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Bookmark- 3-Amp motor
- 3/32-inch orbit diameter
- POREX dust canister; dual dust ports
- Improved ergonomics
- Easy to clean/service
Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit – Hook & Loop Pad |
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Purchase Item
Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit – Hook & Loop Pad
Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit – Hook & Loop Pad
(as of 03/06/2010 10:11 - more info)
$109.30
$75.79
Listed Under: Grinders and Sanders
Produces fine, swirl-free results on a variety of surfacesPowerful 3 Amp motorEfficient dust collection with POREX dust canister and dual dust portsHandheld design and soft vibration-reducing rubber g..read more
Capable of producing fine, swirl-free results on a variety of surfaces, the Porter-Cable 343K Five-Inch Random-Orbit Sander Kit won't put excessive stress on your muscles and joints. Ideal for professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike, this compact tool has a comfortable, ergonomic design, and it supplies the perfect amount of power for surface smoothing.
The Porter-Cable 343K Random-Orbit Sander Kit
At a Glance :
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.
THE ONLY THING I DON’T LIKE ABOUT THIS SANDER IS THE VACUUM HOOK-UP DOESN’T ACCEPT THE 1 1/4″ HOSE SECURLY
I’m a home woodworker. I’ve had numerous sanders over the years – Craftsman, Makita, and several Porter Cables. This sander is sufficiently powerful and smooth. Much less vibration than others I have used. The dust collector works surprisingly well although it’s a bit hard to get off, which sometimes results in spilled dust. This sander is a good, well-made product.
I’ve gone through two of these units and two of the previous model (333). Each time the bearings failed after three to six months of use. I talked to my finish carpenter and my stair builder and they both recommended a different brand (Milwaukee). I’m buying that next.
So, I have two old porter cable routers , two old porter cable sanders and I just bought a new porter cable sander, which I imagine was made after it was sold to Black and Decker. I haven’t bought a Black and Decker product in ten years because the quality reeks. Now I find that the “NEW” Porter Cable is just like the Black and Decker products. I guess I’ll never buy another one. The new random orbital is biggger, bulky, harder to handle, harder to control than the good ol Porter Cables.