Belt It Out: 5 Shop-Tested Belt Sanders
Best Overall (tie)
Metabo HPT SB8V2
Belt size: 3×21"
(Photo, above) Deftly balancing aggressiveness and control, this 9-1⁄2-pound sander scored high in all of our tests. Its 5-1⁄4"-long platen—the flat "footprint" where sanding takes place—exceeds all other 3×21" models. It collected in its bag nearly all the dust it created, and performed even better when connected to a shop vacuum.
800-706-7337, metabo-hpt.com
Best Overall (tie)
Makita 9903
Belt size: 3×21"
This model (also 9-1⁄2 pounds) performed as effectively as the Metabo HPT in aggressiveness and control and even better at dust collection. It also topped our tests in tracking and ease of belt changes.
800-462-5482, makitatools.com
Best Cordless
Ridgid R86065B, $139
Belt size: 3×18"
We haven't found a cordless belt sander that matches the performance of most corded sanders. But for small jobs where a cord would be inconvenient or impossible, the Ridgid (8 pounds with a 4.0-amp-hour battery pack) delivered 20–30 minutes on a charge.
866-539-1710, ridgidpowertools.com
Most Aggressive
Makita 9403
Belt size: 4×24"
With the largest belt and platen in the field, this sander removed material faster than any other sander we tested. But at 12-1⁄2 pounds, it's also the heaviest.
800-462-5482, makitatools.com
Best Value
Skil 7510-01
Belt size: 3×18"
Despite its small belt size, this sander removed material nearly as quickly as the Metabo HPT and Makita 9903 while maintaining control. Throw in its light 6-pound weight and low price, and it's a no-brainer.
877-754-5999, skil.com