8 Best Edge Sanders: Uses, Tips and Compare

Published on: March 15, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

If the edge of a piece of furniture, drawer, cabinet, or door doesn’t look seamless, the overall impression of the piece of wood looks gross and cheaply made. But sanding the edge is more critical than sanding the surface. It gets more difficult when the edge has a curve or bevel cut. Manually doing the job is time-consuming but does not look as sleek as machine sanding.

So, an edge sander is a compulsory tool in a home or shop to make the most elegant and creative designs of regular furniture. It is not only used for sanding the edges only, in fact, but it is also an all-purpose and versatile tool that can be used to do almost any sanding job. 

However, edge sanders are available in different types, functionality, and usability. To make purchasing edge sanders easy for you, we have compiled the top 8 edge sanders of different price ranges and features. Take time to go through all 8 sanders to choose one for you and don’t forget to glance at the buying guide and cautions part of this article.

Buying Guide for Edge Sanders

Purpose of Edge Sanding

Before settling on an edge sander of your choice, first, you should determine the purpose of using one. There are different types of edge sanders available and each one has different usability. 

• Working with Large pieces

For door and cabinet making, you must use one that allows you to work with large wooden pieces. There are some edge sanders that have a large table. Usually, these are the pricier ones. For a budget-friendly option, those sanders which have removable belt guards also allow providing more space if required. 

• For Tight Curves

The size of the drums at the edge of the belt determines how much contour you can make using that particular model. If your job involves making a curve with different shapes, then choosing one sander that has a different diameter of drums will be a wise decision. Otherwise, there are drums with a larger diameter to make slight contours or a smaller diameter to make tight contours. Choose one that serves your needs. 

• Bevel Sanding

Mostly, edge sanders are used to sand at 0 and 90 degrees. If you need one that can work with any angle, then choose the one that has stops and can be adjusted at any angle if required. Usually, this option is not widely used, hence needing a wrench and other tools to set it at some obvious angle. 

Read more: Tools for Cutting Drywall – Experts Reviewed

Types of Edge Sanders

Oscillating and non-oscillating are the two types of edge sanders. Both serve the same purpose, sanding large stocks but the oscillating sander works faster and runs cooler but is expensive. Whereas the non-oscillating ones are suitable for occasional use for small to medium projects. 

Caution While Using an Edge Sander

Using Protective Gear

Even if the dust collection system of your sanding machine is top-notch, still I recommend not using the machine without a mask and eye shield. The superfine particles otherwise may cause irreversible damage to your eyes and lungs. 

Metal Sanding

If you are planning to use the machine to sand metal pieces, then never forget to turn off the dust collection system before starting sanding. Using the machine along with the dust collector simultaneously while sanding metal can cause a fire hazard.

View Top 8 Options

1. JET Oscillating Edge Sander, 708447 Model

• 6-Inch belt;
• 1-1/2-Horsepower motor;
• 7 x 32 square inch table;
• 3,900 SFPM;
• Adjustable belt and table.

When it comes to edge sanding, there is no alternative to looking for a sander that will provide precise and consistent sanding every time. Quiet and clean operation is a bonus, but precision is a must for seamless and elegant edge sanding. Considering these, this 708447 model from JET is unbeatable for this purpose. 

This machine is powerful with a 1-½ hp motor and versatile due to its tilting belt and adjustable table. No matter what type of surface you are sanding edge, bevel, or contour or the material is wood, PV, or metal, this sander is the best to smooth out any curve or plane. Its 4-inch dust collector perfectly sucks in every tiny particle and runs quietly. Its half-inch oscillating and 3900 SFPM speed ensures sanding a large surface makes it work faster than other models. 

It would be best if the tilting belt had stopped at 0 degrees and 90 degrees. It would be easier to adjust. However, despite this lacking, this machine is still great for the job. 

Pros

• Versatile use;
• Consistent and precise application;
• Reasonable price;
• Quiet, easy, and convenient.

Cons

• No stops at 90° and 0°. 

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2. Grizzly Industrial G0538 Oscillating Edge Sander

• The spindle oscillates at 72 SPM;
• 1/3 Hp motor;
• Voltage 110 volts;
• Amperage Capacity 4 Amps;
• Speed 1725 RPM;
• Adjustable platen and table.

This model from Grizzly is even more powerful than our first pick, Jet. it is heavier and pricey too. The sturdy and strong construction is the answer to its over-priced. Its 1/3 hp motor oscillating motion works even more swiftly. For professional use, this machine will surely deliver the expected performance to make the production to its highest peak. 

Like other models, the platen and table height is adjustable. The removable belt guards make sanding larger pieces easier. Under the table, the all-steel cabinet can be used as a safe and valuable tool that can be stored safely within arm’s length. 

This machine is not widely used like the Jet edge sander and its detailed features are not easily available. Still, I recommend this sanding machine for large shops and production houses where quality can not be compromised. 

Pros

• Removable guards;
• Large cabinet;
• Safety paddle switch with removable key;
• Compact size for easy storage;
• Paddle on/off switch with lock.

Cons

• Loudly.

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3. Ridgid Oscillating Edge Sander, EB4424 Model

• 4 in. X 24 Inch belt;
• 3/8-Horsepower motor;
• 10 in. x 29 3/4 in. table;
•  Table tilts 0-48 degrees;
• 1350 FPM, 5 amps;
• Adjustable power-detail-sanders

The thing I like most about this Ridgid oscillating edge sander is its large working surface. Both the main and drum table is suitable to work with large pieces. Besides, the tilting belt can be set to any angle for easier bevel sanding. Whereas the drum is used to sand contoured surfaces. 

The configuration of this sanding machine is close to the Jet oscillating sander, but it is more upgraded considering its usability. It is also quiet when run and can be altered in many ways to make it useful for various purposes. If it doesn’t match your outlet, the motor can be fried up as soon as you turn it on.

This sturdy and dependable sander is all cast iron construction and it is backed by a 3-year-long warranty. So, the expense you are investing in it will not be wasted if this machine gives out early. 

Pros

• High-performance tool;
• User-friendly features;
• Large working surface;
• Durable cast iron construction;
• Long warranty.

Cons

• No cons.

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4. Grizzly Industrial G1531 Benchtop Edge Sander

• 4 in. X 24 Inch belt;
• 1-1/2-Horsepower motor;
• 22″ x 10-1/2″ cast iron table with miter gauge;
• 4″ dust port;
• Sanding belt size: 6″ x 80″;
• Graphite coated platen: 6-3/4″ x 29-3/4″;
• 1725 RPM motor delivers an 1800 FPM belt speed.

The Model G1531 offers a 30 “plate-backed sanding surface that is perfect for door edges and long stock finishing and sanding. The paddle switch will help to quickly start or shut down the unit. 

You can’t rely on the belt that arrives with it. The seam of the belt creates annoying knocking. Replace it with another one and the result is awesome! This machine is compact but has all the necessary additives to get the job done as perfectly as the bulky industrial edge sanders. Needless to say, the price is also pocket-friendly. 

Pros

• Quick belt release lever;
• Handwheel table height adjustment;
• Includes built-in dust hood & miter lock;
• Paddle switch with a safety key.

Cons

• None.

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5. Baileigh 99″ x 6″ Edge Sander, (ES-6100)

• Motor: 2 HP, 220V, 1ph, single-phase;
• Table Width 11.8″;
• Sanding Belt Size: 99″ x 6″″;
• Table Length 33″;
• Edge and End Table Tilt: 90°;
• Belt Speed: 1150 FPM;
• Weight 480 lbs.

It is the cheapest among all the edge sanders I have reviewed here, and it is not the oscillating sander. Oscillating sanders are more expensive and are more suitable for medium to professional-level work. For a home shop or homeowner, this budget-friendly option is more suitable. 

Let me clear up some issues about this model. It is less suitable for large pieces and bevel sanding. I am not saying that you can’t use this for those purposes, but the oddly located dust port and the hassle of tilting the belt make it less desirable to do those jobs. 

You are free to make your own modification to make tilting the belt easier and move the dust port out of the way when needed. It’s easy, just remove the bolt that locks the table in place with a five-star knob, now you won’t need a wrench to lock and unlock the table position.

Besides, a little modification of the dust chute using a flap door will allow you to use large pieces without any trouble. This is a great sanding machine, only if you know how to improve it to your own needs. 

Pros

• Quick-release belt pull;
• Easy access belt tracking;
• Able to accommodate contour sanding;
• Independently adjustable table.

Cons

• No issue.

Read more: SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill – Top Picks Reviews

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6. Powermatic Oscillating Edge Sander

• Model: OES9138;
• 9×138-3/4- inch belt;
• 3 Horsepower, 3-phase motor;
• 9-1/2 in. x 48 in. table;
• -5 deg. To +45 deg tilting table;
• 24 OPM.

When it comes to professionally dealing with business, we can’t compromise with the tools we use in the industry, right? This Powermatic sander is a powerhouse with its 3 hp, 3-phase motor that works three times stronger than any other models available in the market. Besides, its 9-inch wide belt and the vast table are the largest you will ever find. Working with unusually large and bulky workpieces can be dealt with easily when this machine will be there to support you. 

It has a dual dust port to support its incredible workability and to keep dust at bay when you are busy with your work. It is large, hence heavy as well, and will take some space in your workshop. I am not mentioning the price you have to pay for it, because the workmanship you are getting from it is priceless. I don’t recommend such workhorses for beginners or home users who really don’t need such a mighty machine to do regular small jobs. 

Pros

• Huge work surface;
• Pedal power switch;
• Best for industrial-grade performance. 

Cons

• No cons.

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7. SHOP FOX Horizontal & Vertical Oscillating Edge Sander

• 4-by-36-inch belt;
• 1/3 Horsepower motor;
• Motor size: 1/3 HP, 110V;
• Belt speed: 2,100 FPM;
• Motor speed: 3,450 RPM.

For a well-built edge sander for a reasonable price, you don’t have to look further than this ShopFox sander. All the parts and attachments are of good quality and built to last for years. 

The horizontal/vertical belt sander varies with a range of locations to cover a wide range of sanding activities. The cast aluminum table is effortlessly accustomed to your ideal length. Performing angle sanding tasks is not difficult, basically set the sanding table 90 -180 degrees to your ideal situation using a scale pointer and lock the position with the table shifting handle.

It has a well-being paddle switch that provides a more advanced level of protection on a variety of 110 volts on/off switches. It has curiously large wires and a removable lock-out key. No more fumbling around to find the close button. Just hit the battle to stop the force.

Pros

• Quick change belt system;
• Ball-bearing construction;
• Precision cast aluminum tables;
• Powerful motor;
• Nice for contour sanding.

Cons

• Not to mention. 

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8. JET JSG-6CS 6″x48″ Edge Sander

• Motor: 1 1/2 HP, 1 Ph 115/230V Prewired 115V;
• Sanding Belt (WxL/in): 6 x 48;
• Disc (Dia/in): 12;
• Belt Table Tilt (Down, Up): 45 degrees, 20 degrees;
• Disc Table Tilt: 45 degrees, 25 degrees;
• Belt Speed (SFPM): 2,500.

Maybe you are thinking of starting a cabinet shop but can’t spend a fortune on an edge sander. But still looking for a model that enables sanding large wooden boards then probably this model is suitable for you. It is not overly priced, but the huge table and high speed make your work satisfactory and swift. 

Its narrow-diameter drums are good for sanding tight curves. This makes this sander perfect for musical shops that make violins and guitars. Instead of using two tables for contour and flat sanding, one wrap-around table is placed to give you a large workplace. 

Pros

• Can be locked at any angle in between;
• Another quality jet tool;
• Small drum for tight curves;
• Suitable for making musical instruments. 

Cons

• Poor dust collection.

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Conclusion

Edge sander is a must-have for large shops and DIY enthusiasts. It is a pricey tool, time should be taken before choosing one. Because all the sanders are suitable for different jobs. A wrong model may not serve you well even if it lasts for years. So, choose the tool wisely so that you can get the desired result and workmanship. 

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