Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander Comparison
Contents
- Our Top Belt Sanders Are:
- 1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander – First Choice
- 2. Porter-Cable 352VS Belt Sander
- 3. WEN 6321 Belt Sander
- Our Top Orbital Sanders Are:
- 1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander
- 2. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander
- 3. Makita XOB01Z Orbital Sander
- Belt Sander Vs Orbital Sander: What Is The Difference?
- Buying Guide
- The Brand
- Durability
- Power
- Dust Removal
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A project can be well built and still look poor if the sanding is rushed. The two sanders most woodworkers reach for are the belt sander and the orbital sander.
Both sand wood, but they do different jobs. A belt sander removes a lot of material fast; an orbital sander gives a smooth surface ready for finish.
In this belt sander vs orbital sander comparison, we explain the difference and review three sanders in each category.
OUR TOP PICK
The Makita 9403 Belt Sander is our first choice in the belt sanders category. It is powerful, rugged and designed to make sanding, even the toughest tasks, easy.
Our Top Belt Sanders Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander | 1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander Top Pick | - 13 pounds - 16.1 x 8.9 x 9.8 inches - Corded-electric - 1,640 ft./min. | Check Current Price |
| 2. Porter-Cable 352VS Belt Sander | 2. Porter-Cable 352VS Belt Sander | - 10.75 pounds - 14.2 x 8 x 10.2 inches - Corded-electric - 3 inches x 21 inches | Check Current Price |
| 3. WEN 6321 Belt Sander | 3. WEN 6321 Belt Sander | - 6.2 pounds - 12 x 6 x 6.5 inches - Corded-electric - 2-years | Check Current Price |
1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander – First Choice
The Makita 9403 is our first pick in the belt sander category. It is a heavy 4 x 24-inch sander built for big, flat surfaces.
Per Makita’s 9403 specifications, an 11-amp motor drives the 4-inch belt at 1,640 feet per minute. It weighs 12.6 pounds and is rated at 84 dB, which is quiet for a belt sander.
The dust bag swivels 360 degrees so it stays out of your way, and the sander can sand flush to a wall.
Specs
- 12.6 pounds
- 4 x 24-inch belt
- Corded-electric
- 1,640 ft./min.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Ergonomic handle makes it very easy to control
- Quiet operations
- Durable
- Can be used on a wide range of sanding applications
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Rating – 4.7/5.0
2. Porter-Cable 352VS Belt Sander
The Porter-Cable 352VS is a long-running 3 x 21-inch belt sander with an 8-amp motor and variable speed.
Its weight helps it sit flat on the work, so you don’t need to press down. Let the sander’s weight do the work; pushing down just loads the motor and gouges the wood.
Variable speed lets you slow the belt for softwoods and delicate work.
Specs
- 10.75 pounds
- 14.2 x 8 x 10.2 inches
- Corded-electric
- 3 inches x 21 inches
Pros
- Variable speed
- Ergonomic handle for easy control and use
- Changing the sanding belt is easy
- Designed to last
Cons
- Very heavy
Rating – 4.4/5.0
3. WEN 6321 Belt Sander
The WEN 6321 is a budget 3 x 21-inch belt sander with a 7-amp motor, aimed at DIY work around the home.
The sander comes with an ergonomic design that makes it possible to work for more hours without getting fatigued. The front handle is positioned well so that you can alter the pressure easily, depending on the sanding task. Further, it comes with a rear handle that allows you to control the sander with both hands, especially when working on more demanding sanding tasks.
Its exposed front roller lets you sand into some concave curves and up to an edge. A tracking knob keeps the belt centered, with no tools needed.
Specs
- 6.2 pounds
- 12 x 6 x 6.5 inches
- Corded-electric
- 2-years
Pros
- Light for a belt sander
- Easy tensioning and tracking adjustment
- Ideal for handling a wide range of sanding tasks
- Affordable
Cons
- The dust bag is small
Rating – 4.1/5.0
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick in the orbital sanders category is the DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander, with its compact design and rich features, this sander will be a great addition to your workshop.
Our Top Orbital Sanders Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander | 1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander Top Pick | - 4 pounds - 10.4 x 7.2 x 6.2 inches - Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 2. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander | 2. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander | - 3.16 pounds - 7 x 5 x 6 inches - Corded-electric - 2-years | Check Current Price |
| 3. Makita XOB01Z Orbital Sander | 3. Makita XOB01Z Orbital Sander | - 2.9 pounds - 5.2 x 8.1 x 6.9 inches - 18-volts battery - 5" Round Abrasive Disc, | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander
The DWE6423K random orbit sander is our first choice in the orbital sander category. It is a comfortable, low-vibration 5-inch sander for cabinet panels and general finish work. Its round pad won’t reach into inside corners, so to sand the corners of your new cabinet, finish by hand or with a detail sander.
According to DeWalt’s DWE6423 page, it has a 3-amp motor with variable speed from 8,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute and a dust-sealed switch.
The dust port takes DeWalt’s dust bag or, with an adapter, a vacuum hose. Hooking it to a vacuum captures far more dust than the bag.
Specs
- 4 pounds
- 10.4 x 7.2 x 6.2 inches
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Dust-sealed switch
- Variable speed
- Three-year limited warranty
- Can be used on a wide range of sanding tasks
Cons
- Pricey
Rating – 4.7 stars
2. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander
If you want a random orbit sander on a budget, consider the Black+Decker BDERO100. It is a basic 5-inch sander for occasional DIY projects.
The sander is light and compact, which makes it easy to handle on edges and small parts. The Black+Decker is single speed, so it can’t be slowed down for delicate work.
You can sand with one hand, or use two hands for better control. Don’t bear down hard; pressing slows the pad and leaves swirl marks.
Specs
- 3.16 pounds
- 7 x 5 x 6 inches
- Corded-electric
- 2-years
Pros
- Effective dust management system
- Compact and light
- Cheap
- Easy to use
Cons
- The dust bag is small
Rating – 4.5 stars
3. Makita XOB01Z Orbital Sander
If you want to sand without a cord, the Makita XOB01Z is a 5-inch cordless random orbit sander. It is sold as a bare tool.
It runs on an 18-volt Li-ion battery. Per Makita’s XOB01Z specifications, it has three speeds (7,000, 9,500, and 11,000 orbits per minute), a 1/8-inch orbit, and weighs 3.6 pounds with a battery.
The design of the sander also makes it easy to control and use for better results. The sander comes with an ergonomic handle that allows you to sand comfortably with one hand.
Also, the one-touch electronic speed control switch is positioned strategically to make adjustments easy and fast. These features make this sander a great option, especially for DIY jobs around the home.
Specs
- 3.6 pounds with battery
- 1/8-inch orbit
- 18-volts battery
- 5″ Round Abrasive Disc,
Pros
- Designed with a highly efficient dust collection system
- The sander is compact and light
- Ideal for working away from the mains
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Runtime depends on battery size
Rating – 4.7/5.0
Belt Sander Vs Orbital Sander: What Is The Difference?
Belt sanders are big and aggressive. A continuous sanding belt runs around two drums, so they remove a lot of material fast: leveling boards, stripping old finish, and shaping edges.
Orbital sanders are lighter and smaller. A sheet orbital sander has a square pad that reaches into corners; a random orbit sander has a round pad that spins and oscillates for a smoother, swirl-free finish. If you want a finish-ready surface, go for an orbital sander.
Buying Guide
The sander you buy, whether a belt sander or orbital sander, will determine the nature of your project finishing. After reading through the reviews in this belt sander versus orbital sander comparison, the distinction is now clearer.
But you need to finish the job: picking the ideal tool. Here is a guide to help you identify the perfect option. So, what do you look for when selecting an orbital or belt sander?
The Brand
There is no guessing here: one of the methods of identifying a great sander is choosing from the top brands. Brands such as Makita and DeWalt have long track records, good warranties, and easy-to-find parts and accessories.
Durability
A sander is one of the important tools in any workshop. It is, therefore, crucial to look for the model that is durable to enjoy high value for money.
To know if a model is designed to last, you should look for things such as long warranty, heavy construction, parts availability, and dust protection.
Power
The work you can do with a sander is dependent on its power. Therefore, the sander should be powerful enough to allow you to complete the sanding tasks with ease. If you have a lot of heavy-duty sanding tasks, consider buying a belt sander with a strong motor.
Dust Removal
Sanders make a lot of fine dust. It wears out switches and bearings, and it is bad for you: OSHA notes that wood dust can irritate the airways and is linked to cancer.
Choose a sander with a dust port you can connect to a vacuum, and wear a dust mask or respirator as well.
Final Thoughts
Orbital and belt sanders sit at opposite ends of the sanding spectrum. Belt sanders remove stock fast for leveling and shaping. Orbital sanders handle the final smoothing before finish.
Many shops own both: a belt sander for rough work and a random orbit sander for finishing. If you can only buy one, a random orbit sander covers more everyday jobs.
Of the models we looked at, the Makita 9403 Belt Sander and DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander are our first choices in the belt category and orbital sander category, respectively. They are designed by top brands and rock features that make sanding easy and fast.
