Does it come with a battery or charger?

No. It is an air-powered tool, so the battery details in some listings do not apply. It runs from a compressor and ships without batteries.

What size belts does it use?

It takes 16 mm wide belts in the 21-inch length class. Buy belts in that size and in the grits you need for grinding, blending and finishing.

What compressor do I need?

You need a compressor that can sustain the tool's air consumption at working pressure. A small pancake compressor will struggle; a shop compressor with a decent tank works better.

Is it better than an electric belt sander?

For continuous metal grinding in a shop with air, yes: it runs cooler and has no cord. For occasional use or no compressor, a corded or battery sander is more practical.

Can it be used for wood?

It can sand wood, but it is designed for metal work such as deburring and weld blending. The narrow belt and air motor suit metal better than fine wood finishing.

About 7.3 lb. That is heavier than compact electric detail sanders, so plan for two-handed use on long jobs.

Metabo 1-3 16 x 21 Air Belt Sander

Last price we saw

$683.85at Msc Industrial Supply, last seen Nov 11

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Price facts

Last seen at $683.85 at Msc Industrial Supply on Nov 11.

Our take on the Metabo 1-3 16 x 21 Air Belt Sander

The Metabo 16 x 21 is a compressed-air belt sander with a 16 mm wide, 21-inch-long belt, built for grinding, deburring and blending in metal shops and tight spaces. Its air motor gives a high power-to-weight ratio and runs cool under continuous load, unlike corded electric sanders that heat up and need a power outlet. It weighs about 7.3 lb, so it is heavier than small electric detail sanders, and it needs a compressor with real airflow. It suits fabricators, welders and maintenance crews who already run air tools; shoppers without a compressor should look at a corded or battery belt sander instead.

Best forMetal fabricators deburring and blending weldsShops already set up with an air compressorWork in tight spots where a narrow belt fitsContinuous grinding where an electric motor would overheat

Pros

Air motor runs cool and keeps torque under long, heavy grinding
Narrow 16 mm belt reaches inside corners and small openings
No cord or battery, so it is light in the hand for its class
Simple, durable construction with few electronics to fail
Dust bag catches some of the swarf and grinding dust

Metabo 1-3 16 x 21 Air Belt Sander prices at every store

Msc Industrial SupplyNew
Out of stock
$683.85+ $16.99 shippingChecked 27 min ago
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Metabo 1-3 16 x 21 Air Belt Sander price history

$683.85$683.85

Nov 10Nov 11

Lowest price we've seen: $683.85 on Nov 10 at Msc Industrial Supply. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners of Metabo air belt sanders tend to praise the steady power and cool running for weld blending and deburring. Complaints centre on the compressor demand and the weight in extended overhead use.

What people mention

Power under loadPraisedOwners say it keeps belt speed up during heavy grinding instead of bogging down.
Compressor demandCriticisedReviewers note it only performs well with a compressor that delivers real airflow.
WeightMixedSome find it manageable for bench work but tiring overhead or one-handed.

Questions and answers

Does it come with a battery or charger?: No. It is an air-powered tool, so the battery details in some listings do not apply. It runs from a compressor and ships without batteries.
What size belts does it use?: It takes 16 mm wide belts in the 21-inch length class. Buy belts in that size and in the grits you need for grinding, blending and finishing.
What compressor do I need?: You need a compressor that can sustain the tool's air consumption at working pressure. A small pancake compressor will struggle; a shop compressor with a decent tank works better.
Is it better than an electric belt sander?: For continuous metal grinding in a shop with air, yes: it runs cooler and has no cord. For occasional use or no compressor, a corded or battery sander is more practical.
Can it be used for wood?: It can sand wood, but it is designed for metal work such as deburring and weld blending. The narrow belt and air motor suit metal better than fine wood finishing.
How heavy is it?: About 7.3 lb. That is heavier than compact electric detail sanders, so plan for two-handed use on long jobs.