6/11
Best Handheld Disc Sander
Mainly because of the brand name, woodworkers tend to consider the Makita GV5010 the gold standard in handheld disc sanders. But this time, we give the DeWalt Six-Amp Corded Variable Speed Disk Sander the nod.
Both feature a five-inch pad and removable side handle, but DeWalt’s motor is more powerful. Crucially, the DeWalt model offer variable speed control, allowing you to ease off when needed. It’s cheaper than the Makita, too.
Disc sanders work best for tough jobs — paint removal, grinding end grain and rough shaping. You’ll appreciate the power and ergonomic design of the DeWalt model as you bear down on that siding with three coats of old paint. You’ll also like the variable speed and reversible (VSR) control as you work the pad into corners, or behind gutters and other obstructions.
Pros
- Aggressive six-amp motor;
- Variable speed trigger;
- Dust collection.
Cons
- Sander keeps spinning after trigger is released.
7/11
Best Benchtop Belt/Disc Combo
Unlike a handheld belt sander, used primarily for smoothing and stock removal, a benchtop combo model can shape wood as well as accurately reduce the dimensions. The Wen 4.3-Amp Belt/Disc Sander features a sturdy cast iron base so it won’t wobble, and the four-inch belt tilts all the way to 90 degrees.
The unit comes with a cast aluminum work table and a miter gauge for the six-inch disc sander, which makes shaping fast and accurate. The powerful 1/2-horsepower motor won’t stall under a heavy load. A dust port allows you to connect it to your shop dust removal system or a shop vac. All this for way less than most other comparable models.
Pros
- Easy belt change lever;
- Tilting belt sander;
- Affordable.
Cons
- Rough, imprecise casting;
- Play in miter gauge.
8/11
Best Dust-Free Sanding System
Maryland contractor Alan Hill swears by his Festool sanding system, which includes the Festool Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus and the Festool CleanTec HEPA Dust Extractor.
Coming in at more than $500 for the pair, this is hardly a budget option. But Hill says it lets him sand in a furnished living room without spreading plastic. You can’t so that with just any sander.
Festool offers other sanding attachments for the system, including a triangular detail sander and a rectangular orbital sander. All the equipment packs easily into a standard pickup. None of it is particularly heavy, so you can use it on the go as easily as in your shop or garage.
Pros
- Unbelievable dust collection;
- Smooth operating sander;
- Includes HEPA filter on vac.
Cons
- Expensive;
- Finding replacement bags/filters can be a challenge.
