7 Best Benchtop Belt Sanders (Reviews)

Published on: March 21, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

When it’s to sanding tools, Benchtop belt sanders are the most popular among professionals and DIY experts. Because they can serve as a disc and as well as a belt sander, they are able to complete your sanding jobs quickly and smoothly.

But buying a reliable model that is able to perform as you want and save you money isn’t so easy. You need to do a little bit of research and gather all the necessary information about benchtop belt sanders.

So if you’re here to know about a sander to buy for your workshop, you’re most welcome!

What Is a Bench Sander?

Avid woodworkers sand on a daily basis. If you’ve been tediously sanding by hand, you’ll find that not only is the procedure messy, but it’s ineffective and sometimes tiring or painful. It’s tons easier and faster to use an electrical bench sander.

A bench sander isn’t portable, but it’s a high-powered solution that sits stationary on your workbench. You’ll even be ready to set it abreast of sawhorses, but it must be plugged in and stable.

This gives you an outstanding capacity for sanding, and you’ve got the power to use both hands on your workpiece instead of operating a sander. The foremost popular models have either belt and disk sanders, drum sanders, or oscillating spindle sanders.

Any sander type alongside an appropriate abrasive will offer you the pliability to sand any edge or surface. All come in many different sizes with a good range of price tags. Most even have a dust port, so you’ll attach your shop vac to capture the dust, making it much less messy than a transportable sander.

Type of Benchtop Belt Sanders

The most normally utilized benchtop belt sanders fall into two classifications, to be specific, plate and belt sanders. While they are marginally unique.

They have been shown some differences: 

Belt Sander	Disc Sander
Belt sanders are versatile.	These are stationary machines used to smooth wood surfaces.
Used as a handheld device or stationary tabletop variety.	It has a dust collection system to remove debris.
Operated by rotating an electric motor.	Use wood, metal, and plastic.
Belt Sanders has a dust collection bag.	It has attached an abrasive paper.
It is a multi-use tool.	Ideal for end-grain work, creating fine consistent angles and quickly eliminating lots of material.

Read more: Reciprocating Saw Blades

Things to Consider When Choosing Benchtop Belt Sanders

Hope you’ve already got a precise idea about different types of benchtop belt sanders from the above discussion.

Still confused about choosing the best one for you!

Don’t worry! I’ve also discussed some important features of a benchtop sander that can help you pick the right one.

Ease of Use

If you’re going to buy or use the sander for the first time, pick the one that can be operated easily. It would be convenient to start using the tool just after unboxing and don’t need to assemble it. Besides, the changing process of the belt or pads also needs to be effortless for you

Versatility

It’d be better if the device has multifunctional use; you’ll be able to use the sander to complete more than one job. So choose the one that can be used as both a disc and belt sander.

Power

Check the horsepower of the motor of the tool before buying, because the tool must be able to handle the job you’re going to do with it. So pick the sander with more HP than your sanding job needs.

Durability

Always try to buy a power tool that will last for a long time. Because if your tool gets damaged or stops working in the middle of any project, it’ll waste both your time and money.

Base

The base is the most important part of a benchtop sander. The base can help to reduce the vibration of sanding by being stable. So a sander with a stable base can lessen your tiredness caused by long working.

Read more: The Best Scroll Saw Blades – Top 10 Scoring by Experts

Dust Collection

Sanding is quite a messy job. Dust produced from sanding scattered around the workspace can interrupt your vision and make the place messy. So before buying a benchtop belt sander, check the device has an improved dust collection system.

Disc Diameter and Speed

You also need to check the disc diameter and speed of the sander while buying one. The most available and common disc diameter is 5” and 10”, you can choose any of them according to your requirements. But if you get the one with a larger disc, you’ll have more space to work with, and they are also the best choice for sanding curves.

And disc speed decides the completion time of the project. The fastest disc will assure you quickly complete the job, whereas a slow disc will help you do some delicate projects.

Belt Size and Speed

By the belt size of the sander, you can get an idea about the area you’ll be able to sand with it. If you work with a large piece of wood most frequently, you need a sander with a larger belt. But if you don’t have enough space in your workshop, you can choose one with a small belt.

And for belt speed, a faster belt can help you to work with more work material at a go.

Warranty

Warranty is another important thing you should consider while buying a benchtop sander. You must want to use your power tool really for a long time, and a reasonable warranty period will assure you to use the machine for a long time by giving repair and service support whenever needed.

Details View Our 6 Best Benchtop Belt Sanders

Here I’ve tried to give you precise information about different models known as the best products in the market to help you choose from.

And also a short and practical buying guide that will help you to know about the good quality benchtop sander.

So, let’s start…

1. WEN Belt and Disc Sander with Cast Iron Base (Model No 6502T)

• Application: wood and lumber;
• Motor: 4.3-Amp, 1/2 HP;
• Rotation: 3600 RPM;
• Belt: 4 x 36 inches, 80-Grit;
• Disk: 6 inches, 80-Grit;
• Dust port: 2.25-inches;
• Weight: 39 pounds;
• Includes belt, disk, miter gauge, an 80-grit sanding belt, and work table.

This WEN sander model is recommended for beginners, someone who needs a space-saving yet sturdy one to get done with a decent amount of sanding. Its motor capacity is somewhat limited to be used heavily, so I don’t recommend it for professional use daily.

Like other benchtop sanders, it comes with everything you need to start using it right away. It has a spacious beveling work table with a disk sander, and the belt sander can be positioned vertically for maximum usability. Belt changing is also a breeze, a useful feature for everyone who needs frequent belt changing to complete one project.

This belt included with this sander is suitable for polishing woody material, and it is noise-free for that purpose.

With a different belt, you can sand metal as well, but the operation can be really noisy at that time. Its price is the most convenient feature of this decent sander. It is affordable, so even a beginner and DIYer can have the pleasure of using a quality sander for their very first applications.

Things We Liked

• Sturdy base;
• Affordable price;
• Easy belt and disk change;
• Noise-free.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Small safety guard;
• Inaccurate angle gauge.

2. Rockwell Belt Disc Sander (Model No RK7866)

• Motor: 4.3-Amp, 1/2 HP;
• Belt: 4 x 36 inches;
• Disk: 6 inches;
• Dust port: 2.25-inches;
• Weight: 42 pounds;
• Includes belt, disk, miter gauge, and Allen key.  

Rockwell sander is very similar to the Wen sander, which we reviewed earlier. But the difference is, it comes with a long warranty. Even the price is almost the same. Its belt tension adjusting mechanism seemed really unique to me, as it lets you control the tension over the belt. Using this, you can have a more refined finish on delicate pieces more easily with this. 

This machine is made with cast iron; you can tell by its look and weight of it. The motor is powerful, to do its job flawlessly. It runs so smoothly, and you can’t even tell the motor is on unless you start sanding with it. This sander seemed more promising to me as a long warranty option covers it.

The only mentionable thing is, it does not come with a dust bag. It should not be considered a con of this excellent product, but the manufacturer could easily solve it.

Things We Liked

• Quiet motor;
• Comes with a warranty;
• Belt tension can be adjusted;
• Cheap price. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• The dust bag is not included.

3. Ridgid Sander, Oscillating/Edge Belt (Model No EB4424)

• Application: wood and lumber;
• Motor: 5-Amp, 3/8 HP;  3/8 HP,
• Rotation: 1,725 RPM,  FPM: 1,350 belts, Oscillation: 60/min., Stroke: 3/4 in;
• Belt: 4 x 24 inches;
• Disk: n/a;
• Detent stops: 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees;
• Weight: 39 pounds;
• Includes belt, miter gauge, and work table.  

A sander with a belt and disk may feel insufficient while dealing with hard materials with delicate curves. In those cases, a sanding machine with an oscillating feature becomes compulsory.

So, we decided to incorporate one and a perfect one on our list. It has one belt that can be used as a rotary and oscillating sander. There is no disk attached to it, so one belt is enough to serve all-purpose.

This sander lets you be more creative with your workpiece. While other sanders can tilt the worktable up to 45 degrees, this one can tilt up to 48 degrees, with stops at five positions. The second most fascinating feature of this sander is its storage system.

The entire unit is compact as it is. But if you want to pack it after use, you can remove all the attachments and place them neatly inside it for storage.

This machine vibrates a little, but putting a mat underneath minimizes it to a great extent that it will not be affected by the workpieces. This unit is pricey, almost twice the WEN sander, but it serves a different purpose. So, the price is worth it.

Things We Liked

• Has oscillating feature for more demanding applications;
• Comes with lifetime service offer;
• Built-in storage facility.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Vibrates;
• Dust collection is ineffective. 

Read more: Choose the Belt Sander for Knife Making

4. JET BenchTop Belt and Disc Sander (Model No J-4002)

• Application: various;
• Motor: 1 ph, 1/3 HP;
• Disc Speed: 1,725 RPM;
• Belt: 1 x 42 inches;
• Disk: 8 inches;
• Dust port: 2.25-inches;
• Weight: 62 pounds;
• Includes removable platens, belt, disk, miter gauge, work table, and many more.  

Jet sander is the winner on this list. It can save you from spending on three other power tools of similar category like jigs saw or coping saw. Its belt is placed vertically so that it can double as a saw using proper accessories. The safeguards or platen of the attached wheel and belt are removable to make smooth inner and outer curves much easier.

The working table can be turned left and right up to 45 degrees and can be stopped at the most commonly used angles. But turning the table can be hectic, as it is a bit tight if you use the attached handle. However, other sanders only offer to turn to one side only.

In terms of perfection, nothing can beat this machine. It runs smooth, vibration, and noise-free. Besides, it is made durable with cast iron, but care has been taken to give it a smooth look on this ragged material.

Dust collection is most effectively done in this machine; besides, you don’t have to worry about fitting the port to the chute because it fits the standard shop vac and cleans up pretty amazingly.

Needless to say, this one is the most expensive sander on our list. But the question is, is it worth the extra cost? Well, if you are using it professionally, then the extra hundred bucks are nothing compared to its usability.

Things We Liked

• Can be used as a jigsaw;
• Suitable for polishing irregular pieces;
• Accurate and efficient operation every time;
• Comes with a long warranty. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Heavy;
• Expensive. 

5. WEN HB3216 Handheld & Benchtop Belt Sander

• Application: Smooth out surfaces, deburr jagged edges, strip paint;
• Motor: 7-amp variable speed motor;
• Speed: 787 – 13,12 FPM;
• Belt: 3 x 21″ (Handheld & Stationery);
• Weight: 7.15 pounds;
• Includes a dust collection chamber, a dust port adapter, a dust port reducer, two benchtop clamps, 80-grit sandpaper, and a handheld belt sander.  

This is one of the most economical belt sanders available. Very impressive tool. Works and seems like a way higher-cost tool. Feels substantial but not heavy. The belt release mechanism and alignment knob work perfectly. 

This tool may be a beast. With low-grit sandpaper, it eats through wood like a thermite through an iron engine. Don’t assume the bag goes to gather all the dust. you’re going to need to cover the space you’re working in as if you’re under quarantine from an airborne disease. This tool works great for sharpening or cleaning scrapers and other tools that require it to be sharp.

This is a reasonably good belt sander for the $50 and under price range. This is often not a $200 sander, so keep your expectations real. However, for what it’s worth, it’s a reasonably good tool. Great belt sander for the cash …tip for people who wish to use a little shop vacuum to exhaust sanding dust:

Just zip open your vacuum bag and put your vacuum hose all the way into the bag (over the inside bag support plastic holder). Then rezip your bag tight around the hose with a touch of the adhesive tape to secure it. Works great and eliminates having to always empty the tiny bag.

Things We Liked

• Powerful motor;
• Does not overheat;
• Easy to use;
• Budget-friendly.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Dust collector clogged up easily;
• Not for heavy duty. 

6. BUCKTOOL BD4801 Benchtop Disc Belt Sander

• Weight: 45.3 Pounds;
• 3/4 HP High Power Motor & 3450 RPM Disc Speed provide;
• The cast aluminum worktable can be tilted 0-45 degrees;
• The diameter of the disk is 8-inch.

As the entry on our chart shows, the BUCKTOOL BD4801 is bounty powerful. Featuring a pick iron base that lessens vibrations, ensuring that no wobbles meddle with your craftsmanship.

While it is about equivalent to the JET as far as power, this model is out of the top position because it utilizes a 4-inch by 36-inch belt. On the off chance that you are honing blades, at that point, this may be what you need.

In the event that you are working with littler or increasingly sensitive blades, at that point, you will presumably need to choose a belt processor that uses a smaller belt for progressively exact work.

The belt processor comes with a residue sack, which means you can change to working with wood that you needed to. It is also better than expected among the belt processors on this rundown regarding the simplicity of changing out the belt.

Things We Liked

• Easy to change the belts;
• It’s powerful;
• Included dust bag.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Imprecise belt.

7. Ryobi Be319 6 Amp Portable Belt Sander

• Weight: 6.18 pounds;
• Dimensions: 13.6” x 3” x 6.61”;
• Power source: corded electric;
• Amperage capacity: 6 amps;
• Included bare-tool components.

If you would like to form the proper finishing touches on your woodworking projects within the shop or within the home, then the BE9 Belt Sander form is the tool you would like in your arsenal. It’s good for hobbies but not for industrial work.

With six amps of power being drawn into this powerful motor, you’ll be ready to tackle a range of finishing projects with ease. Its compact size allows you to squeeze into tight spaces for renovation projects around your home or job site.

The rubberized grip around both handles of the sander will enable you to control it in even the slipperiest of conditions properly. While the sander comes with a medium-grain belt for your convenience, you’ll be able to swap it out for nearly any 3″ x 18″ belt to tackle different sorts of jobs.

Switching the belts out is simple with the tool-less changing system, defined by the latch on the side of the tool. 

Whether you’re a DIY-er or an expert woodworker, you’ll find plenty of utility within the robust design and useful features of the BE9.

Things We Liked

• Budget-friendly;
• Portable.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No replacement part is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benchtop Belt Sanders

How Is Tabletop Belt And Disc Sander Design Different?

Unlike the hand-held belt sander, the disc sander, and the bench sander permit you to work on the machine without your hands. Instead of running the belt sander over the torn material, the plate sander and the benchtop belt are fixed. You hold the component and get it across the surface of the belt or alternately the plate.

The machine looks like a conventional fixed belt sander and is used in the same way as a benchtop belt and plate sander. The critical difference between the two is that Belt Sander, as the name implies, is more modest. These power tools were intended to be portable to clients and can be used in more decent places where a significant number of us work.

How Long Should a Sanding Belt Last?

12-18 months and how long they have been sitting on a shelf exposed to humidity and temperature extremity. My go-through with this last is that after 12-18 months during a non-environmental (heated and cooled) shop, the glue on the binding tape lets it go.

When Should I Change My Belt Sanding?

One way to understand, needless to say, if you would like to exchange your sanding belt, is to run your palm against the direction the belt would make if the sander were switched on. If your hand is sliding off, or if you are feeling less resistance, then you ought to seriously consider replacing the belt.

Why Is Wet Sanding Better?

Wet-sanding lubricates the surface being abraded, reducing scratches. The water also carries away loose pieces of abrasive also as finish particles and prevents the sandpaper from loading up.

Is Wet Sanding Better Than Dry Sanding?

Wet sanding is employed in home interior jobs, and it’s effective in reducing tons of dust within the process compared to dry sanding. The sanding dust gets wet and doesn’t ruin the paint afterward. The sandpaper used for wet sanding also lasts an extended time, but you’ve got to stay rinsing it with water.

Conclusion

If you want outstanding sanding power with the multifunctional option, a benchtop belt sander is a tool you need. It will allow you to sand large work-piece, shape any pointed edge, or even make fancy curves without buying other tools.

But while purchasing one for your workshop, look for a strong motor, a large belt, and most importantly is made with durable material.

And always wear safety goggles, masks, and gloves while using the machine.

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