If you are looking to buy a wide belt sander you will realize that there are numerous products from several brands available to potential buyers. Note that these products come with different features too. They are quite expensive, which means you may not have the luxury of buying different types to start testing them one after the other.
You need to go for what you want, the right product, without hesitation. Many factors make a product good, and those factors have been considered in choosing the recommended products in this review.
The featured products contain various specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. While all the products are good, it remains your responsibility to read the customer reviews in knowing how other customers feel about the product and how it fits your needs.
Our Top Picks for the Best Wide Belt Sander
1. Safety Speed Cut 3760 WBS3760101 10HP Wide-belt Sander
It is a machine that, although appearing small in comparison with other wide belt sanders, has the features of a bigger one.
It features a 10 horsepower, single-phase motor — or if you don’t like that, a 15 Hp three-phase motor. The conveyor of this sander comes with a ¾-horsepower motor. It also features photoelectric belt tracking and a feature that allows you to easily adjust the tension of the belt for longer use.
The main belt size is 37” x 60”, with five emergency stops and a two and a half removable platen. It also comes with an air suspension platen to sand veneers effectively. With the use of this wide belt sanding machine, you will get one of your nicest results in this trade.
It is made of steel, is highly durable, and it is sure to outlive its owner.
Specifications
- Package dimensions — 63 x 60 x 60 Inches
- tem weight — 0.01 Ounces
- Manufacturer — Safety speed cut
- Color — Beige
- Material — Steel
- Power source — Power belt sander
Pros
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It is highly durable (one buyer has been using this machine for more than 7 years)
Cons
- It is heavy
- It is expensive
2. SHOP FOX W1710 10 HP 24-Inch Wide-belt Sander with Digital Readout
dThe main motor has a power of 10 horsepower motor, a 24-inch capacity, and a variable feed. It can work when with a single-phase power if the normal three-phase power is not available.
As expected it also has an automatic belt tensioning system, enabling you to extend the lifetime of the wide belt sander. In case you notice the belt is misbehaving, its quick-change belt system comes in handy. The motor controls are independent and the air-control belt oscillation can easily be adjusted.
It also has a double dust port for easy removal of dust while in use. With its amperage load meter, you can monitor how much load it carries, because an overload can easily wear out your machine.
Specifications
- Package dimensions — 77 x 53 x 44 Inches
- Item weight — 1450 pounds
- Manufacturer — Shop Fox
- Power source — Corded electric
- Included Components — Bare-tool
Pros
- It is affordable when compared to other sanders in the same category
- It boasts a powerful motor
Cons
- It is a heavy machine
3. SHOP FOX W1757 25 HP 43-Inch Three Phase Double Head Wide-belt Sander
The control panel is not complicated, with a digital readout load meter that can toggle between metric and standard measurements. With its digital readout, you can gauge the amp load on the sander while it’s in use. This will alert you to whether you need to increase or decrease the load to extend the lifetime of your W1757.
The feeds have a start and stop button that can be used to access the table, the sanding belts, and the feed belt. You can dictate the sanding depth you want to the sander through its control panel.
The cabinet is made of steel, giving you the option of buying a durable sander. The felt platen is adjustable for different kinds of sanding projects.
The position of the platen allows for three different types of sanding namely: the platen up position, the platen even position, and the platen down position. The pressure rollers are made of rubber, and it features variable speed control.
Specifications
- Package dimensions — 75 x 66 x 63 Inches
- Item weight — 3364 pounds
- Manufacturer — Shop Fox
- Power source — Corded electric
- Included components — Bare-tool
- Batteries required? — No
Pros
- Its variable speed allows you to adjust the speed
- Adjustable platen gives more sanding freedom
Cons
- It is expensive
4. Powermatic 1791251 Model 1632 16-Inch 7-1/2 Horsepower Open End Belt Sander, 230-Volt 3 Phase
It comes with a motor of five or 7.5 horsepower belt drive. The dust collection port measures four inches, ensuring the safety of the user as well as the neatness of your workplace. It measures 17 inches by 54 inches on the sanding belt, which should suggest that this is a large sander.
It is an open-end sander that can stop operation immediately in the rare case of belt breakage. This is done through its metal safety locks.
Specifications
- Product dimensions — 40 x 29 x 66 inches
- Item weight — 1 pound
- Manufacturer — WHM Tool Group
- Included component — Bare-tool, attachments
- Warranty Description — Limited lifetime
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It has a load meter
Cons
- Changing belts must be done carefully
5. SHOP FOX W1738 37-Inch Three Phase Wide-belt Sander
It is 37 inches tall and has a 15-horsepower, three-phase motor. This makes it an ideal industrial wide belt sander. To get a smooth and fine finish, you need to find the perfect combination of various factors like the felt platen, the variable conveyor speed, and the oscillation control.
To help with collecting dust, it comes with a four-inch dust port. As expected, it also features pneumatic belt tracking and tensioning. The control panel is simple and its digital readout can display current load and compare it with its normal capacity.
The cabinet is made of steel material, making it a durable option for most professionals.
Specifications
- Package dimensions — 74 x 56 x 52 inches
- Item weight — 1791 pounds
- Material — Steel
- Manufacturer — Shop Fox
- Power source — Corded electric
- Included components — Bare-tool
- Battery required — No
- Warranty — 2 years
Pros
- It comes with a safety shut-off bar
- It offers good value for money
- Its variable speed allows you to adjust the speed
Cons
- It is a heavy machine
6. Safety Speed Cut 3760 WBS3760101 10HP Wide-belt Sander
For one thing, you might never get a cheaper product than this. In terms of sanding accuracy, the belt tracking system and five emergency stop features come in handy.
It is made of steel, a durable metal that offers you a long-lasting option in your choice of a wide belt sander. It comes with a ¾ horsepower conveyor motor. To make it worth your while, it also has pneumatic belt tensioning as well as a two and a half removable platen.
Specifications
- Package dimensions — 63 x 60 x 60 inches
- Item weight — .01 ounces
- Manufacturer — Safety speed cut
- Material — Steel
- Color — Beige
- Power source — Power belt sanders
- Included components — Sanding belt and owner’s manual
- Warranty — 1 year
Pros
- It is very much affordable
- It can work with unlimited length
- It is easy to use with its accompanying manual
Cons
- It lacks other tech-related features known as other sanders
What to Consider While Buying a Wide Belt Sander
As long as you stick to these products in this list, you are getting a good and durable wide belt sander.
Here is a list of factors you should ascertain to ensure what you get will serve you for a long time.
Control Panel
The goal is to know for sure if the sander is in good condition and if it will work well. Remember that in recent times, each wide belt sander comes with a control panel. So, you can check the condition of the sander through its control panel. Some control panels are simple while some are a little more complicated.
The trick is to choose one with a simple control panel if you are new to the world of wide belt sanders. You will find it easier to use.
Dust Collection
One thing you probably already know is that sanders produce lots of dust. But with wide belt sanders, the dust they produce may be more than other types of sanders. With so much dust in your work environment, you may be more susceptible to breathing problems. That is why you should pick a wide belt sander with a smart dust collection system.
This will protect your health and make your workplace a little less messy.
Power
It is very good to check the power of your sander. Power determines how much work it does. Most sanders come with a motor that offers between 10 and 20 horsepower these days. No matter the project you are working in, the power of 20 horsepower is enough to execute it.
If you find something a little lower than 20 horsepower, that is ok too. You also need to consider the power source. This is because, for different projects, the different power sources may be necessary for them.
Speed Control
This feature on the wide belt sander allows you to change the speed with which it rotates. Depending on the projects at hand, you can adjust the speed based on your preference. So, when you are about to buy a new sander, check if it has the option that allows you to change the speed.
Final Verdict
One thing you should never forget after considering these things is the project you have at hand and its size. Read the specifications of the sander you are trying to buy. Consider if it will be enough to finish your project.
Another thing you should never forget is your safety while at work. To further protect you, be careful and make sure you handle them well. You can also wear protective gear.