Benchtop sanders are an important addition to any workshop.
In this short article, we’ll be going over our top 5 picks and hopefully by the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a more informed decision on which one to choose.
Our Top 5 Best Benchtop Sander
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Here’s a quick overview of what products we feature in this article.
For more detailed reviews, feel free to continue reading.
Table of Contents
| Topic | Page |
| What’s A Benchtop Sander? | 3 |
| Our Top 5 Picks | 4 |
| Short Description | 5 – 9 |
| Conclusion | 10 |
What’s A Benchtop Sander?
Benchtop sanders are a multi-purpose power tool that use abrasives for sanding wood, leveling, freehand rounding, shaping wood surfaces and rough surfaces or edges. These tools are usually mounted on a table top or workbench hence the name “Benchtop Sander”.
These are great power tools for large and small sanding jobs alike. Many newer models have both a sanding belt and disc sander combo for more variety in what you can do.
Bench sanders typically are paired with a sanding table for an efficient dust collection system. Some models even come with their own dust collection ports to attach a vacuum hose to.
There are two common types of benchtop sanders namely the belt and disc sander. Benchtop belt sanders use a strip of sanding paper that loops around a pair of drums resembling a conveyer belt.
Benchtop disc sanders on the other hand, use a motor to drive a prefabricated disc of abrasive paper in a circular motion at high speed. These discs can range from 4 inches to 8 inches in diameter.
Benchtop belt and disc sanders are versatile tools that can do a wide range of tasks. Woodworkers new and old will definitely appreciate having one in their workshop.
Now onto our top 5 picks!
Our Top 5 Best Bench Sander Picks
| Image | Model | Features | Price |
 | JET J-41002 | – 2×42 inch belt – 3 in one tool – 3100 SFM sanding belt speed – 3450 RPM disc sander speed – Steel base, rubber feet & cast iron construction – 0-45 degree miter gauge – Cast iron tilting table – Hinged idler wheel cover | $500.08 |
 | WEN 6502T | – 4×36 inch belt and 6×6 inch disc – 90 degree belt bevel – Sturdy cast iron base – 3600 RPM disc sander speed – 1900 FPM sanding belt speed – Miter gauge | $249.99 |
 | BUCKTOOL BD4801 Benchtop Belt Sander | – 8 inch disc – 2 dust ports – Belt works at 0-90 degrees – Sturdy cast aluminium base – 3450 RPM disc sander speed – 2161 FPM sanding belt speed – Miter gauge | $229.99 |
 | Rockwell RK7866 Belt/Disc Combo Sander | – 4×36 inch belt platform lowers 0 to 90 degrees – 3450 RPM disc sander speed – 1700 SFM sanding belt speed – 0 – 45 degree miter gauge | $169.99 |
 | Powertec BD1502 Belt Disc Sander | – 1×30 inch belt with 5 inch disc – Belt guard-2 dust ports – 18.7 lbs-3450 RPM disc speed – 3160 FPM belt speed | $109.99 |
Short Review
JET J-41002 2×42 inch Bench Belt and Disc Sander
This Jet sander model features a locking miter gauge for cutting at multiple 45 degree angles, a cast iron tilting table, a cast iron body and a heavy duty steel base.
With a belt sander measurement of 2×42 inches and a 8 inch diameter sanding wheel then add a .75 HP motor that generates a disc speed of 3,450 RPM and belt speed of 3,100 FPM on top of that and you got yourself a very capable tool with the
power to tackle most tasks.
This benchtop sander also can use its abrasive belt as a jigsaw, coping saw and a hand file making it a versatile tool.
Its price tag is what keeps this tool away from novices though and is more appealing to professionals and experienced woodworkers.
Check out the JET J-41002 here.
WEN 6502T Disc and Belt Sander
This benchtop sander from WEN has a belt that can go from 90 degrees to completely flat with a simple adjustment knob.
It has a 4×36 inch belt and a 6 inch diameter sanding disc. A slightly smaller disc compared to other models on this list but with a 4.3 amp motor generating 3600 RPM of disc speed and 1900 FPM belt speed, we don’t see that changing much.
It comes with a dust collection port and the table next to the grinder has a miter gauge. With its cast iron base with mounting holes for easier installment, this is an affordable benchtop sander with the performance of much more expensive models.
Check out the WEN 6502T here.
BUCKTOOL BD4801 Bench Belt and Disc Sander
This heavy duty 2 in 1 sanding machine from BUCKTOOL has a 4×36 inch belt and a 8 inch grinding disc plus an angle adjustable table with miter gauges on both the sanding disc and belt.
With a direct-drive design that increases efficiency by 25% and a 3/4 HP motor giving it a disc speed of 3450 RPM and a belt speed of 2161 FPM make this a very capable workhorse.
It comes with a dust port for its sanding belt and its grinding disc giving the user a cleaner work experience. It also has a cast aluminum base and rubber feet to keep it from vibrating too much.
Check out the BUCKTOOL BD4801 here.
Rockwell RK7866 Belt and Disc Sander
This Rockwell sander is built with DIY woodworkers in mind.
It has an adjustable 4×36 inch belt platform, a 6 inch diameter sanding disc with adjustable table and a 4.3 amp electric motor pumping out enough energy for most woodworking projects.
It has an adjustable belt tension system for quick and easy belt changes along with a dust port.
This machine is good for home workshops and its price tag makes this a very affordable and a good starter option.
Check out the Rockwell RK7866 Belt/Disc Combo Sander here.
Powertec BD1502 Belt and Disc Sander
This quality sander from Powertec is great for hobbyists and small workshops. It has a 1×30 inch sanding belt, a 5 inch diameter grinding disc and both have adjustable aluminum work tables.
This machine is tacked with a sturdy, cast iron base that stabilizes and minimizes vibration while in operation.
It has a dust port for both the belt and the disc for tidy and effective dust collection and comes with a clear shield for the belt sander.
Its smaller disc and narrow belt make sanding hard to reach areas a lot easier compared to its bigger counterparts. Along with its quick change and replacement design make this a small but very useful power tool.
Check out the Powertec BD1502 Belt Disc Sander here.
Conclusion
And there you have it, our top 5 bench sanders. These sanding tools are all potentially great additions to a workshop.
Whether you’re stripping paint off a surface, angle sanding, need to shape wood or sand wooden surfaces, benchtop sanders are a highly versatile power tool.
We hope that we helped you in choosing the right one for you.
