10 Best Benchtop Sander 2026 in the United States

The JET 16-Inch Drum Sander is a robust choice for both amateur and professional woodworkers looking for a reliable benchtop sander. One of its standout features is the Sandsmart control, which continuously monitors the drum motor load and adjusts the conveyor speed to prevent overload, ensuring efficient sanding without damaging your material. The infinitely-variable speed control allows users to tailor the feed rate up to 10 feet per minute, catering to various projects and material types.

The 1.5 HP motor provides solid power for most sanding tasks, and the precision-machined aluminum drum helps with even sanding while dissipating heat, which is a plus for prolonged use. The integrated dust collection system is also noteworthy, as it effectively captures debris with its specialized dust hood that connects to a 4” port, keeping your workspace cleaner.

There are some considerations. At nearly 138 pounds, the sander is quite heavy, which might make it less portable for some users. The large footprint of 20” x 37” may require ample workspace, which could be a constraint in smaller shops. Although the adjustable conveyor bed is user-friendly, beginners might still find the machine's setup and operation slightly challenging without prior experience. Additionally, while the 5-year warranty is appealing, it defaults to 2 years for commercial use, which might be a factor for users in a professional setting.

The JET 16-Inch Drum Sander is an excellent option if you need a powerful and precise sanding solution for woodworking projects, particularly if you have the space and weight capacity for it. It is advisable to be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you’re new to using drum sanders.

The JET 22-Inch Drum Sander is designed for those who need efficient sanding in a workshop environment. With a powerful 1.75 HP motor, this sander can handle a variety of tasks, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals. One of its standout features is the Sandsmart control, which automatically adjusts the conveyor speed based on the load on the drum, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the risk of damaging your workpiece. The conveyor system is thoughtfully redesigned to pull rather than push the workpiece, contributing to better control during sanding.

Adjusting the conveyor bed is a breeze with the tool-free parallelism adjust dial, which makes setup quick and easy. Additionally, the integrated dust collection system efficiently channels dust and chips to a 4” port, keeping your workspace cleaner and more manageable.

With a 5-year warranty for regular use, this sander provides peace of mind regarding durability, but if you plan on using it for commercial purposes, the warranty drops to 2 years. The JET 22-Inch Drum Sander is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient sanding solution, particularly in medium to large workshops.

The Shop Fox W1854 Open-End Drum Sander is a solid choice if you're looking to handle wide and thick wood stock, as it supports pieces up to 36 inches wide and 4.5 inches thick. Its 1.5 HP motor delivers powerful sanding, running the drum surface at 4000 feet per minute, which is effective for smoothing rough lumber or preparing wood for finishing. The conveyor feed rate is variable up to 12 feet per minute, allowing some control over how quickly your wood moves through the sander, which helps achieve a consistent finish.

This model does not include a dust collection system, so you'll need an external setup to keep your workspace clean and safe from dust buildup. The machine is quite heavy at 198 pounds, reflecting sturdy build quality that provides stability during operation but may limit portability.

This benchtop sander is suited for woodworking enthusiasts or small shops needing to process large or thick boards with decent power and control. Just plan on managing dust externally and consider its weight if you need to move it around.