5 Handy Tips for Choosing a High-Quality Wide Belt Sander

Wide belt sanders are excellent machines for sanding large pieces of wood or metal, however,
deciding which unit is right for you can be complex with all the different brands and
configurations. We provide five helpful tips to help you find the best wide belt sander. These tips ensure you get
what you need, from budget to extraction So, let’s get started!

1. Consider Your Budget
A wide belt sander is a long-term investment. Creating and following a budget before
purchasing any production machine is an excellent way to be sure you get the best sander for
what you can afford. Before shopping around, it is worth considering that a cheaper machine
may have a lower initial investment but could end up costing more in repairs and abrasives in
the long term. Machines with a higher-quality build that use high-end components are more
likely to provide longevity and be more reliable. Consider the return on investment that a reliable
and accurate wide belt sander can provide in the long term.

2. Consider the Machine’s Structure and Components
The machine’s outside paint and brand may look very attractive, but what’s lurking underneath
may not be.
Different countries have different safety and quality requirements when it comes to machinery
manufacturing compliance. Some brands outsource some of their manufacturing to cheaper,
less stringent manufacturers in other countries, so find out where the machine you are
considering is made. The machine frame should be made from heavy-duty steel that can
withstand repetitive motion and vibration without buckling or deforming. The overall structure
should be rigid, with no weak points or potential areas of breakage. The components should be
of high quality to maximise longevity- they can be expensive to replace! Also check for how
many motors the machine has. A wide belt sander should have one motor per contact roller/unit.
Machines that only have one motor driving two units can lose traction and cause slippage of the
contact roller onto the workpieces. This causes a poor finish and damage to the vee belt and the
workpiece.

3. Decide on the right configuration
Wide belt sanders come in all shapes and configurations so it is important to consider a
machine that not only suits you now but can see you in the future. If you are used to using a
900mm wide machine, a wider machine with a different configuration could allow you to take on
more work or different kinds of work. In terms of configuration, you can select a pad and roller,
calibrating roller only, spiral cutter block and the list goes on. Don’t just buy what a vendor might
have in stock, it is important to speak to someone who understands the sanding process really
well and can assist you with selecting a suitable machine to amplify your production.

4. Look at the Optional Features
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a high-quality wide belt sander is
the list of standard and optional features. Optional features customise your sander to suit your
specific sanding jobs and can take your woodworking or metalworking project to the next level.
We highly recommend a few optional features to amplify a machine’s sanding capabilities.
● Correct Contact Roller- your machine needs to have the right contact roller for your
sanding jobs. For example, if you are calibrating table tops with glue lines or Australian
hardwood, you would need a steel contact roller as your first unit.
● Air Cleaning Devices- these cleaning devices significantly extend the life of the sanding
abrasives.

5. Evaluate your Dust Extraction needs
Dust extraction is essential for keeping your workspace clean and debris-free while sanding. It
extends the life of the machine and also the abrasives. If your premises doesn’t already have
extraction, it is worth checking the recommended extraction rating for the wide belt sander you
are considering and also consider the other machines in your production.
The dust extractor should be designed to capture the maximum amount of debris without
clogging or becoming obstructed due to buildup. It should also have easy access for
maintenance and cleaning so that you can ensure the best performance. Additionally, the dust
collector should be designed to work with the sander’s specific model and sized to fit
appropriately and operate optimally.

Conclusion
Before you make this long term investment, it is really important to speak to a sanding specialist
who has a good understanding of the sanding process and the materials to be processed.
Really understanding the features of a sander can mean the difference between purchasing a
good sander and a great sander.