It’s no secret how highly we rank sanders on our list of power tools. After all, their ability not only to polish a workpiece but also prep it for painting or carpentry work is a tremendous relief. Users that have had the chance to use one will surely tell you just how much this tool has elevated their quality of work, seemingly to a whole new level.
Our goal this week will be to discuss what the 8 different types of sanders are. You see, these are all distinctive and have their own set of functions or uses. We want to carefully distinguish each one so that everyone can know when to use them and for what specific type of task. Furthermore, this should help you decipher the kind of sander to buy based on your own needs and lifestyle.
Once we go through this information on our best sander review article, we hope your appreciation for these tools deepens, just like us. Without a doubt, polishing tools like this play a vital role in woodworking. So if you’re currently into this hobby or are seeking a reliable option to invest in, then you’ve come to the right place. Take this stroll with us and we guarantee, your life will never be the same again.
What Are the Primary Uses of Sanders?
As we’ve mentioned above, sanders come into different parts of the woodworking process. Some are designed more powerfully and equipped to handle pre-fabrication work like removing rust or paint. On the other hand, some are constructed especially for wood and metal. Still, their primary function as a tool is to level uneven surfaces and eliminate any rough areas.
Nevertheless, the vast majority of sanders enter when detailing is required. Once a fixture is already put together, this device runs its sanding pad across to get that smooth finishing texture. Additionally, since most workpieces have those hard-to-reach places, sanders have been ergonomically constructed for tight crevices, which is something that other buffing utensils just aren’t capable of doing.
Different Types of Sanders
To push our point on these tool’s versatility, here’s a closer look at the different types of sanders. We’ll also be identifying the best choices for each category to show what the gold standard should be like.
A) Belt Sanders
A belt sander is perhaps the most typically-used of all the types. One reason is its structure, which looks a lot like a mini steamroller. This helps it level wood and create an incredibly even finish. If you’d like to learn more, just visit our review on the best belt sanders on the market. But for now, here are two premiere examples to consider.
1. Porter-Cable 362V Variable Speed Belt Sander
The best sanders aren’t always riddled with fancy features. Some, like the Porter-Cable 362V Variable Speed Belt Sander, is created very practically. It may sound ironic, though people may just have a knack for finding value in simplicity. This helps them focus on creating the perfect wooden products in an instant.
Of course, producing excellent outputs are never easy. One needs the right accessories to make this job manageable, and at its very center is a reliable motor. Thankfully, the Porter-Cable 362V Variable Speed Belt Sander comes with a 12-AMP engine that produces up to 1,500-SPFM. Best of all, users can manage the speed and select a setting they are most comfortable in. As a result, controlling this tool, not to mention its quality of levelness, is made better.
Another property that’s very easily overlooked is its dust bag. Most individuals take one look and immediately assume that it is poorly made. Naturally, we would strongly disagree. This receptacle is large enough to collect waste from a whole day’s work, but not too big that it becomes a distraction. In any case, the handle is ergonomically designed enough to maneuver it through almost anything.
These properties we mentioned are only the beginning. Taking a closer look will show just how well-rounded the Porter-Cable 362V Variable Speed Belt Sander is. Needless to say, simpleness has never looked so elegant.
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2. Makita 9403 Belt Sander
Armed with over a century’s worth of experience, Makita has grown to be the worldwide leader in power tools. Through that time, they have recurrently introduced innovative solutions in the form of their products. One classic example is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander, a machine with impeccable performance and superb efficiency to boot.
Visually, the Makita 9403 looks like your average sander. Except, of course, for its 4-inch belt, the handgrip, frame, and dust collection bag are all pretty standard. The real value of this device, though, stems from a dominant 11-AMP that delivers a speed of 1,640-FPM. This allows you to remove materials faster, saving you both time and money in the process.
At the same time, this unit runs very quietly at only 84-decibels. Workers who choose to stay in enclosed areas like garages or basements should find this beneficial in managing the peace. After all, keeping focus is such a key element, and its lack of noise certainly helps promote that.
All in all, we would recommend the Makita 9403 Belt Sander for serious woodworkers only. Even though it is easy to control, a price of over $200 isn’t practical for newbies. In any case, the value it offers goes far beyond the money you pay for.
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B) Belt Disc Sanders
Despite being quite large, belt disc sanders are a popular choice for users who do different types of woodworking jobs. It blends the best attributes from two different tools, saving quite a lot of your time and energy. You can learn more by reading our best belt disc sander review, or through the examples below.
1. WEN 6502T Belt and Disc Sander
Upon seeing its price, we seriously had to do a double-take. How could the WEN 6502T Belt and Disc Sander cost less, and still offer so much value? That mystery is probably something we’re not meant to know, but as consumers, we’ll gladly accept it with open arms.
Structure-wise, this tool is very well put together. Its sturdy cast-iron base effectively minimizes vibrations and serves as a solid foundation. Additionally, both sanding pads are appropriately sized, making them capable of polishing different materials with varying dimensions. And as a nice bonus, the WEN 6502T Belt and Disc Sander looks extraordinarily stylish too.
However, an aspect we feel this tool slightly lacks in is sanding strength. Its 4.3-AMP motor may be serviceable, but more suited for small-scale jobs than large ones. Manufacturers, though, have made up for it by upping the maximum speed to 3,600-RPM and making both the belt and disc table adjustable. Users can now modify the angles or positions according to their preferences.
Durability and flexibility are perhaps some of the most sought-after qualities in a sander. So for those seeking this, you might want to consider the WEN 6502T Belt and Disc Sander. Best of all, its price is just slightly above $100, so more people can afford to buy one. This is a guaranteed slam dunk and one of the best belt disc sanders for the money.
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2. Bucktool BD4801 Bench Belt and Disc Sander
Ample space to work and weave your magic is an aspect the Bucktool BD4801 Bench Belt and Disc Sander has put a premium on. As such, both its sanding pads have been placed on opposite sides of the machine. Therefore, users no longer have to fold or under extend their arms when working. The cast-aluminum base also lessens tremors, though cast iron – we feel – would have been a better choice.
Nonetheless, we’d consider that a minor hiccup to an otherwise well-conceptualized device. For instance, its sanding belt is linked up directly to the 0.75-horsepower motor, increasing efficiency by approximately 25% versus traditional designs. Passing through fewer mechanisms has maintained the energy’s fullness, which can be seen with how smoothly it runs.
At the same time – and just like most models in this category – both its worktables can be tilted up to 45-degrees. This gives greater freedom to place materials in the positions most comfortable to you. Moreover, these structures are quite durable for bearing the weight of heavier workpieces.
One minor downside we noticed, though, is the Bucktool BD4801 Bench Belt and Disc Sander costs slightly more than its competitors. New or fair-weather hobby
