
If there's one defining key feature of this bench sander over the other two picks, it's that it's got a tilting/inclining aluminum cast table on the disc sander - a nice option if you do a lot of angle edge sanding. Maximum speed: 1780 RPM (disc)/1150 FPM (belt).If you're serious about your woodworking and know you'll need a good edge/spindle sander for ultra-high-quality results or curved pieces of furniture, you can't go wrong with this one. In terms of price, the EB4424 isn't the cheapest option - it's more than twice as expensive as both the WEN and POWERTEC. Also, the 40 lb weight pretty much minimizes all but the slightest of vibrations. The spindle sanding mechanism on the EB4424 is one of the best on the market for sanding edges and curves.The unit has a monster ⅜ HP motor, which is nearly double the power as the WEN and the POWERTEC, so don't have any qualms about it not being able to rip into even the most stubborn of hardwoods. Tool-free conversion from belt to spindle.Oscillating and rotary motion – for fast, burn-free finishes on edges, faces, contours, inside and outside curves.Two machines in one – combines edge belt and spindle sanding in one high-performance tool.It's still an incredible value, just not as jaw-dropping as the unbeatable 6502. It's been know to perform slightly better on hardwoods than the WEN does.Īlso, if you're looking for something bigger than a 4" x 6", the POWERTEC comes in 4" x 8" and 6" x 9" models as well, which is another really nice thing we like about it.Īll in all, we'd only recommend this sander over the WEN if you plan on doing a ton of angle sanding and using the miter gauge a lot. In terms of power, it has just a bit more juice, though, with a 4.6 amp motor that turns over at about 3,600 rpm. Like the WEN, the BD4600 is a standard-size benchtop sander with a 4" x 36" belt and a 6" disc. If you know you'll be sanding lots of angles into the edges of boards, you might want to look into this one because a quality miter gauge goes a long way in achieving quality results. Our favorite feature about the POWERTEC is that is has a better miter gauge than the WEN.



Easily our top recommendation based on performance, price, and the overall reviews it's gotten. This is the perfect unit for average DIY'ers tackling light-to-moderate garage work - nothing more, nothing less. Overall, with such a price tag, you simply can't beat the WEN 6502, hands down. The tool is rock solid at a hefty 44 lbs, and exactly the kind of beef that you want to see in a good bench sander. Generally, bench sanders of this price range are made out of a light gauge steel or even plastic frame, but the WEN 6502 is full-on cast iron (though beware, they also make a steel base one for about $10 less… make sure to go with the cast iron). When it comes to stationary sanders, weight and construction materials make all the difference in the world in terms of vibration. Most folks who work with premium materials or with larger pieces like full-size fence posts know they will need to make the jump up to a more powerful unit. However, it will tend to bog down or even stall if you try and push its limits with heavier pieces (like 4" x 4" posts) or harder materials like walnut or maple. The belt and disc sanders are both your standard sizes, at 4" x 36" and 6", respectively, and the 4.6 amp motor registers in at 3,600 rpm - plenty of juice for light work such as touching up 2' x 4's, or smoothing out softwoods like pine and balsa. We don't know how they did it (it's not the first time that an imported bench sander has hit the shelves for under just over $100 bucks), but this one differs from all others in that it's a quality, reliable tool. Price is the defining key feature of the WEN 6502. Tension release lever provides for simple changes between sandpaper grits.Sturdy cast iron base prevents any heavy vibrations.Adjustable belt tilts anywhere from 0 to 90 degrees.Two-in-one sanding machine includes both a 4-by-36 inch belt and a 6-by-6 inch disc.
