Once you add this tool to your workshop, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. The Delta SM500 Benchtop Belt/Disc Sander is a versatile, dual-function machine that can handle virtually all of your wood sanding jobs. Its 1/3-horsepower motor simultaneously drives a 4-inch wide sanding belt and a 6-inch diameter sanding disc. The belt operates at 2,000 surface feet per minute, and it can be positioned horizontally, vertically or at any angle in between. The round disc rotates at 3,100 rpm, which is the ideal speed for smoothing a wide variety of both softwoods and hardwoods.The sanding disc is equipped with a 7- by 9-inch adjustable aluminum worktable that tilts down to 45 degrees for precise bevel sanding. The worktable has a slot that accepts the miter gauge, which is included in the package. Use the gauge to achieve perfectly square, true surfaces. For best results, apply light pressure to the disc. Pressing too hard will clog up the abrasive surface and put undue strain on the motor. And, be sure to sand only on the down rotating side of the disc.
The sanding belt comes with a handy metal stop that keeps the workpiece from shooting off of the fast-moving belt. The belt-tracking control knob allows you to quickly and easily center the belt on the platen. And changing belts is easy thanks to the unit’s quick-pull tensioning lever.
Benchtop sanders produce quite a bit of fine dust, but fortunately this model has a dust port for attaching a shop vacuum; it accepts a standard 2-1/4-inch diameter vacuum hose. This compact machine can handle all small- to medium-size sanding jobs. For larger jobs that require a bit more muscle, consider the Delta 31-695, or Grizzly G1014Z. --Joseph Truini
What’s in the Box:
4- by 6-inch belt/disc sander, miter gauge, metal stop, 60-grit adhesive-backed sanding disc, 100-grit sanding belt, instructional manual
