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Top 8 Best 3x21 Belt Sanders for Sale in 2023: Reviews, Specs, Prices

William C BuchananDavid L Harr
  Sep 22, 2023 4:00 AM

The best 3x21 belt sander is the helpful solution for removing excess material and smoothing different types of surfaces. Investing in such a tool is advisable whether you are a beginner or an experienced carpenter.

However, choosing a hip should not be easy among so many different designs, from low to high prices. From my long experience, the 6 products below are the most durable and high-performance versions you can consider.

Let's check it out now!


In-depth Reviews

In the next part, I will give you the 6 perfect options. Each version will have specific advantages and disadvantages, and your need to check out each one and make the final choice.

#1. Jellas 3 × 21-Inch Belt Sander - Best for Performance.

Jellas 3 × 21-Inch Belt Sander with Dust Bag (link)

Important specifications

  • Wattage: 750 watts

  • Item weight: ‎9.64 pounds

  • Package Dimensions: ‎15 x 9.29 x 6.61 inches

Product's highlights

I recommend choosing the Jellas 3 × 21-Inch Belt Sander with a dust bag. As for performance, it's a bargain at an affordable price.

This version has a powerful output of up to 750 watts without delay in the motor. During the first run, I found it to handle all the tasks around the house smoothly and quickly.

The design of the dust bag is also a factor that I appreciate in this product. It saves me a lot of time because there's no need to go back and deal with the junk.

The handle is also quite solid and highly safe for the user's hands. However, I still need to spend a little more time getting used to this style of handle. Very quickly, I was able to control it well.

This machine weighs about 9.64 pounds, much lighter than versions of the same style. This ideal weight makes it available for any woodworking task. 

Although it's only been used for a few months, its sturdy construction feels durable for a long time.

Another plus of this product is its completely flat right-side design. I used this on a table about 1 inch thick; of course, there were no wear problems.

The Jellas 3×21-Inch Belt Sander did precisely what I needed. So far, I still feel my investment is worth the money for its outstanding features.

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What We Like

  • Good price

  • Moderate weight

  • Powerful engine power

  • Easy to use and control

  • Compact and sturdy design

  • Comfortable to hold and use

  • Flexible operation on many projects

Things to Consider

  • Have to adjust the speed often

  • The handle is quite hot to the touch

#2. Metabo HPT Belt Sander 3 x 21 inch - Best for Budget

Metabo HPT Belt Sander 3 x 21 inch (link)

Important specifications

  • Amperage Capacity: ‎9 Amps

  • Item weight: 9.5 pounds

  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎6 x 6.75 x 4 inches

Product's highlights

I think spending a lot of money to own the best belt sander is unnecessary. 

With this in mind, I decided to buy the 3 x 21-inch Metabo HPT Belt Sander, which is one of the best budget belt sanders in my mind. Indeed it is 30% cheaper than other similar devices.

After only a few uses, I got used to this machine and used it for my woodworking project. After each slide, it not only creates a quality chisel in the wood but can also pull several large workpieces through the lowering table.

Another reason I bought this product is its excellent value with an extended warranty. Hitachi and Metabo, two leading brands of woodworking machines, have worked together to manufacture and market this version. With its ergonomic handle design, I can comfortably use it continuously for 2 hours.

Instead of using a filter bag, I connected it to my homemade vacuum cleaner system. It has dramatically reduced the time it takes to prepare the surface and the more time I have to complete my project.

The Metabo HPT Belt Sander is the best belt sander for woodworking in striking the right balance between performance, quality, and price.

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What We Like

  • Easy to use

  • Lightweight

  • Excellent price

  • Abundant strength

  • High maneuverability

  • Excellent warranty service

  • Come with many great features

Things to Consider

  • The belt slips continuously

  • The rear plastic drum usually heats up quickly

#3. WEN 6321 7-Amp 3 x 21 Belt Sander - Best for Lightweight

WEN 6321 7-Amp 3 x 21 in. Corded (link)

Important specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎12 x 6 x 6.5 inches

  • Item weight: 6.2 pounds

  • Amperage Capacity: ‎7 Amps

Product's highlights

The most striking feature of this version is its lightweight. I can even work with this version continuously for 3-4 hours without getting tired.

Its compactness is also very convenient for me to perform complex wood cutting techniques in tight spaces.

In terms of capacity, it's powerful enough to help me finish my old rails and floor project well. At the same time, it never misses a beat, even when I start to close the furniture again. 

It only took me about 30 hours of sanding to refinish a 25' x 15' wooden deck and many more projects with this best-corded belt sander.

I've used a few similar products before, but most have had problems with the sandpaper joint. To continue my project, I frequently had to cool the unit with an air conditioner fan. Fortunately, the WEN 6321 did not have the same problem.

In addition, I found that putting on and taking off the belt is very simple and easy. But I think I need to be more careful because the tip of a screw will most likely break my belt.

Since my WEN 6321 7-Amp Corded Belt Sander is still performing very well at high loads, I don't think I have any complaints about it.

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What We Like

  • Lightweight

  • Good engine power

  • Easy to adjust the belt tracking

  • The included sanding belt is great

  • Work evenly and very smoothly on many projects

Things to Consider

  • The suction unit quickly clogs

  • The noise is quite loud

#4. BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander DS321 - Best for Beginners

BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander with Dust Bag (DS321) (link)

Important specifications

  • Dimensions: 15.25 x 6.32 x 6.32 inches

  • Item weight: ‎6.5 pounds

  • Amperage Capacity: 7 Amps

Product's highlights

I always look for the best portable belt sander to remove paint build-up on my wooden floors. Based on that criterion, BLACK+DECKER Belt Sander with Dust Bag (DS321) is my final decision.

This version also has a vacuum adapter and a free vacuum box. Both of these accessories are useful to clean up all the dirt after sanding the wood surface.

It has a compact design and is very handy. Accordingly, diving into tighter spaces such as under the refrigerator or the chair is also effortless. The power for the job of this product is numerous. But I'm not sure it can work throughout the day.

It tends to slow down a bit when overworked and generates a large amount of heat. Pausing it for a short while is the workaround I've found to work.

I pay more attention to the front wheel unit and the machine's adjustability. I think these factors have a lot of influence on my work performance.

In terms of performance, I could finish sanding about 150 feet of contour along the entire house in less than 2 hours. It is noteworthy that the belt still works correctly and does not come out like my friends' reviews.

Since there are a lot of horsepowers to drive the belt, I think this product will be able to work for a long time.

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What We Like

  • Easy to track belt

  • Great ergonomic design

  • Dust bag works effectively

  • It gives a lot of power to work

  • Easy to operate and maintain

  • Performance gets the job done fast

Things to Consider

  • There is quite a lot of noise

#5. Triton TA1200BS Belt Sander 3-Inch by 21-Inch - Best for Power

Triton TA1200BS Belt Sander 3-Inch by 21-Inch (link)

Important specifications

  • Dimensions LxWxH: 20.5 x 9.75 x 13.9 inches

  • Maximum Current: 10 amps

  • Item weight: 12.00 pounds

Product's highlights

The Triton TA1200BS Belt Sander 3-Inch by 21-Inch is the best belt sander under $200 I've ever used.

It provides excellent motor power for hardwood countertop sanding projects. Within a year, I was able to restore 6 pieces of furniture in my house and add 3 more from the neighbor's house.

Its strength depends on the sharpening of the belt in use. I started with 60 grit, then reduced it to 120 for articulated countertops.

Another plus point is the sturdy and comfortable handle design. Despite working continuously for several hours, I did not feel any pain or hand fatigue problems.

Due to long-term operation, the belts will inevitably become hotter. That's why I usually let the machine rest every 15 minutes.

Last but not least, this product does not come with a four-inch strap! It completely cuts down on the problem of the bounds of the curves.

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What We Like

  • Efficient belt tracking

  • Easy-to-adjust handles and grips

  • The sanding frame works well

  • Excellent design and easy to use

  • Great accompanying service

  • Perfect substrate removal speed

Things to Consider

  • Need to empty the dust bag quite often

  • There are some restrictions on mobility

#6. Genesis GBS321A Single Lever Variable - Best for Durability

Genesis GBS321A Single Lever Variable (link)

Important specifications

  • Dimensions: ‎14 x 5.75 x 5.75 inches

  • Item weight: 7.8 pounds

  • Amperage Capacity: ‎8 Amps

Product's highlights

The Genesis GBS321A Single Lever 3" x 21" product provides a lot of endurance and focuses on getting the job done. It's also the best belt sander under $100 I've ever owned.

I was also a bit hesitant initially with my decision to buy this because it is a new brand, and I don't have much information about it.

Most of the user feedback is positive, and at a reasonable price, so I have more opportunities to try it out. I only tried sander for a 16' bar head in the morning yesterday. Indeed it did all I needed without any hesitation or hesitation.

I have not used the dust bag. Instead, I used a piece of plastic (PVC) and a heat gun to make the connection to my vacuuming system. I am delighted with the performance of this combination.

Although this product also comes with belt tracking, I have not had to touch the tracking knob once. Simply because the belt still works very well.

The one-time clogging sawdust catcher was the only minor problem I had. It's not a big deal; I just need to keep an eye on it and empty it a little more often.

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What We Like

  • Perfect power

  • Reasonable budget

  • Great weight and balance

  • Works well on many projects

  • Easy speed change and belt adjustment

Things to Consider

  • Challenging to keep belt tension

  • The noise is quite loud under solid pressure


Compare Products

Showing  1 - 8  in  8 results
TOP Choice
1
  • SCORE
    9.5
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    Jellas
TOP Choice
2
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    WEN
TOP Choice
3
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    BLACK+DECKER
TOP Choice
4
  • SCORE
    8.9
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    Triton
Most Saving
5
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    Genesis
6
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    Craftsman
7
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    Metabo HPT
8
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AtoZ Score

    AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more

  • Brand
    Makita

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


FAQs

Is a belt sander worth the money?

A belt sander is an ideal choice compared to other tools with the same function as it provides adequate performance in roughness removal and woodworking. On the other hand, price is also a highly competitive factor.

Should you push down on a belt sander?

It is not necessary. You need to pull back to a moderate level and carve the belt, and the weight of the machine will help you cut and smooth the surface.

How long should a sanding belt last?

Any product has its purpose and usage limits even if it's the best-corded belt sander. Usually, the belt part only lasts for about 12 to 18 months.

How tight should a belt sander be?

The belt tension on any machine is guaranteed to be at least 40 psi. Too much lower or higher than this number will only cause the belt trouble slipping and loosening.

Should I get an orbital or belt sander?

If you are working on projects requiring high precision or need to shape, work in angles, orbital seems to be the ideal choice.

In contrast, the belt sander's performance and ability to work well on all surfaces are better. Not only that, but it also provides deeper banding and rapid smoothing of large areas.


Conclusion

Above are the top 6 best 3x21 belt sanders that I have selected. Hopefully, you will find the correct version to complete your woodworking-related tasks.

If you have any problems or questions, leave a comment in the section below. Do not forget to continue to follow our website to update the latest products.

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