• Manufactured by Porter-Cable
• 800-487-8665; www.portercable.com
• Cost: about $120
One of my recent jobs involved scribing both sides of a 60-ft. cherry box beam to a ceiling with an irregular surface. To fit the beam, I used my ancient 4-in. by 24-in. Makita belt sander, which weighs close to 20 lb. After a few rubber-armed drives home, I was wishing for an easier, lighter way. This new little sander from Porter-Cable just might be it.Although it looks like a toy, the 371K belt sander is a workhorse. The machine runs quietly, but the stout 5-amp motor refuses to bog down in normal use. Unlike heavier full-size belt sanders, this 5-1/2-lb. tool is held cupped in the palm, much as you would hold a random-orbit sander. The tool also has a low center of gravity, so in almost every use, I can hold it with just one hand and still accurately follow scribe lines. For situations when I need two hands for a secure grip, the removable front handle is comfortable. The front roller’s small diameter even allows the sanding of fairly sharp curves. At first, I was concerned about finding 2-1/2-in. by 14-in. replacement belts to fit the tool, but I was pleased to discover them widely available in grits as coarse as 60 and as fine as 220.
This tool won’t replace a traditional belt sander when it comes to surfacing, but it’s well worth its asking price when it comes to scribing.
Photos by Krysta Doerfler
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18v Cordless Circular Saw (2730-22)
Milwaukee Cordless Tablesaw (2736)
