is also important.
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Features
There are just too many raging belt sanders on the market. Just one click on the internet, and you will find many options for belt sanders with different functions.
But there are some that have more features than others, and this is what you should look out for. More features can mean you get more out of the sander.
Particularly, go for belt sanders with retractable hoods or front rollers. This feature ensures you can sand the highest spaces and adjoining edges.
Also, you must be on the lookout for features like weight. It can tell you how long and fast you can work. When you have heavy belt sanders, you can get tired easily and also have muscle strains and hand soreness.
So, it’s best to go for lightweight or medium-weight belt sanders. Other important features to look out for are the power source, size, availability of the belt, warranties, brand reputation, dust collection system, customer reviews, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why must I get a Belt Sander?
The answer is simple. A belt sander does more than remove finishes and smooth surfaces. They are also multi-purpose, versatile, and affordable, unlike some types of sanders.
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Where can I buy a belt sander?
There are different brands and models of belt sanders, and you can easily buy one from a reputable online store. However, they are also available in some brick-and-mortar shops all over the United States.
But, if you must buy them online, look out for warranties, shipping costs, duration, and return policies. Also, keep your receipts for verification, just in case you want to return them for factory damage or other faults if you bought them from a conventional hardware store.
Conclusion
All belt sanders can strip out finishes, but some belt sanders can do a better job with much more ease. In this article, we have provided you with an overview of the three best belt sanders on the market.
We also explained their features and specifications. You can try any of them for the best sanding experience, and let us know how it went below.