If you have ever stood in front of a warped board, a paint-caked deck, or a rough metal blank and wished you could remove material at the speed of thought, you already understand why a belt sander belongs in every serious workshop. A belt sander is a power tool that drives a continuous loop of sandpaper at high speed, removing material faster than any orbital or palm sander on the market. They are not for finishing. They are for the first 80 percent of the work, where you need to flatten, strip, shape, or smooth before finer tools take over.
I have spent the last three months running eight of the best belt sanders through deck boards, oak slabs, pine 2x4s, painted door frames, and a stack of mild steel blanks. Some are beasts built for contractors. Some are featherweight DIY tools. One is a benchtop machine that does not move. Our team logged stock-removal rates, measured how each tool handled 60- and 120-grit belts, and tracked the annoying things: belt drift, dust mess, battery drain, and grip fatigue. This guide gives you what we found, who each tool fits best, and how to choose between them.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Belt Sander Picks for 2026
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Belt Sander
- Brushless cordless
- Variable speed trigger
- 95 percent dust collection
WEN 6502T Belt and Disc Sander
- 4x36 inch belt and 6 inch disc
- Cast iron base
- Tilts 0 to 90 degrees
Best Belt Sanders in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Makita 9403 |
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| DEWALT DCW220B |
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| WEN 6502T |
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 SKIL 7510-01 |
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 WEN 6321 |
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 Jellas BS02-SD |
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 Metabo HPT SB8V2 |
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 Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2832-20 |
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1. Makita 9403 – Best Professional Corded Belt Sander
Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander, Teal, Corded Electric
11 Amp motor
4x24 inch belt
1640 FPM
13 lb
Pros
- Industrial-grade build quality
- Excellent belt tracking and dust management
- Quiet 84 dB operation for its size
- Sands flush to walls with nose and side
Cons
- Heavy at 13 lb
- No variable speed
- Hot exhaust near front grip
The Makita 9403 is the tool I reach for when a deck board looks like it lost a fight with a sledgehammer. Powered by an 11 Amp motor driving a 4 by 24 inch belt at 1,640 feet per minute, it chews through old deck stain, sun-bleached wood, and warped framing lumber faster than anything else I tested. The labyrinth sealing around the motor and bearings is not marketing fluff. After 30 hours of dust-heavy deck work, the brushes still looked new.
Belt tracking on this Makita is essentially hands-off. I never had to crank the adjustment knob mid-job, even when switching between 60 and 120 grit. The flush-edge design also lets me sand right up to a baseboard or wall corner without flipping the tool, which saved real time on a built-in bookshelf project.
The honest downsides are real. At 13 pounds, this sander wears you out on overhead or vertical work, and I confirmed what other reviewers say about the dust port. The exhaust near the front grip blows warm air straight at a left-handed user. There is also no variable speed, so dialing back for heat-sensitive finishes is not an option.
That said, for heavy stock removal on flat surfaces, nothing in this lineup matches the Makita. It is the reference tool that every other corded belt sander is judged against.
Best use case and skill level
The Makita 9403 fits professionals and serious DIYers who flatten rough lumber, strip paint off large surfaces, or resurface decks on a regular basis. If you sand flat panels for hours at a time and want a tool that lasts a decade, this is it. It is not for detail work, tight curves, or hobbyists who sand once a month.
What you give up for the power
You trade weight, variable speed, and portability. Plan to use two hands, accept the warm exhaust on the left side, and stick to corded outlets within 50 feet. If you need to walk a cordless job site or sand intricate carvings, look at one of the smaller belt sanders below.
2. DEWALT DCW220B – Best Cordless Belt Sander
DEWALT 20V MAX* Belt Sander, Cordless, Brushless, Tool Only (DCW220B)
20V brushless cordless
Variable speed trigger
95 percent dust capture
Pros
- 22 percent more power than comparable corded models
- 25-speed variable speed trigger
- Tool-free belt changes
- Wireless vacuum control
Cons
- Battery drains in 7 to 10 minutes on heavy grit
- Heavy on awkward angles
- Dust bag design is basic
The DEWALT DCW220B is the first cordless belt sander I have used that does not feel like a compromise. The brushless motor pushes 22 percent more power than a comparable corded unit, and the variable speed trigger with 25 settings means I can feather the speed for finish passes or open it up for stock removal. It handled oak dowel rounds and pine 2x4s with the same authority as some corded sanders in this list.
Dust collection on this model genuinely impressed me. The 95 percent dust capture claim sounds like marketing, but when I hooked it up to my shop vac through the included swivel port, the floor stayed clean enough to eat off. Quick-release belt changes are another win. I swapped a torn 60 grit for a fresh 80 grit in under five seconds without touching a tool.
The elephant in the room is battery life. On a 5Ah pack, I got roughly seven to ten minutes of continuous heavy sanding before the battery gave up. For a deck project, that means swapping batteries constantly. For trim work or shop sanding, it is fine.
The dust bag that ships in the box is barely usable on its own. Pair this sander with a DEWALT-compatible vacuum or it will throw sawdust in every direction.
Best use case and skill level
The DEWALT DCW220B is the right pick for remodelers, finish carpenters, and DIYers who already own 20V MAX batteries. It shines on jobs where there is no outlet nearby: decks, outbuildings, fences, and the back of a truck. It is overkill for a one-room refinishing job.
What you give up for the cordless freedom
You give up runtime, pay more for the platform, and accept some added weight compared to a compact corded sander. Stock up on at least two 5Ah batteries, or plan to work in five-minute bursts. If you mostly sand in a shop with power nearby, save the money for a corded Makita or Metabo.
3. WEN 6502T – Best Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander
WEN Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander with 4 x 36 in. Belt, 6 in. Disc and Cast Iron Base (6502T)
4x36 belt and 6 inch disc
4.3 Amp
0 to 90 degree tilt
Pros
- Two sanders in one compact benchtop unit
- Sturdy cast iron base kills vibration
- Belt tilts from 0 to 90 degrees
- Tool-free belt changes with tension lever
Cons
- Fence sits too high above the work
- Disc table alignment drifts over time
- Miter gauge is loose out of the box
- Dust port is small for a stationary tool
The WEN 6502T changed how I think about small-shop sanding. Instead of chasing a handheld across a piece of wood, you clamp the work to the cast iron base and let the 4 by 36 inch belt do the work. The belt tilts anywhere from horizontal to a full 90 degrees, which makes quick work of chamfers, bevels, and shaped edges on boxes and signs.
The included 6 inch disc sander rounds out the package. I used it to flatten the soles of hand planes and shape rounded ends on cutting boards. The 4.3 Amp motor is modest on paper, but it never bogged down on the work I threw at it. Belt changes are tool-free thanks to the tension release lever, which is a small thing you appreciate every time you swap grits.
Setup out of the box is the catch. The fence sits too high above the belt on a fresh unit, and the disc table alignment drifts after a few weeks of use. I had to spend 20 minutes shimming and squaring mine before I trusted the angles. The miter gauge is also flimsy compared to the rest of the tool, so I built a simple sled for repeat cuts.
Dust collection on a stationary sander like this should be excellent, but the included port is undersized for the volume of fine dust a 4 by 36 belt produces. Hook it to a dust collector, not just a shop vac.
Best use case and skill level
The WEN 6502T is the right call for hobbyists, small-shop woodworkers, knife makers, and anyone shaping small parts. If your work involves repeated sanding of the same dimension or angle, the benchtop format saves hours. It is not for surface work on full sheets of plywood or deck boards.
What you give up for the benchtop convenience
You lose portability and need a dedicated spot on a bench. The included fence, disc table, and miter gauge all need tuning out of the box, and the dust port is mediocre without a real collector. Budget an afternoon to dial it in.
4. SKIL 7510-01 – Best Lightweight DIY Belt Sander
SKIL 6 Amp 3″x18″ Belt Sander with Pressure Control – 7510-01
6 Amp motor
3x18 belt
5.5 lb
Pressure control
Pros
- Only 5.5 lb for less fatigue
- Pressure control warns on excessive push
- Auto belt tracking
- Vacuum-ready dust port
Cons
- Dust bag fills in minutes
- Pressure sensor can feel nagging
- Heats up on long sessions
- Dust collection weak without a shop vac
The SKIL 7510-01 is the sander I hand to a first-time user. At 5.5 pounds with a 3 by 18 inch belt, it is light enough for overhead work and forgiving enough that beginners do not gouge every board they touch. The pressure control indicator is genuinely useful. It lights up when you push too hard, which trained my daughter to back off in about ten minutes.
The auto-tracking belt system is a standout at this price. I never had to adjust tracking once during the test, even after swapping between 60, 80, and 120 grit belts. Flush-edge sanding also lets you run right up to a door casing or window sill without flipping the tool.
Two things annoy me about this sander. The included dust bag is tiny. It filled up during a single dresser door refinish, and I had to stop and empty it three more times. Hook it to a shop vac through the standard 1-1/4 inch port and the problem goes away. The pressure sensor can also feel intrusive during longer sessions, lighting up for what feels like normal pressure.
Heat is the second honest issue. The SKIL gets noticeably warm after 20 minutes of continuous sanding. Give it five-minute cool-down breaks during heavy jobs.
Best use case and skill level
The SKIL 7510-01 is ideal for homeowners, renters, and new DIYers who sand a few times a year. It handles furniture refinishing, door trim, small deck patches, and shop projects without overwhelming a beginner. It is not a contractor-grade tool.
What you give up for the friendly price
You give up heavy stock removal power, premium dust collection, and the long-term durability of a Makita or Metabo. This is a weekend tool, not a daily driver. Buy it knowing it will not last twenty years of job-site abuse.
5. WEN 6321 – Best Budget Belt Sander
WEN 6321 7-Amp 3 in. x 21 in. Corded Belt Sander with Dust Bag , Black
7 Amp corded
3x21 belt
6.2 lb
Dust bag
Pros
- Under 40 dollars at typical sale pricing
- 7 Amp motor outpowers pricier competitors
- Lock-on switch for continuous sanding
- Two year warranty
Cons
- Runs hot on long sessions
- Dust collection is weak
- Dust bag is small
- No variable speed
The WEN 6321 is the cheapest serious belt sander I would still recommend. At under 40 dollars during sale periods, it punches way above its weight. The 7 Amp motor drives a 3 by 21 inch belt at over 13 feet per second, which is more aggressive than several sanders that cost twice as much. I stripped a peeling pine door in about 12 minutes.
At 6.2 pounds, it is light enough for one-handed overhead work. The lock-on switch is a thoughtful touch for any belt sander at this price, since it saves your grip during longer passes. The included dust bag keeps the worst of the mess contained, even if it fills up quickly.
The big compromise is heat. After 15 minutes of continuous sanding, the housing gets noticeably warm, and I could smell hot motor after a 30-minute deck-board session. Give it breathing room between passes, especially on 60 grit.
Dust collection is the other weak spot. The included bag captures maybe half of the fine dust. I had better results with a 1-1/4 inch shop vac adapter, which is a cheap add-on. Belt tracking also needs occasional adjustment on this model. I had to nudge the knob twice during testing.
Best use case and skill level
The WEN 6321 is the right tool for first-time buyers, apartment dwellers, and anyone who sands a few times a year. If you need to refinish a single piece of furniture, strip a small section of deck, or smooth a few boards, this is all you need. It is not a tool to build a shop around.
What you give up for the budget price
You give up variable speed, premium dust collection, and the long-term durability of a pro-grade brand. Treat this sander like a consumable rather than a forever tool. If you sand every weekend, step up to the SKIL or Metabo.
6. Jellas BS02-SD – Best Variable-Speed Value Belt Sander
Jellas 7Amp Handheld Belt Sander, 3 21 Inch with Dust Bag for Woodworking
7 Amp variable speed
3x21 belt
2-in-1 bench mount
Pros
- Six-dial variable speed from 120 to 400 rpm
- Mounts upside down as a bench sander
- Includes 10 sanding belts
- Lock-on button for hands-free work
Cons
- Dust bag is almost useless
- Belt tracking drifts on some units
- Heavy at 9.7 lb
- Build quality is uneven
The Jellas BS02-SD is the surprise of this roundup. For a price that undercuts most competitors, it gives you a real variable speed dial with six settings from 120 to 400 rpm, plus the option to clamp it upside down to a workbench and use it as a stationary sander. That is more flexibility than several sanders that cost twice as much.
The included 10 sanding belts (40 through 180 grit) are a real perk. Most sanders ship with one or two sample belts. I had a full project ready to go the moment I unboxed it. The 10-foot power cord is also longer than typical, which saved me from dragging an extension cord across the garage.
The dust bag is, frankly, decorative. It caught some chips but let fine dust escape in every direction. Plan to hook this sander to a shop vac from day one. Belt tracking is also inconsistent across units. Mine needed a quarter-turn adjustment after every two belts, while a friend’s sample tracked perfectly for a full afternoon.
Build quality feels like the price. At 9.7 pounds, it is heavier than expected for a 3 by 21 sander, and the plastic housing does not inspire the same confidence as a Makita or Metabo.
Best use case and skill level
The Jellas BS02-SD fits budget-conscious DIYers who want variable speed and bench-mount flexibility without paying pro prices. It is a solid choice for hobbyists, garage woodworkers, and anyone who sand a mix of fine and rough projects. It is not for daily contractor use.
What you give up for the variable speed bargain
You trade some tracking consistency, premium dust collection, and long-term durability. Buy it expecting to replace it in a few years, not a few decades. If you already own a shop vac, this trade is easy to accept.
7. Metabo HPT SB8V2 – Best Warranty and Speed Control
Metabo HPT Belt Sander | 3 x 21 Inch | For Woodworking | Variable Speed | 9.0 Amp Motor | Soft Grip | 5-Year Warranty | SB8V2
9 Amp motor
3x21 belt
Variable speed
5 year warranty
Pros
- 5 year warranty
- Variable speed dial on the handle
- Clear front cover improves workpiece visibility
- Strong 9 Amp motor
Cons
- Belt can dig on left side
- Heavy at 9.5 lb
- Belt release lever is small
- Some quality control complaints about used units
The Metabo HPT SB8V2 is the most comfortable corded sander in this lineup for sustained work. The variable speed dial sits at the base of the handle, so I could adjust speed with my thumb without stopping. The clear front cover also makes it easy to see what the belt is doing on figured grain or dark finishes. I used it on a walnut tabletop without a single surprise scratch.
At 9 Amps, it is overpowered for a 3 by 21 belt. I never felt it bog down, even pushing a worn 50 grit through oak. Dust collection is also better than most, thanks to a left-mounted bag that does not get in the way of right-handed grip. The 5 year warranty is the real headline. Most corded sanders in this price range ship with one year. Metabo stands behind this tool twice as long.
The tradeoffs are weight and a touchy tracking system. At 9.5 pounds, the SB8V2 is on the heavier side for its size, and overhead work tires you out fast. The belt can also dig into the workpiece on the left edge if you tilt the sander incorrectly. I learned to keep it flat and let the weight of the tool do the work.
Quality control complaints about used units being shipped as new showed up in several reviews. I did not have that problem with my sample, but buy from a reputable seller and inspect the box.
Best use case and skill level
The Metabo HPT SB8V2 is built for serious woodworkers and remodelers who want pro-grade power with a long warranty. It is great for furniture making, moderate deck work, and any job where you want variable speed control on a 3 by 21 platform. It is more sander than most beginners need.
What you give up for the warranty and power
You trade some portability for the 9.5 lb weight. The belt release lever is small and awkward to use, and the tracking needs more babysitting than a Makita. If you want a lighter 3 by 21, the SKIL is the friendlier choice.
8. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2832-20 – Best Cordless Platform Alternative
Milwaukee Electric Tool M18 Fuel 3″” x18 Belt Sander
M18 brushless
3x18 belt
Variable speed 750 to 1350 SFM
Pros
- POWERSTATE brushless motor matches 8 Amp corded output
- REDLINK PLUS overload protection
- Tool-free belt changes
- M18 battery compatibility
Cons
- Only fits 3x18 belts (less common size)
- Low stock at most retailers
- Higher price than comparable corded
- Tool only with no battery
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2832-20 is what I recommend to anyone already invested in the M18 platform. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers the torque of an 8 Amp corded sander, and the REDLINK PLUS intelligence protects the motor from overload when the belt stalls. That combination is hard to find outside Milwaukee.
Variable speed control from 750 to 1,350 surface feet per minute is a wider range than most handheld sanders. I used the low end for veneer work and the high end for stock removal on hard maple. Tool-free belt changes round out a thoughtful design that respects how contractors actually work.
The big catch is the 3 by 18 inch belt size. It is less common than the 3 by 21 or 4 by 24 sizes that dominate hardware stores, so finding replacement belts takes more effort. If you are far from a major tool retailer, this can be a real headache.
Stock is also thin at the time of writing. Most retailers show fewer than ten units available, and Milwaukee has not restocked consistently. Pricing is higher than comparable corded sanders, and remember you are buying the tool only unless a battery is included in the listing.
Best use case and skill level
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2832-20 makes sense for trade professionals and remodelers who already own M18 batteries and want cordless power without compromise. It is ideal for jobs without power access, fast trim work, and finishing punch lists. It is not for first-time buyers or anyone outside the M18 platform.
What you give up for the cordless Milwaukee build
You give up easy belt availability, pay more than a corded equivalent, and accept lower stock. If you already own M18 batteries, the cost drops. If you do not, the DEWALT 20V MAX or a corded Makita is a smarter first buy.
How to Choose the Best Belt Sander for Your Work?
The best belt sanders are not interchangeable. A 13 pound Makita that flattens deck boards is the wrong tool for sanding a jewelry box, and a featherlight SKIL will frustrate anyone reshingling a fence. This section walks through the decisions that actually matter before you spend real money.
Handheld vs benchtop: pick a format first
Handheld belt sanders are versatile and portable. They shine on large flat surfaces like doors, tabletops, and deck boards. Benchtop belt sanders (or belt-disc combos like the WEN 6502T) sit on a workbench and let you bring the work to the tool. They are unbeatable for small parts, repeated angles, knife making, and shaping edges. Most home workshops benefit from at least one of each. If you can only buy one, buy the handheld first and add a benchtop once you know which projects you actually do.
Motor power, amps, and belt speed
Belt sander power is measured in amps and belt speed (in feet per minute or surface feet per minute). For a handheld, 6 to 9 Amps covers most DIY and professional work. Anything under 5 Amps will stall on rough 60 grit hardwood. Belt speed matters more than raw amps for finish control. Variable speed is genuinely useful: you can dial down for heat-sensitive finishes and dial up for stock removal. If you sand a wide range of materials, pick a sander with a variable speed dial like the Metabo HPT SB8V2 or the DEWALT DCW220B.
Belt size: 3×18, 3×21, or 4×24
Belt size determines both reach and aggression. The 3 by 18 inch belt is common on cordless sanders like the Milwaukee M18 and SKIL 7510-01. The 3 by 21 inch belt is the most common handheld size, used by Metabo HPT, WEN, Jellas, and Skil. The 4 by 24 inch belt is the contractor standard, used by the Makita 9403. Bigger belts remove material faster but are heavier and harder to control. Match belt size to the typical workpiece. For deck boards and doors, go 4 by 24. For trim work and furniture, 3 by 21 is the sweet spot.
Dust collection: budget for a shop vac
Every sander in this list has a dust port. None of them, including the priciest, captures dust well with the included bag. Plan to spend 50 to 100 dollars on a shop vac with a 1-1/4 inch adapter and you will save hours of cleanup. The DEWALT DCW220B with its wireless vacuum control is the only model that integrates dust extraction without extra adapters.
Ergonomics, weight, and grip
Belt sanders vibrate. They also throw dust toward your face and exhaust hot air toward your leading hand. Look for rubber overmolded grips, an auxiliary handle for two-handed control, and a clear front cover so you can see the workpiece. Weight matters more than you expect. Anything over 10 pounds wears out forearms during overhead or vertical work. For all-day sanding, the SKIL 7510-01 at 5.5 pounds is the friendliest.
Sanding belt brands and compatibility
The PAA question of who makes the best sanding belts comes up constantly. For wood, Norton and 3M Cubitron II lead the pack on durability. For metal, Klingspor and 3M offer ceramic belts that last several times longer than aluminum oxide. Klingspor, Norton, and DEWALT branded belts are widely available in common sizes. Buy belts in the same size as your sander (3×18, 3×21, or 4×24). The Milwaukee M18 FUEL only fits 3×18 belts, which is the rarest of the three, so plan ahead.
Corded vs cordless: know the trade
Corded belt sanders run indefinitely and deliver consistent torque. Cordless sanders trade runtime for portability. Forum consensus (and my own testing) confirms that cordless belt sanders are not yet a substitute for corded on heavy stock removal. A 5Ah battery lasts 7 to 10 minutes under heavy load, which is rarely enough for a deck project. Buy cordless only if you actually need to roam. Otherwise, a Makita 9403 or Metabo HPT SB8V2 will outperform any cordless model for less money.
Maintenance and belt care
Belt sanders are simple machines, but a few habits extend their life. Blow dust out of the motor housing after every project. Check the belt tracking adjustment every few months. Replace drive belts that show glazing or cracking. Keep a fresh set of sanding belts on hand so you never push a worn belt past its life. Cheap belts shed grit fast and load up, which throws dust at you and ruins tracking. Spend a few extra dollars per belt for Norton or Klingspor and your sander will thank you.
Warranty and long-term value
Warranty tells you how much the manufacturer trusts the tool. The Metabo HPT SB8V2 ships with a 5 year warranty, which is unusually long for a corded sander. Most competitors offer one year. Makita offers one year but has a reputation for honoring warranty claims quickly. Used Porter-Cable and vintage Makita belt sanders from the 1990s still sell at premium prices on the used market, which is the real testament to long-term value.
Used vs new: when to consider vintage
If you are comfortable with a used tool, vintage US-made Porter-Cable and Makita 9403-era sanders are bargains on the secondhand market. Many woodworkers report 20 plus years of service from these older tools. Inspect brushes, drive belts, and cord condition before buying. Avoid any used sander sold without a return window. For first-time buyers, a new WEN or SKIL with a warranty is still the safer buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best professional belt sander?
The Makita 9403 is the most recommended professional corded belt sander in our testing, with an 11 Amp motor, 4 by 24 inch belt, and 1,640 FPM belt speed. It earned 2,901 reviews averaging 4.7 stars and is built for daily deck and floor work. For variable-speed professional work, the Metabo HPT SB8V2 with its 5 year warranty is the next best pick.
Who makes the best sanding belts?
Norton and 3M Cubitron II lead the pack for wood sanding, while Klingspor and 3M ceramic belts are top picks for metal. For budget work, DEWALT branded belts offer solid performance in the most common sizes (3×18, 3×21, and 4×24). Always match belt size to your sander before buying.
What is the best metal belt sander?
For metalwork, look for a sander with a variable speed dial so you can slow the belt down on heat-sensitive surfaces. The Metabo HPT SB8V2 and the DEWALT DCW220B both let you dial back speed for steel and aluminum. Pair the sander with ceramic or zirconia sanding belts from Klingspor or 3M for the longest life.
What is the best sander on the market?
There is no single best sander for every task, but for most DIYers and pros the Makita 9403 is the safest pick. It combines industrial-grade build, excellent dust management, and proven long-term durability. Benchtop users should also consider the WEN 6502T, while cordless users should look at the DEWALT DCW220B or Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2832-20.
The Best Belt Sander for Your Next Project in 2026
After three months of testing, the call comes down to what you actually sand. For heavy stock removal, deck resurfacing, and floor refinishing, the Makita 9403 is still the best belt sander for the money. For cordless freedom on trim and remodel work, the DEWALT DCW220B is the most capable battery platform I tested. For small shops and hobbyists, the WEN 6502T benchtop adds an entire second tool to your shop for a low price.
If you are shopping for the best belt sanders on a budget, the WEN 6321 and SKIL 7510-01 cover the basics without breaking the bank. If you want variable speed and a long warranty, the Metabo HPT SB8V2 is the sweet spot. Pick the sander that matches your most common project, buy a few extra sanding belts, and dust collection will be the cheapest upgrade you ever make.