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It is inevitable that your masterpiece will require some amount of sanding before you can apply any finishing material.
As a beginner woodworker, you might not know when to sand, what sanding tools to use, or how much wood needs to be sanded down completely. Thankfully, all the information you need on how to properly prepare your exact work of art for applying a finish is right here – in one place.
A belt sander will improve the look of your project and make it easier to work on. Just one pass with a belt sander will transform rough wood into smooth and beautiful. It can smooth out knots and ridges on a piece as you work, so it’s an essential power tool in any workshop.
Are you in the market for a new belt sander, but just don’t have the time to read through all of the reviews and comparison charts we’ve compiled? Not to worry, we’ve done that work for you! Here’s our detailed guide on the best belt sanders under $100. We hope it helps you choose the ideal product for your needs.
Don’t have time To read? No worries!
Below are our top picks for your convenience
Dweller Power’s Best Pick
Best Belt Sander Under $100
WEN 6321 Corded Belt Sander
- 7-AMP Motor
- 13Ft Rotation Per Second
- Compact Design
- Detachable Dust Bag
- Lock-in Safety Feature
Runner Up
TACKLIFE PSFS1A Belt Sander
- 5-Amp Motor
- Variable-Speed Design
- 560 RPM Max
- 2-In-1 Bench & Belt Sander
- 13pcs Sanding Belt – 6pcs 120 Grits – 7pcs 80 Grits
- Variable-Speed Design
2nd Runner Up
BLACK+DECKER DS321 Belt Sander
- 6-Amp Motor
- 360-Degree Corner Attack Front Roller
- Retractable 3 Position Handle
- Dust Collector Attachment
- Compact & Lightweight
The 7 Best Belt Sander under $100
#1 WEN 6321 Corded Belt Sander –
Best Belt Sander Under $100
Features:
- 7-amp motor rotates the belt at over 13 feet per second
- Compact design weighs in at a mere six pounds to limit the fatigue of the user
- Includes a detachable dust bag to minimize clean-up
- Lock-in safety feature allows for continuous sanding without requiring a constant grip on the trigger
- Backed by a two-year warranty and a nationwide network of skilled technicians
Review:
We introduce the WEN 6321 Corded Belt Sander.
Now, some belt sanders are electrically driven, which means they heat up when in use and your hands can come into contact with the hot surface of the belt while sanding. However with the WEN 6321, it’s a corded model which means it let’s go of some minor issue of portability to meet the demand of power you really need.
This then allows the surface to be cleaned off and polished immediately. Thanks to the lock in safety feature, it is possible to continuously work on a sanding project without needing to grip the trigger throughout. This sander is able to debur jagged splinters, strip paint, and finish edges easily.
This product was created to give woodworkers an easy way to sand accurate, long and tight corners. It offers its users top of the line performance and many features that make it stand out from similar products on the market. Definitely the best belt sander under $100 in the market!
Pros:
- Best Belt Sander Under $100
- Quick Belt Release Lever
- Ergonomic
Cons:
- Not for large project sander
- Dust Collection is not that effective
- Corded with short cord
#2 TACKLIFE PSFS1A Belt Sander
Features:
- 2 In 1: Bench & Belt Sander – TACKLIFE belt sander can be adjusted in a horizontal position and fixed to the table. Lightweight, metal body, with two metal screw clamps, easy to install on the table or other flat surfaces.
- 13Pcs Sanding Belt – 6pcs 120 grits and 7pcs 80 grits metal sanding belt*The 1/2” slit width is suitable for the 0.25”,3/8”,1/4”,3/16”,1/8”,3mm,4mm,5mm,6mm size belt – Smooth Edge Design
- Power & Variable-Speed Design – The fast start motor provides 5 amps of power for effective sanding performance. Variable speed with 6 dials enables you to match the best speed to the application from 0-560RPM.
Review:
The Tacklife PSFS1A is an electric belt sander that features a powerful 5-amp motor that provides smooth and stable operation, and variable speeds for different kinds of sanding applications.
It’s the best choice for people who are looking to remove paint from previously finished wood as it comes with an adjustable Velcro-like sanding disc.
For the beginner woodworker, a basic sander will get the job done. However, if you’re going to be working on more advanced projects then you might want to consider a belt sander like this one.
For the perfect sanding surface every time, add an optional clamping lever to your belt sander. No more fumbling around when you need to change out sandpaper. The dust collection box can also be removed easily when it fills up so that you can continue working.
The Tacklife Belt Sander comes with an amazing features that you can’t find in other belt sanders. This machine is very lightweight, and it does not have those heavy-duty electric cords like other belt sanders in the same price range.
This makes this sander easy to be carried around your shop and also makes it more portable than other belt sanders that you can buy on the market today. Another great addition, and in fact the best runner up for the best belt sander under $100.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- 5-amp motor
- Can be used as a bench sander
Cons:
- Small dust box
- Corded with short cord
#3 BLACK+DECKER DS321 Belt Sander
Features:
- Stanley – Black & Decker
- Quality Tools
- New Unused
- Included Components: (1) DS321 Sander, (1) Medium grit sanding belt, (1) Dust bag
- Innovative front roller allows you to reach even the tightest corners with ease
- Retractable, three-position handle for optimum control
- Dust collector keeps work area clean for improved visibility
Review:
Black & Decker presents the best variable-speed, palm-grip power sander. The 360 degree flexing front roller makes it ideal for the sanding of smooth surfaces, such as paint and varnish work. With all the specs you can read below, this is by far another great contender for the best belt sander under $100.
Owning a powerful 6 amp, low cost belt sander like the Black & Decker DS321 is a necessity and the 64.02 Ft.-Lbs. of available power will guarantee that you’ll get your jobs done quickly and effectively.
A lightweight and compact handheld tool available at only 6.5 pounds, this tool is easy to operate with excellent maneuverability, reducing excessive user fatigue even during extended periods of use. As it also has compact dimensions it is easy to transport and store between applications.
The belt change system is extremely quick and secure, with a lever that can be moved on the fly. It has an ergonomic knob for quick stroke adjustments, without getting in the way of your hand.
You will be glad to know that your tool is under warranty for 2 years.
Pros:
- Front Roller fits any tight space
- Quick Belt Release Lever
- Retractable Handle with 3 Positions
Cons:
- Variable Speed not included
- Small trigger lock button hard to reach
#4 SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat Belt Sander
Features:
- Pressure control technology warns user when excessive pressure is applied
- Auto track system keeps belt centered on track
- Micro-filtration captures and contains fine dust particles
- Clear view dust canister removes guess work of when to empty canister
- Single lever belt changes
Review:
The SKIL 7510-01Sandcat Belt Sander is a tool that sells for a modest price yet that is made with high-quality and durable materials, which will ensure its durability for your woodworking projects. For a clean, tight finish, the auto-tracking belt alignment keeps your sanding belt tight and straight so it stays on the rollers.
You can also use a vacuum attachment on the back of the sander. A vacuum will provide a constant flow of air – keeping your surface free from dust while you are sanding. Vacuum attachments allow for greater control and faster results.
Its pressure control technology is a nice feature when you are working on an heirloom or expensive piece of furniture. For its practical features, it being one of the best belt sanders under $100 is not a small matter.
This sander can be difficult for beginners to handle. It is heavier which means that it may be difficult to keep stable especially for those who do not have a lot of experience using a Dremel. There is no denying the fact that this can get tedious after a while.
Pros:
- Auto-alignment for tracking belt
- Vacuum connection
- Lock-on button
Cons:
- Heavy compared to other models
- Corded with short cord
#5 Genesis GBS321A Variable Speed
Belt Sander
Features:
- Versatile: The Low Profile Design gets into tight spots while the aggressive 3M adhesive backing makes quick work of smaller projects that need aggressive sanding.
- Quick-Change: With the single-lever quick change system, changing sanding belts is simple and easy. The smooth lever makes it a snap to swap between three different sanding belts (fine, medium, and coarse).
- Performance: With the variable speed feature, you can control the speed of sanding! Good for light jobs and heavy-duty ones too.
- Control: Handle is adjustable to allow one-handed wood sanding and great for both comfort and control as you sand. It’s also flat-sided for tight, flush sanding. The backing pad provides the right amount of pressure in addition to sandpaper grit safely and easily by hand.
Accessories: Included in this package is the belt sander, dust bag, and one (1) sanding belt. Every piece of equipment you need in order to begin your next project.
Review:
The Genesis GBS321A variable speed belt sander has a low profile design making it easy to access tight corners and awkward to reach spots. This tool also features a single lever quick change belt changing system which allows you to change the abrasive quickly and seamlessly.
The variable-speed trigger allows the user to perfectly match the speed and torque application to the task at hand.
The heavy-duty adjustable front handle ensures that you can comfortably control your impact driver for an extended period making this tool perfect for professional use on various projects and applications.
This tool is designed to meet the demand of carpenters, furniture makers, renovators, and woodworkers with no external guards or adjustments that need to be made. The router’s base easily mounts on a standard 2-inch dust collector hose meaning that any ½-inch dust port can connect to the router.
The Auto Track belt sander features an auto tracking belt that guides the belt back to the same position every time you power on. This is achieved with a simple pin and slot system. Additionally, the sander comes with a dust collection bag to cut down on mess in your shop or workspace.
From Genesis, a really amazing piece of sanding equipment, the Genesis GBS321A by far has no problem competing with other belt sanders for the best belt sander under $100.
Pros:
- Variable Speed with Regulating Lever
- Auto Tracking Best System
- Targets Tight Corners
Cons:
- Dust collection system fails at times
- Eats up more belt compared to other model
#6 Hitachi SB8V2 Belt Sander
Features:
- Variable speed dial adjusts speed from 820 1,475 feet/min for improved manageability during any operation
- Soft elastomer grip surface on the main and auxiliary handles for a comfortable and secure hold
- Tracking window improves visibility of sanding surface and sanding belt during use and belt size is 76 x 533millimeter(3 x 21 inches)
- Left side mounted dust collection bag improves corner sanding applications, while reducing airborne particles to keep work area clean
- Wear resistant V belt drives the sander for double the service life
Review:
Hitachi SB8V2 is a belt sander that features 8.5 amp, 5-1/2-Inch by 21-Inch flexible power cord and wrap around base. With its high standard power output, the power is more than Makita 9403 or Bosch 11240VS. To provide you smooth control of the belt sander, the machine itself is covered with rubber and non-skid base.
To start with, the belt is a smooth design that guarantees you a nice finish. Also, the Hitachi SB8V2 is equipped with an on/off switch that features variable speeds so that you get to control whether you use fast-speed or slow-speed for the tool to work.
Furthermore, the various controllable speeds help you to increase work quality. This belt sander’s suitable ones if you intended to use it for various types of projects without spending more money. Really awesome tool for your home improvement.
These sanding machine weight 9.5 pounds which is a kind of lightweight machine compare to other bander. The advantage that made me truly like Hitachi SB8V2 is its soft grip which it really helps us to ensure comfortability when handling the machine. Besides that, we think sanding machine with a reasonable weight will not be more efficient than the later one.
We found a lot of the users have ever been facing heaving issue with their previous belt sander. So it is no wonder when they choose to buy this one is it is lighter than most of its competitors. Designed for your ease of use and practicality in mind, it becomes a great candidate for one of the best belt sanders under $100.
Pros:
- Variable Speed Control
- Ergonomic Handle
- Tracking Window
- Dust Collection Bag
Cons:
- Pricier than the other models
- Too Light
- May Slip Often
#7 JET J-4002 Bench Belt and Disc Sander
Features:
- With its heavy-duty steel base and rubber feet, the unit contains hinged attachments to attach to the bike and reduce the vibrations all the sanding process.
- The 1/3 HP, 11 VAC, 1ph, high power motor helps you increase dessert effect. The abrasives belt can be changed in 4 minutes without any tool. Power take off provides to install an flexible shaft aiming to cut, carving knives, drum sanding, deburring and amount of other works up to your demand. It has a good service life which is much longer than ordinary sanding machines.
- Deluxe miter gauge: The miter gauge keeps the important role in helping you get the contented result. This feature is important for providing the quick and accurate setup for sharpening specific angles, 45 degrees left and right side. All of these features are design to provide the perfect result on your work.
- Removable platen: With the ability to fit into tight spaces and conform to odd-shaped items, the belt has become a perfect choice for both residential and commercial needs.
- Adjustable Dust Deflector and Dust Chutes: Because the dust produced by sanding process is injurious to your body. This feature is very important. The dust chutes can connected to a vacuum dust bag to collect all the dust during use.
Review:
Although this is not a handheld belt sander, and technically not under for the best belt sander under $100, this bench belt sander by JET is by far the most well vouched for industrial level bench belt sander
The JetET J-4002 bench belt sander allows you to deal with different sizes of materials, from wood to plastic. The vertical and horizontal tables are adjustable. The powerful motor delivers the great performance, optimum control and additional comfort.
This cast iron tilting table gives you the ability to use it in applications such as normal sharpening, shaping, and more. These belt sanders are reliable, super easy to use as well as create a professional look.
JET has crafted the J-4002 with a 3,600 SFPM disc speed and 2,000 SFPM for increased efficiency, allowing you to achieve high levels of production from this machine.
The JET J-4002 bench belt sander includes a 2-year warranty. This makes it the most reliable machine for your projects. With this item, you will never have to deal with a broken machine again.
The JET Company is a family owned business located throughout the United States. They provide their customers with fast, reliable service at a fair price. With that, you can really be sure that this bench belt sander means power.
Pros:
- Worthy Investment
- Strong Built
- User-friendly Design
- Dust Removal
- Warranty Program
Cons:
- Belt Tension Issues
- Knob is a bit loose
Dweller Power’s Buying Guide
How Can You Tell the Best Belt Sander?
The best sanders under $100 should brand themselves with the idea that they will be used for all sorts of jobs, whether it’s a quick material removal for urgent jobs or if it’s a higher end job where speed is a huge factor. It should be both a productive work machine and at the same time a useful tool for homemakers and handymen.
You should expect that it is able to remove thick stock swiftly and is suitable for smoothing out large flat surfaces while being able to remove planner marks. Now achieving all of these would depend on needed features seen below:
Belt Sander Motor
When it comes to the best belt sander under $100, their motors should also be taken into consideration. It doesn’t mean that they’re cheap that they don’t pack power.
There are some differences in the motors of belt sanders. The motor of a belt sander is the most important part as this is what makes or breaks how easy the machine will be to use.
First, some things to keep in mind; the power behind the motor is measured in amps, the higher the amps the more power. To an amp, more power does not always translate into longevity or quality. A proper balance between horsepower and electrical components is vital for long-lasting performance.
Nearly every sanding belt is driven by electricity. A motor usually sits under the table and drives it via a belt. The speed of the belt can be adjusted to suit the type of material you are working with. You can purchase a sander with a motor that is not the highest in amps but has a variable speed knob and you will have a sander that is suited to many types of projects for low budgets.
Belt Sander Motor Speed
Another thing to take into account when choosing the best belt sander under $100 is the motor’s speed.
The best belt sander under $100 should be a powersander that can be used for a multitude of projects. To get the job done right, it requires a lot of grit and pressure.
If you need to sand a wider surface, consider getting a sander with a wide belt. Also, if you have longboards or boats to make, you could want to get a sander with a longer platen. But keep in mind that faster speed doesn’t always mean it’s better because if it’s not relevant it could lead to burning marks on your work as that would increase the risk of overheating.
Comfort and Control
While you may never have given much thought to sanding belts, there are things that are known about them and you need to know. One of these is the diagonal sanding of a belt can remove stock fast. Once you get to master it, you’ll be surprised at the many tricks they could do.
It Should Have Power
Professional belt sanders last, work hard, and can withstand a huge amount of force. A professional belt sander will last years longer than a sander that was made for casual at home use.
Some other things that you need to consider when buying one is the motor power, a fast arbor rotation, and versatility. You’re going to want something that will get your projects done fast, something with strong torque.
Belt Tracking/Belt Release
Most of the best belt sanders have adjustment knob in order to keep the belt aligned accurately. Not all, but most do have it, and if you’re aiming for the best then your sander should definitely have it. Most belt sanders have an adjustable knob. It accurately tracks the belt and keeps it aligned.
Dust Collection Sack
A belt sander with dust collection feature is safer than a regular sanding machine and makes more sense if you take the time to read reviews on each one.
You’ll want to look for an effective dust collector – a canister filter will work wonders with removing particles from your wood shop, while also protecting your motor by preventing it from constantly kicking on and off.
Don’t worry, majority of the best belt sanders under $100 featured above have Dust Collection systems for your convenience and workshop maintenance.
Other User-Friendly Features
For the best belt sander under $100, other features can make your sanding experience more pleasant. Things like a lock-on switch to keep the motor running when you release the trigger, and longer power cords will allow you to sand longer continuous passes so that your finish is more consistent.
A lightweight and well-balanced sander is easier on your wrist and forearm, without sacrificing power or performance. To determine weight, hold the sander in the crook of your arm with your elbow bent at a 90 degree angle. Whichever sanders are easiest for you to hold up for 30 consecutive seconds are probably the best weight options.
Many prefer the convenience of a vacuum that can hook onto their sander. If you are going to be doing a lot of sanding, you may not want to have to stop periodically and empty the dust bag. Hooking up directly to a vacuum has its advantages in that you can sand continuously without stopping or without emptying the dust bag continually.
Changing Your Sandpaper
Sanding belts have to be changed regularly even on a frequent basis so that you can maintain your sanders performance. When the belt becomes worn, it will no longer cut as it should. This is especially true in power sanding applications where the belt now turns at full speed and starts burning up.
You need to make sure that you line up the directional arrows so the belt will rotate in the proper direction. Then place the belt over the rollers and on the track; finally tighten the lever to cinch up the belt.
Now pay close attention, after operating your sander for a bit you may need to adjust the tension in the belt. Some sanders have an automatic tension adjuster.
Best Belt Sander Under 100
Final Thoughts
We have discussed the useful features of the best belt sander under $100 and given you some helpful tips to consider in making your decision on which sander to choose.
In preparation for our review, we carefully considered the best belt sanders on the market. We carefully considered the features, quality, and appeal of each one. We know that these tools are relatively affordable yet pricey and as such we wanted to make sure that you had all the information available to make an informed purchase decision.
If you’re looking for the perfect belt sander under $100, and for the money, to sand your garage floor or take on a major flooring project, the WEN 6321 7 Amp Heavy Duty Sander with Dust Bag is the tool for you.
The second best belt sander under $100 has to be the TACKLIFE PSFS1A Belt Sander, helps you smoothen areas of wood, plastic and metal surfaces. It packs more amazing features and immense power for it’s price and we know this will never let you down.
It’s not about what you can spend, but about what you earn. Your power tools are an investment. You need the right belt sander. We’ve outlined a few things to look out for before making your purchase – the best belt sanders for the money will save you time and money in the long run.
This article doesn’t only take into account any specifics like quality, brand, or market trends – it looks at the bigger picture of what a belt sander really is best for the money under $100.
This ends our Review Series for the Best Belt Sander Under $100.
Please remember that you don’t need the most expensive belt sanders. You need the right one, with that you need the Best Belt Sander Under $100 for all your woodworking and sanding projects.
We want you to be sure of what you plan to get, please don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
Love our Best Belt Sander Under $100 Review? Leave a comment or drop us an email at [email protected], and we will get back to you as fast as possible!
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Charles is a veteran woodworker and wants to help people online to learn more about woodworking. He hopes to encourage more people to build their own furniture and get comfortable with using power tools.
In this blog post, Charles shares a few tips for getting started on your DIY woodworking journey, plus all the resources and websites he recommends for learning the craft. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to start from scratch!
