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Disc and Belt sanders are for smoothing wood, plastics, and other such materials. They expertly remove small pieces of waste material. The machine is reliable, and because of the disc belt combination feature, it is versatile in nature.
One such option available in the market is the WEN 6502 Belt Disc Sander. It is easy to use and removes all the splinters and jagged edges from any piece of wood. It is equipped with a 4.3 amp and ½ Horsepower motor to prevent the machine from shutting down under heavy load. The belt is 4 by 36 inch, and the sandpaper grits can be replaced by anyone. The belt tilts at any angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees depending on the piece of work. The machine is built on a cast-iron base that prevents vibrations.
WEN 6502 Belt and Disc Sander – Detailed Review
Specifications and Features
WEN 6502 is equipped with a 4.3 amp and ½ Horsepower motor to prevent the machine from shutting down under heavy load. The belt is 4 by 36 inches, and the sandpaper grits can be replaced by anyone. The belt tilts at any angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees depending on the piece of work. The machine is built on a cast-iron base that prevents vibrations
The 6-inch disc on the side gives users the ability to sand anything their heart desires. The disc comes with a durable work table made of cast-aluminum. The machine is packaged with an 80-grit belt and an 80-grit disc with an added mitre gauge to steady the piece when sanding angled edges.
There is also a stop bar for extra safety and control. A 2.25-inch dust port is built-in to connect to a dust extractor. All WEN products come with a two-year warranty, and their skilled technicians are at your beck and call on the telephone helpline.
Long Blade Guard for More Safety
A longer blade guard directs the excess sawdust into a collection spout and also prevents unwanted objects such as fingers or hair from being trapped in the belt. The guard also acts as a stop for wood for added precision and control when operating the sander.
Sturdy Cast Iron Base
The heavy-duty base is made of cast iron and prevents the machine from wobbling or walking, cementing it in one place for operation.
Adjustable Belt
Rotate the belt anywhere between a horizontal and vertical position depending on the project requirements.
Port for Dust Collector
There is a built-in 2.5-inch dust port to attach an external dust collector, so there are less saw dust and debris to clean-up after the operation.
Large Table Accompanied with Miter Gauge
The disc comes with a large supporting table that has the capability to bevel from 0 to 45 degrees and a detachable miter gauge.
The Good
The WEN Belt Disc Sander enjoys the advantages of both disc and belt sanders. It has a built-in dust extraction port to extract any particles produced during the procedure. The sander can also be used to sand plastic, aluminium, and materials other than wood and lumber.
The disc sander component is very useful for cutting square-edged blocks and pieces that are larger than the belt’s maximum capacity. The disc sander is better for preparing and finishing wooden surfaces right before painting or varnishing because it gives a smoother look. The disc sander comes with a guard which prevents rotation during the sanding process. With the disc sander, you can control the level of sanding required by moving the point of contact between the edge and middle of the disc which is why these options are suitable for convex surfaces.
The belt sander is more practical for jobs where you need to remove larger pieces from the material quickly. They are better suited for smoothing hardwood floors, stripping off paint and removing the hardened glue. You do not need to bring the wood to the machine, it moves. Long edges are sanded better by the belt sander because you can work across the entire width of the belt. Also, belts are easier to change.
The benefit of having a two-in-one product is the multi-purpose usage. You can use the disc sander for a coarser grit and the belt sander for a finer grit.
The Bad
The disc and belt combo is after all only just a sander, and there is a significant difference in speed between the sander and grinder. It only goes through a few thousand feet per minute of the surface. Also, these machines cannot be used for metal applications. With the disc sander, only half of the disc can be used without putting yourself at risk.
These units also have not enough horsepower for bigger projects. The horsepower is the primary function required to remove large pieces of material. The motor used is this unit does not generate sufficient power. Because of the low price, the quality of components is compromised producing less torque.
The disc and belt combination units should be guarded so that when the belt system is in operation, the disc should be covered up completely and the same goes for the other way round. The units with built-in guarding system often defeat the purpose of safety and lead to injuries.
When using this machine, the utmost care must be taken. Hands and fingers should be kept away from the disc. The guard should always be in place to prevent any accidental sanding of the wrong portion.
Want to see an unboxing video of WEN 6502? Mark Beuligmann has an excellent video below. Do check this out!
Concluding Thoughts
Summing up, this product is useful for those who are often involved in do-it-yourself projects. The compact design can fit right in your garage. Also, the belt and disc combination gives you the freedom to sand any surface and material with ease. The machine provides a smooth finish and adds a professional look to any woodwork. It is also practical as the mess made is minimised by the dust port and the safety features ensure there are no major mishaps.
The WEN 6502 Belt Disc Sander is highly recommended to sander enthusiasts as it is an excellent addition to the existing line of sanders.
