8 Best Belt Sanders for Shaping, Grinding, and Polishing

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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08CZ8R95H&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USKobalt Kobalt 24V MAX 24-Volt Brushless Cordless Belt Sander (Bare Tool)5/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000223IY&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMakita 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander4.8/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08XYKWGBK&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USJellas 3 × 21-Inch Belt Sander4.7/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007A9TD3E&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USSKIL Sandcat 6 Amp 3″ x 18″ Belt Sander with Pressure Control4.6/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08LPX5CZW&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USBUCKTOOL Professional Bench Belt Sander4.6/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07KKH1LTZ&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USCRAFTSMAN Belt Sander4.5/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07MG8LDZG&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMetabo HPT Belt Sander4.5/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07WHFYHND&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USGALAX PRO 8 Amperes Belt Sander4.3/5Check Price

If you are in the market for a belt sander, then this blog post is for you! We will be reviewing 8 of the best belt sanders on the market. Check out our list below to see which belt sander is best perfect for you!

How Belt Sander Works?

A belt sander is a power tool that typically has either an electric-powered or pneumatic motor. The one we use in the video above has a three-horsepower, 220V single phase motor The abrasives used on these tools are called “belts.” These belts can be made of different materials such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and garnet.

A belt sander is different from other sanders such as orbital, disc, and palm sander. because belt sanders use a continuous loop of belts that spins on two pulleys. Belt Sanders are great for taking down the sharp edges off of a material such as wood. It can also shape, smooth, and remove material from the surface of your wooden project.

A belt sander is great for taking down the sharp edges off of a material such as wood. It can also shape, smooth, and remove material from the surface of your wooden project. For example, if you’re working on a project requiring you to remove a lot of material, then using a belt sander would be the best option.

The Top 8 Best Belt Sanders

The top belt sanders that we recommend are ones that either our personal experience or customer reviews. We will list the pros and cons of each sander, so you’ll know which one is best for what job

1. Kobalt Kobalt 24V MAX 24-Volt Brushless Cordless Belt Sander (Bare tool)

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08CZ8R95H&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

The Kobalt 24V MAX 24-Volt Brushless Cordless Belt Sander (Bare Tool) has 6 different speed settings to get into all areas of sanding. This ergonomic belt sander is designed with 4 adjustable positions for the pommel handle and an overmold on the gripping area for added comfort. A dust collection bag also comes included!

Get the power of a belt sander without cords, cables, or extension cords. Get up to 1/2 hour of runtime per charge with its lightweight design and use it anywhere! Hook it up to your wet-dry vac for dust collection hassle-free. 3 inch by 18-inch sanding plate has battery-operated tool-less tracking capability for quick and efficient sanding. 

The flat face allows you to work flush against vertical surfaces. The tool’s only charge time is 8 hours, not bad considering this cordless sander can operate at maximum speed (400 – 1000 FPM) for about 1/2 hour on one charge!

Pros
  • Easy to change the belt
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Removable dust collection
  • Speed adjustment feature
Cons

    2. Makita 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander

    q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000223IY&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

    Looking for a quality belt sander? Makita’s got you covered! With its carefully crafted design, this powerful tool is small yet mighty. It has an incredibly low noise output that’s great for operator comfort and features a belt width of 4″ with speeds of up to 1,640 ft./min., making it fast enough to efficiently sand away from your materials.

    The labyrinth construction protects the motor and bearings from dust-carrying debris to ensure longer life. If you’ve been looking for a lightweight tool without sacrificing power, look no further than the Makita 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander.

    Pros
    • Smooth work
    • Quiet
    • Dust-free work
    • Top value
    • Heavy duty
    Cons
    • Hot exhaust is uncomfortable when using for long hours
    • No speed control

    3. Jellas 3 × 21-Inch Belt Sander

    q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08XYKWGBK&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

    Framing jobs are where this belt sander really shines. As a contractor, you’ll appreciate the power and versatility of the Jellas 3×21-Inch Belt Sander. Whether it’s framing in a basement or going over crown molding on an interior ceiling, the 7Amp Jellas will take care of any job with precision and performance. 

    The filter system also helps get rid of dust, so your clients can breathe easily while performing clean work under your watchful eye. The Jellas Belt Sander will be your new go-to for quick, easy cleanup. 

    Being able to remove the dust bag is essential because not only are they easier to attach/detach, but you’ll also have a blast cleaning them! Heavy duty and efficient, this machine is made of durable steel.

    Pros
    • Strong motor
    • Fast
    • Easy to change the paper
    • Excellent dust collection
    • Good handle collection
    Cons

      4. SKIL Sandcat 6 Amp 3″ x 18″ Belt Sander with Pressure Control

      q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007A9TD3E&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

      The SKIL Sandcat 6 Amp 3″ x 18″ Belt Sander is the ultimate dust-free sander. It features pressure control technology that alerts users when they are applying too much pressure to keep fine dust particles from overloading the machine. 

      The auto-track system keeps the belt centered on the ridged track while you work, so there’s no guesswork in taking care of it during regular maintenance. 

      Micro-filtration captures and locks away tiny particles before they escape into your work area, while a clear view dust canister removes any mystery about when to empty it out for next usage. You’ll love this easy-to-use, efficient model with single lever belt changes!

      Pros
      • Easy to change the belt
      • Excellent dut collector
      • Affordable
      • Lightweight
      • Maneuverable
      Cons
      • The cord might sometimes get in the way when using
      • If you are a right-handed person, the exhaust fan might blow in your direction

      5. BUCKTOOL Professional Bench Belt Sander

      q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08LPX5CZW&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

      The BUCKTOOL Professional Bench Belt Sander boasts a higher wattage, 1HP direct-drive motor that is more powerful than traditional belt sanders. Not only does this design uses 25% less power than the standard belt sander models, but it also operates quieter while providing an equivalent or better level of efficiency.

      Made for professional machine polishing. The sanding disc can be easily changed out with the hook and loop design, just in case the dust outlet isn’t doing what it should to help prevent further molten metal damage. It’s also got an attachment that you can attach knives on to change up your smoothing technique. 

      The versatile design adjusts the belt’s angle from horizontal to vertical for any sculptural ambitions, while its provided tools can seamlessly tilt with it (think 45-degree angles!). Whether your project requires acute attention or not, this dragster of a machine plugs in to provide immediate results. 

      While other machines may question how tough you are, this bad boy was built for people who aren’t afraid of hard work! Take on big projects without losing sight of precision, thanks to the handy quick sanding belt replacement design and track control function. Go ahead and be inspired by the abundance of space, plentiful enough for shaping large pieces too!

      Pros
      • Good quality
      • Easy to use and control
      • Enough power for every project
      • Perfect weight
      Cons
      • Poor instructions

      6. CRAFTSMAN Belt Sander

      q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07KKH1LTZ&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

      If you need to cut down your projects in a hurry, then the CRAFTSMAN belt sander is just what you’re looking for! The 3-inch x 21-inch belt offers faster material removal with 800 FPM and an angled design so it can get closer to adjoining surfaces. 

      With 800 watts of power, this electric compact power tool is designed for fast and efficient sanding chores. Its built-in dust collection system features an onboard dust bag with a vacuum accessory port that easily hooks up to your shop vac or dust extraction, while the 3position over-molded handle gives you greater comfort during use. And best yet, since this product has a tool-free release, changing belts will be quick and easy while giving high-performance results!

      Pros
      • Good for beginners and DIY projects
      • Easy to control
      • Lightweight
      • Good quality
      Cons
      • Can’t collect all the dust
      • Heavy

      7. Metabo HPT Belt Sander

      q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07MG8LDZG&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

      The Metabo HPT Belt Sander maximizes marketability as a high-quality product with features perfect for tough jobs.

      A burly 9 amp 1,020-watt motor, coupled with variable speed controls and a clear front cover that improves visibility when sanding up against a surface. This sander is going to feature prominently in your arsenal of tools. 

      Prevent airborne particles during a tough job with a left-side mounted dust collection bag that lends itself well to corner sanding applications filling any need you might have. Weighing just under 12 pounds, this lightweight powerhouse is one machine you can rely on to complete all those difficult remodeling projects from start to finish without breaking a sweat.

      Pros
      • Good speed adjustment
      • Sturdy
      • Lightweight
      • Powerful motor
      • Easy to use and maintain
      Cons

        8. GALAX PRO 8 Amperes Belt Sander

        q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07WHFYHND&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

        Why get rid of all the good stuff on your wood install job when you can give it a brand new fresh coat? This GALAX PRO belt sander will make any surface smooth and shiny again. 

        With a powerful 8 amperes motor, this handy tool is perfect for sanding large surfaces like floorboards, decking, and other projects that require more stock removal than others. 

        Comes paddle-shaped dust extraction brush with magnetic strip to hold in place while working in corners, comes with variable speed control to deliver 2-6 meter per second high power stock removal!

        The auto-tracking belt system keeps things running smooth and efficient with no need to stop, readjust or deflate the belt. With a long cable and handy dust bag, it can get in tight spaces like no one else can. It’s an easy-to-please tool, with its versatility over many different types of surfaces and materials, not to mention that ergonomically designed handle that coddles your hand in comfort while you work!

        Pros
        • Tough and solid
        • Powerful motor
        • Belts are easy to find
        • Smooth operation
        • heavy duty
        Cons
        • Dust collector can’t catch all the dust

        How To Properly Use The Belt Sander?

        A belt sander is a great tool to use if you want to quickly remove material from your workpiece. You can shape, smooth, and polish the wood with it as long as you properly handle this power tool.

        Belt sanders are very easy tools, but they also come with some risks that we need to be aware of before we start using them.

        The first and most important thing you need to remember is that the belt sander needs some space for maneuvering because it has a large footprint on your workpiece surface. You should never try to make curves or rounded edges with this power tool, as they are not designed for those kinds of tasks.

        You also have to be careful not to apply too much pressure on the belt sander. It can deflect and cause some dangerous accidents like breaking the tool or hurting yourself seriously if you do.

        It is recommended that you use more than one sanding belt if your project requires multiple grits of sandpaper. You should also consider using a bigger size of sanding belt for your project because it will save you some time.

        Also, if the belt sander is running at full speed and suddenly stops rotating, this means that there has been a problem with its power cord or switch, so you need to immediately turn off the tool and inspect them before using it again. 

        The same thing should be done in case of any strange sound or smell that the belt sander is giving out.

        The Buyer’s Guide For The Best Belt Sanders

        What to look for when buying a belt sander?

        There are many types of belt sanders on the market, and finding the best one can be difficult. In order to make your shopping easier, here is our list with some tips that you should follow:

        1. First of all, find out how often you will use the belt sander and how big projects you will be working on. Smaller models are more than enough for home improvement tasks or simple DIY applications but if you want to do professional work with your power tool, consider investing in a bigger version that comes equipped with heavy-duty components.
        2. A metal frame means better stability, so look out for that feature if you want the belt sander to last for many years.
        3. A larger work table is always helpful because it will make your sanding tasks easier and more effective.
        4. Variable speed control is a must-have on any belt sander. If the tool doesn’t come with this feature, stay away from it as it can be dangerous and inefficient.
        5. The power cord should be as long as possible to make your work more flexible. At least 12 feet long is recommended for bigger belt sanders, while smaller ones can do with a cord that has at least six feet of length.
        6. Also, look out for rubber bumpers because they protect the tool from damage caused by vibrations which can be very annoying.
        7. When buying new power tools, the price is always a concern, but you shouldn’t worry about it too much. Quality belt sanders are expensive no matter what brand they come from so expect to pay more if that’s the product you want to invest in.
        8. In order to avoid any unpleasant situations, look for a belt sander that has been UL listed or comes from a brand that is known for its high-quality products.
        9. If you are clumsy, look for belt sanders that come with a dust collection bag but keep in mind that they can be expensive.
        10. Safety features like the patented safety switch or anti-vibration components should also be on your list because they protect both you and the power tool.

        Belt Sander FAQ’s

        Can you use a belt sander to make curves?

        Even though most models are not designed for curved surfaces, there are some heavy-duty versions that can work with them. You should keep in mind that this will require more effort, and you might need different attachments to achieve the desired results.


        What grit sanding belts should I use?

        This depends on what you are trying to achieve with your belt sander. You should always start from a 100 grit sanding belt and then move up the scale in order to work through all of the different possibilities for your project.


        Is it safe to leave my tool plugged in when not using it?

        It is recommended that you unplug your belt sander when you are not using it because this is the most effective way to prevent any damage.

        Also, having an extension cord might interfere with how well and safely the tool works, so do yourself a favor and leave it plugged in only when needed.


        How long should the power cord be?

        The length varies depending on what kind of project you want to use it with, but at least you should have 12 feet of cord length in order to be able to work with the belt sander more easily.


        How long will the sanding belt last?

        Sanding belts can be used for a long time depending on how often and in what conditions they are being used. If you keep them clean, oiled, and working correctly, they will serve you well even if your project requires many hours.

        However, when it comes to woodworking projects that require extremely smooth surfaces, sanding belts will not last long enough to get the job done.


        Where can I find replacement sanding belts?

        If you lose your sander’s original belt or if it is simply worn out, you can buy new ones online. There are many different types of replacement sanding belts available so compare them all to make sure that the one you choose will work well with your power tool. Some brands offer special deals for their customers, so check them out before you buy.


        How to maintain a belt sander?

        The best way to keep your tool in good condition is by cleaning it after each use. You should also oil the moving parts and replace broken or worn belts as soon as possible.

        Keep bolts tightened because loose components can cause damage both for you and your power tools. Also, take care of safety features like rubber bumpers and the safety switch to avoid accidents.

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