Smoothen Rough Wooden Surfaces With the Best Belt Sander

Belt sanders quickly gained popularity because they can extract a lot of material in a short time. But being popular means the introduction of newer models, each claiming to be better than the other. So, how can you identify the right one for your needs? By using the buyer’s guide we have compiled below!

Stationary vs. Handheld Belt Sander

Belt sanders employ a pair of rollers and a sanding belt to remove the material from various surfaces. Design-wise, they are categorized into two types – stationary and handheld. 

Stationary belt sanders are installed on top of a worktable. They take advantage of the table’s support to provide you with clean and accurate results, like even edges. Since they offer better control, you can use these with wider belts enabling a more powerful dust extraction. 

However, their fixed position means you have to take the material to the tool. Hence they only work with limited board sizes. 

Handheld belt sanders, on the other hand, are more compact. Hence, they consume less space for storage and operation and are also highly portable. 

With these, there is no limit on board size. However, they usually work with thinner belts. Plus, the dust collection of these machines is limited to their hose attachment.

Features to Consider in a Belt Sander

A belt sander is a must-have in any project involving a lot of sanding. Here is a quick overview of some important features that you should consider in a belt sander.

Power source

Belt sanders come in both corded and cordless variations. The stationary ones are all corded models that run off the AC current obtained from a wall socket. Handheld models, on the other hand, can be both corded or cordless. 

As with most power tools, you are likely to obtain more power from a corded model. But the tradeoff with these units is limited mobility and tethering to the power supply. 

Cordless ones offer more freedom of movement. They typically operate on 18-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, but you can also look into getting a more powerful unit with a 20-volt rechargeable battery.

You should weigh the pros and cons of each and choose the model that suits your needs optimally. 

Speed 

The rotating speed of the belt is another important aspect to be careful about. It is usually measured in feet per minute or fpm. Some manufacturers still use the rotation per minute or rpm to denote the speed of their tool. 

Many belt sanders operate at just one speed which is usually 1,500 fps. Others support variable speed which ranges from 500 to 1,500 fps. Using these, you can adjust the sanding speed to your desire. But do note that belt sanders with variable speed control are usually more expensive. 

You should select the speed setting that is more in line with your application. 

Design 

The design of the belt sander is an important consideration because it determines the tool’s handling. An ergonomic belt sander ensures good handling and sanding by providing you with a secure and comfortable grip. 

Look for a device with multiple handling positions and a non-slip handle to ensure comfortable operation. It should not fatigue you, even when you sand a large surface.