And we found a favorite: the Ryobi BD4601G 4-Inch by 36-Inch Belt/Disc Sander, which offers a large flat sanding surface plus a 6-inch sanding disc. It excelled in our hands-on sanding tests.

For versatility, it is hard to beat the WEN 6502T Belt and Disc Sander, a countertop model with both a 4-inch belt sander and a 6-inch disk sander. What to know before you buy a belt sander ...

The Ryobi 4-inch X 36-inch Belt/Disc Sander could make a great addition to a home or professional workshop. Not only is it a belt sander, but the tool also features a side-mounted disc sander.

Aside from the one detail belt sander, all of Makita's options are corded. Milwaukee, on the other hand, only has one true belt sander: a cordless 3-inch x 18-inch.