So, you are in search of a benchtop belt sander that can handle both DIYs and semi-pro projects? Have you considered the WEN 6502 Belt and Disc Sander Combo?
Yes, this is one of the best belt disc sanders you can get out there.
But what is a belt and disc sander?
As the name suggests, this is simply a two-in-one sander that combines a disc sander and a belt sander in one unit. To break it down for you, a disc sander entails a rotating disc that has sandpaper attached to it. A belt sander, obviously, features a rotating sanding belt. The belt sander helps to smooth the flat surface of wooden blocks, while the disc sander lets you smooth the corners/edges.
I spent some time using and studying the WEN 6502 Belt and Disc Sander Combo, and we will be discussing its reliability and delivery in this article. That said, here is a WEN 6502 Belt and Disc Sander Combo review.
WEN 6502 Review
The first thing I noticed about this benchtop belt and disc sander is that it comes with a compact design compared to most units out there. It only measures 22 by 11 by 12.5 inches, which means it won’t take up too much space. Also, it weighs only 39 pounds – that’s pretty light compared to other belt and disc sanders. Here are other features I loved about the WEN 6502:
Powerful Motor for Versatile Use
This little beast is equipped with a powerful 4.3amp 0.5HP motor that is strong enough to handle almost anything you place on it.
The motor lets you sand, smooth, and remove splinters and jagged edges on lumber or wood. You know what else this motor does? It prevents the machine from bogging down when you place a large, heavy load on it.
Sizeable Table with Miter Gauge
I really loved the spacious table on this sander. For the record, the table is for using a 6-by-6-inch sanding disc. You can place your wooden blocks and sand/smooth those corners with ease. Better yet, it has a miter gauge that is adjustable between 0 to 90 degrees. The best part is that the miter gauge is removable.
Adjustable Belt
How could we say the WEN 6502 Belt and Disc Sander Combo is worth the purchase without mentioning its adjustable belt feature? Yep, the 4-by-36 inch belt can be set vertically, horizontally, or you can tilt it as you wish to meet your project needs.
Strong Iron Base
The base is made of a sturdy cast iron that offers a strong foundation to work on your wood, lumber or plastics. I didn’t experience any wobbling or movement of the machine when it was running.
Dust Collection Port
Of course, the machine is used for sanding and smoothing the surfaces and edges of lumber, woods, and even plastics. So, what do you expect to get from these materials? Tiny sawdust and debris, right?
You are worried about the sawdust messing up your space, aren’t you? Well, you shouldn’t be, because this sander features a 2.5-inch dust port that sucks up sawdust and debris.
Blade Guards for Belt Protection
The motor of this machine runs super-fast at 3600RPM, and it needs proper handling. There could be accidents like hair or fingers getting trapped in the belt, which can cause serious injuries. But not with the WEN 6502 Belt and Disc Sander Combo. Why is that?
The machine comes with a long blade guard that helps to protect unwanted objects from being trapped in the belt. What’s more, the guard will direct the excess sawdust and debris into the dust port. Above all, it acts as a stopper for the wood. This gives you control and precision.
Pros
- Easy to use
- 2-in-1 sander
- Sturdy base that limits wobbling
- Compact enough to save space
- Sanding belt is adjustable
- Working table is large enough and comes with a miter gauge
- Blade guards prevent accidents
- Dust port to keep your working area clean
Cons
- Not the best choice for large projects
- Must avoid overloading
- Not the ideal choice for professionals
Use of Wen 6520
Pretty much, this sander can be used for sanding or smoothing just about any wooden block. However, it is not the perfect choice if you want to sand large pieces of wood. If you have some pieces of weathered wood blocks or any other wood blocks that need sanding or smoothing, you can go for this unit. You can also use it for small dials to get smooth corners.
What You Should Know When Buying the Wen 6520
• You must use the right sand belt
First off, ensure that you use the right sand belt, not only with regard to the size but the grit too. The higher the grit, the smoother the wood surfaces you’ll get.
• Always buy from the right source/dealer
Buying the sander from a reputable dealer helps you get the genuine sander and the sanding belt and discs, as the manufacturer offers them for free.
• Always follow the user manual/caution
Before you start using the sander, follow the instructions properly to avoid any damage and possible accidents.
FAQs
Q: What is the first thing I should do before I start using the sander?
After you set up the sander accordingly, ensure you connect the shaft to the dust removal port, since a lot of dust/debris will be eliminated through the port.
Q: Is the sander difficult to use?
Sanders come in different designs, which makes them different to use. But, the Wen 6520 is one of the easiest to use since you control it with a single switch.
Q: What should I do to control my sanding aggressiveness?
This depends on where you place your wood on the belt/disc. Usually, placing the wood around the center of the disc or the middle of the belt will give you a less aggressive sanding. Pushing it outwards increases the aggressiveness.
Conclusion
So, is the Wen 6520 sander a reliable unit? Without any doubt, it is. This sander is designed to give the DIY enthusiasts and other mid-pros the chance to work on their wood projects with ease.
The machine is not only easy to use, but it also delivers a decent job on projects. The best part is that it is loaded with useful features that enhance its delivery.
Whether you want to add a new mid-range machine to work on your medium-to-small wood projects or you want one to enjoy your DIY projects at home, the Wen 6520 will serve you accordingly.