Just came home to grab my palm sander to sand some timbers for an open timber frame garden room I’m 3/4 through building for a customer. I plugged it in and its smoking and stalled..ugh. It was a potra cable which I love in sanders but this thing is real old and abused I guess so I need a new one asap.
Googled around and found this Porta Cable for $70 plus 6.50 shipping. According to the reviews it looks like a great palm sander. Anyone have any first hand info on it or a better one thats not totally out of this world$$$?
i already have a PC belt sander and a Festool and PC ROS but I need a palm sander for this project.
Seems to be the most expensive one out there but this price seems to be the best unless ToolKing can beat the price (which their ad says they beat any price but I don’t wanna wait till after tomorrow to order one).
http://www.tools-plus.com/porter-cable-330.html
Porter Cable 330 Speed-Bloc Quarter-Sheet Finishing Sander
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Highlights:
- 1.2 amp motor provides efficient sanding action
- 14,000 orbits per minute pad speed with aggressive 5/64″ orbit
- Use 1/4 sheet plain or sticky back paper
- Solid steel motor frame for quieter and smoother operation
- Rubber posts isolate vibration
- This is the best square sander on the market
- Easy grip outer housing for hours of use without fatigue
The 330 includes:
- Model 330 Speed-Bloc Sander
- 120 Grit abrasive sheet
- Clamp tool
Features:
- Comfortable, easy-grip outer housing for hours of use without fatigue
- Solid metal frame for precision seating and alignment of bearings, motor, and fan, providing the maximum in long, trouble-free tool life
- Rubber posts isolate your hand from vibration while enabling full sanding action and efficiency on the work
- The result is the smoothest finishing sander available today
- All-ball-bearing construction
- 14,000 orbits-per-minute pad speed, with aggressive 5/64″ orbit
- Accepts both adhesive-backed and standard sandpaper
Tech Specs:
- Power: 120 V AC/DC, 25-60 HZ
- Amps: 1.2 Amps
- Orbits/Min: 5/64 OPM
- Pad Size: 4-1/8 x 4-1/2″
- Paper Size/Type: 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 (1/4 Sheet)
- Orbit Diameter: 5/64″
- Length: 4-1/2″
- Net Weight: 4 lbs
Richard, from Dunnellon, Florida bought the 330 Speed-Bloc Quarter-Sheet Finishing Sander. Here’s what was said about it:
This Porter Cable 330 block sander is the smoothest sander I have ever used. This is the 3rd one I own, the first on bought back in the 80s and still is running. I use these on odd shapes, as I am a wood turner. The stick-it pads are very convenient, just rip off a piece place it on the pad and you are ready to go.
Replies
I haven't tried too many others, but I think the PC 330 is great -- except for a lack of dust collection. Mine is about 30 years old. There have been a couple of threads recently where others were singing the praises of the 330.
Thanks...yeh...I was reading all the reviews in Amazon and there were dozens and dozens of people raving about the sander. I probably use my palm sander more then any other sanderI own and would love have a good aggresive well balanced machine and for an extra $40-50 bucks big deal...I use the thing so often.
Far as the dust collection...those sanders are all dust throwers so... the only sander that actually catches dust are the belt sanders imo.
Heres the timbers I'm looking top give a quick once over. I'm not charging then to sand this thing but I just thought it's be nice to leave it at least a bit sanded when I'm done.
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http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
I love my Makita quarter sheet sander. I've had it 20 years or more.
Ditto!!!
Ditto. I need a new pad for mine, but it rocks.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
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speed block is the best one going.
love mine.
also have an older 1/4 sheet makita ... it's nice ... but a far second place.
trick with the speed block is to move slow ... go slow ... and one hard, then one light pass will sand most anything. Easier ... aside from reminding yerself to slow down.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
aside from reminding yerself to slow down.
So are you saying its an aggressive palm sander? Thats what I'm really after. I don't think the ROS's are as aggressive as palms unless it's my imagination.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
You need a palm sand? I'm surprised no one's stated the obvious
but as far as palm sanders you can't beat the PC 333 for finishing sanders. It's the one to beat
But I find that I reach more and more for my 5" RO palm sander from PC fro a lot of jobs. It might work better for the beams you're showing. Or even the big 5" RO from PC
I have one of the older 5" palm RO's & don't know how the newer one stacks up
I had the older 5" RO P-C, until the bearings died.
I bought the new P-C low profile 390 about a year ago. I think its a more powerful sander, with better dust collection. The only problem I could see someone having is that its pretty big around. My big mitts have no problem grabbing it. But someone with smaller hands might find it uncomfortable to use
Yea ..the picture of the newer one doesn't look as comfortable as my old one I also have the 5" 2 handed one and it still gets much use
Barry E-Remodeler
Andy, I've had one for years and I can tell you it has seen minimal use.
You are welcome to come pick it up to borrow. I'll leave in on the back porch.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
You are welcome to come pick it up to borrow. I'll leave in on the back porch
Cool...I'm leaving now...if there's anything else in town leave that with it for the trip back just in case I don't see ya ...lol
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
it's agressive.
and I agree ... more agressive than an orbital.
the nice thing about the speed block ... you really don't have to apply much pressure.
even the directions say to ley the machine do the work ... something about it being made so the granules break off then vibrate about making it more effective.
As long as you have the right grit sand paper ... it's really amazing how well it works.
you don't have to push hard to dig in ... just keep decent pressure so it doesn't jump around ... nice even pressure ... and it really takes the surface down quick. Nice, steady ... even ... kida light pressure ... and go slow ... and you'll be suprised at how much it takes off in just one pass. The harder you force it, the worse the performance.
I've had mine, I'd guess 8 to 10 years ... shows no signs of wear.
I zip tied the "sand paper release / bent metal tab deal tool" to the cord so I didn't lose it ... highly recommend that ... the factory supplied tool works better than a big flat tip screw driver!
and to my hand it's the most comfortable sander I've used.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Thats exactly what I wanted to hear. Gonna score me a new one from
Tools-Plus.com in the a.m.
I got my Festool ROS new on ebay at a good price a bit over a year ago and personally I think it sucks! Lucky I didn't pay anywhere near full price for it.
I use it to finish off any furniture finishing I do but thats about it for that piece a junk.
I think PC make the over all best sanders imo..
considered getting that lil' baby PC belt sander instead of the speed bloc but changed my mind being a belt sander is a belt sander no matter what size it is and I don't need a belt sander...although they are kinda cute...wonder if it'd fit on my key chain...lol.
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http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
have ya seen one in person? I was in the market for a smaller belt sander so I took a look ... way bigger than I thot.
decided on another tried and true makita belt sander(3x18) for cabinet installs.
I was hoping that "little" PC would be like a corded block plane ... sneak in for scribbing cab's and counter tops ... thing's borderline bulky.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
have the that little guy . i refer to a s the hamster, it pretty good , i like it but it has it limitations. i would recommend get ahalf dozen more of the belts and the box or carrier for extra 20 bucks if memory serves. The main thing is the control ,and reasonable good stock removal. for 100 just for the sander i'd buy it again no hesitation.
I still own my PC palm bought it when they first hit the market.
I agree , best out there.
Newer ones though don't have the same amps as mine(2 amps). I picked up two more at a garage sale and they lacked the muscle, checked the amperage and they were 1.2 amps, traded em off for a pair of drywall screw guns. Might want to check your old one because if is like mine the new ones aren't a comparison and you may be disappointed. That said, I find my old Makita 5" ROS takes stock off quicker and doesn't leave swirl marks. Sadly it is dying.... But what I use for what you are doing is my Milwaukee 1/3 sheet orbital. Built like a tank, easy one hand operation and really takes off the stock if the paper is coarse. I really like that PC mini belt sander... handy as hell. I would recommend it to anyone.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I might take it apart today if it's one of the higher amped ones. I need to check. Possibly somethings caught in there but I doubt it cause I stuck a screw driver into it and that fan thing does turn but when I plug'r in it just smokes and hardly wants to turn.
And yeh...the new one is only 1.2 amps so I'm wondering if it'll work the same as Jeff's does.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
Try the Makita.
I knew I shouldn't have asked
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
then try the Milwaukee...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
then try the Milwaukee...
I think at this point I may just try fishing wise azzz
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
HEY....
I heard that....
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductCategory.aspx?catid=27
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
12000 opm vs the PC's 14000 opm though
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
you might wanna look at the 342....
and another look at the Milwaukee... it's USA manufacture...
these guys are not the same animals....
I have the Milwaukee.. wore out several pads and the thing won't quit...
Bosch...
Amperage: 2.0
Cord Length: 8 ft.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Height: 5-3/4"
Length: 10"
Microfilter Canister Efficiency: Up to 75%
No Load OPM: 12,000
Pad Size: 4-1/2" x 4" (1/4 Sheet)
Voltage: 120V
Working Length: 4-1/2"
Milwaukee...
Voltage
120 AC
Pad Size
4-1/4 in. x 4 in.
Amps
3.0
No Load Speed
14,000 OPM
Cord Type
12 ft. Fixed
Construction Type
Double Insulated
Switch Type
Rocker
Dust Collection
Yes
Dia of Orbit
1/16 in.
Sandpaper Size
1/4" Sheet
Length
5 1/2 in.
Tool Weight
3.2 lbs.
Shipping Weight
7.5 lbs.
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet
PC....
Amperage: 1.2
Cord Length: 6 ft.
Country of Origin: China
No Load OPM: 14,000
Pad Size: 4-1/2" x 4" (1/4 Sheet)
Voltage: 120V
Working Length: 4-1/2"
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I've got that Bosch. You can actually hook it up to a vac if you get the attachment convertor (works on the Bosch ROS as well - pretty convenient). After you put a new sheet on you push the sander down on a plastic jobbie that puts 6 holes in the paper. Not perfect but light years better than nothing at all.
Only thing a little flaky is the on/off switch - ya have to hit it just right. This one also speaks Spanish.
The sandpaper clips in the Milwaukee are POS, sander's great, but not worth fighting the crappy clips.http://www.tvwsolar.com
Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill
I would set him in chains at the top of the hill
Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille
He could die happily ever after"
you have the spring style or the roller style...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I gotta say this thread is a surprise for me. I gave up on palm sanders years ago (except for tight spots). ROS's take much more material off in a hurry and then leave a
smoother finish at the end (so I thought). The comments about letting the tool do the work hold true for orbitals too ya know. By the way Andy that is THE classic palm sander and you can't go wrong with it.
You guys spurred me on to go out and check mine- it is the Rockwell version and it is rated 1.2 amps.
Speaking of tight spots, we all (should) know that the MM sander is da bomb.
1.2 amp models came out sometime in the mid/late 80's.
2 amp before that.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
So I'm in HD today and I'm walking into the tool crib for a new tape measure and on the table is a ROS with the handle sprayed day-glow pink and a mark down tag on it for $15....so now I have yet another ROS....must be my destiny. http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com/porter-cable/products/343K.asp
This one actually is real aggresive...way more so then that stupid Festool I have.
The dust catcher actually works too.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
"1.2 amp models came out sometime in the mid/late 80's.
2 amp before that."That may ONLY apply to the PC branded units. The Rockwell I have is labeled as 1.2amp.. Interesting.
Edited 5/15/2009 10:40 pm by kenhill3
Actually mine is a Rockwell,as were the two I bought and traded, not PC's.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Here's the PC RO sander that Andy just got- the PC 343K 5"- factory reconditioned from Tooliday (today only)for $39 plus $5 shipping:
http://www.tooliday.com/
HAD the spring style.http://www.tvwsolar.com
Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill
I would set him in chains at the top of the hill
Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille
He could die happily ever after"
I remember that one....
it's replacement has the rollers...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Be worth the time to dismantle and clean it. May be a bad bearing, bad brushes or the counterweight is jammed. Might also be a case of Medi Tool money running out and time for Hospice care.
;-)
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I think a Republican used my palm sander last....grrrr..lol
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
The only sander I ever smoked was a B&D.
Did it work? Did ya get high? Inquiring minds.....
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Well, unplug it first if yer gonna try one.
mine's on the jobsite ... I'll have to check Mon to see what amp's it is.
It is a coupla years old.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I have that lil belt jobby, man it's sweet.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
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Hmm, know you have me wondering what detail you are going for that demands a palm sander over a random orbital sander?
The rigid 5 " over home depot sounds like a pretty good fit for the job. It's decent machine surprisingly , good power, great balance. Looks like a nice job , congrats.
I already have two ROS's...the Festool which I think is ok for a final sanding. I don't find it to be as agressive as i'd like though. I also have a PC ROS which is fine and a bit more agressive then my Festool...so another ROS I don't need.
For some reason I seem to go for my palm sander first when I want something a bit more aggresive. Might be why I burnt it out.
I don't know if it's my imagination but it seems like the palm sander is more agressive the then ROS's?? The palm is 14000 opm and the ROS's are 12000 and less. Not sure if the orbital action adds to the agressiveness of the cutting power of thy wood???
Sure seemed like a lot of real good reviews for the PC speed block http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-330-Speed-Bloc-Sheet-Sander/product-reviews/B0000222Y9/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
AAHH ,, point taken, he77 i surprised that anyone use's those any more, i'm guess they have a finer capability, a little more finesse'.
I have that quarter sheet sander. most of the use it gets is Carole doing home and craft projects. It does nice job but off all the sanders I have used, it is the slowest and would be a terrible choice for that big timber job, IMO. sander paper is definitely cheaaper but a PITA to cut and change sheets compared to the velcro ROSs.
I have both PC and Makita ROS. The PC lasts longer than the Makitas do. Matte4r of fact. I still have both my PCs after 10-20 years but replace Makitas every 3 years roughly.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
we both have tools that are quite old...
so no doubt the old ones are good....
but what about the new version of the old ones...
WTB they don't compare.... nor go the distance...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Yea but the newer ones can do it more often without having to take a pill.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
pill???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Old men and their old "tools". ;-)
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
HEY!!!
I resemble that remark...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I could tell...... You needed help.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I also have the PC 330 Speed Bloc and it seems plenty aggressive. It is about 35 years old and still goin' good. It has done an unreal amount of sanding in that time. I think the counterweight is kinda funky because is hesitates a bit when starting- goes good tho when warmed up.
Edited 5/15/2009 12:09 pm by kenhill3
the help center keeps running me off...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Paul...I'm not really looking to sand that entire thing. I even wrote in the contract that no sanding, painting or staining is included. I just wanna spend an hour or so... to give whats in your face a little once over just so they see how it will come out down the line. I took a sample of scrap 6x12 home yesterday and spent two minutes sanding it and it looked great. I painted on some Australian Timber Oil that I happen to be putting on my porches again this year. Makes the wood look so rich. Just a sample and an idea for them. The oil is just "natural" color but the "amber" ATO might be nicer for them.
Over-all I need a new palm sander cuz like I said...I have plenty of other sanders....but no more palm sanders...sniff sniff.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
+1 for the 330 Speed Bloc. Smooth and fits my arthritic old paws well. Fwiw the newer ones are "Hecho en Mexico" .......... as good as the older ones I couldn't say. The stock pad accepts both clamp on and PSA paper. If you use it often, I'd think PSA is the way to go......... Stikit paper in 10 yd rolls is pretty economical - check Tools Plus price on it. They do make a hook and loop pad for it if that is your preference.
"It is hardly too strong to say that there are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters." -- Noah Webster
Edited 5/15/2009 10:08 am ET by jc21
Yeh...I know the new ones speak Spanish when ya turn em on....
I'll probably just go for it being I need one and it's not exactly a fortune.
I really can't tell anyone why I think the palm sanders work more aggressivly then the ROS's but it just seems that way to me. Might be splitting hairs though. MY PC orbital is pretty good but I always seem to go for the palm. the ROS's I seem to go for more when I'm using it more for finer finish work.
The mini PC belt job is tempting but it's not what I need right now so....I'll add it to my wish list.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
Meeester Clifford,You oughta put that Festool you don't like on ebay. Those things hold their value well and because prices go up every year, you'll probably get back close to what you put in. Plus I keep seeing their used tools go for close to new prices (which I entirely don't comprehend the logic of).If you go that way again, their 6" ROS (should that be ROUS instead? LOL) are pretty terrific. Best,Steve'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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I agree that it's not right for the job he's showingAnd the ones who think the 333 is more aggressive then a RO isn't using one of them right
Barry E-Remodeler
all those guys raving about it had me wondering if maybe the new one is somehow quadaspeed of what mine is, LOL.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
"don't know if it's my imagination but it seems like the palm sander is more agressive the then ROS's??"Well I'm glad you said it. I have 2 PC RO, the old angled 5" and the newer one Shep talks about. Both great sanders but the little PC palm (loud as hell) really rips into the material. The thing about the RO is that they don't leave marks as easily.I bought my first speed block over 30 years ago when it was still made by Rockwell before PC bought it. What a tool that was! Finally kicked a few years back and I have yet to replace it. I will when the "shop days" return and I'm too skeered & old to balance & climb.
Looks like a nice job , congrats.
Just so you know...that timber frame ain't "the big job". It;s just the last job for the customer who's house I've been renoing the past half year or so (behind Bottles N Cases in Huntington). Stop by anytime. I think I'll be back on Tuesday to do the roof panels. Wait'll you see these new fangled roof panels. Theyre a sort of lightweight SIP reinforced with metal ribs...super lightweight and super strong!!!
That big 1/2 mill++$ job? I'm going back to talk with them again in about a week so I can get it started for the proposal right after this timber frame. We've been in constant contact. I'll show you the plans if I see you.
BTW...if you hear of anything around I might like lemmie know : ) hee hee
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
I dont have much pressing , Those panels you described sound interesting. May be Tuesday... I love the look of timber frames , it just gets those challenge juices flowing.
Love that sander. Mine is over 20 yrs old, "on loan" now to a good friend. Has seen many miles of wood and drywall mud and still like new.