Best Disc Sanders

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 21, 2023
Do you still use sandpaper to sand and polish different materials in your home workshop? Save your time and effort! We have selected ...Read more
PROS
This sander allows you to adjust the disc rotation speed, so you can work with the highest accuracy.
CONS
The unit might feel quite heavy compared to other manual sanders.
OUR VERDICT
DeWALT disc sander is the best tool for professionals who know how to handle such an 'aggressive' and powerful appliance.
detailed parameters
Type
Manual Disk Sander
Motor speed / Belt speed
0 - 3,700 RPM
Engine power
6 Amp
Abrasive dimensions
5" 8-hole hook & loop paper
Conveniences
Rubber handle, Easy disk replacement, Dust shroud, Mid-handle with soft grip, Convenient speed control dial, Trigger lock button
Weight
4 lbs
Warranty
3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service
PROS
There is almost a zero vibration when this tool is running. It makes little noise and has a small weight - quite good for a tabletop sander!
CONS
The disc table might slide during the operation.
OUR VERDICT
JET J-41002 is a wonderful tool with the extraordinary power suitable both for handymen and DIY-amateurs.
detailed parameters
Type
Tabletop Bench Belt and Disk Sander
Motor speed / Belt speed
3,450 RPM / 3,100 SFPM
Engine power
6.2 Amp
Abrasive dimensions
8" sanding disk, 2" x 42" sanding belt
Conveniences
Adjustable tilt angle, Tilting table, Dust deflector, Trigger lock
Weight
58 lbs
Warranty
2-year limited warranty
PROS
WEN disc sander has a durable metal housing without any plastic components except for buttons and dials.
CONS
Some users say they would like this tool to be a bit more stable.
OUR VERDICT
This multifunctional tool is a perfect choice for a home workshop. It is a combination of two sanding machines in a single sander!
detailed parameters
Type
Tabletop Bench Belt and Disk Sander
Motor speed / Belt speed
3,450 RPM / 1,900 SFPM
Engine power
4.3 Amp
Abrasive dimensions
6" sanding disk, 4" x 36" sanding belt
Conveniences
90-degree beveling table, Adjustable to 45-degree tilt angle, Cast-iron anti-vibration base, Easy belt replacement, Compatible with dust deflectors
Weight
41 lbs
Warranty
2-year limited warranty
PROS
Delta Power has a handbrake, allowing you to stop the disc rotation immediately.
CONS
The tool is rather heavy, so two people only can lift and carry it.
OUR VERDICT
Delta Power disc sander might be the best solution for large-scale sanding projects. It will excellently fit in any home workshop!
detailed parameters
Type
Tabletop Disk Sander
Motor speed / Belt speed
1,725 RPM
Engine power
8 Amp
Abrasive dimensions
12" sanding disk
Conveniences
Dust collector, Adjustable tilt angle (22.5, 45 and 90 degrees), Handbrake, Large abrasive disc
Weight
72.6 lbs
Warranty
5-year limited warranty
PROS
If you want to have a long-living sander, this tool is the one you need since it is has a ball and needle bearing construction.
CONS
You can't connect a shop vacuum to this tool.
OUR VERDICT
Makita disc sander is ideal for sanding wood, metal, plastic, and painted surfaces. You will be amazed at how simple any task is!
detailed parameters
Type
Manual Disk Sander
Motor speed / Belt speed
4,500 RPM
Engine power
4.2 Amp
Abrasive dimensions
5" sanding disk
Conveniences
Convenient ergonomic handle, Mid-handle with soft grip, Double insulated, Extra dust protection for motor and reducer, Trigger lock button
Weight
2.6 lbs
Warranty
1-year limited warranty

Perfect in Any Sense

DeWALT is a famous company known for the expertise in the production of different high-quality tools and appliances. It proudly presents the DWE6401 DS disc sander. This tool meets your expectations, which is typical of DeWalt products. The sander is simple and convenient in use. We particularly liked the adjustable rotation speed. This feature really helps you work with the perfect accuracy and make smooth and even surfaces. You can be sure that the result will always be satisfactory. The powerful 6 Amp motor ensures continuous and efficient operation of the sander without any undesired pauses. The dust shroud can be attached to the vacuum cleaner. This appliance features a sophisticated design. It is relatively compact and has a mid-handle with a soft grip for the improved control and relief of the fatigue. We would also like to mention a good lifespan of sanding discs. Many customers confirm the fact that DeWALT discs last longer than accessories of other manufacturers. In general, it is a reliable user-friendly tool. Its adjustable rotation speed and other numerous functions make it the perfect choice for sanding the hardest materials. The tool can be used both to remove layers off the wooden surface and do the finishing work.

Tireless Inventors

DeWALT is believed to be one of the most rapidly developing industrial companies in the world. There is no doubt that this brand is widely known and popular. We have to admit that the fame is rightfully deserved. From the day of foundation until now, DeWALT continues the research and development of new designs and the improvement of the existing models. The company was the first to produce a radial console saw in 1992. Since then this tool has been regarded as a quality standard. It was also the start of the development of company’s operations. In 1960 the company had patented a wood sawing machine and 11 years later began manufacturing compact metal-cutting lathes for ferrous and nonferrous metals. In the 90s DeWALT introduced a whole range of new tools including electric screwdrivers, chasers, cutters, etc. It also invested a lot into the development of wireless instruments. At the end of the 1990s, it designed two types of rechargeable batteries for 18V and 24V. In 2002 the product range of DeWALT was amended with new models of nailers, lasers, and rock-drills. By 2006 the company had started production of a full range of battery-powered tools competing with the mains-powered appliances in terms of performance and power.

More Products to Consider

Having a few spare sanding discs would never hurt. We can also recommend buying DEWALT DWV9120 35mm Rubber Adapter for connecting a vacuum or a collecting bag to the dust port.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $87.03
Stock In stock
ASIN B007KZB2GE

Versatile Tool

The JET sanding machine can certainly attract the interest of many potential users. It combines the disk and belt sanders in one device. Consequently, it may be twice more useful than many competitors. The abrasive belt can be used for the preparatory grinding and sanding. The working table can be tilted up to 45 degrees, making sanding a lot easier. You can sand curves and oddly shaped pieces without any difficulties. By the way, the working surfaces are made of cast iron. They are extremely durable and will last really long. The overall impression of the tool is very positive. It is relatively powerful though quiet and makes almost no vibrations when it's working. The high-torque 6 Amp engine allows you to fulfill the most ambitious tasks. The disc sander has a dust deflector and a chute making your work cleaner and more comfortable. The producer has taken care of your safety at work. In order to prevent an accidental start of the sander it has the safety lock of the trigger.

Caring About Clients

JET offers a top-notch service support if your tool needs any maintenance or repair. The company emphasizes its care for customers all the time. Even if the warranty has expired, you will be promptly served by the customer support center. There are over 750 authorized service centers of JET in the USA today. You can be sure that a qualified local professional will help you order a necessary spare part or repair your JET tool in case of necessity. Such an amazing customer support can be explained by the extensive experience of the company in the sphere of customer satisfaction. JET is a Swiss brand founded in 1958 as a developer, producer, and seller of industrial mechanisms. Their goods became popular instantly and were demanded by customers. JET won the leadership on the market very quickly. The company manufactures high-quality machines for processing metal and wood, lifting and loading devices, and a lot more items. The demand for these products never decreases.

More Products to Consider

If you are into carpentry, take a look at the modern wood lathes for making furniture, toys, tool handles, wooden dishes, and many other things.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $549.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B003J69ET0

VIDEO

Two-in-One Tool

This amazing WEN sander features two devices in one. Many professionals can argue that combined tools are usually not as good as devices designed for one specific purpose. But if you want to have a machine for your garage workshop at a reasonable price the WEN 6502 model is exactly for you. The sander has a nice design and features an outstanding performance. We appreciated the all-metal construction of the device and its cast-iron body. The construction looks sturdy and reliable, it does not shift or vibrate while operating. Nothing is made of plastics except for the buttons and dials. The working table is made of the cast-aluminum, its pivoting angle is easily beveling in the range of 0 to 45 degrees. This makes your job much easier and accurate. The belt also tilts from 0 to 90 degrees and can be replaced with a minimum effort if needed. By the way, the belt is covered by the blade guard guiding the saw dust to the collection spout and protecting your fingers and hair from getting trapped by the belt. You can grind, sand or finish anything you want without any trouble at all.  All pieces of the sander are moving smoothly and precisely.

50 Million Units in 50 Years

The WEN products are well known for their quality and affordable pricing for quite a long time. The company was founded by Nick Anton in 1951. Initially, it copied the common electrical tools of other manufacturers. It produced gas-powered chainsaws, electrical fretsaws, soldering irons, cutters and other items. Since then, the company accumulated a lot of experience and the assortment of its products has grown immensely. Today WEN makes drills, punchers, nailers, block saws, power generators, air compressors and many other goods. By 2001 the company has sold over 50 million of products.

More Products to Consider

For the handheld variant of the stationary planers, look for the hand planers. They can be used in tight spots, at awkward angles, and on the already assembled pieces of furniture.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $159.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00NAXSYT8

VIDEO

Powerful Tool for Hard Tasks

Sanding and finishing tools are in demand today. The experts explain this fact by their affordability to professional users and amateurs as well. The manufacturers make them user-friendly and anyone can easily start working with them after reading a simple manual provided with a device. This is true also for the Delta Power 31-140 sander. The sander is easy to operate and features multiple useful functions. First of all, we would like to mention the manual brake. The switch mounted on the top of disk cover allows you to stop rotation instantly. Some words about the engine. It is really powerful and can smoothly sand any wooden surface. It is able to operate for long hours without breaks. The tilting table can be adjusted to the desired angle. The table itself is made of cast iron. It tilts left and right with positive stops at 22.5, 45 and 90 degrees. Additionally, the sander is equipped with a dust collector fan drawing the dust away from the table. The dust hose can be connected to the shop vacuum or dust collector. Your working space will stay clean.

History of Sanding

 The mankind uses the grinding as one of the methods to make smooth surfaces for ages. The primitive people have already sanded and polished their hunting tools and home appliances. The industrial age demanded even more abrasive materials. The market demand became particularly great since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Masons in Britain, France, Sweden and the USA made fortunes developing the natural deposits of special abrasive stones. The natural materials were needed everywhere and there was no artificial alternative available. Manufacturers looked for surrogates to replace the natural abrasive stones. The American inventor Edward Goodrich Acheson has designed a process of production of the Silicon carbide. The technology was named Acheson process to honor the inventor. He heated a mixture of the quartz sand and coke coal powder in the electric furnace. Trying to make an artificial diamond he got blue crystals of the Silicon carbide. He called the product Carborundum. At that time this material was the second hardest mineral after the diamond. The Acheson process became the start of commercial production of abrasive tools for mechanical grinding of metals, ceramics, wood, minerals and so on. Since 1890 this technology is used worldwide.

More Products to Consider

Get a jigsaw for cutting not only in straight lines but also make curved and beveled lines in wooden workpieces.

Last updated price $304.53
Stock In stock
ASIN B00812RELM

Look Doesn't Equal Efficiency

The manual disk sander GV5010 made by Makita is an innovative hand-held tool for grinding and sanding of various items. No doubt, it is worth your attention if you need a manual sander. The device proposes to you several advantages. Let’s start with its performance. Despite its compact size and the weight of 2.6 pounds only the sander has a powerful 4.2 A motor. You could not expect that power judging by the appearance. But you will be pleasantly surprised. The high-torque engine makes up to 4,500 RPM and can succeed in any job. The body is perforated to avoid the engine overheating. Makita designers did their best to make the sander highly resistant to the abrasive dust, it is double insulated. The rubber handle with soft grip is very comfortable. The sander has also a mid-handle providing you with an extra comfort on the job. The mid-handle can be installed on the left-hand or right-hand side of the tool. We would like to mention that the sander has a unique ball and needle bearing construction ensuring its long useful life.

Evolution of Sandpaper

The sandstone was a convenient material for grinding and sharpening, although it could not be used for some jobs. In certain cases, you should have something thin and flexible. Inventive Chinese craftsmen found an appropriate solution in the XIII century. There is a written evidence that at that time they began gluing a mix of sand and shells to the parchment sheets and stripes. This sandpaper was used to sand and polish various items. The Europeans have designed something similar much later. In 1833 the Englishman John Oakey designed a glass paper made of the paper sheet glued and covered by the glass frit. One year later the American Isaac Fisher glued the frit of silicon carbide and corundum to the paper instead of the glass frit. He has patented this technology immediately. In the beginning of the XX century, the water-resistant abrasive paper was designed. Actually, now the paper was replaced with more durable clothes. Though, it was not the end of the development process of abrasive materials. New technologies and materials made the sandpaper stronger and more long-lasting. Today the abrasive materials are widely used for grinding, sanding, polishing, sharpening, finishing and many other jobs.

More Products to Consider

If you are looking for more similar devices, take a look at angle grinders - portable tools for grinding metal, tiles or even concrete.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B000GAUXWE

What is a Disc Sander

Sanding wooden surfaces is usually rather a hard work that takes much time and effort. You can do the job using simple handheld tools that will make a surface smooth. But, it is already in the past! Today, you can use the tools that can cope with this task within minutes. They are called disc sanders - they help sand and finish wooden items and make the corners and curves smooth. You will also be able to sand and polish various items and remove odd layers from a workpiece.

If you work with wood, you should also read about the best planers. For more sturdier materials like metal or plastic, you can use bench grinders.

Best Disc Sanders

What Features to Compare

Type

When looking for a sander, you should start with its performance and functions. These features influence the speed and quality of work. First of all, you should be aware of the fact that there are two types of sanders: hand-held and benchtop (tabletop). The tabletop sanders are big tools that have special benches for placing a workpiece. In general, such table is pivoting and you can adjust its incline. This way you can perform the sanding very accurately. These tools are intended for the extensive operation in workshops. Another type is a handheld (manual) sander which is more compact and commonly used in private households. This tool is multifunctional and can be utilized anywhere. At the same time, a manual tool can be as powerful as a tabletop model. The same is true for the disc rotation speed. That is why both types of sanders can show the same performance.

Technical Specifications

The next stage of the sander selection process is the assessment of its technical specifications. The main feature is the engine power. The higher it is, the better the performance of the tool is. The disc rotation speed is the second important criterion. The higher the rotation speed is, the more items you can sand. Though you should be careful, the power of the engine and the rotation speed must be in balance. Only if the tool is well-balanced your sander will perform as expected. It is also better to have a larger disk or a wider belt in the table sander. A manual sander should have a smaller disk instead. Otherwise, it might be hard to handle.

Conveniences

In fact, the manufacturers provide their tools with versatile additional functions improving the comfort of work. The tools may feature dust absorption systems, additional handles made of various materials, and so on. You should also consider the easiness of disc replacement. The process must be fast and demand a bit of effort. The manual sander should not be heavy, otherwise, you will get tired too quickly. If you take all these features into account, you will enjoy using your sander.

Sources:

1. Joseph Truini Know Your Power Sanders, And How to Use Them, Popular Mechanics. October 2, 2012.

2. Tom Barlow Sanders for Every Surface: How to Select the Right Sander for the Job, DealNews. January 10, 2012.

3. Selecting the Right Power Sander for the Job, DoItYourself.

4. BIG Disk Sander: Build, Use and Tips, Instructables.

5. Sander, Wikipedia. April 9, 2016.

6. John Heisz The Disk Sander, YouTube. February 21, 2014.

7. Disk Sander, Bob Vila.

8. How to Use a Disk Sander, eHow.

9. Sander | Tool, Encyclopedia Britannica.

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