Next up in our best sander reviews is something rather different…
The WEN 6502 serves up 2-in-1 functionality operating as either a 6 x 6 inch disc sander or a 4 x 36 inch belt sander.
This benchtop unit is a lot bulkier than the random orbit sanders we have looked at but still keenly priced so read on to see if this is something that might fit the bill for your sanding needs…
This benchtop sander has such a reasonable price tag, it’s difficult to believe the multi-purpose functionality you’ll be rewarded with.
We’ll say straight off the bat that this sander is not perfect but it does offer a great scope of work and it doesn’t cost the earth either. If you have more modest sanding needs and you’re operating on a limited budget, the 6502 is the ideal solution.
Whatever the condition of your lumber, however ragged and splintered it might be, the WEN will ensure it ends up perfectly slick and smooth with the minimum of fanfare.
While the 1/2HP motor might not be the most powerful on the market, for its intended use, it’s more than fit for purpose. The 4.3-amp power plant will generate up to 3600RPM which is sufficient for most reasonable home-based sanding projects.
The belt is fully adjustable. You can tilt it with ease through a wide range of configurations depending on the work you’re undertaking.
Stability and vibration-dampening are key in a benchtop sander. The rugged cast iron base makes certain that the WEN won’t start wobbling or moving. You’ll get refreshingly little vibration either so you can focus fully on the job at hand.
A decent work table is crucial with a sander like this and, with the WEN, you’ll be able to accommodate even larger timber on the aluminum table. You’ll be able to miter up to 45 degrees and there’s a neat, removable miter fence included. This comes fully to the fore if you want to exercise unwavering control when sanding any angled edges.
When you also factor in the 6-inch side disc, imagination is your only limitation when it comes to sanding. There are no other sanders in this price range offering comparable breadth of scope.
The safety guard does more than stop your fingers or stray hairs getting snarled up in the works. It also functions as a stop for your workpiece so you can beaver away with real precision.
Thinking of safety, there’s nothing more conducive to accidents in the workshop than dust and debris everywhere. There’s a regular 2.5-inch port on the WEN so it’s no hassle at all to hook up your sander to a shop vac and keep everything immaculate and free of fine dust and irritating particles.
We should mention a couple of the less striking elements of the WEN so you are properly informed before making a possibly rash purchase…
If you need something rugged and able to cope with extended heavy use in a commercial setting, the power and build quality of the 6502 combine to make this a poor choice. The plastic might look attractive enough but this sander is not really resilient enough for more than home use. The power, too, is something of a letdown if you are expecting a real beast of a machine.
1 thought on “Best Sander Reviews”
You should check out the GET75-6N. I just got it and so far it’s amazing. Definitely a competitive option for people looking at the Festool Rotex!