The 5 Best Belt Sanders

A belt sander is a roughing tool. Designed for intense sanding, it allows you to prepare flat, rough, or already-painted surfaces before refining them with smaller and more delicate sanders. The sandpaper belt is held between 2 rollers that drive the sanding process. Its power does the rest. Here is a comparison to help you choose the belt sander that suits you best. This selection is made according to the performances and characteristics of each of them. All you have to do is make your choice!

Model	SILVERLINE 247820 Lime	TACKLIFE belt sander	TOPVORK belt sander	Bosch PBS 75 AE	Makita 9403
BELT WIDTH	13 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	100 mm
POWER	260 W	600 W	600 W	750 W	1 200 W
WEIGHT	1,15 kg	2,2 kg	1,5 kg	3,5 kg	NC
COMPONENTS INCLUDED	2 sanding belts	13 sanding belts / 2 sanding holders / 1 sanding belt	11 sanding belts / 2 metal screw clamps	Sander stand / Sanding paper / 2 clamps / Parallel and angle stop	NC

 The belt sander with fine blade: SILVERLINE 247820 file

The SILVERLINE belt sander (also called a file) has a blade of only 13 mm. This narrow belt width and the tilting file make it easy to work in hard-to-reach places. Its variable speed control allows for fine work such as model making. Its small 260 W power rating is more than enough for its purpose as it is not made for heavy-duty work.

Even if the switch is poorly placed, we can salute this product for its ergonomics and lightness.

As this model is sold in several countries, the supplied plug has to be adapted according to local standards, which is easy to do.

The +

 – Thin blade

 – Lightweight (1.15 kg)

 – Easy to handle

The –

 – Poorly placed switch

 – Plug requiring an adapter

The top-selling sander: TACKLIFE belt sander

With an attractive price, this sander will make the happiness of the do-it-yourselfers. It is ideal for large flat surfaces such as doors or shutters. Its sturdiness and maneuverability make it a tool of choice despite its average power (600 W). A small lever allows for easy replacement of the sanding belts, of which 13 are provided. The switch is easily locked to facilitate its use.

According to Internet users, its dust collector is small, but the machine can be connected to a vacuum cleaner thanks to its 2 adapters.

Small downside: this sander is heavy (2.2 kg), making its transport and sanding more tiring.

The +

 – 3m cable

 – Robustness

The –

 – High weight (2.2 kg)

 – Reduced capacity of the dust tank

The practical belt sander: TOPVORK belt sander

It comes with 11 belts of 80 and 120 grit; this TOPVORK belt sander has an SDS system that facilitates the change of belts.

Its variable speed ensures a sanding of the softest to the hardest woods. A set of screw clamps, also supplied, allows the sander to be fixed upside down on a table (stationary). You can interchange the dust collection box with a vacuum cleaner adapter.

The +

 – Adjustable speed

 – Fixation on table

 – Adapter for vacuum cleaner

 – Good quality/price ratio

The –

None of them!

The expert sander: Bosch PBS 75 AE

This sander is perfect for efficient and fast sanding while remaining reasonably priced. Its power ensures a great sanding capacity, and its compact design makes it easy to handle. Its quick speed adjustment system (wheel under the trigger) and its electronic variator are real assets in managing the transition from one material to another (from soft to hardwood, for example).

This tool is supplied with a parallel and angular stop that allows the sander to shape the strips or to bevel the edges when in static mode.

The limitation of this product is the small capacity of its dust receptacle.

The +

 – Automatic belt centering

 – Compact design

 – Protective case

 – Parallel and angular stops included

The –

– Low-capacity dust container

The professional sander: Makita 9403

This MAKITA sander, recommended for professionals or experienced handymen, is powerful (1,200 W), easy to handle, and has a wide sanding belt (100 mm). Thanks to its lateral offset, it is capable of sanding flush to the wall, and its adjustable dust bag does not interfere with the work.

Its weight/power ratio allows efficient sanding without forcing. It is a perfect tool, robust and resistant.

However, we regret the absence of a storage box and the lack of accessories for stationary use.

The +

 – Very high power (1200 W)

 – Pulsed dust evacuation

 – Belt width (100 mm)

 – Sanding flush to the wall possible thanks to the lateral offset

The –

 – Lack of accessories

 – High price, but the features of this model can explain this

Comparison of the best belt sanders: criteria for making the right choice

To choose your belt sander before buying, and as there are dozens of models at all prices and of all brands, you must pay attention to specific criteria:

The use

Will you use your sander for small surfaces (furniture) or stripping floors? You want your machine to keep going even if you ask too much. Therefore you should get a sander with at least 750 W for larger jobs. Its weight can also be an asset. Even though it may seem like a handicap at first glance, a heavy sander will make your work easier because you won’t have to force the machine, and the tool will be easier to handle.

Otherwise, a sander with less power and a more attractive price is sufficient.

The budget

This is, again, a question of use. When you want to do some heavy work, it is better to invest in tools of big brands, certainly more expensive, but whose reputation is well established because the materials used for their manufacture are of better quality.

Equipment and options 

Not all belt sanders are sold with the same equipment.

Almost all of them offer sanding belts, sometimes with several grains, especially in more or fewer numbers. You should also check whether fastening systems are provided for stationary use and an adapter to connect the sander to a dust extractor.

For large areas, prefer machines adapted to construction vacuums to save time emptying the dust bag regularly.

The speed variator is also a criterion to take into account. It allows you to go from stripping to finishing and sanding on fragile materials without damaging your work surface; its access and the number of adjustable speeds are therefore essential.

Eccentric sander, multi-function sander, wood sander… The offer of sanders is varied, and it can be challenging to find your way around. Hopefully, this article has helped you to know how to choose your sander and quickly compare the best models. All you have to do is to find the model that suits you! Remember to share your experience in the comments below.