There are so many different types of belt sanders that it’s really hard to decide which one to choose. They all have different features and designs, so it’s hard to decide which one is best for you. In this article, I’ve gone over some of the key features you’ll want in your belt sander so you know you’ve got a quality tool.
One great feature that you will want on your belt sander is the variable speed feature. This gives your sander the ability to be less aggressive, making fine work easier. This is something you’ll really appreciate when you’re working in softer wood where a momentary inattention can cost you hours of work! You’ll also want to make sure the variable speed switch is in a convenient location, if it isn’t this will really become an issue when working on those longer projects.
The true test of a sander’s power isn’t the amperage rating, it’s the amount of pressure you can put on it while cutting material before the belt begins to slow down. There isn’t really a fancy way to test this, you’ll just have to try different sanders until you find one that works for your preferred amount of pressure.
You also want your sander to have an inline motor. The other option is to have a cross motor sander. The drive pulley on these sanders is to the side, which makes many people feel unbalanced. Inline sanders are also more symmetrical and balanced. They are lighter, which you will appreciate if you have to sand a lot in an awkward position, such as overhead. Lastly, they have a flat top, making it easy to hold them upside down to use as a stationary sander.
Another thing to consider is the track control feature on your sander. This mechanism directs the front nose roller, keeping the web in the center of the platen. You also don’t want your belt to move too far forward because it will then rub against the frame and damage the belt. This will cause your belt to fail prematurely, requiring you to replace it prematurely. You want to find a tracking knob that makes it easy to keep the belt aligned. If it’s too thick, any small movement will move your belt too far in either direction. If it is too thin, you will have to go around a lot before you get the belt adjusted correctly. Again, just try different belt sanders and see which one works best for you.
As you probably realize, these are just SOME of the features that make up a quality belt sander. The perfect sander will depend mainly on your personal preferences, as well as the job for which you are going to use it. You might even disagree with some of the things I said here, which is fine. As long as I get some good information out of this and put you on the path to getting your dream sander, I’m happy. I hope you enjoyed this article, and best of luck in your search.
