Replies

1. 
   Dreamcatcher | Mar 31, 2011 08:07am | #1

   Kazm

   I have had a Porter Cable 3x21 for many years but more recently acquired a Porter Cable 2.5x14 and really like it. As always it depends on your intentions. I do a lot of trim and cabinetmaking and use belt sanders one handed to scribe trim and tune miters so the 2.5x14 is a great arm saver there. But I wouldn't sand a tabletop with it, instead the 3x21 is good, over 10 years old and built like a tank - have only replaced the metal backer with graphite. I used to use a PC 4x21 that weighed nearly as much as a real tank. That wasn't ever fun to use - but I suppose it you were thinking of sanding the floor in a small room you might like that one.

   Oh, and as far as I'm concerned they all suck for dust collection with the supplied bags but the new 2.5x14 does alright with a vac hooked up.

   DC

2. 
   hammer1 | Apr 01, 2011 12:03pm | #2

   I bought a new PC 4x24 variable speed several months ago. I'm a one person cabinet shop and use it frequently. It's a great sander buit I don't have personal experience with other new brands. Only complaints are the cord is too stiff and short at 7' and the dust collector port, like most, is an odd size. I have many vac hose end adaptors but none fit, have to use a hose off a drywall sander. That's nothing new, you would think there would be a standard size but we know differently.

1. 
   Dreamcatcher | Apr 01, 2011 12:25pm | #3

   I am curious why you chose the honkin' 4x24 size for cabinetmaking?

   DC

1. 
   ProDek | Apr 01, 2011 07:12pm | #5

   Hammer 1 is a gorilla

   He can use a 4x24 from picking up full sheets of 3/4" plywood all day.

   I only build decks, thus the 4x21.

   The stiff cord is for belt sander racing. 

3. 
   ProDek | Apr 01, 2011 07:06pm | #4

   Porter cable

   I Like Porter Cable. My neighbor borrowed it and brought it back all gummed up with wet sawdust. I asked how it got so wet? he thought you were supposed to wet sand the deck.

   The sander still works.