Best Small Belt Sander – Guide and Reviews
When it comes time to picking out the best small sander, you might not know what to look for or even where to begin! It can be a long and difficult process to try and figure out which one is best but I’m proud to say that you have come to the right place and you will have no problem knowing exactly what to do when you finish reading this post!
In this post, you’re going to learn some of the top helpful things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the best small belt sander. Furthermore, you’re going to find some product reviews so you can read all about what some of the best belt sanders available on the market are likely. But the end of this, you’ll be able to pick out the best small belt sander to help meet all of your wants and needs.
5 Best Small Belt Sander
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Picture |
Name |
Price |
|---|---|---|
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Proxxon 38536 Belt Sander BS/E | Check Price |
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PORTER-CABLE 371K | Check Price |
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Black & Decker BR318 | Check Price |
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PORTER-CABLE 371 | Check Price |
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Makita 9032 | Check Price |
Top 5 Best Small Belt Sander Reviews
1. Proxxon 38536 Belt Sander BS/E
Editor Rating:
If you’re looking to spend a little more money to get a belt sander, then this is going to be one of the better options that you will find on this list because it comes with a lot of great features to help make your experience one of a kind.
This particular sander uses a 110-to-120 volt AC charger unit and the motor is powered at 1/8HP to provide you with plenty of power to accomplish anything you might need done. In terms of portability, you’re going to find that this particular unit could be taken anywhere with you because it is only 13 inches long and weighs just 1.9 pounds.
Since you’re going to need a few different grits to sand with over the course of your projects, you’ll find that this comes with four total sanding belts of two different grits. You’ll be able to use both the 80 grit sandpaper and the 180 grit sandpaper. Plus, they are very easy for you to buy replacement belts for as they are readily available in sets of five.
PROS
- Two different sandpaper grits
- 13 inches in length
- 1.9 pounds total
- Easy to replace sandpaper
CONS
- Little bit more expensive
- Design could be better
2. PORTER-CABLE 371K 2 1/2 by 14-Inch Compact Belt Sander Kit
Editor Rating:
If the first option was a little bit too expensive for you and you want to find something that will be a great sander while also providing a full kit for you to use with accessories and more, this is going to be the sander you want to go with.
This has a textured rubber body grip that provides a great, comfortable, non-slip surface so you have maximum control at all times. Additionally, the flush side helps to enable sanding all the way up to a perpendicular surface and the metal components provide durability for professional results at all times.
Furthermore, you’re going to find the the switch is recessed and dust sealed so that you don’t have to worry about dust or anything getting into the mechanics of the switch. Of course, this might still be a little more expensive than some people would like to spend but the accessory kit makes it worth it because you will enjoy extra sanding pads, a manual and a carrying case to keep it safe at all times.
PROS
- Textured rubber grip
- Flush side
- Dust-sealed, recessed switch
- Metal components for durability
- Carrying case included
CONS
- Overheats a little too easily
3. Black & Decker BR318 3-Inch by 18-Inch Low Profile Belt Sander
Editor Rating:
If affordability is something that you care about the most and you want to make sure that you get a solid sander without spending a lot of money, then this is the sander you want to go with.
It is made by Black & Decker so you know it is backed by a great brand, but it also comes with a front handle design that is incredibly comfortable and the dust bag collects all the dust and it is incredibly easy to empty at all times. The specific design of this sander helps to sand nearly two times close to the edge of the surface you are trying to sand.
The portability of this sander is one of the better options too because it is 13% more narrow than most of the competitors design. Furthermore, you’re going to find that the unit comes with a solid warranty and allows you to not worry about it if anything happens to go wrong.
PROS
- Comfortable front handle design
- Easy to empty dust bag
- 13% more narrow than others
- Sands two times closer
CONS
- Could have a better design
4. PORTER-CABLE 371 2-1/2-Inch by 14-Inch Compact Belt Sander
Editor Rating:
If you liked the sound of the previous Porter-Cable product that was reviewed above, then you’re going to like what this one has to offer because it is nearly identical to the previous model except it does not come with an accessory kit, so it is a little bit cheaper and more affordable.
This means it is a great choice if you don’t necessarily need the kit that is included with the other one.
Much like the other one that was talked about before, you’re going to find that it has a textured rubber body grip to provide you with a comfortable and non-slip grip. Additionally, the flush side helps to enable sanding right up to a perpendicular surface and the metal components help to provide you with a strong and durable body that can be used in most professional settings.
PROS
- Textured rubber body grip
- Flush side enables close sanding
- Metal components for durability
- Dust-sealed, recessed switch
CONS
- Overheats way too easily
- No case included
5. Makita 9032 4.4-Amp 3/8-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander
Editor Rating:
If you’re looking to find one of the best and most expensive options that you will see on this list, then this is going to be the perfect choice for you.
It is a Makita brand so you know that it is more than reliable and powerful and it packs in a ton of great features that you’ll love to have including a slim and compact design that helps you sand in close quarters.
Additionally, you’re going to enjoy the variable speed control that allows you to turn a dial and match your speed of the sander to the application that you are working on. The adjustable sanding arm also pivots 100 degrees so that you can easily reach some of the hard to find areas that you need to get to. The belt tracking can easily be adjusted with a turn of a knob and it weighs less than 3.5 pounds which makes it incredibly compact and portable.
PROS
- Compact design
- Variable speed control dial
- Adjustable sanding arm
- Easily adjust belt tracking
- Compact and lightweight
CONS
- Very expensive
As you can see, there is surprisingly a lot of information to keep in mind when it comes time to buy a belt sander and if you have never done so before, it will be no problem to get it done! By following the top things to consider as well as the top product reviews outlines in this post, you’re going to have no problem picking out one of the best belt sanders that you can find for whatever your needs might be.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Small Belt Sander
Inline Units
If you’re like a lot of other people who are going to read these posts, you might not know the difference between the different types of units when it comes to a belt sander but it’s important to know and it can help make your decision easier. The first type is an inline unit and that will be your go to option if you are looking for something that is a little easier to manage and definitely more portable. The biggest downfall to this type of unit is that it is not a great choice for larger jobs.
Transverse Units
As you may have guessed on your own, transverse units are going to be one of the better choices if you are looking for a stronger and more durable belt sander to use day in and day out. However, one of the biggest problems with this type of unit is that it is not going to be portable and doesn’t work well to bring place to place. However, the high performance makes it perfect to use for just about any type of large project.
Where You Will Use It
When it comes time to choosing which belt sander is the best choice for you, you need to make sure you strongly consider where you are going to use the sander. In general, you’ll find that a belt sander is perfect for large areas and jobs where only rough sanding is needed. Lastly, a belt sander is the perfect options if you need to sand tabletops, doors or other area that need a quick finish and nothing more.
Power
The power of the sander is going to differ in a lot of different ways depending on what you are looking to get when it comes to the sander. For example, you’ll find that you have options when it comes to the power such as battery, electric or even air compressor. If you’re looking to find portability in a sander, the electric motor will be your best choice. However, air compressor powered sanders will be one of the best choices for anybody looking to get the most when it comes to power, even though it will be tough to bring with you from place to place.
Safety
When push comes to shove, there is really nothing that is more important that the safety of the sander you are going to buy because it can be the difference between life or death in some advanced situations. Since you want to make sure that everybody who uses the sander or comes near it is safe at all times, look for some important safety considerations before you decide to make your purchase. For example, I recommend looking for a sander that offers some of the top safety features available but you also want to make sure that you have a safe work environment around you as well. If you want to be sure that nothing bad is going to happen, then you should ensure that anyone who uses the sander is wearing earplugs and safety goggles.
Portability
This might not matter for the majority of people who are going to buy a sander but for some people it is one of the most important considerations to keep in mind. Portability has come up briefly in a few of the other points but it is important enough to warrant it’s own point in this situation. You should try and find something that is small, compact and portable but also make sure it doesn’t sacrifice power or features. Portability is great, but not at the cost of giving up some of your better features on the sander.
Dust Collection Capabilities
If you’re like the vast majority of other people, you want to make sure that you keep the area you work in as neat as can be, even if it is a workshop dedicated just to sanding. As a result, you need to pay close attention to the sut collection system on each sander and figure out how well it works. Some of the collectors will collect virtually nothing while others will do everything they can to make sure even the smallest dust particles are picked up.
Changing Belt
Over the course of your project, chances are good that you’re going to need to use several different grits and just one won’t be enough for you. With that being said, you want to make sure that the changing process is simple so you won’t have to change out the pads and take as long as you would when you’re sanding. You might not think of it as a big deal, but the quick and easier the belt changing is, the easier you’ll be ready to hit the road and get to work.
About the Author Darrell Webster
I believe there is a handyman in all of us as long as you have the right tools. I started this blog to help anyone who is interested in fixing things to learn their way around the different tools and to know how to perform different DIY tasks. I have been doing this for years and believe I am a master of this art.