Top 5 Picks For Best Disc Sander
WEN 6515T Disc And Belt Sander
The WEN disc sander also includes a belt, making it an affordable 2-in-1 tool. This sander is compact compared to other similar devices, but its heavy-duty base prevents it from moving while you work. To work comfortably and accurately, you can tilt the belt and disc as high as 45 degrees.
Things we like:
- Dust catcher is included for the belt and disc, to help keep your workspace clean.
- Disc spins up to 3,450 RPM, which is good for softwoods
- The WEN sander is held in place by a heavy-duty base
Things we dont like:
- No speed adjustment, so it might be too fast for hardwood and metal work
RIKON Power Tools Belt And Disc Sander
The RIKON belt sander and disc sander are easy to set up and use. To meet your project’s needs, you can tilt the belt at 45 degrees. This sander is made of mostly aluminum and has a sturdy, non-wobble base that reduces vibration.
Things we love:
- The RIKON sander is very stable and runs smoothly.
- A dust port of 5 cm is included to keep debris from covering your work area
- Durable construction using a brushless motor and metal elements
Things we dont like:
- The sander operates relatively loudly
- Price is higher than other similar units
Delta Disc Sander
If youre looking solely for the best disc sander to meet your needs, you might opt for this one by Delta. The disc measures 30 cm in diameter, which allows for more surface area and less time than other 2-in-1 sanders. This sander also has pre-drilled holes to keep it firmly mounted to your work area.
Things we like:
- Large 30 cm disc can get jobs done quickly
- Under-table dust collection allows you to attach a shop vacuum for easy cleanup
- A 5-year warranty covers both labor and parts.
Things we don’t like:
- Sits at a lower budget than disc sanders of similar quality
POWERTEC BD4600 Woodworking Belt Disc Sander
This POWERTEC tool includes a belt sander and a disc sander. It features a 120 V induction motor that provides reliable, long-lasting operation. The 45-degree adjustable disc sanding table consists of an easy-to-read miter gauge for creating precise angles. You can easily switch between belts, too, using the quick-release function to reduce tension and remove the current belt.
Things we love:
- Larger belt and disc than many belt-disc sanders give users more surface area to work with
- The sanders are durable in build and have a decent weight which contributes to their longevity
Things we dont like:
- Because the dust catcher is small, it can hold very little at once.
- While changing the belt is simple, it can be difficult to balance the belt.
BUCKTOOL Disc & Belt Sander
The BUCKTOOL disc and belt sander includes an 20 cm disc and 91 cm belt to create an efficient work surface area. You can mount the sander to your workstation using pre-drilled holes. The sander is quieter than similar machines and produces less vibration.
Things we like:
- For creating angles and shapes, the belt sander can tilt up to 90 degrees
- Cast aluminum heavy-duty base reduces vibration to avoid movement
- Included is a safety switch with key to stop the machine accidentally turning on
Things we dont like:
- The belt can be challenging to remove and replace
What A Disc Sander Is And Why You Might Need One
A bench sander is a tool that clamps to the work surface and allows you to sand wood efficiently and quickly. However, some manufacturers also make handheld disc sanders. A motor rotates a sanding disk at high speed. This makes it much faster than using sandpaper.
One of the most significant advantages of a disc sander is that it keeps both of your hands free to control the wood youre working with. You can shift and rotate the wood as the tool sands it down to get the perfect shape and finish.
They are also much faster than regular sandpaper. While disc sanders may take some time to learn how to use, they can significantly reduce your work time once you are proficient.
The Difference Between A Belt Sander And Disc Sander
People often talk about belt sanders and disc sanders as the same tool, but you use them in different ways. While they both have the same purpose of sanding down wood with sandpaper, you will use them in different ways when working with wood.
The name disc sander is derived from the round disc of sandpaper that the tool uses for sanding wood. These stationary sanders can be clamped to a table to keep them in place while you move the wood against it to sand down. This allows both your hands to remain free.
In contrast, a belt sander uses a belt of sandpaper. This tool is designed to be held while you work. This can make it easier to complete exact sanding tasks. There are also belt sanders that can clamp to a work area for hands-free work.
Some sanders come with both a belt and a disc sander. If you are looking for a way to save space and be more economical than buying each tool separately, this 2-in-1 setup is a good choice.
What To Look For In The Best Disc Sander
There are a few important features to consider before buying a disc sander:
- Disc size: Disc sanders typically have discs that range anywhere from 5 to 20 cm in diameter, but some are as large as 30 cm or more. It is important to think about the project you will be using the tool for, and the size of the disc. More surface area means less time youll need to sand.
- Speed: Different types of wood require different speeds, so it is important to choose the right speed for your sander. Hardwoods need lower speeds because the disc heats up quickly, while softwoods can work well with higher speeds. Some disc sanders have adjustable speeds to meet your needs better.
- Weight and durability: Although a heavy weight doesnt always correlate to durability, the two often go hand in hand. Because of their durable metal construction, some of the most powerful disc sanders are slightly heavier (9 kg or more). If you are only looking for quick tasks like sanding thin wood pieces or drywall, a lightweight sander may be fine. However, larger tasks that require consistent work and more durability might call for a more robust machine.
Disc Sander FAQ
Q: How do you use a disc sander safely?
A: If you don’t use disc sanders correctly, they can prove to be dangerous. Its crucial to read the instruction manual before using the tool and always to wear safety goggles and gloves when you operate it. You should also remember never to force the wood into the disc; instead, let your hands gently guide it where it needs to go and allow the disc to do the work.
Q: How do you clean a disc sander?
A: Removing dust and debris from your disc sander can extend its life and prevent overheating. There are many ways to do it, but the most popular is to use rubber scraps or a clump of plastic to rub the disc’s surface as it runs.
This video demonstrates how to use a piece of recycled rubber to clean your disc.
Q. What grit should I use for my disc sander’s surface?
R: It all depends on what type of work you do. A lower grit is better for heavy sanding like 60. For precise shaping work, youll generally want to choose a higher grit between 100 and 200.
Wrap Up
There are many disc sanders available, but the WEN 6515T Belt and Disc Sander is the best. If you dont need a belt sander, however, you might opt for the Delta Disc Sander, which offers a 30 cm disc for plenty of sanding surface area.
Hopefully, these bench sander reviews lead you to find the best disc sander for your needs. Remember to look at important features, like disc size, speed, and longevity, before deciding which one of these disc sanders is right for you. Do you want to make a cutting board? Check out our guide, How to Make a Cutting Board Thats Sure to Turn Heads.
