This may not be what some would consider to be the very best brand on the market, but for my purposes it is fantastic. I don't know why I haven't purchased one of these dual sanders in the past since I do a lot of home remodeling, with just about every power tool necessary (Delta Contractors table saw, Delta Contractors chop saw...both of which are over 20 years old and built like a rock and supremely accurate...Kobalt dual compound sliding 12" miter saw...Dewalt Jig Saw, Tabletop Drill Press which is also over 20 years old, along with just about every hand held power tool out there). When I first started using this it was one of those DUH moments as I contemplated the many things it could have done for me on past projects.
My first bout of enthusiasm occurred when I started making zero clearance inserts for both Delta saws, which have very thin plate inserts, which are curved at both ends. I had been using a scroll saw for these zero clearance pieces and had to make some pretty accurate radius cuts with the scroll saw, to fit inside the wider throat of the metal plates. These curved end inserts were only 1/2" wide, which made it rather difficult to perfect a smooth curved cut with the scroll saw, since the very thin blade of the saw, wanted to deflect off of my cut line as I pushed the material.
I wasn't entirely happy with the radiused end cuts, since I am a perfectionist who wanted them to look like they were "store bought". When I got the Wen, I proceeded to rip a couple of new 1/2" wide strips for new inserts, scribing the shape of the OEM metal plates. Then took them over to the disc sander and pressed the ends gently into the rotating disc (on the down stroke side). I was able to follow the curve of my scribed line, perfectly, ending up with a very smooth radius. So, it was love at first sight and I can't wait to think of all the other cool things which are possible with the Wen. I noticed that Menards has a different brand on the shelf, which is obviously made by the same manufacturer because they are absolutely identical except for graphics/logos/colors on the Menards unit. I bought the Wen on Amazon.
I have also used the belt sander which is very user friendly if you simply watch what you are doing. I currently installing shiplap in my kitchen and I used cove molding in the corners to transition perfectly between the shiplap panels where they meet in the corners. Being an older home, with some wall shifting, in a few places the cove molding was not flush with the shiplap, so when I went to install flat ceiling trim, I decided not to do mitered corners which would have been pretty dicey to get perfect, thus I decided to use square stops for the ceiling trim to butt up to. But could not get the square stock to sit tight and flush in the corners because of the cove sitting out just a hair. So I used the belt sander to very easily sand the rear corner of the stops down at a triangular angle in order for it to clear the cove molding. Perfect solution with little effort to get everything to rest flush with the shiplap. This is something I would have had to do (dangerously) with my table saw, set at a ripping angle, with corner blocks which were too short to do effectively, even if it were not dangerous.
Out of curiosity, I scribed a half circle at the end of a 2x4, to see if I could create a perfect semi-circle on the end, without using a jig saw or band saw to curve the end. Used the disc sander and it was a piece of cake. So much easier, accurate and safer than either of the aforementioned.
I have read some reviews which complained about the light weight plastic fence, which I can understand, but it is really there, only to keep your fingers safe as something to sandwich between your fingers and the fence. It is an aid, not a cure for doing things that are better done with other tools. The only thing that I think is really lacking which would have elevated the disc sander use, regardless of plastic or metal, would be a way to lock the fence into place, since it slides totally free, as it is currently designed.
One of the first things I do when I get any new tool, is to get out my speed square or other square and true up the working surfaces to 90 degrees in as many directions as possible. The angled plate is pretty tough to get exact, due to deflection in the plate when you tighten down angle finder on the side. So I won't be using this for any critical angle sanding.
All in all, I love this new addition to my shop and based on other positive reviews, I expect it to be very durable over time. I got the cast iron model and glad I did over the lighter weight unit.
| Brand | WEN |
|---|---|
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 22 x 11 x 12.5 inches |
| Grit Type | Coarse |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Amperage Capacity | 4.3 Amps |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 3600 RPM |
| Manufacturer | WEN |
| Part Number | 6502T |
| Item Weight | 38.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 22 x 11 x 12.5 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 6502T |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 6-inch Disc w/ Cast Iron Base |
| Style | 6-inch Disc w/ Cast Iron Base |
| Pattern | Disc Sander |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Included Components | Disc Sander |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
