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Bench sanders are designed to sand down large surfaces quickly and easily, so you can finish a woodworking project faster than you would with a handheld tool. They’re essentially a power sander with a weighted base for stability. Made to sit on a workbench, they are high-powered machines that can handle an array of materials.
The best bench sanders include additional sanding tools, like a disc sander, belt sander, and spindle sander; some may also include a grinding or sharpening tool. Our Best Overall pick is the Ryobi 4-Inch by 36-Inch Belt/Disc Sander; we love its powerful 4.3-amp motor as well as its miter gauge that supports materials at any angle for precise sanding.
When searching for the best tool for your workshop, consider the type of projects you work on, how much power the sander offers, and the adjustability of the sander. From belt sanders to disc sanders, this guide describes all of the important features to consider when shopping. Read on to learn about the workings of bench sanders and why the models below are some of the best bench sanders on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Ryobi 4-Inch by 36-Inch Belt/Disc Sander
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Shop Fox ½ HP Oscillating Spindle Sander
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PROFESSIONAL: Wen 6502T 4-Inch by 36-Inch Belt and Disc Sander
↓ Jump to Review - BEST VERTICAL: Bucktool Combo Belt Sander Bench Grinder
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR WOODWORKING: Jet 2-Inch by 42-Inch Belt Grinder and Disc Sander
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BELT SANDER: Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Belt Sander
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PORTABLE: Wen HA5932 Portable Oscillating Spindle Sander
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMBO SANDER: Rockwell Shop Series Belt/Disc Combo Sander
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
To help with the tool search, this list of some of the best bench sanders on the market is organized by type. You may find that one of the tools below is exactly what you need in the workshop to create that goal finish.
Best Overall
Ryobi 4-Inch by 36-Inch Belt/Disc Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Belt and disc sander
- Power: 4.3 amps
- Additional accessories: Integrated dust port, work table
What We Like
- 6-inch disc sander
- Adjustable sanding table can be set from 0 to 45 degrees
- Can be adjusted for horizontal and vertical use
- Option to connect to a collection bag or vacuum through integrated dust port
- Miter gauge supports materials at any angle
What We Don’t Like
- Base/frame is not finished; may damage surfaces
- Heavy sanding may burn wood surfaces
The Ryobi sander benchtop can get a lot of sanding done in a hurry, thanks to the wide 36-inch-long by 4-inch-wide belt sander and the driving force of the powerful 4.3-amp motor. This impressive tabletop belt sander also has a 6-inch disc and an adjustable sanding table that can be set from 0 to 45 degrees for optimal material positioning. It features an adjustable belt sander that can be positioned from 0 to 90 degrees for horizontal or vertical sanding.
The integrated dust port on this benchtop sander can be connected to a collection bag or to a vacuum to quickly and efficiently remove sawdust as it’s created, keeping the work area clean and clear of obscuring debris. For angled sanding, the sanding table has a miter gauge intended to support material at user-specified angles for smooth, accurate results.
Get the Ryobi bench sander at The Home Depot or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Shop Fox ½ HP Oscillating Spindle Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating spindle sander
- Power: 3.5 amps
- Additional accessories: Storage slots, wide base, locking power switch with removable key
What We Like
- 5 standing drum sizes and 6 sanding sleeve sizes
- Suitable for delicate finishing work and/or sanding types
- Wide base and nonslip feet
- Light enough (at 30 pounds) to be portable
- Storage slots in the base for smaller tools and accessories
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller oscillating range than similar models
- May not be compatible with some shop vacs and vacuums
This Shop Fox packs a lot of versatility for a low price, thanks to its five sanding drum sizes and six sanding sleeve sizes. As a spindle sander, it’s a good pick for delicate finishing work. It has a 3.5-amp (½-horsepower) motor and a wide base with nonslip feet to prevent the sander from moving while in operation.
The Shop Fox sander weighs just 30 pounds, so it’s light enough to move around the workshop. It has storage slots in its base for keeping accessories organized and close at hand and a dust port for collecting debris. For additional safety, its power switch can be locked with a removable key.
Get the Shop Fox bench sander at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Professional
Wen 6502T 4-Inch by 36-Inch Belt and Disc Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Belt and disc sander
- Power: 4.3 amps
- Additional accessories: Dual sanding tools, tension release lever
What We Like
- 4-inch-wide sander and 6-inch-diameter sanding disc for multiple projects
- Heavy-duty cast-iron base limits wobbling
- Simple tension release lever; easy to replace sandpaper
- Dust collection port redirects dust and debris into a collection bag
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy compared to similar options; may not be suitable for transporting
This Wen bench belt grinder comes with two sanding tools—a 4-inch-wide belt sander and a 6-inch-diameter disc sander—so it can handle a range of projects. It weighs 39 pounds, which is heavy enough to prevent wobble or slide during use. The sander has a durable, heavy-duty cast iron base. Both sanding tools have adjustable sanding angles.
The Wen belt and disc sander is powered by a 4.3-amp (½-horsepower) motor and has a simple tension release lever for changing the sandpaper. The sanding belts on this sander are designed for easy replacement as well. Its dust collection port doesn’t direct the flow of sawdust on its own but provides an available place to connect a dust collector.
Get the Wen 6502T bench sander at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Vertical
Bucktool Combo Belt Sander Bench Grinder
Product Specs
- Type: Belt and disc sander
- Power: 3.5 amps
- Additional accessories: Cast-iron base, eye shield, LED light
What We Like
- 42-inch belt sander adjusts from 0 to 90 degrees
- Horizontal and vertical sanding
- 6-inch bench grinder can be used for sharpening
- Brush wheel included to remove rust from tools
- Multiple accessories included
What We Don’t Like
- Tension on the bench sanding belt cannot be adjusted
This Bucktool bench sander has a 42-inch-long by 2-inch-wide belt sander that can be adjusted from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, so it can be set up to run horizontally or vertically, depending on needs. There’s also a 6-inch bench grinder that can be used for sharpening and a brush wheel for removing rust from tools.
The combination belt sander/bench grinder has a 5-amp motor and a cast-iron base for better support while working. The grinder also comes with an adjustable eye shield and a built-in LED light, which illuminates the work area while the wheel is in use.
Get the Bucktool bench sander at Amazon.
Best for Woodworking
Jet 2-Inch by 42-Inch Belt Grinder and Disc Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Belt grinder and disc sander
- Power: 6.2 amps
- Additional accessories: 45-degree sanding table, miter gauge
What We Like
- Suitable for multiple sanding tasks
- Belt sander is capable of 3,100 surface feet per minute (SFPM)
- Disc sander produces 3,450 revolutions per minute (RPM)
- Constructed of heavy-duty steel and cast iron
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy; may not be suitable for frequent transport
Woodworkers in search of a highly functional benchtop belt disc sander may want to check out this tool by Jet that has a powerful 6.5-amp motor. This ¾-horsepower motor drives the vertical 42-inch-long by 2-inch-wide belt sander at up to 3,100 SFPM and the 8-inch disc sander at up to 3,450 RPM, helping to ensure a smooth finish on woodworking projects.
The high level of power and the heavy-duty steel and cast-iron construction adds to the weight of this benchtop belt sander, sitting at a hefty 60 pounds, so it may not be a good choice for users who want to pack it up and take it to multiple jobsites. However, the 45-degree sanding table does come with a removable miter gauge to help users produce a smooth, accurate finish while sanding at an angle.
Get the Jet bench sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Belt Sander
Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Belt Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Belt grinder/sander
- Power: 4.3 amps
- Additional accessories: Built-in adjustable miter gauge, 2½-inch dust port, work table angle scale
What We Like
- Multipurpose shop tool for sanding and grinding
- Lower risk of damage from heat buildup
- Sharpens quickly
- Easy to adjust/change grit
What We Don’t Like
- Included 80-grit belt is not aggressive
- Requires practice to achieve precision
Belt sanders, or grinders, are versatile tools. The 36-inch-long by 4-inch-wide 80-grit aluminum-oxide abrasive belt on the Grizzly Industrial horizontal/vertical belt sander works well on wood or metal projects, including sharpening mower blades. It packs a 4.3-amp single-phase motor that turns the belt at a rate of 1,900 feet per minute. The 90-degree adjustable belt platen and right-angle backstop allow vertical, diagonal, or horizontal sanding for optimal user comfort and control.
We tested this model and found the 80-grit belt performed successfully. The 4-inch abrasive belt perfectly matched the width of the sharp edges on our 21.5-inch mower blades. We raised the belt platen to the vertical position, flipped the power switch, and braced the blade against the backstop as it contacted the belt. The moderately worn blade only needed a 12-second grind on each edge, while the severely worn blade required 27 seconds per edge.
The bench grinder and angle grinders created a slightly concave profile, which makes the cutting edge thinner and less durable. The manual files also created a flat profile, but they were slower and less precise.
What our tester says: “I liked that the Grizzly belt sander gave the edge an evenly flat profile, and the included 80-grit belt left a smooth finish.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester & writer
Get the Grizzly Industrial bench sander at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or Grizzly Industrial.
Best Portable
Wen HA5932 Portable Oscillating Spindle Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating spindle sander
- Power: 5 amps
- Additional accessories: Dust collection port
What We Like
- 3 rubber spindle sizes included: ¾ inch, 1 inch, and 1½ inches
- Can be used as a handheld or table sander
- Adjustable speeds between 1,800 and 3,200 RPM
- Oscillating rates between 50 and 90 strokes per minute
- Lightweight and compact enough for transporting
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report limited visibility of what is being sanded
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty use
Wen combines portability, affordability, and functionality in this portable oscillating spindle sander. It comes with three rubber spindle sizes at ¾ inch, 1 inch, and 1½ inches. The tool can be used as either a handheld or a benchtop spindle sander when it’s secured to a workbench with the included mounting hardware. It’s equipped with a powerful 5-amp motor and features adjustable speeds between 1,800 and 3,200 RPM and oscillation rates between 50 and 90 strokes per minute.
This spindle benchtop sander is a compact option that’s about the same size as a standard drill, making it easy to carry the sander to the workpiece or to take the piece to the sander. The 1½-inch dust collection port helps collect some of the mess and minimizes cleanup as well.
Get the Wen HA5932 bench sander at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Combo Sander
Rockwell Shop Series Belt/Disc Combo Sander
Product Specs
- Type: Belt and disc sander
- Power: 4.3 amps
- Additional accessories: Adjustable sanding table, safety switch, dust collection system
What We Like
- 6-inch disc sander
- Sanding table adjusts from 0 to 45 degrees
- Suitable for horizontal and vertical sanding
- Built-in safety switch
- Dust collection system
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report poor construction
- Belt tends to strip out easily
The Rockwell belt/disc combo sander can get a lot of work done fast thanks to its wide belt sander and 4.3-amp (½-horsepower) motor. The Rockwell tool also has a 6-inch disc sander and an adjustable sanding table that can be set from 0 to 45 degrees for optimal material positioning. This belt sander can be adjusted from a horizontal position to a vertical sanding position.
The Rockwell has a safety switch for preventing accidental starts. For convenience, both the belt and disc sandpaper are easy to change. The Rockwell sander also comes with a dust collection system. It weighs 42 pounds, which is light enough for most to move it around or store it away.
Get the Rockwell bench sander at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Bench Sanders
We researched the most sought-after bench sanders in their respective categories. The best models are determined by their type, power, user-friendliness, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of oscillating spindle sanders as well as bench and disc sanders made with outputs of 3.5 to 6.5 amps of power for light- to heavy-duty sanding tasks. Many of the top picks selected come with features such as miter gauges, adjustable tables for horizontal and vertical sanding, and dust collection systems or ports for added user-friendliness.
Plus, some of the top sanding machines have added safety features such as safety switches, LED lights, and adjustable eye shields to prevent any injury or misuse. For added help, we included options that have nonslip feet to prevent unwanted vibration or movement while sanding. Finally, some of these models are made to be compact and lightweight for transporting, and others are made with large, heavy constructions for professional use.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bench Sander
There is a lot to consider when searching for the right bench sander. From the space available to the type of sander, the following are some things to think about when looking for the best benchtop sanders for a workshop.
Type
Many different types of electrical sanders fall under the category of bench sander, giving tool users a range of options for their woodworking projects. Bench sander types include belt and disc, drum, and oscillating spindle sanders.
- A belt and disc sander is a combination bench sander that includes a horizontal or vertical belt sander and a disc sander. The benchtop belt sander is a great choice for DIYers who enjoy woodworking projects because it provides multiple methods for sanding, smoothing, and shaping woodworking pieces.
- Drum sanders have traditionally been large freestanding tools with impressive power, but recently manufacturers have started producing a type of drum benchtop sander that can sit on the worktable or workbench. Drum sanders are designed to smooth long boards, panels, or doors and can be thought of as a large stationary belt sander.
- Oscillating spindle sanders have a vertical spindle where the abrasive sleeves are installed. This spindle rotates and oscillates up and down simultaneously, helping to prevent any lines from forming in the wood or alternate material. The result is a smooth finish on curves, contours, and other irregular shapes.
Power
The amount of power a bench sander needs depends on how it will be used. Large projects benefit from a sander with a powerful motor that can rip through a lot of material in a short period of time. Smaller, delicate projects need a less powerful sander, as too much force can ruin a design or tear the material apart.
Additionally, a powerful sander is harder to control, which is not ideal when working with a small piece of wood. A bench sander with a ⅓- to ¾-horsepower motor—or about 1 to 5 amps—should be sufficient for most DIY sanding projects.
Adjustability
The best bench sanders for woodworking can be adjusted to customize motor speed, sanding angle, and sanding surface, which gives the tool the ability to handle a wider range of projects and materials. A bench sander with speed controls lets users throttle its power output.
The sanding angle on some belt sanders can be adjusted horizontally or vertically. There are also bench sanders that can be set to use a range of sandpaper types for smoothing materials other than wood.
Ease of Use
If the goal is to find a tool that’s easy to use, look for a sander with intuitive controls, clearly indicated measurements, and clear instructions for use. A bench sander needs to be heavy enough to remain steady as wood is pushed against it but light enough to move around as needed in the workshop. A tool in the weight range of 30 to 40 pounds is usually ideal. Even with sufficient heft, it’s helpful for a sander to have a nonslip base so that it remains stable on the workbench during use.
Make sure to choose the right kind of bench sander for the work that’s planned. If the plan is to do fine work, a bench sander with a spindle sanding tool is the best bet. If a wide range of projects are planned, a sander with a belt sanding tool, disc sanders, or a grinding wheel may be the better choice.
Additional Features
Bench sanders can come with several different accessories or built-in features to help make it easier to control the sander and achieve the best finish possible on projects.
- Safety: Staying safe is the first concern while using a bench sander, so manufacturers have included safety features like a removable key to prevent the power from being turned on and a lockable power switch. Some products may come with other safety gear like gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, or a dust mask.
- Bevel capacity: Beveling is the process of sanding or cutting a square edge to create a sloping one. Bench sanders can include a beveling device that controls the specific beveling range or beveling capacity, though this feature is more common on circular saws, miter saws, and table saws. Bench sanders tend to rely more on miter gauges for angled cuts.
- Miter gauge: Some bench sanders have a built-in slot that can be used to secure a miter gauge, which holds the material in place during sanding. This is especially useful for sanding on an angle because the miter gauge keeps the angle consistent.
- Dust collector: Bench sanders produce dust and debris that can become a safety hazard. Look for models with built-in dust collectors. When running, these collectors produce suction that pulls dust from the sandpaper into a dust collection bag. After the work is done, the dust can be easily emptied from the bag.
Tips for Using a Bench Sander
Safety is important when working with a bench sander. It’s crucial to use personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask.
Operate the sander with a slow, deliberate pace to avoid accidental over-sanding of the material. Like any benchtop power tool, a bench sander should be operated on a flat, stable surface so it doesn’t slip, wobble, or fall over. To recap:
- Use PPE when operating a bench sander.
- Don’t force the wood against the sander; move slowly and deliberately.
- Place the bench sander on a sturdy, flat surface so that it won’t shift while running.
FAQs
With so many bench sander options and features, it’s understandable to have some lingering questions. If you still aren’t sure how to choose the best bench sander, the following helpful answers to common questions about bench sanders may help.
Bench sanders may have several different sanding tools built into them, including disc, spindle, and belt sanders. Each type of sanding tool on the bench sander has a different purpose. Disc sanders are good for sanding a lot of surface area in a hurry or stripping paint from old furniture.
Belt sanders can handle rough surfaces, and you can use them to round and shape wood. Spindle sanders are designed to produce a smooth finish on detailed edges and curves, so they’re good for fine carpentry and refinishing furniture.
Any equipment can be dangerous if users don’t follow instructions and take precautions. Be sure to read the manual thoroughly before using any bench sander and wear PPE to protect yourself in the case of an accident.
Belt sanding machines have a horizontal or vertical adjustable belt of sandpaper that runs through the tool like a conveyor belt. Belt sanders can trim edges, level surfaces, and shape materials.
Spindle sanders have a single vertical oscillating spindle with a piece of sandpaper wrapped around it. They’re good for shaping edges, adding curves, and doing detailed work.
Bench grinders are more suitable for heavy-duty work and can cut, grind, and polish harder materials. Sanders, on the other hand, smooth and finish surfaces and are typically used on wood.
Bench sanders can handle a range of tasks, from smoothing long boards to beveling the edge of a dowel. They can handle big jobs or smaller jobs that would normally be done with a rasp or hand plane. The size of materials a bench sander can handle depends on the type of sanding tools it has and the size of the sanding surface.
Consider the types of projects you’ll be working on most often. Smaller sanders with smaller pads are best for light-duty projects. They are easier to maneuver and can handle more detailed work in tight spaces. Larger sanders will move over surfaces more quickly and are more appropriate for heavy-duty jobs.
It depends on what your job and priorities are. If you’d like to work quickly on a heavy-duty project and achieve more even sanding, a sander is a better choice. If your project is more delicate or intricate and you’d prefer more control over the sanding pressure, then hand sanding is your best bet.
