Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit - Hook & Loop Pad
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List Price: Our Price: $75.79 You Save: $33.51 (31%) Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit - Hook & Loop Pad
Customer Review: No more hand sanding tool marks for me!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I owned a Black and Decker finish sander that I always used to sand from 80 grit to 220. I noticed that it was taking so long, and then finally I broke my sander. So I bought a Makita BO3700 finish sander (excellent finish sander!!!), but it is a finish sander, not a tool mark remover. So for the last few projects, I've been scraping, then hand sanding until I was ready for 180-220 grit final sanding. Normally this used to take me hours. So much so that I started regretting woodworking (GOD forbid!!!). So after reading some reviews of this, and may other random orbit sanders, I decided to take a chance, and buy one.
Well, after many reviews, I opted for the Porter Cable 343K. I also bought some Norton paper, in 60/100/150 grit. After tapering some table legs, I loaded it with 60 grit, and started sanding. I was amazed how fast the burn marks (cherry), and saw marks sanded out, with no swirl marks!! After going through all the grits to 150, I decided to grab my Makita, and finish it out. All the tool marks were gone, all the scratches were gone, and I finished my legs, and aprons (4each) in 1 hour!! I'm currently gluing up the frame, and will final sand again in 220, then apply my finish. I can't believe go fast, and how thorough this P/C sander works, but then again, it's a Porter Cable. I think I'm going to order some of the Mirka paper on Amazon. In a previous career, I used to sell Mirka, and all the body shops always told me how great the Mirka paper was. Looks like I'm gonna find out on my next project!!! Don't hesitate to order one of these, it is a great sander!!!
Customer Review: Not Impressed
Summary: 2 Stars
Having owned several PC products, this is one of the first in which I've been completely unimpressed.
On the positive side, for an orbital sander, it's very aggressive in removing wood. Plus, compared with other sanders, it seems to effectively use the entire sanding disc, rether than just wearing out the edges. It also comes with a nice hard case.
Unfortunately, the dust collection system is completely sub-standard. It's impossible to keep it firmly attached to a shop-vac. Amazingly, it doesn't even work well with a PORTER CABLE shop-vac. Additionally, unless you hold it on with your hand, the dust canister continually rattles off during use. Lastly, in the rare instance when you can get the canister to stay in place, dust blows out past the seals.
I've come to expect much more from PC, even for a low-cost tool.
Customer Review: Not a dewalt for sure
Summary: 2 Stars
It seems that in every review where the writer replaced their Dewalt with this machine they hated the PC. I know understand some of the reasons why. The hook and loop pad on my Dewalt needed replaced for the third time in two years. I drove 40 miles to a Home depot because their Milwaukee sander was on sale for half price. When I arrived, they did not have any Milwaukee's, only this Porter Cable. I knew they were pulling a bate and switch, but I had a job to finish, so I bought the PC. What a big mistake. Half the dust goes in the canister and the other half blows out the side vents. This would not bother me, but the side vents blow towards the direction of the operator. Every time I use this thing I am covered with dust from head to toe. It is also very top heavy, so when it grabs a soft spot it flips to it's side and digs a nice grove in your project. It is louder then the Dewalt and it vibrates more then any sander I own. This PC does have a strong motor. When I get time, I will glue deflectors in back of the vents to change the air direction and I will use this sander for jobs that I don't want to use my good sanders on, like sanding Bondo.Customer Review: Not great !!!! Porter Cable could do better.
Summary: 2 Stars
I had there older model for years. In fact just wore it out I used it so much. So I had no question about what brand to replace it. But I was very disappointed with this. It is not balanced properly. Uncomfortable to the hand and doesn't sand as good as the older model. I think the leader today is Makita. Buy theirs and save yourself a lot of grief.Customer Review: Not quite a great price
Summary: 5 Stars
I often wonder where the heck amazon gets their pricing from.I purchased this tool at Lowes for less money and didn't have to worry about shipping costs..All in alll, this is a great tool and I'm happy with it.