Best Disc Sanders for Perfectly Smooth Wooden Surfaces in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 16, 2024
Do you still use sandpaper to sand and polish different materials in your home workshop? Save your time and effort! We have selected ...Read more
PROS

The model is distinguished by solid and sturdy construction and high motor power. It also comes with a mitre gauge in a set for maximum detailed work precision. 

CONS

The table in front of the disc feels a little weak. 

OUR VERDICT

The Sealey SM914 is a top-notch combination sanding machine ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Featuring a strong belt and sic system, it is capable of effortlessly handling high workloads while producing minimum noise. Easy and quick sanding belt change will help save time on on-going adjustments. 

detailed parameters
Type

Tabletop disc sander

Disc Speed

2850 RPM

Engine power

370 watts

Abrasive dimensions

Sanding disc: 150 mm

Sanding belt: 100 x 914 mm

Conveniences

Vertical and horizontal sanding, Tilting table with a mitre gauge for detailed work

Weight

18.5 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Pulling the whole machine together will take you no more than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, to replace the sanding belt you won't need any special tools.

CONS

The motor is quite noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

The Lumberjack BD370 is a relatively compact but mighty sanding machine that will help you handle larger scale workpieces and can tackle minor metal sanding tasks. As such, it will make a functional addition to any pro-grade workshop. 

detailed parameters
Type

Tabletop disc sander

Disc Speed

2900 RPM

Engine power

370 watts

Abrasive dimensions

Sanding disc: 150 mm

Sanding belt: 100 x 910 mm

Conveniences

Heavy-duty cast-iron base , Vertical and horizontal sanding bed positioning, Integrated dust port

Weight

18 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Owing to its pretty compact dimensions, this unit won't take much space on your work table. In addition, a velcro fastening system allows attaching sanding discs easily and securely. 

CONS

The motor power is a bit low. 

OUR VERDICT

A lightweight and space-saving Scheppach sander is a good choice for those who need this kind of unit on occasions. Its induction motor ensures quiet and flawless operation even when working with hard materials.  

detailed parameters
Type

Tabletop disc sander

Disc Speed

2850 RPM

Engine power

250 watts

Abrasive dimensions

Sanding disc: 125 mm

Sanding belt: 25.4 x 100 mm

Conveniences

Velcro fastening system for quick and easy disc attachment, Heavy-duty cast iron base

Weight

7.42 kg

Warranty

30 days

PROS

The unit works wonders on sharpening knives and other blades. Overall compact design makes it a good choice for processing small-size workpieces and minor sanding tasks. 

CONS

Dust collection is not efficient enough under high workloads. 

OUR VERDICT

Equally efficient on wood, soft metals, and plastic, the Clarke CBS1-B is a functional combination sander that will make an easy job out of any polishing, sanding, grinding, or edge processing task.  Space-wise design is complete with a quite powerful motor while the body and fastenings stand out for durability. 

detailed parameters
Type

Tabletop disc sander

Disc Speed

2800 RPM

Engine power

300 watts

Abrasive dimensions

Sanding disc: 127 mm

Sanding belt : 25.4 x 762 mm

Conveniences

Adjustable sanding belt and disc tables

Weight

8 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

An induction motor with sealed bearings boasts much better longevity than any other type of motor. The dust collector will ensure comfortable and neat work. And a 90-degree tiltable table gives more convenience at work. 

CONS

Instructions lack detailing. 

OUR VERDICT

If you are on the lookout for a reliable and functional entry-level machine, this sander from Silverstorm will get you covered. Pretty quick to set up, it is easy to use and changing discs and belts is a doddle. A powerful motor with high torque is not prone to overheating and lower RPM is just what a beginner woodworker needs. 

detailed parameters
Type

Tabletop disc sander

Disc Speed

1450 RPM

Engine power

350 watts

Abrasive dimensions

Sanding disc: 150 mm

Sanding belt: 100 x 914 mm

Conveniences

Asjuatbel table and sanding belt angles, Dustproof switches,  Dual dust collector holes 

Weight

14.6 kg

Warranty

3 years

A Beast for Heavy Workloads

If you are in search of a sanding machine capable of handling heavy-duty tasks and enduring high workloads, we strongly recommend setting your eyes on this model from Sealey. It’s a true beast that will make light work out of the toughest sanding tasks.

What you will like about this machine straight away is how strong it looks and feels. It boasts overall sturdy and solid construction designed to withstand everyday use in busy working environments. At 18.5 kg, it’s a heavyweight unit meant mostly for stationary use in some dedicated spot. With that, it is extremely stable and features only a few plastic parts proving that it is really built to last.

Hefty and robust, the sander also boasts a powerful 350-watt motor that generates high torque and force to efficiently and effortlessly process softer and harder materials alike. So, you can safely sand, polish, and file wood, plastic, and even metals. In the meantime, a bearing-mounted advanced induction motor runs so smoothly and quietly that you won’t experience any wobbling or vibrations during work and there will be no loud noise many other similar machines produce.

Coming down to functionality, the Sealey machine combines belt and disc sanding functions to perform different types of tasks and conveniently processing different workpieces. Thus, a wider 100 x 914 mm belt is good for longer and bigger items while a 150 mm disc will let you process smaller parts. Besides, both the sanding belt and the disc table are angle-adjustable up to 90 and 45 degrees accordingly. So, you can work at any convenient angle and perform angle sanding without a hassle. In addition, the sander set contains a mitre gauge for precision detailed works.

Cutting down to the chase, if you need a reliable sanding machine good for many different tasks and strong enough to handle heavy workloads without failures, you’ll hit the spot with the Sealey SM914.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £172.77
Stock In stock
ASIN B00BTYPANI

Best Assistant for Professionals

If you are an owner of a small professional workshop in need of a compact and quality sander or an experienced DIYer seeking a machine to deliver pro-grade sanding results, the Lumberjack BD370 disc sander is for you. Just like many other models of this type, it combines disc and belt sanding options but what makes it stand out is a well-balanced design and tech specs.

The machine is heavy (18 kg), which is good. Equipped with a heavy-duty cast-iron base, it will stand stable like a rock, whatever task you throw at it. As such, it will be able to handle larger pieces of timber without the need to bolt it down to the worktop. An induction drive is bearing-fastened that will muffle the noise and vibration making the unit operation smooth and quiet, which is yet another feature of professional-level equipment.

At 370 watts and 2900 RPM, the sander hits a sweet spot between power and operation speed to deliver maximum efficient performance. It will work fast to enable you to process multiple workpieces quite quickly and is mighty enough to achieve smooth and professional-looking results on different types of surfaces.

A wider sanding belt and a larger disc make this model appropriate and convenient for processing bigger and smaller workpieces alike and accomplishing detailed jobs. Meanwhile, for your ultimate convenience at work and for maximum work precision, both the belt arm and the disc table are tilting. The belt arm can be tilted at any angle from vertical to a horizontal position and the table is positioned within 0-45 degree range. The mitre gauge is included to enhance accuracy and an integrated dust port allows connecting a vac for mess-free operation.

All things considered, the Lumberjack combination sanding machine is created with professional use in mind. Easy to install and a breeze to operate, it will provide impeccable sanding and polishing results for professional and DIY projects alike.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £149.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B073QRP85D

The Best Choice for Occasional Use

While handheld sanders provide better portability and manoeuvrability, benchtop models will give you not only more power and control over large sanding projects but also more functional versatility. Several factors that make a good benchtop sander is the belt and support table adjustability to get flexibility and precision in detailed work and achieve better personal comfort during operation, an electric motor power ensuring high performance and the unit suitability for heavy-duty jobs, and a robust design not only providing stability but also prolonging the machine service life. Once you try one of such high-performance sanding machines you’ll never get back to manual sanding with a file and sandpaper. But what if you do not need a sander on a regular basis yet want to have the versatility of benchtop models without investing in a heavy-duty unit? In this case, we recommend considering a belt and disc sander from Scheppach.

The first thing you will like about this model is its compact design and the weight of only 7.6 kg which is twice lower than that of more heavy-duty units. Yet, a lightweight construction in no way affects the unit stability. The machine steadily rests on 4 rubber feet and features a cast iron base that prevents the unit from shifting or vibrating during use. All sander parts are made of metal for the ultimate durability, wear-resistance and longevity.

When it comes to the Scheppach functionality, it is comparable to that of more powerful combination sanders. You will have a vertical belt sanding device and a disc sander both having adjustable support tables that can be tilted up to 45 degrees. Hence, you’ll be able to grind and polish flat surfaces, round edges, shape contours as well as get detailed finishes, reach corners and the undersides and even make accurate mitre angles. Though a motor power of 250 watts is an average characteristic, it is enough for achieving efficient sanding results on both soft and hard materials.

With the Scheppach belt and disc sander, you’ll get the functional versatility of heavy-duty units packed in a compact and lightweight design that won’t take much space in your workshop.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £95.68
Stock In stock
ASIN B014WEJU5U

Give Your Manual Sanding Jobs a Reboot

How often do you use a manual sander for accomplishing some minor sanding, polishing, or grinding tasks and though it would be nice to have a benchtop sanding machine? The time is now. The CBS1-5B tabletop sander from Clarke will let you feel the difference and bring your manual sanding jobs up to the next level.

The model is a more compact version of a full-scale benchtop machine. As such, it won’t eat up much space in your workshop and is fairly portable at 8 kg of weight. So, moving it around and carrying it from one spot to another won’t be a problem at all. With that, though, it’s a fully functional sanding unit capable of performing the same tasks as its bulkier counterparts except for processing really big workpieces.

At 300 watts of power and 2800 RPM of sanding speed, it packs enough punch to finely process both wood and metal. Sanding belt and sic tables can be tilted at 0° - 45° to perform various tasks, shape workpieces, and polish their surfaces. Besides, the machine can be perfectly used for knife grinding and sharpening and maintaining the cutting edge on other types of blades.

Despite its compact size, the machine is no slouch in durability. It is strongly built and features a reliable induction motor to easily withstand the rigours of daily use.

In a word, the Clarke CBS1-5B is a reliable compact machine with the belt and sic sanding functionality good for minor sanding tasks. It will come in handy in any home workshop and give your manual sanding jobs a quality reboot taking every strain off out of the tasks.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £114.70
Stock In stock
ASIN B07G2PG74P

Great for Beginners

If you are just about to dip your toes into woodworking and look for the appropriate sander for your beginner projects, this sanding machine from Silverstorm will give your new DIY journey an easy start.

Though similar to full-scale machines used by experienced DIYers, the model is fairly easy to put together. Despite some users claim that instructions lack detailing, you’ll set it up without a hassle. Once installed and fastened to the workbench, it will run smoothly and without failures. Replacing the sanding belt and the disc is also a doddle. The disc has a hook and loop velcro surface while the sanding belt is a cinch to snap on and off. Notably, the unit comes complete with all sanding elements and can be used right after the installation. So, there will be no need to buy any added parts or tools.

Fitted with an AC motor, the machine will serve you for quite a while since this type of motor is distinguished by a longer service life and flawless operation. At 350 watts of power, it produces a mighty punch for all your sanding jobs and is not prone to stalls and overheating. Some might consider the sanding speed of 1450 RPM a bit low, yet it is just the right speed for beginners. It’s high enough to work on wood, metal, and plastic with decent precision and is low enough to easily get the hang of sanding techniques. Both the disc table and the sanding belt are angle-adjustable, so, you’ll be able to practice different skills and process differently shaped workpieces.

To wrap it up, the Silverstorm 972660 is a great entry-level combination sander that will be highly appreciated by beginner woodworkers and those who have little experience in this field.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £121.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0161ACEWY

What Is a Disc Sander?

Sanding wooden surfaces is usually rather a hard work that will take much of your time and effort. Of course, you can do the job using simple handheld tools such as a file, rasp, and a piece of sandpaper and spend hours bending over the table and sanding the workpiece or surface until it is perfectly smooth. Yet, there is another way out. Today, you can use power tools that will take the strain off out of grinding and sanding and handle those jobs within minutes giving you more spare time on other jobs. These are disc sanders. Coming in several different types, they all use sandpaper from coarse to fine grit attached to a disc rotating at high speed. These helpful units are created to sand and finish wooden items and surfaces, round corners, shape contours, and smooth curves. You will also be able to polish and deburr various materials including non-ferrous metals and remove old paint or other odd layers from a workpiece.

Those who work with wood on a regular basis might also be interested in planers that will help you get wooden boards of the required thickness. Meanwhile, for sturdier materials like metal or plastic, you can use bench grinders.

Best Disc Sanders

What Features to Compare

Type

When looking for a sander, you should start with its performance and functions. These features influence the speed and quality of work. First of all, you should be aware of the fact that there are two types of sanders: hand-held and benchtop (tabletop). The tabletop sanders are big tools that have special benches for placing a workpiece. In general, such table is pivoting and you can adjust its incline. This way you can perform the sanding very accurately. These tools are intended for the extensive operation in workshops. Another type is a handheld (manual) sander which is more compact and commonly used in private households. This tool is multifunctional and can be utilized anywhere. At the same time, a manual tool can be as powerful as a tabletop model. The same is true for the disc rotation speed. That is why both types of sanders can show the same performance.

Technical Specifications

The next stage of the sander selection process is the assessment of its technical specifications. The main feature is the engine power. The higher it is, the better the performance of the tool is. The disc rotation speed is the second important criterion. The higher the rotation speed is, the more items you can sand. Though you should be careful, the power of the engine and the rotation speed must be in balance. Only if the tool is well-balanced your sander will perform as expected. It is also better to have a larger disk or a wider belt in the table sander. A manual sander should have a smaller disk instead. Otherwise, it might be hard to handle.

Conveniences

In fact, the manufacturers provide their tools with versatile additional functions improving the comfort of work. The tools may feature dust absorption systems, additional handles made of various materials, and so on. You should also consider the easiness of disc replacement. The process must be fast and demand a bit of effort. The manual sander should not be heavy, otherwise, you will get tired too quickly. If you take all these features into account, you will enjoy using your sander.

Sources:

1. Tom Barlow Sanders for Every Surface: How to Select the Right Sander for the Job, DealNews. January 10, 2012.

2. Selecting the Right Power Sander for the Job, DoItYourself.com.

3. Sander, Wikipedia. April 9, 2016.

4. John Heisz The Disk Sander, YouTube. February 21, 2014.

5. Disk Sander, Bob Vila.

6. How to Use a Disk Sander, eHow.

7. Sander | Tool, Encyclopedia Britannica.

Other reviews