When you want to remove a lot of material fast — like refinishing wood floors, for example — nothing beats a good belt sander. With the right belt, they can also be used for rapid rust removal on metal panels. You have plenty of choices, from lightweight budget models to heavyweight pro tools, so the question is, how do you pick the right one? Our quick, comprehensive guide gives you the answers. We also provide several recommendations at the end of this article. Our favorite by Porter-Cable is a reliable, feature-packed choice, which is exactly what you'd expect from such a trusted brand. Considerations when choosing belt sanders Types of belt sanders There are two basic types of belt sanders. The first is the one most people picture: a fairly substantial tool with a three- or four-inch wide belt designed for sanding large surfaces, such as beams, doors, tabletops, or floors. The second type has a much narrower belt and is used for detail work (often on auto bodies). It's a more specialized tool, so it's the former we're concentrating on, though many of the principles are the same. Power and belt size There are two key features, power and belt size, and to a large extent they are related. If you want efficient material removal, then the larger the belt, the more power required. The smallest popular belt size is 3" x 18", often driven by a five-amp motor. Models with 3" x 21" belts run seven- to nine-amp motors, and big 4" x 24" tools can be up to 11 amps. Belt sanders can be either single or variable speed. If you've got the latter, you can seldom have too much power since you can always turn it down. The only drawback is that big motors can be heavy if you only have modest DIY needs. Actual speed range is usually quoted (in feet per minute), though not of great importance. You adjust to suit the material, so you don't actually measure how fast it's running. Features Handles Belt sanders need firm control, so two handles are provided. Sometimes the front one can get in the way, preventing you from working nose-first, close to a wall. Many offer up-to-the-edge sanding when running sideways, so whether it's a problem or not depends on your usage. Auto-tracking Sanding belts have a tendency to wander left and right, and in severe cases can come off. Some can be adjusted while running, but auto-tracking is the best solution. Belt changes If you're doing large areas you can wear through belts fast. A quick change system is nice, and most belt sanders provide it. Noise level Powerful belt sanders can be very noisy. Check the decibels — if it's over 85, you should wear ear protection. Cord length Check cord length on the model you buy. Depending on the job, you are likely going to need an extension cord. Price The least expensive belt sanders are between $35 and $50. If you use one infrequently, there are some perfectly good tools for the money. If you're going to be sanding large areas, you need more power, and you can pay between $100 and $200. Serious heavy-duty models can cost up to $250. FAQ Q. If belt sanders are aggressive, are there any safety precautions? A. Belt sanders are perfectly safe if used properly. They are powerful, but all have a two-handed grip for proper control — don't be tempted to use just one. They tend to create a lot of airborne particles, so always wear goggles and a dust mask. Q. Do I need to buy sanding belts from the same manufacturer? A. No. Size is important, but it's worth shopping around. You might save money getting them from specialist suppliers. However, it's important to buy quality belts for efficient sanding. Inexpensive belts often overheat and clog quickly, so they aren't necessarily more economical. Belt sanders we recommend Best of the best: Porter-Cable's 352VS Variable Speed Belt Sander Our take: Solid, well-balanced mid-range tool for amateurs and pros alike. What we like: Everything you expect from a quality tool, without the premium price. Good performance yet remains very manageable. Easy tracking. Up-to-the-edge sanding. What we dislike: Loud. Poor dust collection. Best bang for your buck: Black+Decker's DS321 Dragster Belt Sander Our take: If it's a tool you'll only use occasionally, this one offers excellent value for money. What we like: Light and easy to handle. Slender front roller and adjustable grip make it more versatile than most. Decent quality at surprisingly low cost. What we dislike: Some manufacturing faults. One speed. For moderate DIY use only. Choice 3: Makita's 9903 Variable Speed Belt Sander Our take: Reliable, high-performance tool tackles the largest jobs with ease. What we like: Lots of power, but still relatively quiet. Dial provides easy speed adjustment. Effective auto-tracking for belt. Can sand flush between floor and wall. What we dislike: Quality, but expensive. Some find the front grip uncomfortable. Bob Beacham is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.