The 10 Best Belt & Disc Combo Sanders

Editor's Notes

August 05, 2020:

Removed the Grizzly G1014ZX and the Shop Fox W1676 because of availability issues. Added the Shop Fox W1676 and the Grizzly Industrial G1014Z.

If you're serious about getting into woodworking, carpentry, machining, or blacksmithing, you'll almost certainly want to get a disc/belt sander/grinder. It just simplifies a lot of tasks that would otherwise take much longer. There are many very important components that go into making a good disc/belt sander but sometimes, the small things can really get in the way of enjoying a solid machine. I am very often disappointed with the miter gauges that come with these sorts of tools - either they're too small, or they don't slide well, or they come with those cheap plastic knobs that are also supposed to serve as handles.

This is an area where the Shop Fox W1676 is much better than the competition. Its miter gauge slides very smoothly because Shop Fox took the time to accurately match the slot to the tongue. Best of all, it comes with an actual handle that you can get a nice grip on to manipulate it in sync with the stock. I'm not sure why every manufacturer hasn't adopted this design since it makes perfect sense and it greatly contributes to making the machine a joy to use.

Disc/belt sanders present many hazards and should only be used by experienced tradesmen to avoid injury.

August 10, 2019:

Belt and disc combo sanders combine two useful tools into a single machine, helping you to maximize space in your shop or garage. Depending on your needs, you may be satisfied with a small bench-top model, like the Grizzly H6070 and Bucktool BD4801, or you may need to opt for something considerably larger, like the Jet JSG-6DCK and Powermatic Model 31A.

If you are looking for a large, industrial-quality model for use in a commercial shop, we recommend you look at the Jet JSG-6DCK or Powermatic Model 31A. These machines have a 1.5- and 2-horsepower motor, respectively, and can stand up to daily high-volume use. They are both capable of removing a lot of stock quickly, too. The Powermatic Model 31A wins out for versatility though, as it has a flip-back guard on the belt that allows for more convenient contour sanding. Plus, its enclosed stand provides more stability than the open stand of the Jet JSG-6DCK. If you don't need such a large machine, but still want something of commercial quality, take a look at the bench-top Jet J-41002.

Now, for the user who needs a large machine, but doesn't plan on subjecting it to daily, high-volume use, we have the Shop Fox W1676 and Grizzly G1014ZX. Whether it is due to a small motor, some sub-par components, or other inconveniences, these lag behind our top picks. However, they do a good job of bridging that gap between expensive industrial units and low-quality Harbor Freight tools.

For those who are in the market for a very compact units that won't take up too much room in their shop, we have the Grizzly H6070 and Wen 6502T. Looking at these two, you may immediately notice the significant difference in belt width. The Grizzly H6070, with its one-inch belt, is better for grinding and finishing odd-shaped pieces that may make unwanted contact on a wider belt, while the Grizzly H6070 is better for removing stock evenly from large, flat surfaces.

One last note before we let you run wild and start sanding down some material. While belt and disc combo sanders may look a lot less threatening than say a table saw or circular saw, they still require caution and a focus on safe operation. One errant brush of your fingertip against a fast-moving abrasive belt or disc could quickly remove a large chunk of skin.