They are compact and reliable which helps in completing the task within less amount of time and effort. Apart from wood, they can also be used on metals, heavy-duty plastics, tile and others. If you are looking to invest in a new disc sander, then below are few considerations to choose the best.
Motor Power
It determines the efficiency of the disc sander. High power motor will complete the task in less amount of time. So, choose a model with highest motor power within your budget range.
Disc Size
If you mostly work on large wood pieces, then larger belts with 36-inch length are the preferred option. When it comes to belts with smaller size, they are suitable for workshops with less space.
Belt Size
Apart from the disc, the belt size of a given belt disc sander is also quite important. This size is given as 36-inch x 4 inch or 48-inch x 6 inch depending on the model you get where a higher size offers more space for working with a belt sander. For in-depth and information reference, we recommend checking out the “Buying Guide” mentioned in this article. Using the same information, we have shortlisted the best disc sanders for your reference.
Best Belt Disc Sanders Chart
7 Best Belt Disc Sanders Reviews
1. Wen Belt Disc Sander
Best belt disc sanders Best drum sanders Best detail sanders Best random orbital sanders Types of Sanders Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander
There are a lot of power tool offerings from WEN that generally have a highly affordable price tag, as seen with its belt disc sander. The WEN 6502T belt disc sander is present in the 1st position in this article as it is one of the cheapest options out there and still offers a lot of things for the given price tag. You get a 6-inch sanding disc along with a 36-inch x 4-inch sanding belt. Both of these are powered by a 4.3 amp electric motor that is expected at the given price tag. You get a 2-year long warranty along with a great build quality with this belt disc sander that is not expected at this price tag. It even offers a highly sturdy cast iron base for high stability. All of these things result in a high value for money with this belt disc sander. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 4.3 amps Sanding disc size of 6 inches Sanding belt size of 36-inch x 4 inch 2-year long warranty Great build quality
Pros:
Affordable price tag for a high value for money Large size sanding disc and belt Offers cast iron base for sturdy build quality
Cons:
Motor could have been more powerful Slightly on the larger and heavier side
2. Rikon Power Tools Belt Disc Sander
Rikon Power Tools is known for making highly reliable and durable products that generally last for a long time. The Rikon Power Tools 50-151 belt disc sander is the most durable and reliable option present in this article. It offers an excellent build quality to the user that is even better than most of the expensive options out there. You also get a 5-year long warranty with it without paying an extra premium for it that results in a high value for money. Moving to its performance, it is ideal for simpler applications as you only get a 2.3 amp electric motor. Its sanding disc is also ideal for simpler applications with its 5-inch size. As for the sanding belt, you get a 30-inch x 1-inch sanding belt in this disc sander with this belt disc sander. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 2.3 amps Sanding disc size of 5 inches Sanding belt size of 30-inch x 1 inch 5-year long warranty Highly reliable and durable sander
Pros:
Most durable and reliable belt disc sander Easy to use controls and design Affordable price tag for users on a budget
Cons:
Ideal for simpler applications
3. Makita Disc Sander
Makita is mainly known for making premium battery-powered electric tools but also offers other options like a belt disc sander model. Makita’s GV5010 is a disc sander and does not come with a sanding belt due to its compact form factor. You get a 5-inch sanding disc in this sander that is on the smaller and compact side. Although, its highly powerful 3.9 amp electric motor ensures that this disc operates at optimum performance levels and offers great end results. While the build quality offered by this Makita disc sander is quite great, you only get a 1-year long warranty with it that is not to be expected at the given price tag. Although, its compact design makes it a great option for taking from one place to another if needed. Despite the compact size, its motor can go up to 5000 RPM quite easily. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 3.9 amps Sanding disc size of 5 inches Motor speed rating of up to 5000 RPM 1-year long warranty Rubber grip for comfort and ease of use
Pros:
Small and compact design for portable usage Great build quality for peace of mind High-performance motor for just a sanding disc
Cons:
Only a 1-year long warranty Slightly on the expensive side
4. Ingersoll Rand Sander
You can find a lot of budget and affordable power tool options from Ingersoll Rand that are known for offering a great value for money to the user. This Ingersoll Rand 311A disc sander is the cheapest option present in this article as it comes just with a sanding disc. To further make it more affordable, it is a pneumatic disc sander. Due to this, you need an additional air compressor to use it. Although, it is able to offer a decent performance of up to ¼ HP with the pneumatic motor of this disc sander. Despite the lower price tag of this disc sander, it comes with a 1-year long warranty with a decent build quality. It even has very low vibrations when compared with other options out there. All of these things result in a high value for money for the user. Best Features:
¼ HP pneumatic disc sander Sanding disc size of 6 inches 17 CFM air consumption 1-year long warranty Low vibration design for peace of mind
Pros:
Perfect for users on budget due to high value for money Decent performance from ¼ HP motor Decent build quality for the given price
Cons:
Does not come with a sanding belt Requires an additional air compressor
5. Shop Fox Disc Sander
Shop Fox can be another great pick if you are looking for electric power tool options like a belt disc sander. The Shop Fox W1828 is also only a disc sander, as seen with the previous two sanding machines. While it does not have any sanding belt, it still offers an excellent performance that makes it ideal for heavy-duty usage. This is possible due to the fact that it comes with a highly powerful 10 amp electric model. Its large sanding disc is powered by a highly powerful 10 amp electric motor that should be more than enough for most users out there. This 1725 RPM motor even comes with a 2-year long warranty that is always great to have. As you would expect by its slightly higher price tag, you also get a great build quality with this belt disc sander. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 10 amps Sanding disc size of 12 inches Motor speed rating of 1725 RPM 2-year long warranty Good build quality for peace of mind
Pros:
Ideal for heavy-duty and industrial usage Offers a highly powerful 10 amp electric motor Easy to use controls and speed trigger
Cons:
Lacks a sanding belt Slightly expensive
6. Bucktool Belt Disc Sander
Bucktool is a comparatively smaller brand of power tools out there that also makes various sanders, including a belt disc sander. Bucktool’s BD4801 belt disc sander is present in the 5th position in this article as it can be another affordable option if you are looking for a complete belt disc sander. It includes a sanding disc as well as a belt where the disc has a size of 8 inches, and the belt has dimensions of 36-inch x 4 inch. These are powered by a 5 amp electric motor that is quite decent for most users out there. Unfortunately, the build quality of this belt disc sander is not the best out there and could have been certainly better. This is also true for its warranty that is rated at just 1 year long. Although the direct drive motor should easily last for a long time. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 5 amps Sanding disc size of 8 inches Sanding belt size of 36-inch x 4 inch 1-year long warranty Direct drive motor for better performance and reliability
Pros:
Budget price tag for a full belt disc sander Offers a large disc and belt for ease of use Decently powerful 5 amp electric motor
Cons:
Only a 1-year long warranty Average build quality
7. Jet Belt Disc Sander
If you want heavy-duty power tools for industrial usage, then Jet can be a great option even if you are looking for a belt disc sander. This Jet 708599K JSG-6DCK is present in the 6th position in this article as it is the most powerful option present in this article. It offers a highly large 12-inch sanding disc to the user that is much larger than most other options out there. You also get a huge 48-inch x 6-inch sanding belt in it that should be more than enough for most users. Another great thing about Jet is that it offers a 5-year long warranty that is always great to have. When combined with its great build quality, you can expect it to easily last for a long time. Its motor has a power rating of 1 ½ HP or 12 amp that is quiet and ideal for heavy-duty usage. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 12 amps Sanding disc size of 9 inches Sanding belt size of 48-inch x 6 inch 5-year long warranty Great build quality
Pros:
Excellent choice for heavy-duty and industrial usage Highly reliable and durable option Highly powerful 12 amp electric motor
Cons:
Quite an expensive belt disc sander
How to Choose the Best Belt Disc Sander?
When purchasing a power tool for your workshop, it is very important to invest in a durable product. The below buying guide is specially crafted to help people find the right product within their budget and requirements. Here, we have provided a detail description of every factor for your reference.
1. Motor Power
While purchasing a belt disc sander, the first factor to analyze is the motor power. It represents how powerful the disc sander is and how efficiently it can handle the jobs. Usually, belt disc sanders come with 2 to 5 Amps motor power which is adequate to run both belt sanders and discs. You have to remember the fact that – high power motor will complete the task in less amount of time. And this is necessary when you are working on heavy-duty sanding projects. Another thing to consider is – sanders with direct drive are don’t slow down as belt-driven models of same size. however, they tend to be more expensive and harder to replace. Belt driven are the sweet-spot between the disc sanding and belt sanding on variable speed sanders.
2. Disc Diameter and Speed
The next factor to consider while purchasing a disc sander is the speed and diameter of the disc. As the belt and disc are two separate parts of the machine, you have to analyze the sizes individually. When it comes to disc sizes, their diameter ranges from 5 to 12 inches. Every wood worker has particular preference for disc sizes. Larger ones are usually most preferred as they provide more working room and suitable sanding curves as well. The speed of a disc represents how much time it takes for finishing a sanding project. Usually, fastest discs are the best choice but slower speed discs are suitable for sanding delicate projects.
3. Belt Size and Speed
Now let’s check out the belt size as it provides an idea of required surface area for starting the sanding process. If you mostly work on large wood pieces, then larger belts with 36-inch length are the preferred option. When it comes to belts with smaller size, they are suitable for workshops with less space. When it comes to speed of the belt, faster the speed, higher amount of material you can remove in a single go. So, we recommend checking out for a fast belt speed, especially if you have to work on several wood pieces.
4. User-Friendly Speed
Most of the disc sanders come with variable speed control. So, you can dial or tune into the exact the speed as per your requirement. Belt speeds below 1.500 feet-per-minute(fpm) are very slow so we don’t usually recommend choosing them. When it comes to 12-inches blades with 1,720 rpm, they are efficient, effective and user-friendly. And finally, the 9-inch discs with 3,000 rpm are too fast so only well-experienced professionals should use it.
5. Bevel Capacity
People often overlook this factor while purchasing a belt-disc sander. However, it is quite important as it ensures a safe distance from sanding belt and disc so that your fingers and knuckles don’t get hurt. You may need a belt sander and disc sander to come with a beveling table. It helps in shaping and sanding uneven surfaces or objects and even helpful to work at awkward angles. Most of these tables can bevel at angles up to 90-degrees. However, some cannot bevel and some can only bevel at 45-degrees.
6. Dust Collection
It is better to avoid models that don’t provide dust collection ports. We recommend to purchase a disc sander that has large diameter as it doesn’t restrict the airflow. Most of disc sanders we tried had separate ports for both discs and belts. These machines come with separate hoses or single hose (movable) based on the task. In most of the machines, moving hose can be inconvenient task as the ports are usually in different sizes or locates awkwardly. Sanders that come with single dust port for belt and disc are the most convenient option but if they have separate blast gates for belt and disc, then they are not as effective as sperate ports. if they have shop vacuum or dust collection, sanders with onboard dust collection are worthy to invest. Onboard collection is actually much better than having nothing. However, it is not effective as collection that comes with separate machine. The best choice among them is investing in a dedicated dust collector with filter bag that is efficient enough to remove even the tiniest dust particles. A shop vac that comes with goof filtration is also an efficient alternative.
7. Locking Tables Securely
We recommend to choose tables that are mounted on pivot arms or trunnions as they can be locked securely. Cast trunnions are usually available with industrial sanders and traditional option. However, steel pivot arms are equally effective as well. If you want the table to secure properly, then long levers are the right choice. When it comes to tables with a single post, they are less effective. However, they let the table rotate and work lose as well.
8. Dedicated Tables t o Secured Locks
We usually recommend to choose a sander that has separate tables for belt and disc. Usually, light-duty sanders come with one table to serve the both. The dual-service table mount is usually help in place by setscrews. Even if you tighten up the reef with screws, the back-and-forth sanding action can make the table loose. Most of the medium-duty sanders come with individual tables on picot arms and trunnions. Stamped steel pivot arms have perfect fit at the pivot pin. The pin threaded for tightening it. The trunnions are usually made of aluminum alloy and cast iron.
9. Belt Sander Orientation
In the benchtop belt-disc, the disc is usually perpendicular to the base. However, with the orientation varied based on the models. Some may come with vertical-standing belt and some are usually parallel to the base. Some disc sanders come with belt sanders that run horizontally upward. And you have to push the stock down and moving belt. As there is no objective way to know the superiority, whatever you think the best is depends on your requirements.
10. Belt and Disc Changing System
Sanding belts and discs can get clogged up with sawdust and needs regular changing. And the most convenient ways to change the discs and sanding belts is a tool-less belt changing system. Some of the need a flip switch for removing the sanding sheets while others can be either replaced or pulled off. It doesn’t impact anything with sanding performance. It is just a feature for convenience.
11. Protective Shrouds
Accidental contact or injuries are a possible risk with disc sanders. Having belt or disc shrouds will reduce the exposure. Best options usually cover the top, back and bottom of the belt. Most of the machines leave the top and back uncovered which becomes dangerous if the belt is in vertical position. Metal shrouds are usually more durable. It should be present in most of the machine and cover the belt for safety. Full shrouds provide protection against accidental contact. Having a removable top lets you sand corves on the roller.
12. Easy Belt Arm Positioning
The belt arm pivot is suitable for sanding at angle tasks. A split collar is easy to change the position as it locks just in a single point. The other choice comes with a slotted dual-ring mechanism which locks at three or two bolts that are actually hard to reach. Adjusting the belt arm can be simple and the best option is split collar lock mechanism.
13. Graphite Platen Pad
Most of the sanders come with graphite-covered pad that is fixed to platen for reducing the friction between the belt and platen. The belt sides and pads require less power and move easily. This will significantly reduce the speed. This also lets it stay cool and last pretty long. Including that, the pad compensates for platen and dampens vibration which is not flat. This is because the pad has high spots which can worn down. The major downsides is that the new pads have bits of graphite and handling pads make the hands dirty.
14. Versatility
It is better to invest in a disc sander that has versatile features so you can use both disc and belt sander to its full potential. We recommend you have to invest in a sander that works on intricate pieces like edges or curves without losing the ability to work on straight pieces.
15. Maintenance
It is better to invest in a sander that is easy to maintenance and ensures adjustment feature to make the changes and angles. Changing the belt or disc can be pretty simple once the old ones are worn out. Also, check out whether the brand you choose is responsive enough or if it has a problem with having service centers available for customers.
16. Brands
Compared to every company, some of them stand out more. And the belt disc sander is no exception. Some of these brands can be trustworthy for providing top-notch belt sanders like Wen, Powertec, DeWalt, Rickon and Grizzly.
17. Price
You can find come combination sanders that range between $400 to $500 which are worthy to invest. Some machines come with a sanding performance as same as expensive industrial sanders but they are not built for heavy-duty tasks. Combination sanders that are small and light-duty products cost less than $300. These disc sanders are usually not user-friendly and have less performance efficiency. Some of these models are worth considering to look at when you have to compromise.
18. Warranty
You also check the durability and reliability of a given belt disc sander to ensure that it can easily last for a long time, even if you are using it for sanding a lot of hard objects and materials. Therefore, you should look out for belt disc sanders that are highly sturdy and offer a superb build quality. As for the warranty, most options out there come with a 1 year or a 2-year long warranty. But some models that generally last for a long time come with a 5-year long warranty for peace of mind.
Precautions to Consider While Using Belt and Disc Sanders
There are several things to consider while using a belt and disc sander to complete the job safely.
The first thing to consider is the eye protection which protects you when the wood stock kicks back or saw dust that flies off the surface. Most of these machines produce high levels of noise and a continuous hum which can be uncomfortable and damaging to the ears. It is better to use hearing protection while operating a disc or belt sander. Planning beforehand helps you place the wood in appropriate positions to work on it. It also helps you keep the fingers away from the sandpaper which may rip off the skin within an instant. Avoid wearing loose-fitted clothes as they can get caught in spinning drums while working. If possible, start sanding with the grain as it helps to prevent the wood from skipping off the belt while in motion. And always sand in downward position and avoid upward movement for best control.
Conclusion:
Whether you work in a workshop or casually at your home, sanding is a highly important and useful process that gets used for so many applications. While there are many kinds of sanding machines out there, the best belt disc sanders present in this article can be a great pick as the perfect and all in one sanding machine. Even if you are new to such belt disc sanders, you can easily learn their differences by following the major features and options present in this article. We have even covered a detailed buying guide that takes the user through all of the details of these belt disc sanders. If that is not enough for you, here are are some of our favorite recommendations:
The Jet Belt Disc Sander is the perfect option for those who are looking for a highly powerful disc sander for industrial needs. It offers a highly powerful 12 amp motor that powers its 12-inch disc and 48-inch x 6-inch sanding belt. Rikon Power Tools’ belt disc sander is the most reliable and durable option present in this article. Its 2.3 amp motor comes with a 5-year long warranty along with an excellent build quality for its 5-inch sanding disc and 30-inch x 1-inch belt. If you are on a budget, you can go with the Ingersoll Rand Sander as it is the cheapest option present in this article. This is possible as it is just a 6-inch sanding disc that requires an air compressor to work. You get a 1-year long warranty with it despite the budget price.
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