Stationary Sanders Buying Guide
| Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
$6240.10 | 472 | 330 |
Finishing pieces of wood by hand with sandpaper consumes a lot of time and energy. If you find that you are wasting too much of either, you should consider purchasing a power sander.
Since there are so many varieties available, your decision will depend on a couple of factors: the type of projects you want to complete, and the location at which you will work. Stationary sanders work best for those who plan on working mostly in their workshop. Stationary sanders are convenient, stable, and somewhat affordable.
As for the different types available, we will discuss disc, belt, combo, edge and spindles.
A disc sander (more commonly known as a stationary sander) spins a flat, disc-shaped piece of sandpaper and is most effective when used for small, curved or irregularly-shaped pieces of wood.
Stationary belt sanders have a wide, flat belt surface and are best for finishing flat areas. However, some folks need to finish different types and surface shapes – some flat surfaces, some curved. In this case, belt/disc sanders (also referred to as combination sanders) combine a flat belt surface with a disc spinner powered by a single motor.
Edge sanders are a bit larger and wider in size compared to other stationary sanders. These machines are equipped with a long sanding belt that can be adjusted relative to the table – this allows you to sand along beveled angles. Similar to combination machines, you can finish an edge, flat surface, or one with curves. Also, many edge sanders oscillate, preventing the grit from creating swirl marks.
Spindle sanders can be standing or benchtop machines. In each design, the sandpaper is wrapped around a central, conical spindle. As it rotates, the sandpaper grinds down material that is placed against its surface.
Again, just like any other power tool or machine, before purchasing you should consider a few features that may or may not be important to you.
Feel and balance is important, not to mention the ease of readability of the machines gauges, miter settings, and measurements.
The amount of noise and vibration that the sander creates can also be a very important factor. Keep in mind that since you are in direct contact with the machine, you will be able to feel the vibration as you work. Comfort can be a bigger issue for some than others.
Variable speeds allow you to change speeds easily and give you control to choose which setting is best for the size of sandpaper grit you are using. Speaking of sandpaper (which every sander uses, of course) it must be attached to the machine by one of two methods: peel and stick, or hook and loop.
The peel and stick method is exactly as it sounds – self-adhesive sandpaper. The main drawback to using this method is once it is bonded, you cannot remove it without ruining the paper. This means that if you decide to change grit sizes before the sandpaper is completely used up, you’ll waste it, and money.
Sanding, in its main purpose, produces quite a bit of dust. Therefore dust collection should be at the top of your list of concerns. From the information we’ve gathered so far, hooking your sander up to a vacuum is much more effective than using a bag collection system. But, not matter which method you prefer, please choose one that helps keep you and your woodshop healthy.
One of the biggest concerns when making any addition to your shop is size and space. Make sure you have room for a stationary sander. If not, maybe a benchtop would suit you better. They still offer a great amount of power and stability, just in a smaller, more compact size (and price tag).
Oh, price tags! Benchtop sanders can cost as little as $50-$100, with standing sanders starting at around $500. The prices vary, but they typically grow in price as they grow in size. Don’t expect to get the best quality at a low price. After all, you will get what you pay for. We think it’s smarter to purchase a quality sander, ditch the vibration, and stick with a machine that will prove itself extremely valuable.
Types of Stationary Sanders
1" Belt
Stationary belt sanders have a wide, flat belt surface and are best for finishing flat areas. However, some folks need to finish different types and surface shapes – some flat surfaces, some curved. In this case, belt/disc sanders (also referred to as combination sanders) combine a flat belt surface with a disc spinner powered by a single motor.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary Sanders | |
$6240.10 | 472 | 330 |
| 1" Belt |  |
$201.98 | 58 | 9 |
The average ranking of the 9 products in 1" Belt Sanders is 3.5 and the average price is $201.98. The 330 products in Stationary Sanders have an average rating of 4 and an average price of $6240.10. Click on the individual 1" Belt Sanders product links for more data on the models.
Combination
Some folks need to finish different types and surface shapes – some flat surfaces, some curved. In this case, belt/disc sanders (also referred to as combination sanders) combine a flat belt surface with a disc spinner powered by a single motor.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary Sanders | |
$6240.10 | 472 | 330 |
| Combination | |
$10112.05 | 249 | 127 |
The 127 products in Combination Sanders have an average rating of 4 with an average price of $10112.05. The median ranking of the 330 products in Stationary Sanders is 4 with an median price of $6240.10. product links have additional data on the models.
Wide Belt
Stationary belt sanders have a wide, flat belt surface and are best for finishing flat areas. Wide belt sanders are used mainly for larger, heavier applications.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary Sanders | |
$6240.10 | 472 | 330 |
| Wide Belt | |
$16860.33 | 96 | 175 |
The median ranking of the 175 products in Wide Belt Sanders is 4 and the median price is $16860.33. The 330 products in Stationary Sanders have an average rating of 4 and an average price of $6240.10. product links have more reviews and information on the models.
Spindle Sander
Spindle sanders - oscillating spindle sanders, are the primary power tool that allows sanding of curved or irregular edges. They provide a fantastic alternative to the vary tedious hand sanding of curved edges. Typically provided with various sized (diameter) spindles and dust extraction inserts which can be changed to best fit the job at hand. The spindle oscillates up and down spreading the sanding surface over length of the spindle which reduces heat and wear on the sanding drum. Most oscillating spindle sanders have dust collection built into the base.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary Sanders | |
$6240.10 | 472 | 330 |
| Spindle Sander | |
$801.41 | 68 | 11 |
The average ranking of the 11 products in Spindle Sander is 4 and the average price is $801.41. The median ranking of the 330 products in Stationary Sanders is 4 with an median price of $6240.10. Click on the Spindle Sander product links for additional reviews and information on the seperate models.
Edge Sander
Edge sanders are a bit larger and wider in size compared to other stationary sanders. These machines are equipped with a long sanding belt that can be adjusted relative to the table – this allows you to sand along beveled angles. Similar to combination machines, you can finish an edge, flat surface, or one with curves. Also, many edge sanders oscillate, preventing the grit from creating swirl marks.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary Sanders | |
$6240.10 | 472 | 330 |
| Edge Sander |  |
$3224.73 | 1 | 8 |
The 330 products in Stationary Sanders have an average ranking of 4 and an average price of $6240.10. Seperate product links have more data on the models.
