7 Best Belt and Disc Sanders of 2024

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The Best Belt and Disc Sanders

The Best Belt and Disc Sanders
  1. Best 100mm belt and disc sander - Scheppach BTS800 Belt and Disc Sander

  2. Best budget 100mm belt and disc sander - VonHaus Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander

  3. Best for general DIY - Lumberjack BD370 4” x 36” Belt and Disc Sander

  4. Best 200mm belt and disc sander - Axminster Craft AC200BDS Belt and Disc Sander

  5. Best 25mm belt and disc sander - Scheppach BTS700 Belt and Disc Sander

  6. Best sander for ease of use - Sealey SM750 Belt and Disc Sander

  7. Best 25mm sander for power - Clarke CBS1-5B Belt and Disc Sander

Belt and Disc Sander Reviews

Editors Choice

1. Scheppach BTS800 Belt and Disc Sander

Best 100mm belt and disc sander

best belt and disc sander Scheppach BTS800 Belt and Disc Sander
  • If you use a Henry hoover for your dust extraction, the standard nozzle fits snugly in the dust extraction port. It’s a common size compared with the extractor port on the Lumberjack BD370.
  • This sander comes with a decent selection of 12 different belts and sanding discs. Ranging from 80 – 180 grit, you can remove material as well as fine sand timber.
  • As well as receiving a common extractor hose size, the dust extraction on this sander is effective. Several users have complimented this machine on getting rid of a lot of dust.
  • The disc sanding pads are attached with Velcro rather than glued on. This means you can swap them out without resorting to a heat gun and scraper!

  • As several users have commented, the belt sizes aren’t the most common ones. They might be a bit more expensive or just more of a pain to get hold of in a rush.
  • The belt and disc speeds are lower compared with the Lumberjack BD370, even though this is a slightly more expensive machine. If you need top speed, this might not be the right tool.
  • The mitre gauge doesn’t fit too snugly in the channel. This means you can never quite get a perfect 90° grind unless you pack out the gauge with some tape.
Power
370W
Belt Size
100x914mm
Disc Size
150mm
Belt Speed
450m/min
Sanding Table
215x146mm
Dimensions
475x365x325mm
Weight
17.5kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

German tool firm Scheppach have been around for more than 90 years. In that time, they’ve made a lot of industrial equipment as well as top-rated woodworking gear. The BTS800 is one of the best belt and disc sanders, thanks to a solid design and effective dust extraction.

Scheppach’s powerful 370 Watt induction motor means the belt travels at a reasonable 450 metres per minute and spins up the 150 mm diameter sanding disc up to 2,850 rpm. With a decent bench weight of 17.5 kg, it won’t go for a walk when you turn it on either.

Supplied with a 100 x 280 mm sanding belt, it’s well suited for dealing with light to medium weight sanding jobs. It’s one of those woodworking tools you won’t believe you got on without having one!

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Runner Up

2. VonHaus Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander

Best budget 100mm belt and disc sander

best belt and disc sander VonHaus Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander
  • Several users have complimented how quiet the sander motor runs, especially under no load.
  • This sander comes complete with three different sanding discs and three different sanding belts. You get 80 grit, 120 grit and even 240 grit. They should last you a while!
  • Don’t be put off by the slightly lower weight compared with the Scheppach BTS800. This is still a substantial and solid piece of kit with a cast iron base for stability.

  • Compared with the Lumberjack BD370, the tracking knob is much smaller. A larger adjustment wheel makes it easier to fine tune the tracking in my experience.
  • Some users have complained about how difficult it is to adjust the table tilt for the disc sander. You need to fiddle about with screws, a quick release system would be better.
  • The 1.8 m power cord is a bit stingy. Even though this is a benchtop tool, the nearest electrical socket might not be that close.
Power
370W
Belt Size
100x915mm
Disc Size
150mm
Belt Speed
580m/min
Sanding Table
225x160mm
Dimensions
440x360x290mm
Weight
17.1kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Value for Money
5

Manchester-based VonHaus are becoming one of the more recognisable budget tool brands in the UK and abroad. Their huge range of affordable tools and accessories are gaining them new customers all the time. Their take on the benchtop belt and disc sander is a capable woodworking tool that doesn’t break the bank.

Decked out in VonHaus’s recognisable orange colour, the cast iron base houses a 370 Watt induction motor that powers up the 100 x 915 mm sanding belt up to an impressive 579 metres per minute. On the side of the machine is a 150 mm sanding disc that can spin up to 3,600 rpm.

One of the best features of this sander is the adjustable sanding table which tilts between 0° and 45°. It’s useful for dealing with larger bits of timber and getting the precise grind you need. Weighing just 17.15 kg, it’s an ideal weight to sit on a workbench.

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Also Good
  • The cast iron base helps to keep most of the vibration down to a minimum. I think 18 kg is just about right in terms of weight, you can lift it up but it’s not going to wobble away during use.
  • Tool free belt changing means you can swap out belts for different grits quickly and easily. Simply loosen the tensioner and slip off the belt. It makes this a versatile bench tool.

  • The bed that sits in front of the sanding disc isn’t completely solid. If you put enough pressure on it, it’ll bend. This means it’s not ideal for high precision work.
  • Several users have complained about the dust extractor port. It’s not a common size, so you’ll probably need an adaptor to get a snug fit.
Power
370W
Belt Size
100x915mm
Disc Size
150mm
Belt Speed
580m/min
Sanding Table
225x160mm
Dimensions
455x370x285mm
Weight
18.0kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

Based in Wolverhampton and popular for their reasonably priced woodworking kit, Lumberjack’s recognisable red colour scheme is becoming a common sight in DIYers sheds and workshops. I think their BD370 belt and disc sander is a quality tool.

Boasting a powerful 370 Watt motor and weighing in at 18 kg, this sander strikes the right balance for me. It’s strong enough to deal with big lumps of timber without it being too heavy to move around. It makes it ideal for the home workshop, especially when space is at a premium.

You get a 36″ x 4″ belt sander on the top, and a 6″ diameter disc sander on the side. The single-speed motor spins up the belt to a useful 580 metres per minute, and the disc puts out 3,600 rpm.

It’s a typical setup for this type of benchtop tool and should be familiar to anyone who’s used one before. The belt tracking is adjusted with a single large plastic knob, so it’s easy to dial in a steady belt.

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4. Axminster Craft AC200BDS Belt and Disc Sander

Best 200mm belt and disc sander

best belt and disc sander Axminster Craft AC200BDS Belt and Disc Sander
  • Compared with some belt and disc sanders, the AC200BDS is ready to go straight from the box. The belt and disc are factory installed, meaning you can get to work immediately!
  • Compared with the 17.15 kg VonHaus sander, this is a much more substantial tool. It sits on the bench nicely and creates a lot less vibration. The extra weight really helps here.
  • You get a 200 mm sanding disc. This extra 50 mm compared with the Scheppach BTS800 is incredibly useful as you can sand much larger pieces of timber.

  • You only get one sanding belt and one sanding disc included with this sander. Compared with the 12 you receive with the Scheppach, it’s not particularly generous.
  • This machine isn’t as compact compared with the VonHaus sander. The belt sander sits at 90° to the disc, so when you lower it flat it sticks out a lot more. You need more bench space.
  • The single knob you use to fix the belt sander angle is in an awkward spot. It’s quite hard to tighten and can obscure the angle gauge in certain positions.
Power
550W
Belt Size
100x915mm
Disc Size
200mm
Belt Speed
520m/min
Sanding Table
264x190mm
Dimensions
590x520x380mm
Weight
26.0kg
Overall Score 4.7
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

Devon’s own woodworking tool legends Axminster don’t need much of an introduction. If you’ve ever been involved with timber and how to cut it, you’ll know about these guys. The Axminster Craft range is ideal for DIYers that want one of the best names without needing to shell out thousands. The AC200BDS is easily one of the best belt and disc sanders for the money.

The first thing you’ll notice is that this is a much heavier duty sander compared with the Lumberjack or Scheppach machines. Weighing in at a mighty 26 kg, you might need some help getting it up onto the bench, but once it’s there it will stay there! Part of the weight comes from the huge 550 Watt induction motor, which runs the belt at 520 metres per minute. The belt is a whopping 100 mm wide, and you get a large size 200 mm diameter sanding disc.

One of the big advantages that this sander has compared with the competition is in the dust extraction department. Not only does the large 63 mm diameter dust extraction port hook up to full-size systems, but there’s an internal fan that transforms the dust collection process. It’s excellent.

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5. Scheppach BTS700 Belt and Disc Sander

Best 25mm belt and disc sander

best belt and disc sander Scheppach BTS700 Belt and Disc Sander
  • I’m a fan of the cam lever you use to adjust the belt sanding table. It’s easy to lock on and off compared with some sanders that require you to remove bolts to make a simple adjustment.
  • All the sanding discs are secured using Velcro. This makes them incredibly easy to change when you need a different grit.
  • Most users agree that this is a mercifully quiet sander to operate. It makes it ideal for the small workshop, but you should always wear ear defenders when using power tools.

  • Even though this sander features a cast iron base for stability, I’d like to be able to fix it permanently to the bench top. There aren’t any bolt holes to make it an easy job.
  • The belt cover is made from plastic. It’s not a heavy duty machine, but I would still prefer to see aluminium or another metal for durability. I’d hate to drop this sander!
  • There’s a fair bit of assembly required before you can use this sander for the first time. Compared with the Axminster Craft, you can’t use this straight from the box.
  • Several users have complained that the sander is shipped with a European plug rather than the standard British three-pin plug. If not, you’ll need to use an adapter.
Power
250W
Belt Size
25x762mm
Disc Size
125mm
Belt Speed
820m/min
Sanding Table
184x98mm
Dimensions
380x370x300mm
Weight
7.4kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

Another quality benchtop sander from German tool brand Scheppach is the BTS700. Little brother to the BTS800, it’s got a narrow sanding belt and small diameter sanding disc. It’s an ideal hobby size sander that is easy to store but still packs a hefty punch.

The 250 Watt motor is no underpowered toy, it revolves the 25 mm wide sanding belt to an impressive 820 metres per minute. Next to it is the 125 mm diameter sanding disc, that can be easily tilted with a single adjustment knob.

Weighing in at just 7.4 kg, this is ideal for a tiny workshop or when precision is more important than removing material. You can tilt both tables through 45°, and the machine comes with a mitre gauge that slots into the rail on the sanding disc side.

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6. Sealey SM750 Belt and Disc Sander

Best sander for ease of use

best belt and disc sander Sealey SM750 Belt and Disc Sander
  • This sander puts out a slightly higher belt speed compared to the Scheppach BTS700. Especially when combined with high grit belts, high speed makes for a better sander.
  • This sander is incredibly easy to use. There’s just one speed to choose from and adjusting the belt tracking is achieved with a single adjustable knob.
  • The bearing-mounted drive pulleys help to make this a quiet machine to use. Under no load, it doesn’t make much noise at all.

  • The sanding disc isn’t attached with Velcro. Glued on sanding discs aren’t impossible to change but are a lot more time consuming than good old hook and loop systems.
  • Several users have been surprised at how small these belt and disc sanders are. It’s much smaller compared with the Axminster Craft AC200BDS, for example.
  • 125 mm diameter sanding discs aren’t as widely available as 150 mm ones. You might need to order spares online as they’re not as common in the brick and mortar tool shops.
Power
250W
Belt Size
25x762mm
Disc Size
125mm
Belt Speed
845m/min
Sanding Table
185x128mm
Dimensions
466x314x298mm
Weight
7.0kg
Overall Score 3.7
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Value for Money
3

Bury St Edmund’s based tool brand Sealey have put their seal of approval on all sorts of clever kit since 1978. Their take on the small benchtop belt and disc sander is a capable little machine that’s ideal for hobbyists and modellers.

With a 25 mm wide belt and 125 mm diameter sanding disc, this pint-sized bench sander might look underpowered. However, the 250 Watt induction motor is powerful enough to send the belt round at 845 metres per minute. That’s no mean feat for a workshop tool that weighs just 7 kg.

Supplied with a pair of sanding tables, the one that fits the belt sander is rounded so you can approach the belt from any angle. The disc sander table features a channel that receives a mitre gauge, making accurate angled sanding jobs a piece of cake.

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7. Clarke CBS1-5B Belt and Disc Sander

Best 25mm sander for power

best belt and disc sander Clarke CBS1 5B Belt and Disc Sander
  • The 1” x 30” sanding belts to fit this sander are readily available and inexpensive. It means you can load up with different grits without breaking the bank.
  • The motor is 50 Watts stronger compared with the Sealey SM750. This should give the user a bit more sanding power and will ensure you can’t stop the disc with the workpiece!
  • Weighing in at 7.5 kg, it’s the heaviest of the small belt and disc grinders on my list. The extra weight should help to keep everything stable and stop it from vibrating so much.

  • It’s a shame that Clarke haven’t thrown in a few spare belts or blades. You’ll get the most out of a tool like this by using different grits, so a few extras would have been great.
  • The dust collection performance isn’t great. Compared with the internal fan in the Axminster Craft AC200BDS, a lot of dust escapes from this tool. Only use it in a well ventilated area.
  • The sanding disc is glued into place. I would much prefer one that is attached with Velcro. It’s not impossible to convert this to a Velcro fitting, but it’s still pain to do.
Power
300W
Belt Size
25x762mm
Disc Size
125mm
Belt Speed
810m/min
Sanding Table
184x98mm
Dimensions
450x320x300mm
Weight
7.5kg
Overall Score 3.7
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Value for Money
3

Machine Mart’s in-house brand Clarke are well known for their extensive range of no-nonsense kit. They make everything for the home workshop, from petrol generators to this CBS1-5B belt and disc sander. It’s a powerful benchtop sander that doesn’t take up much space.

Part of the Clarke Woodworker range, this sander boasts a powerful 300 Watt motor that whips the 25 mm wide belt around at 810 metres per minute. The disc is spun up to an impressive 2,850 rpm.  There’s a 125 mm diameter sanding disc on the side that comes with a tilting table. You can set the angle down to 45° and it comes with a mitre gauge as well.

Perfectly suited for hobbyists, modellers or anyone that needs a small scale but accurate sander, this is an ideal addition to the workshop. It’s one of the best belt and disc sanders that Clarke manufacture.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

Sanding by hand is a thankless and dirty job. If you want to sand accurately, quickly and without working up a sweat, you need the best belt and disc sander you can afford.

  1. The sander needs to be a heavy and solid machine to keep vibrations down to a minimum and it should ideally come with a cast iron base to keep it stable during use.
  2. The sanding tables also need to be solid if you want to sand objects down to an accurate angle or mitre.
  3. A belt and disc sander does create a lot of dust so make sure it comes with an effective dust extraction feature.
  4. There are two popular sizes. The smaller size comes with a 250-300W motor and takes a 25mm belt with a 125mm disc. The larger comes with a 370W motor and takes 100mm belts with a 150mm disc.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Scheppach BTS800 Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander Scheppach BTS800 Belt and Disc Sander
    • 4.3
    • 370W
    • 100x914mm
    • 150mm
    • 450m/min
    • 215x146mm
    • 475x365x325mm
    • 17.5kg
  • VonHaus Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander VonHaus Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander
    • 4.3
    • 370W
    • 100x915mm
    • 150mm
    • 580m/min
    • 225x160mm
    • 440x360x290mm
    • 17.1kg
  • Lumberjack BD370 4” x 36” Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander Lumberjack BD370 4” x 36” Belt and Disc Sander
    • 4.3
    • 370W
    • 100x915mm
    • 150mm
    • 580m/min
    • 225x160mm
    • 455x370x285mm
    • 18.0kg
  • Axminster Craft AC200BDS Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander Axminster Craft AC200BDS Belt and Disc Sander
    • 4.7
    • 550W
    • 100x915mm
    • 200mm
    • 520m/min
    • 264x190mm
    • 590x520x380mm
    • 26.0kg
  • Scheppach BTS700 Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander Scheppach BTS700 Belt and Disc Sander
    • 4.3
    • 250W
    • 25x762mm
    • 125mm
    • 820m/min
    • 184x98mm
    • 380x370x300mm
    • 7.4kg
  • Sealey SM750 Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander Sealey SM750 Belt and Disc Sander
    • 3.7
    • 250W
    • 25x762mm
    • 125mm
    • 845m/min
    • 185x128mm
    • 466x314x298mm
    • 7.0kg
  • Clarke CBS1-5B Belt and Disc Sander
    best belt and disc sander Clarke CBS1 5B Belt and Disc Sander
    • 3.7
    • 300W
    • 25x762mm
    • 125mm
    • 810m/min
    • 184x98mm
    • 450x320x300mm
    • 7.5kg

How to Choose The Best Belt and Disc Sander

If you’ve just got hold of a belt and disc sander you won’t know how you got by without one before. These versatile machines can be used to create smooth curves or surfaces as flat as glass. If you’re looking for the best belt and disc sander for your needs, read on.

Power

Benchtop belt and disc sanders require high-powered motors to turn the sanding belts and discs fast enough for the quick and efficient removal of surplus material.

The Axminster Craft AC200BDS is powerful enough for most heavy-duty sanding tasks thanks to its large 550 Watt motor. Lower-powered machines like the Sealey SM750 are perfect for smaller jobs such as furniture making and other hobbies.

Some belt and disc sanders have an induction motor. These have a rugged construction, are reliable and require minimal maintenance. It’s important to strike the right balance between power and portability if space is at a premium in your workshop.

Build quality

Benchtop belt and disc sanders often have a cast iron base that keeps them stable during use. Some belt and disc sanders can be screwed to a workbench for extra stability. Most bench-mounted woodworking tools need to be heavy and solid to keep vibrations down to a minimum.

The best belt and disc sanders also have bearing-mounted drive pulleys that make them very smooth and quiet in operation. The less friction and vibration there is, the quieter the motor will run.

Something to look for in the best belt and disc sander is a solid sanding table. If you want to sand objects down to an accurate angle or mitre, the table can’t flop around or bend under pressure.

Dust extraction

Bench belt sanders feature a dust extraction port that can be used with your workshop dust extraction system. Check that the bench sander you choose has the right size port for your system or that adaptors are available.

Sanders in general create an awful lot of dust. It’s incredibly important to have an effective dust extraction system, both to keep the machine running smoothly, and to keep the dust out of the atmosphere. Sanders also run better with dust extractors as they help to keep the sanding surface clean.

Safety

You should always wear a dust mask and safety glasses when using a belt and disc sander as these machines can eject a lot of dust and debris. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sanding, make sure you take frequent breaks to reduce your exposure to vibrations.

Belt and Disc Sander FAQs

Belt and disc sanders are stationary sanding machines designed for use on a workbench or other stable surfaces. In general, benchtop sanders are more powerful and have a greater sanding capacity than portable sanders.

However, the real advantage of bench sanders is that you can use both hands to hold the workpiece, providing you with greater accuracy and control. The other big benefit in comparison with handheld belt sanders is that you can sand down to precise angles and mitres.

Belt and disc sanders have two sanding options. The disc sander can be used for rough shaping, end-grain work and bevels and mitres. The belt sander is used mainly for finishing. Some disc and belt sanders can also be used on non-ferrous metals and some plastics.

Ensure that you are wearing a mask and safety glasses and working in a safe environment. Keep your fingers away from the sander to reduce the chance of injury. Ensure all guards are in place before beginning work.

Once it is safe to begin, turn the bench sander on and allow it to reach full speed. Place the material for sanding on the sander table. Lightly position the material against the rotating disc or belt, moving the piece from left to right at the same time.

Don’t push too hard – let the bench sander do the work. Keep the material moving so that the friction doesn’t cause the wood to become hot and gouge lines into the workpiece.

Like any power tool, you need to respect it to stay safe. Always wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and never push too hard. Ensure that all loose clothing or hair is safely tucked away so it cannot get caught in the moving parts. As with most rotational power tools, gloves are not recommended as they can get snagged and pulled into the machinery.

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