Last Updated on 2022-02-10 by Harry Masterton
So you want to buy the best budget belt sander without busting your wallet? We’ve reviewed the top 5 best belt sanders you can buy without breaking the bank.
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Budget Belt Sander Winner, Runner Up and Contenders
- Best Budget Belt Sander Overall Winner – SKIL 7510-01
- Best Budget Belt Sander Runner Up – CRAFTSMAN CMEW213
- Best Budget Belt Sander Contender – WEN 6321
- Best Budget Belt Sander Contender – Black & Decker DS321 Dragster
- Best Budget Belt Sander Contender – WEN HB3216
For most hobbyists, working on a budget is a necessity and not just someone cutting corners buying cheap woodworking tools. Power tool manufacturers understand this and offer “budget-friendly” or “entry-level” products that are aimed at budget conscious woodworkers and DIY’ers.
Belt sanders are no exception, with many of the most popular brands selling models at lower price points. Let's take a closer look at what you get, as well as what you will sacrifice when shopping for the best budget belt sander.
What do the best budget belt sander designs sacrifice?
Top brands usually sacrifice one or more of the following:
- Build quality
- Power
- Extra features
Most manufacturers have a line of products that range from budget-friendly choices to professional-grade models. The reality is, no company will sell a cheaper tool that includes its top-tier components. Power tools, including belt sanders, will sacrifice some parts of its build quality to make it more affordable.
That can include using more plastics than metals on the housing. Substituting in plastic or lightweight knobs and levers is another example.
Top 3 Best Budget Belt Sander Featured In This Review
The overall power of a budget sander is often less than the top-end models. It might be due to a smaller electric motor, a less-effective gearbox, or a lack of control circuitry.
Features found on professional-grade tools might be missing on budget items. Features often sacrificed include variable speed controls, ergonomic handles, high-contrast markings, or other proprietary designs that a company trademarks for their brand or product line.
What do the best budget belt sander designs offer?
Is a budget design worth buying? It can be if the power tool meets your woodshop's needs and improves your woodworking enjoyment.
Power is perhaps the most important feature on a belt sander. The higher the amps, the better, especially for stripping protective coats and deep stains.
Another consideration is weight, with lighter models creating less fatigue (usually at the expense of more vibration transfer, however).
Features like variable speed controls and easy loading designs add versatility and speed up your workflow.
Don't overlook warranty coverage. Brands that stand behind budget belt sanders are offering a decent product for most hobbyist's needs.
Best Budget Belt Sander Models
SKIL 7510-01 6 Amp 3-Inch x 18-Inch Belt Sander with Pressure Control
Recommended for: Anyone working with rough lumber that needs lots of surface fibers removed will appreciate the ease and speed the SKIL 7510 belt sander provides.
4.6 out of 5.0 stars
SKIL 7510 – Features
A 6.0-amp induction style electric motor powers the SKIL Sandcat belt sander, providing plenty of energy for turning the belt while pressure is applied. Sensory technology indicates if you are pressing too hard, reducing fatigue and providing a consistent surface.
A three-inch-wide belt covers wood surfaces adequately, but you will need more passes than with a four-inch belt. An 18-inch length is reasonable for most woodworkers and makes a nice compromise between compact designs and the large 24-inch belt sanders.
Single lever belt changes and a lock on the on/off switch adds convenience to its use, and auto-track for the belt keeps it in place. Micro-filtration helps keep the air and your shop clean, but you will need to stop for cleanings regularly.
SKIL 7510 – Things We Like
- A 6.0-amp electric motor drives the belt system. It generates enough power for sanding with heavy grits while applying pressure;
- It uses auto-track belt alignment technology. That helps to keep the sanding belt in place as you work and reduces premature wear from being off-center;
- Micro-Filtration helps to reduce dust that escapes the power tool. That includes solid housing and filters.
SKIL 7510 – Not So Good
- Its Micro-Filtration catches everything, requiring frequent emptying. That can slow you down as you try to clean out the filter;
- There is a seam that runs down the middle of the SKIL 7510 belt sander. That includes the handles, where you grip and apply pressure, making them less ergonomic.
CRAFTSMAN CMEW213 3 x 21-Inch Belt Sander
Recommend for: The design works best when sanding joints on panel glue-ups used with furniture pieces.
The list of the best budget belt sander products begins with the CMEW213. This model by CRAFTSMAN uses a 3 x 21-inch belt for sanding. That is a standard width, and you will find the 21-inch belt length takes longer to wear-out than the 18-inch.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
CRAFTSMAN CMEW213 features
A 7.0-amp electric motor supplies power to the Craftsman CMEW213 belt sander. That should be enough power for most beginner and intermediate level projects. The speeds may slow down a bit when using large grit belts, but not enough to be a deal-breaker.
One feature highlighted in this Craftsman 7 amp belt sander review is the angle of the belt. The back roller is larger than the front roller, creating the tapered belt path. This feature provides closer sanding near adjoining surfaces on glue-ups.
The feature that feels like a letdown in this Craftsman CMEW213 7 amp belt sander review is the single-speed control. The sander has a maximum rating of 800 feet per minute under no-load conditions, meaning it will take longer to take down the surfaces you are attempting to remove or smooth out.
An over-molded handle provides a hold for larger hands. The secondary handle on the front is not the most ergonomic design, though. Weight distribution is placed on the rear, so you will have to keep this in mind as you hold and apply pressure during sanding.
CRAFTSMAN CMEW213 – Things We Like
- Its over-molded handle is comfortable for large hands
- An angled belt design for seam work
- Handle matches belt angle for good control
CRAFTSMAN CMEW213 – Not So Good
- The CRAFTSMAN CMEW213 sander is single-speed
- The plastic housing transfers more vibration
The Best Budget Belt Sander – SKIL 7510 Sandcat vs Craftsman CMEW213
Make no mistake both the SKIL 7510 Belt Sander and the Craftsman CMEW213 are outstanding budget belt sanders. Both of these woodworking power tools should give you excellent long term service for DIY, small home renovation projects and hobby woodworking. If you're buying on price only then absolutely nothing comes close to the WEN or the Black and Decker Dragster.
Our choice and firm recommendation however is the SKIL 7510 with the Craftsman CMEW213 a very close second.
The only rider we would add to that is if you're looking for an extra 3″ of belt length then opt for the Craftsman Belt Sander. Feature for feature though the SKIL 7510 is the clear winner. We especially liked the micro filtration to bag all those small dust particles and the standard 1 1/4″ vacuum hose port included.
Dust in the air is a huge problem when you're sanding especially in a small woodworking shop so these two features alone give the Skil 7510 a clear lead for the average DIY'er and woodworking hobbyist.
WEN 6321 3 x 21-Inch Belt Sander
Recommend for: Hobbyists and pros will enjoy the trigger-free operation when sanding a lot of panel surfaces.
This best budget belt sander list continues with WEN's 6321 model. It uses a 3 x 21-inch sanding belt, representing another mid-sized belt sander with standard width sanding capacity.
4.3 out of 5.0 stars
WEN 6321 features
The motor highlighted in the WEN 6321 belt sander review is a standard 7.0-amps in size. The product will handle light and medium sanding tasks without issue. You will find the electric motor a bit under-whelming for heavy-duty jobs, however.
The 820 feet per minute rating of the 6321 under no-load conditions is slightly faster than the CRAFTSMAN reviewed previously, but the single-speed rotation is not ideal. Stripping thick top-coats or penetrating stains will take longer at just over 13 feet a second.
You will find the WEN 6321 budget belt sander both compact and lightweight. The sander measures approximately 12 x 6 x 6.5-inches, giving it a small enough profile to operate inside of cabinets. Weighing just over six-pounds is an advantage on longer running sessions as you will not fatigue as quickly.
The stand out feature in this WEN 6321 belt sander review will be the lock-in safety feature. Activating this allows you to remove your finger from the trigger as you work. That will prevent cramping and fatigue during use.
You might feel that the housing is a bit flimsy, but this belt sander comes at a reasonable price and does have a two-year warranty.
WEN 6321 – Things We Like
- It is fairly lightweight
- A Lock-in safety feature
- It has a compact body
WEN 6321 – Not So Good
- The dust bag is too small
- Its seams are uncomfortable on the handles
WEN HB3216 3 x 21-Inch Combination Belt Sander
We felt it was necessary to add to this manufacturer's range with a short WEN HB3216 Combination Belt Sander review. Use it as either a hand-held sander or as a face-up sander that mounts to your benchtop.
4.3 out of 5.0 starsThe HB3216 uses a 7.0-amp motor and a 3 x 21-inch belt system. It is variable speed, allowing adjustments between 787 and 1,312 feet per minute. A lock-on power switch and dust port adaptors help its benchtop role.
- Easy to use face-up
- Variable speed
- Trigger handle is poorly placed
Black & Decker DS321 Dragster 3 x 21-Inch Belt Sander
Recommend for: Those looking for a highly adjustable belt sander in the budget price category will appreciate this power tool.
Black and Decker continue the best budget belt sander reviews with the DS321 model. It is another mid-sized sander with a 21-inch belt and sands at three-inches in width.
4.3 out of 5.0 stars
Black & Decker DS321 features
Often referred to as the Black and Decker Dragster DS321, the design makes the sander look like a dragster (which may appeal to you if you like to race your power tools when you’re bored). In the shop, the 7.0-amp electric motor is not quite as “high-octane” as the nickname would imply.
The stand out operating feature on the Black and Decker Dragster Belt Sander is the nose. Its hood is retractable, allowing you to uncover the top portion of the belt. That narrow tip can fit into places that other belt sanders would struggle to reach.
A higher price tag in the budget range is noticeable in the overall build. Heavier components add to the weight (8.2-pounds), but they also add to the durability of the belt sander.
The Black and Decker Dragster DS321 has an ordinary trigger handle, with texture added for grip. Its front handle is adjustable, though. You can set it to three positions, giving you a variety of operating positions that add to comfort and control.
Black & Decker DS321 – Things We Like
- The hood that adjusts on the front roller
- A retractable three-position handle
- A solid design that feels durable
Black & Decker DS321 – Not So Good
- Its belt tracking could be improved upon
- A higher price point for a “Budget” sander
The Best Budget Belt Sander Review – Belt Sanding On A Budget
These budget belt sanders remove rough-sawn surfaces as well as paints, protective coatings, and stains. Finding the best budget belt sander for your woodworking shop should involve matching your projects with your needs.
Most of the belt sanders reviewed use a 3 x 21-inch belt, with the exception of the SKIL 7510 Sandcat. Dust control is one of the most important features of using a belt sander which is just one of the reasons we've given the SKIL 7510 Sandcat Belt Sander the title of over all winner in the best budget belt sander category.
CRAFTSMAN CMEW213 Belt Sander with it's ‘dragster' style design for those difficult corners and great build quality makes it a worthy runner up
Always remember when you’re buying woodworking power tools like the best budget belt sander your wallet will stretch to they are limited in their capabilities and will never match the durability and power of higher end belt sanders like the Makita 9403 and Makita 9404.
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