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Best file belt sander reivew

Best Finger belt sander for detailing work | With a narrow belt

Posted on August 25, 2020April 8, 2021 by Aaron Barnett
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Checked and updated on April 8, 2021 by Aaron Barnett

Author intro

The best file belt sander can stabilize the sanding belt without it moving and breaking.  Has a well-placed handle like the Makita 9301 and has at least 5amps of power driving it.

For more delicate work some people prefer a cordless tool not tethered to a lead. But for unlimited power, a finger sander on a lead is what you want.

Table Of Contents show
Best file belt sander [Corded]
Best cordless file belt sander
Introduction
Things to look out for
Most common problems when using a file belt sander
Corded vs. Cordless file belt sanders
Who uses a file belt sander?
Other tools to substitute a finger belt sander
Electric vs. Pneumatic file sanders
Choosing the best file sander
Best uses for a file sander
Factors that affect your sander’s performance
Checklist before buying a file belt sander
Tips for using a file belt sander
Comparing file belt sanders
Conclusion
Makita 9301 review

Best file belt sander [Corded]

#1 Best file belt sander

Makita 9301 1/2×18, 5 amp, file belt sander

Makita 9301 1 2x18 5 amp file belt sander

  • Has a variable speed control dial that lets you adjust the speed to match the task.
  • Compact and lightweight for easy maneuverability. 
  • The ball and needle bearing design ensures efficient operation and long tool life. 
  • The dust collection system is a bit fiddly.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#2 Best Dynabrade file belt sander

Dynabrade 40610 1/2×18, 7.5 amp, file belt sander

Dynabrade 40610 1 2x18 7 5 amp file belt sander

  • This 1 2 belt sander works equally well with coated abrasive and non-woven nylon belts. 
  • Can be used on metal as well as plastic. 
  • Comes with double-insulation. 
  • It is a bit expensive. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#3 Best Makita detailing band file sander

Makita 9032 3/8×21, 4.4 amp, file belt sander

Makita 9032 38x21 4 4 amp file belt sander

  • The compact form factor allows for use in tight spots. 
  • Has an extra-long power cord. 
  • The variable speed control dial lets you adjust the motor speed according to the application. 
  • The sanding arm pivots 100° for working in hard-to-reach areas. 
  • It is a bit bulky. 
  • A bit difficult to maneuver for touch-up work. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#4 Most versatile finger belt sander 

Dynabrade 40611 1/2 to 3/4×18, 6 am, file belt sander

Dynabrade 40611 1 2 to 3 4x18 6 am file belt sander

  • It can be used for a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic, glass, fiberglass, and stone.
  • Allows you to use the contact wheel or platen pad for grinding. 
  • Has an excellent switch with a lock-on feature. 
  • It is a bit difficult to find replacement belts.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#5 Best Grizzly Lightweight file belt sander

Grizzly Industrial T10745 1/2×18, 2 amp, file belt sander

Grizzly Industrial T10745 1 2x18 2 amp file belt sander

  • Has a three-position sanding head. 
  • Variable speed control ranges from 984 to 1804 FPM. 
  • Double insulated design. 
  • Has an ergonomic grip.
  • Doesn’t allow access to the entire length of the sanding belt.
  • A bit underpowered.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#6 Powerful Band-file belt sander

Chicago Electric 92158 1/2×5, 5.3 amp, file belt sander

Chicago Electric 92158 1 2x5 5 3 amp file belt sander

  • Powerful gear-driven design. 
  • The head can swivel 180° up and down. 
  • It can remove stock at 2300 FPM. 
  • The arm that holds the sandpaper tends to flop around.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#7 Most affordable file belt sander

WEN 6307 1/2×18, 2 amp, file belt sander

WEN 6307 1 2x18 2 amp file belt sander

  • Variable speed goes from 1080 to 1800 feet FPM. 
  • Has an auto-tracking system that doesn’t require tensioning or adjustment.
  • Allows for 50° motion. 
  • The on/off switch and variable speed control are placed in awkward spots. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#8 Best Milwaukee file belt sander

Milwaukee 6101 1/2×18, 5.5 amp, file belt sander

Milwaukee 6101 1 2x18 5 5 amp file belt sander

  • This Milwaukee band file has a powerful 5.5-amp motor. 
  • Equally capable at grinding, deburring, and sanding. 
  • The Milwaukee band file has an 18-inch contact arm that allows you to reach into tight areas. 
  • Belts tend to wear away quickly. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Best cordless file belt sander

#1 Best cordless file belt sander

Ingersoll Rand IQV12 G1811-K2 3/8×13, 12v, cordless file Belt sander

Ingersoll Rand IQV12 G1811 K2 3 8x13 12v cordless file Belt sander

  • Ideally suited for smoothing, finishing, and deburring.
  • The hose-free design allows for use in hard-to-reach spots. 
  • Quick and easy belt changes via the single-touch button. 
  • Lightweight and compact with an ergonomic rubber grip that reduces fatigue. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#2 The Metabo cordless file sander

Metabo BF 18 LTX 90 1/4 to 3/4×18, 18V, cordless file belt sander

Metabo BF 18 LTX 90 1 4 to 3 4x18 18V cordless file belt sander

  • Excellent build and quality materials. 
  • Has an efficient belt adjustment system. 
  • Powerful enough for even demanding tasks. 
  • The widest belt tends to slip and stop the motor. 
  • The speed control would have been helpful. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Introduction

File belt sanders are handheld power tools that have an abrasive belt that rolls around a conveyor mechanism. They are pretty much like standard belt sanders, but with extremely narrow belts they allow you to reach into tight spots and corners. They may also be called finger sanders, narrow belt sanders, mini belt sanders, or micro belt sanders.

File belt sanders are used by wood and metalworkers and automotive technicians. They can be used for cleaning and polishing surfaces, smoothing rough spots, deburring, stock removal, and blending. 

Reasons to buy a file belt sander

  • Deburring. They can be used to remove burrs left from previous passes without disturbing the surrounding area. 
  • Cleanup. They are useful for spot cleanups.  
  • Blending. They can be used to blend one finish from one area to another.   
  • Smoothing. They can be used to smooth out small areas of a workpiece. 
  • Corner finishing. They can be used for finishing corners and tight spots. 

File belt sander ready to sand

Things to look out for

Reach.

 A file belt sander should let you reach into tight spots and other hard-to-reach areas.

Balance.

 Balanced weight distribution will let you work more efficiently and get better results. 

Flexible design.

Rotatable handles and housings allow for a wider range of uses. 

Compatibility.

Look for a unit that is compatible with a wide range of abrasive belts. 

Lightweight.

A file belt sander should be lightweight to allow for one-handed operation.

Most common problems when using a file belt sander

Frequently breaking belts are common with low-quality file belt sanders. This is usually caused by weak belt joints or excessive loading.

Apart from faulty manufacturing, the most common cause of belt breakage is normal wear and tear. You can prevent this from happening prematurely by making sure that the belt moves in the direction recommended by the manufacturer. 

Excessive loading could also cause a belt to break prematurely. You can avoid this by wiping off dirt and other debris before sanding your workpiece.

Ingersoll Rand cordless file Belt sander

Corded vs. Cordless file belt sanders

Anyone who’s been following this site long enough knows that I’m a big fan of cordless tools. They’re quick, easy, and convenient to use, highly portable, and don’t require access to a mains outlet.

But keeping in mind that sanding is a power-intensive job, I normally go for corded tools for heavy-duty sanding. My cordless file belt sanders still get a lot of use, but I tend to use them for quick touch up jobs or to remove a burr I had previously missed.

If the situation calls for more extensive sanding, I would be more likely to reach for my corded sander. 

Who uses a file belt sander?

File belt sanders are useful for a varied range of tasks, in professional as well as DIY settings.

  1. Professional car detailers and automotive technicians: Can use them to touch up small surface areas or smoothen hard-to-reach corners.
  2. Builders: Can use them for trimming, quick spot finishing, or cleaning up areas left untouched by the previous sanding.
  3. DIYers and craftspeople: Can use file belt sanders for smoothing out delicate woodwork or polishing surfaces. 

Makita file belt sander

Other tools to substitute a finger belt sander

Many tools can perform the same basic functions as file belt sanders. You can use an oscillating tool, a sanding block, or even plain sandpaper.

Of course, few tools are as effective at reaching into tight spots and corners as a file belt sander. You can tape a piece of sandpaper to a stick, but it still won’t be as efficient as a good finger belt sander. 

Electric vs. Pneumatic file sanders

Sanding usually requires a constant source of power because it is such a demanding job. That’s why I always recommend using a corded electric file sander versus a cordless model, if possible.

But a pneumatic sander is a viable alternative if you already have an air compressor setup. You do have to be within easy reach of your compressor, but that’s practically the same as being tethered to a power outlet.

Keep an eye out for our review of pneumatic sanders on this site. 

Dynabrade file belt sander

Choosing the best file sander

#1 Top performing corded file sander

The Makita 9301 is a powerhouse of a file belt sander, with state-of-the-art features that deliver the power and performance needed for heavy-duty sanding applications. The variable speed control lets you go from 656 to 3,280 FPM, giving you a wide range of speeds to perform specific tasks.

Even with its impressive power, the 9301 weighs only 4.6 pounds and has a compact form factor. Because it is so lightweight and compact, it is an excellent choice for close-quarters work, allowing for a great deal of maneuverability. 

Makita 9301 1 2x18 5 amp file belt sander

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

The premium corded file belt sander

The Dynabrade 40611 is the most expensive power file sander in this roundup, but it’s easy to see where your money went. The build and components are noticeably high quality, and you can tell that it is made to withstand the most rigorous applications.

It is also quite versatile compared to other 1/2 inch belt sanders in its class, working equally well with metal, plastic, fiberglass, and stone. I especially like the option to use a contact wheel or platen pad for grinding. 

Dynabrade 40611 1 2 to 3 4x18 6 am file belt sander

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#1 Wise buy electric file sander

The Makita belt sander is a variable speed sander that is ideally suited for working in close quarters. Makita 9032 is remarkably lightweight and compact and can be maneuvered easily regardless of the surface of the workpiece.

The extra-long 8.2 feet power cord allows for even better maneuverability, so you never have to worry about being short of reach even with expansive surfaces. The Makita 9032 comes with an adjustable sanding arm that pivots up to 100°. 

Makita 9032 38x21 4 4 amp file belt sander

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#1 The most affordable corded file belt sander

The WEN 6307 may be one of the cheapest sanders in this roundup, but it is also one of the most impressive. The variable speed control lets you go from 1080 to 1800 FPM, which allows you to perform a wide variety of tasks. 

One other feature that makes the WEN 6307 stand out is the auto-tracking belt system, which doesn’t require tensioning or adjustment. And with a 50° range of motion, the 6307 can handle almost any sanding job. 

WEN 6307 1 2x18 2 amp file belt sander

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#1 Best cordless file belt sander

The Ingersoll Rand IQV12 G1811-K2 is the best choice for smoothing, finishing, and deburring, handling all these tasks, and more with ease. Ideally suited for sanding hard-to-reach areas, it features a hose-free design and narrow width belts.

Along with the 8-position belt arm, this allows the IQV12 G1811-K2 to reach tight spots without any difficulty.

The top speed you can go with this unit is 6600 RPM. You can also dial it down for more delicate sanding work, and change belts quickly when necessary. Fatigue is never an issue thanks to the sander’s ergonomic rubber grip.

Ingersoll Rand IQV12 G1811 K2 3 8x13 12v cordless file Belt sander

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Best uses for a file sander

File belt sanders are multi-use tools that have numerous applications, even outside their primary purpose. While sanders are obviously designed for smoothing, polishing, and stock removal, I’ve also seen them used to grind holes into reinforced metal plates.

They are especially useful for car detailing and furniture making, for which they can be used alongside chisels and other tools.  

Why do you need a file belt sander for car detailing jobs?

Car detailing is delicate work that requires a precise touch. Standard-sized belt sanders are useful for the broad strokes, such as smoothing and polishing large surface areas. But when it comes to fine detailing and reaching tight spots and hard-to-reach corners, you need the precision and control of a file belt sander. 

Why do you need a file sander for furnishing jobs?

Furniture makers will have many uses for file belt sanders as well. As in the case with automotive detailing, belt sanders and orbital sanders are better suited for aggressive stock removal and initial smoothing and polishing.

Once you get down to detailing and final polishing, in tight spots it’s time to pull out the file belt sander. The greater control and narrower surface area covered by a file sander will enable you to match adjacent surfaces together and prevent damage to workpieces near completion.

Combined with the best sander for refinishing furniture , a file belt sander will let you accomplish a wide range of tasks. 

Factors that affect your sander’s performance

Weight

A file sander should just be heavy enough to sand workpieces efficiently. You want sufficient weight so that you don’t have to bear down on the surface too hard, yet not so much that the tool becomes difficult to control.

Power

Your sander should be powerful enough to be able to smooth and polish hard surfaces such as metal and stone. That being said, make sure that it isn’t too powerful that it could ruin the finish of whatever you are working on.

Speed

Speed is another factor. You need sufficient speed to smooth out rough surfaces and remove burrs.

But a fast-running sander can remove a surprising amount of material quickly, so keep an eye out for how much you take off at each pass and adjust your technique accordingly. 

File belt sander in Bangingtoolbox workshop

Checklist before buying a file belt sander

Durability

File sanders are typically used to chip away and smooth hard and dense materials, so they should be durable enough to withstand the strain. The components should be precisely machined to minimize vibrations and hold up under heavy use.

Brand

Makita makes the best file belt sanders on the market, with proven quality and long tool life. Look into sanders made by Dynabrade and Ingersoll Rand as well

Price

File belt sanders aren’t all that expensive, but try to get the best model in your price range. Spending a little bit more on a pro model will pay off in better quality and performance.

Warranty

Always consider the warranty when purchasing a power tool. This ensures that you can get a replacement if the sander breaks down within a reasonable period after you start using it.

Parts availability

Look into the availability of replacement parts as well. In particular, make sure that the model you choose works with commonly available belts, which usually require frequent replacement.

Tips for using a file belt sander

Dos

  • Wear proper hearing protection. Depending on the material being sanded, file belt sanders can get pretty loud. 
  • Clear out any sawdust before using your sander with metal. Grinding against metal will produce sparks that can start a fire when it comes into contact with sawdust. 
  • Always check to make sure that the trigger is off before plugging in your sander. 

Don’ts

  • Don’t breathe in the dust. It can cause serious health problems. 
  • Do not change belts or empty the dust bag without unplugging the sander. 
  • Do not operate your sander until you make sure to secure your workpiece . 

Comparing file belt sanders

 Makita 9301

Makita 9301 1 2x18 5 amp file belt sander

Dynabrade 40610

Dynabrade 40610 1 2x18 7 5 amp file belt sander

Makita 9032

Makita 9032 38x21 4 4 amp file belt sander

Dynabrade 40611,p>Dynabrade 40611 1 2 to 3 4x18 6 am file belt sanderGrizzly Industrial T10745

Grizzly Industrial T10745 1 2x18 2 amp file belt sander

Chicago Electric 92158

Chicago Electric 92158 1 2x5 5 3 amp file belt sander

WEN 6307

WEN 6307 1 2x18 2 amp file belt sander

Milwaukee 6101

Milwaukee 6101 1 2x18 5 5 amp file belt sander

Ingersoll Rand IQV12 G1811-K2

Ingersoll Rand IQV12 G1811 K2 3 8x13 12v cordless file Belt sander

Metabo BF 18 LTX 90

Metabo BF 18 LTX 90 1 4 to 3 4x18 18V cordless file belt sander

CHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICE
Verdict:Top corded file belt sanderBest value cordedPremium bandfileMost affordable quality bandfileTop cordless file belt sander
Weight4.6 lbs6 lbs3.5 lbs3 lbs2.2 lbs5.2 lbs2.5 lbs6 lbs2.23 lbs5 lbs
Sheet size1/2x18 inches1/2x18 inches3/8x21 inches1/2 to 3/4x18 inches1/2x18 inches1/2x5 inches1/2x18 inches1/2x18 inches3/8 x 13 inches1/4 to 3/4x18 inches
Speed656-3,280 ft/min11,000 rpm980-5,600 ft./min11,000 rpm984-1,804 ft/min2,300 ft/min1,080-1,800 ft/min2,300 ft/min0-7,000 rpm1,575 ft/min
Motor5 amp7.5 amp4.4 amp6 amp2 amp5 amp2 amp5.5 amp12V8V

Conclusion

The Makita 9301 is quite possibly the best file belt sander you can buy for the money. Its powerful 5-amp motor lets you handle the most heavy-duty jobs with ease, and you have a wide range of speeds by which you could perform various tasks.

Even with its impressive power, the Makita 9301 remains lightweight and compact, and you shouldn’t have any trouble maneuvering it as needed.

I also like the extra-long 18-inch reach, which lets you get into spots that most other sanders would struggle with. Best of all, it has the trademark Makita quality and durability that has made the brand so sought after among pros and DIYers. 

If you’ve enjoyed reading about the best file belt sanders on the market, be sure to check out my review of the best palm sanders .

Makita file belt sander in workshop

Makita 9301 review

Pros:

  • Use the variable speed control dial to adjust the speed matching the task.
  • The ergonomic handle is compact and lightweight for better maneuverability. 
  • The ball and needle bearing are durable enough for efficient operation and long tool life. 

Cons:

  • The fiddly dust collection system could be a bit better.

 #1 Best file belt sander 

 

Makita 9301 1 2x18 5 amp file belt sander

 

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

References:

  1. Grinding metal even with a sander can produce sparks it’s important to stay away from any flammable materials, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/flammable_general.html

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Builder and Editor at bangingtoolbox.com
Aaron Barnett

My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.

As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.

I’m here to show people how to start DIY, and to help qualified professionals take building to the next level.

Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.

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  • Best finishing sander | Makita or Bosch? For refinishing furniture
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