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Benchtop sanders can be found in carpentry workshops all over the country; they bring great versatility and value to their owners in numerous tasks.
Below is a guide on how to find the best benchtop sanders available.
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best benchtop sanders:
Comparison Chart of the Best Benchtop Sanders
Product | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
Jet J-41002  | ||
Bucktool BD4801  | ||
Eastwood Bench Grinder Belt Sander  | ||
Grizzly Industrial H7761  | ||
Jet JWDS-1020  | ||
Grizzly Industrial G7297  | ||
JET JBOS-5  |
How to Choose a Benchtop Sander
The following features can be found on top of the range benchtop sanders; they might not all be found on the one device, but the more, the merrier.
Weight
If you're looking for a benchtop sander, it's important you prioritize the stability of your unit. You want it to be light enough it can be moved around but heavy enough that it doesn't move around from vibrations or someone tripping on it.
Adjustable Angles
With high-quality benchtop sanders, you'll be able to adjust the arm and miter gauges of these devices to accommodate oddly shaped workpieces and hard to reach spaces.
Bonus Features
Some benchtop sanders will come with some extra features like LED lights and magnifying eye guards. These features are nice to have but aren't necessary for a successful sanding job.
Review of the Best Benchtop Sanders
Having all the information and then finding a high-quality benchtop sander isn't as easy as you might think, which is why we've included some of our favorites that are regarded as high-quality benchtop sanders.
Best Overall
Jet J-41002
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Coming with both a disc and belt sander, you'll have more options and flexibility in terms of what tasks you can complete. The disc speed is 3450 RPM and a belt speed of 3100 SFPM, but unfortunately, it doesn't offer a variable speed control.
The high speeds will certainly produce vibration, but thankfully, you'll not notice it due to the rubber feet and 60lb weight. If you're working with awkward angles or even doing some sharpening, the adjustable miter gauge will provide a stable angled support.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The removable platen is what makes this particular benchtop sander stick out from the rest. By removing the platen, allows you to benefit from more belt space and, in turn, allows the user to work with larger workpieces.
Runner-up
Bucktool BD4801
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The user will benefit from a belt speed of 2161 FPM and a disc speed of 3450 FPM, more than suitable for most sanding jobs. The only issue with the speed would be that there's no control over the speed.
With the higher speeds, there will certainly be dust; thankfully, the two dust ports greatly reduces the chances of mess and dust inhalation.
The speed also creates plenty of vibration, although it is greatly reduced with the sturdy rubber and aluminum construction. The belt itself is 4x36-inches, with plenty of widths to cover larger workpieces.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The wide sanding belt allows you to work on sharpening and grind and sanding large workpieces. Narrow belts are only useful for small workpieces, whereas wide belt sanders are beneficial for both small and larger pieces. The wide sanding belt is what makes this particular sander stand out from the competition.
Best Bench Grinder Belt Sander Combo
Eastwood Bench Grinder Belt Sander
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This particular benchtop sander comes with an angle-adjustable belt sander and an aluminum oxide grindstone, which enhances the wear protection. Both devices operate at 3450 RPM, which is more than suitable for most sanding and grinding tasks.
If you ever lack light in your workshop, the adjustable and vibration-proof lamp will work perfectly for you.
The grindstone is known to chip workpieces, but you'll be properly protected with the transparent plastic shield. The On/Off switch has a dust protector on top to help reduce the chance of dust clogging the internal components.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The bonus features of this benchtop sander are the real MVPs of this particular sander. A coolant tray will effectively keep your sander cool. As well as the high-grade plastic shield and adjustable lamp.
There aren't many benchtop sanders that offer these various bonus features. If you're a fan of your gadgets, this will be the sanding unit for you.
Best Benchtop Belt Sander
Grizzly Industrial H7761
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Allowing the user to work with both a disc sander at 3450 RPM and a belt sander of 3500 RPM, there will be plenty of speed to play around with. If you're ever working early in the morning or late at night, the adjustable vibration-resistant lamp works wonders.
As many of you know, being able to adjust the angle of the miter gauge and sanding belt works wonders and is incredibly useful for when you're working on a piece with awkward angles and designs. The fast speeds will create some high temperatures, which the coolant tray will help to reduce.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
It's always key to find a benchtop sander that offers a heavyweight that will stay stable during high speeds but also allow the user to move the unit around whenever they require very little effort. This would suit someone with a small workshop and very little free space; they can simply set it up on the worktop and then store it away when finished.
Best Benchtop Drum Sander
Jet JWDS-1020
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This particular drum belt sander has a reinforced conveyor belt, which will do most of the work for you; all the user has to do is facilitate the process and ensure it works smoothly. The machine will accept up to a 3-inch thickness and 20-inch width, which covers a considerable amount.
The variable speed control doesn't work at multiple set speeds, but you can choose whatever speed you like, which offers perfect flexibility and control. The extruded aluminum drum itself effectively dissipates the heat that's created during the high-speeds.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The reinforced steel conveyor belt will remove the risk of fatigue for the user as the conveyor belt will be able to hold 3-inch thick and 20-inch wide workpieces without any support.
When you're on your hand and knees operating a handheld sander or holding a heavy workpiece against a normal benchtop, you'll soon understand why a conveyor belt is appreciated so much.
Best Benchtop Disc Sander
Grizzly Industrial G7297
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The tilting support table can be adjusted to 45-degrees to help sand workpieces with angled designs or if you want to sharpen a tool. With speeds of 1750 RPM, the reinforced rubber feet will be effective at reducing the effects of vibration.
This small sander is compact enough to be stored in a small space; this product would be a great asset for someone with a small workshop and minimal free space to have these sorts of tools. The lightweight and compact design allow you to move it around whenever you need it.
If there's ever a time you accidentally knock it over, the steel construction will save you from forking out more cash to buy a new one. You'll be well protected in the case of an accidental fall.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The large 12-inch disc will be suitable for some of the largest workpieces; the tiltable table will ensure you have the correct support needed to sand at an angle or even sharpen large blades.
12-inch discs are somewhat unheard of, and as you know, it's always better to have a large sanding pad if you've got the space as they're more versatile.
Best Benchtop Spindle Sander
JET JBOS-5
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The oscillating spindle sander will ensure that your workpiece won't be affected by friction burns common when using standard sanders. The spindle parts themselves are easily changed because they utilize the threaded ends, making it incredibly fast for the user if they're against the clock.
The large table can be adjusted to suit various angles of your workpiece, up to 45-degrees. For the benefit of the doubt, if you're a clumsy person, you can easily remove the On/Off switch to limit the chance of any accidental turn-ons. The only issue with this spindle sander is that it's not suitable for large workpieces.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
With most sanders using either a clamp or hook and loop method, it's fairly rare to find a sander that utilizes an even faster and more secure method of attachment like internal threads. This would suit someone that prioritizes time management and efficiency.
What is a Benchtop Sander? What is a Benchtop Sander Used For?
A benchtop sander usually comes with a belt sander and a disc sanding unit. However, this isn't always the case. They can usually have their angles adjusted to fit the task.
The belt sander operates in a linear motion, with the disc sander operating a circular motion. Together they can be used for finishing, polishing, and sharpening tools.
Types of Bench Sanders
As we mentioned, a benchtop sander isn't always a belt and disc sander; they can be composed of several different types of sanders. Below is an overview of some of the most common types found together.
Bench Belt Sander
The belt sander unit can be used on many tasks, but they're mainly used for removing material. The angle at which they operate can be adjusted to help limit fatigue and sand those spots that are too difficult to reach.
Benchtop Drum Sander
A drum sander has an elongated wheel-like design and is mainly used on wood and plastic. You can get industrial drum sanders that have multiple drums or a common benchtop type with a single drum.
Benchtop Disc Sander
Disc sanders are just circular sanders that are used for sanding and polishing work. They tend to be paired alongside belt sanders on many sanding units.
Benchtop Oscillating Spindle Sander
Fairly similar to a drum sander but just pointed vertically instead of horizontally. The spindle part refers to the up and down motion the sander makes to reduce the likelihood of burn marks or scratching.
Conclusion
Benchtop sanders come in many forms with even more uses for the user. If you're ever interested in a new benchtop sander, our guide gives you everything you'll need to know before making the purchase.
People Also Ask
The average price of these quality machines will range between $300 and $1000. You'll find high-quality benchtops within this price range.
How High To Mount A Benchtop Belt Sander
It'd be wise to have it mounted at the lower chest level; this will give you the flexibility and control necessary to properly operate the machine.
Why Use A Benchtop Drum Sander?
There are many benefits of a drum sander; the benchtop options tend to have features like an automatic conveyor belt, allowing the user to sand handsfree. You also don't need to worry about sanding with the grain, as it does the full sanding process for you.
What Grit Sandpaper For Benchtop Sander?
The sandpaper to be used with a benchtop sander will depend on the task and ability of the particular sander. Always refer to the user manual.