Best sander for deck refinishing?

Hey all, I'm refinishing my 400 sq ft deck this summer. I've got a ROS but it's just too slow for stripping old stain. I'm thinking about getting a belt sander, but not sure what size or brand. Budget is around $200. Any recommendations? I've got some pretty rough spots and old paint to deal with.

For a job that size, I'd skip the belt sander and go with a decent random orbital with a 6" pad and hook-and-loop discs. You'll want something with good dust collection, maybe a variable speed. At $200 you can get a Makita BO5041 or a Bosch GET65-5N. They'll eat through the old finish if you get 36 or 40 grit. Trust me, belt sanders are aggressive but they'll leave divots if you're not experienced. And for the edges, get a detail sander. Good luck!

I'm with Dave on the random orbital. But if you must go belt, the Ridgid R2720 is a beast. But honestly, for a deck, you need something with a dust port and a bag. You don't want all that sawdust flying. Also, make sure you sand with the grain to avoid swirls. I'd get a 5" ROS with a dust collection system. Homeowner decks shouldn't be 'belt sanded' unless you're a pro.

Just a safety note: Belt sanders can kick back and cause injuries. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses. Also, if you're using a ROS, make sure the pad is in good shape and don't press too hard. Let the tool do the work. And please, use the dust collection or at least a shop vac attached. You don't want to breathe that old stain dust. Also, check for lead paint if the deck is old – that's a bigger concern.

If you're budget 'bout $200, get a corded random orbital with a variable speed. I'd grab the DeWalt DWE6423 or the Milwaukee 6030. Both have good dust collection and come with a nice bag. And for stripping, you can get a stripping pad for your ROS – they look like scrubby pads – that will take off the old stuff quicker than sandpaper. I did my deck last year with a Harbor Freight 6" and it worked, but get something with a bit more power. Also, if you're looking at belts, avoid the cheap ones – they're just paper gewgaws.