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Buying a new belt sander can be an intimidating experience if you have never purchased this type of equipment before. Not only do you have to source a good product but there are a lot of things that you should consider before committing to any one model.
We have been taking a look at some of the best belt sanders on the market and have created a handy comparison to help you find the best model for your needs. Our buyer’s guide will also give you some information on choosing the right tool, so you can buy more confidently.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Belt Sander?
240v vs Rechargeable
In terms of power, there are pros and cons to a corded or cordless power tool like a belt sander. You will often see belt sanders described as 240v and this simply means that they are compatible with the UK three-pin plug. While there are more powerful 110v belt sanders, a transformer is needed for these and they are generally more suited to heavy-duty or commercial use.
If you opt for a corded belt sander, there is the consideration that you will be tethered to the power socket reducing your freedom of movement. However, if you are sanding in one spot, this isn’t a massive issue and there won’t be a problem with the power running out. ON the flip side, a lightweight cordless belt sander will give you greater freedom but you will need to wait while the batteries recharge or fork out for spares.
Grip
A belt sander can be a very dangerous tool if it is not used correctly. But if you cannot get a comfortable grip on the tool, there is a risk of you slipping or losing hold of it. There are many belt sanders with ergonomic handles that are incredibly easy to grip whereas some have the option to move the handle into one of two positions meaning that you can tailor it to your own comfort.
Variable Speed Control
One of the main reasons that a lot of people purchase a belt sander is to remove a lot of material in one pass. However, there may be times that you need to have a slower speed to do controlled sanding. Many of these tools will have a simple dial that controls the speed making your belt sander much more versatile.
Locking Switch
For many belt sanders, operation requires the user to hold a trigger but this can be tiring when you are using the tool for a longer period of time. However, some are equipped with a locking switch to keep the motor running until the button is disengaged.
Length Of Cord
If you are using a corded belt sander, you will need to think about the length of the power cable. Too short and you may struggle to reach your work area but if it is too long, there is the issue of it becoming a tripping hazard.
Other Features
If you want to keep visibility at a maximum and reduce accidents then keeping a clear workspace is essential but when you are sanding, there is always going to be sawdust flying around. This problem is typically addressed using a dust extractor which will remove dust as it is created, giving you a much safer experience.
What’s more, some belt sanders also come with an auto-tracking function that keeps the belt running centrally. Alternatively, there are belt sanders that feature a tracking knob but it is important to look for one that turns smoothly and gradually so you can really fine-tune the tracking.
Weight Of Machine
If you are doing a lot of work then the last thing you want is a cumbersome piece of equipment that is a nightmare to lift. Most modern power tools are lightweight and easy to handle but there are some that are heavier than others. To reduce fatigue while using, be sure to choose a belt sander that is light and comfortable to use.
What Are The Best Belt Sanders?
Even after having taken the above points into consideration, there are still a lot of things that you will need to think about and this can make choosing a belt sander tricky. We have researched many products and found the following to be some of the best on the market. Each one has varying functions and plus points so look carefully over each tool to decide if it would work for you.
Black And Decker Angled Belt Sander – Best Lightweight Belt Sander
Black and Decker are certainly one of the most reputable names in the power tool industry and it is tools like this one that show us why. This is an incredibly lightweight belt sander weighing less than a kilo so if you are going to be doing a lot of work, then this will likely be much more comfortable than other options.
What’s more, it is beautifully easy to use. It features a manual belt adjustment dial that allows you to fine-tune as well as a bumper to prevent damage to skirting boards. The design means that you are able to sand much closer to the edge than other tools giving this the upper hand in many situations. It is ideal for larger applications and thanks to the powerful air-driven motor and 720 watts of power, it does this effortlessly.
The Black and Decker belt sander also has an adjustable handle which sets into one of three positions as well as a cyclonic action dust canister to keep everywhere clean and safe.
Check the latest price of the Black And Decker Angled Belt Sander
Einhell TC BC 8038 – Best Budget Friendly Belt Sander
Einhell brings us this wonderfully adept belt sander at a very reasonable cost, especially when you compare it to the Makita which we will look at shortly. While it may not have all of the same features, it gets the job done well and has everything you could need.
The belts are easy to change and require no tools or specialist knowledge. This would therefore make an excellent beginners tool. The Einhell belt sander also boasts a precision adjustment feature to tune the machine to your liking. It is, however, considerably heavier than the Black and Decker at more than 3.5kg but for less intense jobs, it will work well.
This belt sander runs at 800 watts and is a corded model meaning you don’t have the worry of having to recharge batteries. It comes with a 2-year warranty which is great news.
Check the latest price of the Einhell TC BC 8038
Makita 9404/2 Belt Sander – Best Corded Belt Sander
The most expensive belt sander on our list by a long shot is the Makita 9404/2 and while it might put a hole in your wallet, it is a worthwhile investment. The Makita belt sander has a great range of features to get excited about including variable speed which makes this a much more versatile sander. If you will be using this for a wider range of jobs, there is no doubt in our mind that it would be suitable for you.
Furthermore, the 9404/2 from Makita delivers incredible power running at 1010 watts. Regardless of what you put it through, it will keep constantly running under the load so it is one of the more reliable belt sanders on the market. With a 16.4ft power cord, you aren’t limited on where you can sand and working feels much more flexible.
The tool offers quiet operation and an auto-tracking function which is very handy. However, weighing 4.67kg, this is the heaviest tool we looked at. If you get easily tired of using bulky tools, then this might not be a good option unless it will be used for smaller jobs.
Check the latest price of the Makita 9404/2 Belt Sander
Conclusion
A belt sander is a powerful piece of equipment that will make light work of demanding sanding jobs. However, choosing the right tool for you is essential if you want to make sure that it will meet your needs. Checking out the power, speed, and safety features can all be viable ways of helping to make a decision. No matter what you are looking for, we are confident that the tools featured in this post will meet most needs.
