Milwaukee 3" x 18" Belt Sander

The Milwaukee 3" x 18" Belt Sander, model 2832-20, is a compelling addition to the toolkit of any professional or DIY enthusiast. This cordless belt sander is part of Milwaukee's M18 line, promising the power and performance of a corded sander without the hassle of cords. But does it deliver on its promises? Based on my experience, the answer is both yes and no, depending on what you prioritize in a tool.

Power and Performance

The first thing you'll notice about this sander is its power. Equipped with a brushless motor, it offers impressive torque and power, comparable to an 8A corded belt sander. The variable speed dial is a notable feature, allowing you to adjust the speed anywhere between 750 to 1350 SFM. This flexibility is particularly useful when working on different materials or when you need to switch between aggressive material removal and finer sanding.

Battery Life and Efficiency

However, this power comes at a cost—battery life. Even with the largest and freshest batteries, the sander tends to eat through them quickly. In my experience, a 5 Ah battery would only last about 20-30 minutes of continuous use. This can be a significant limitation if you're working on larger projects or do not have multiple batteries and a rapid charger on hand. The sander also tends to run hot, especially with the dust bag attached, which can lead to thermal shutdowns during extended use.

Design and Usability

The design of the Milwaukee belt sander is well thought out but not without its quirks. The tool-free belt change lever makes swapping out belts quick and easy, a feature that I found to be a real time-saver. The automatic belt tracking helps to keep the belt aligned, although I did find that the belt tended to wander under heavy load, requiring frequent readjustments.

The sander is relatively lightweight at 7.5 pounds, making it easier to handle and control, especially for extended periods. The dual-LED lights are a fantastic addition, providing enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The adjustable front handle is another thoughtful feature, allowing for better control and comfort, although its rearward position was somewhat awkward to use due to interference with part of the tool enclosure.

Dust Collection

One of the standout features of this sander is its dust collection system. The tool comes with a small dust bag and a universal adapter for connecting to a shop vacuum. When hooked up to a vacuum, the dust collection is excellent, capturing a significant amount of the dust generated. However, the dust bag does get full quickly, so if you're not using a vacuum, you'll need to empty it frequently to maintain efficiency.

Overall Build Quality

The build quality of the Milwaukee belt sander is robust, aligning with what I’ve come to expect from Milwaukee tools. The tool feels solid in hand and seems capable of withstanding the rigors of professional use. The fit and finish are excellent, with all controls and adjustments being intuitive and easy to operate.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee belt sander is powerful and well-constructed, it does have some areas for improvement. The battery life is the most significant drawback, especially for those planning to use the tool for extended periods. Additionally, the tool tends to overheat, which can be frustrating and disrupt workflow. The belt tracking issue, while manageable, is another minor annoyance that could use refinement.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 3" x 18" Belt Sander is a powerful and versatile tool that excels in many areas but falls short in a few critical ones. If you already own other Milwaukee M18 tools and batteries, this sander could be a valuable addition to your collection. Its power, dust collection efficiency, and ease of use make it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from heavy material removal to fine finishing.

However, if you require a tool for extended use or do not have multiple batteries, you might find the battery life and overheating issues to be significant drawbacks. For those who need a sander for short bursts of intense work, this tool is a great option. But for long, continuous projects, a corded sander might be more practical.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. It's an excellent choice for those who need a powerful, cordless solution and can manage the battery limitations. If you're someone who values cordless convenience and is willing to work around the battery constraints, the Milwaukee belt sander will serve you well. However, if extended run time and uninterrupted performance are critical for your projects, you might want to consider a corded alternative.