Replies

1. 
   Squash | Dec 19, 2005 09:57pm | #1

   I have a rather well-used Porter Cable 3x21 that I absolutely love.  I think that many here would agree that it's a very high quality machine without too many bells and whistles.  Also, to the best of my knowledge it has an excellent track record and is built to last.  Hope that helps - Nick

2. 
   RJT | Dec 19, 2005 10:47pm | #2

   both the makita 4x21 and 3x21 are outstanding. especially love the variable speed.

3. 
   jayzog | Dec 20, 2005 02:16am | #3

   PC whisper series 4x 24 is excellent.

   Had an older Makita before, it was OK but nothing comparable to the PC

4. 
   jerseyjeff | Dec 20, 2005 03:58am | #4

   I have a 3x21 PC too,  and I love it.   The thing is heavy, loud and powerful.  given the choice it will power through just about anything,  and I can hook it up to vacum hose.  Wish I had some sort of inversion stand for it though.

    

5. 
   woodman54 | Dec 20, 2005 04:55am | #5

   If you want the top of the line, the best of the best, check out the PC 503 It looks like a locomotive. Costs about 450.00 I believe.It is so well balanced you can guide it across the work with 1 finger. My 2d sander is a Bosch 4 by 24 not bad either.

6. 
   Danusan11 | Dec 20, 2005 05:01am | #6

   Up in the U.P. of Michigan in the winter when all you can do is icefish, snowmobile, and drink adult beverages, they race beltsanders by standing on them and pulling the trigger. You might want to see if theirs a yupper network that can give you some tips. I have a old Stanely 4x24 heavy as all getout but does the job.

7. 
   andybuildz | Dec 20, 2005 06:13am | #7

   PC...Hands down! Just be sure you get one thats the right size for your needs. Lets not forget how much paper costs so if you gon't need the biggest one...

   I have the 3x21 and it does everything I need to do and isn't terribly difficult holding it up when sanding a head jamb for instance.

   Be well

   andy

   The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!

   When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides, I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace. I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.

    

    

   
    

    

8. 
   Fonzie | Dec 20, 2005 07:15am | #8

   This is one tool that I'm not too impressed with Makita on (3 x 21). It runs forever, but the wear plate is easy to get distorted - causing distortion to the sanded surface (that's the plate right behind where the sandpaper contacts the surface - I've replaced it, it distorted again). If I get another one I'll look toward the PC from comments here.

1. 
   BryanSayer | Dec 21, 2005 07:10pm | #20

   There was an article 3 or so years ago (I think in FW) about replacing that plate with some new age material to avoid the distortion problem. I got a roll of the material but never got around to installing it. If I see my roll around, I'll let you know what it is but I imagine you should be able to find the article in the index.

1. 
   Fonzie | Dec 22, 2005 03:45am | #21

   Bryan,Yes, I remember that - I think it was graphite impregnated canvas or similar. I have thought about that several times. If you spot the magazine let me know would you - I think it's there somewhere.

9. 
   woodguy99 | Dec 20, 2005 01:52pm | #9

   PC or Bosch--not the streamlined Bosch, the one that looks more like the PC.  3x21 is good for small jobs, 4x24 is great for flattening panels and bigger jobs.

   I've run my Bosch all day long for two days at a time, I was sore but the sander was fine.

    

   Mike

10. 
    Jer | Dec 20, 2005 03:12pm | #10

    I'm in the market too. I presently own the Makita monster 4x24 and that does a pretty good job, but I need something lighter, to take more onto jobs (I'm gettin' old). A 3x21 would be fine, and I want it to be able to turn upside down and sit steady on a bench top with only side clamps so I can do profile sanding on very small items, or grind a rough bevel or two on tools. I have my eye on the Bosch. So far I'm only 50-50 with their tools.

11. 
    Newf | Dec 20, 2005 03:41pm | #11

    Had a Makita 4 X 24 for 22 years of hard use...still keeps on tickin...tracks very very well.

    But the PC 503 of which Woodman544 talks of is very cute, indeed.View Image

     

     Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher.  That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number.  ~Author Unknown

    
    

    ---

    Edited 12/20/2005 7:43 am by Newf

    
1. 
   Qtrmeg | Dec 21, 2005 06:32am | #14

   Hi Newf

1. 
   jimblodgett | Dec 21, 2005 07:00am | #15

   I'm with Qtrmeg, that 3x24 Makita is just right.

   I had a Milwaukee 3x24 for about 15 years and that pos spent more time in the repair shop than in my shop.  A couple three years ago it needed something AGAIN and I said enough is enough.  Went and looked, hefted, listened to several sanders, including a couple PC's and decided on that Makita.  Have had very good luck with it ever since.

   But then again, I've never had a Makita tool that didn't surprise me in a good way. Excellent tools.  Now if they could figure out how to design a decent latch for their carrying cases.  What's with that? 

1. 
   Newf | Dec 21, 2005 02:54pm | #19

   Re: Latch on Makita cases....

   I use red builders tape

   Alot of it...LOL

     Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher.  That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number.  ~Author Unknown

2. 
   Jer | Dec 22, 2005 04:23am | #22

   I've never ever had a problem with makita. I think I have found my next sander. Big brother Makita (4X24), move over. Thanks

1. 
   mrfixitusa | Dec 22, 2005 05:24am | #23

   I think the makitas have the best quarter mile speed.Just kidding..++++++++++++++++
   -Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain-

2. 
   Newf | Dec 21, 2005 02:52pm | #18

   Hi Matt.

   Large flame....

   Makita  4 X 24...9401

   Every inch counts

   ...<g>...

   Here's a Blue for you....a real 5% one...

   Best of the season... Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher.  That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number.  ~Author Unknown

12. 
    bldrbill | Dec 20, 2005 07:57pm | #12

    I'm with Woodman on this one.  I've had a PC 504, similar to the 503 choo choo but without a dust bag, in daily use for about 18 years with no problems.  We also have a couple of 503s in our shop that have been in use for about 10 years--no problems with them either.  They're not cheap, but worth it if you're going to make a living with them.

13. 
    Qtrmeg | Dec 21, 2005 06:28am | #13

    I happen to think the Makita 9924 is the best one I have ever seen.

    3 x 24 with a wide baseplate that lets you run 4" belts and edge sand. Light weight yet more power than you need. Flat top so you can flip it for bench sanding.

    I beat one of those for decades, and some idjit stole it. I could have bought anything but I bought another one.

    PC tools don't impress me much. Ya ya, their routers and sanders are great, 20 years ago.

    You buy what you want, but you should look at the Mak. I think the proper model is 9924DB.

     

    Is there a better one out there? It would have to jump thru hoops.

14. 
    ikor | Dec 21, 2005 07:08am | #16

    I agree that the Makita 3 x 24 is the way to go. The PCs are excellent, but the Mak is too, and lighter to boot Easy to use overhead (well, relatively) and can be flipped onto its back...for sharpening planes, of course. <G> Mine has been great foir many years now.

15. 
    zak | Dec 21, 2005 07:21am | #17

    I just got the Ridgid 3 x21. it's kind of got a similar look to the super duty porter cable sander, but in uglier colors. I don't have many hours on it, but it seems like a good sander.
    I tried a PC 4 x 24, but it was too heavy to sand anything on a wall or overhead, and the belts are much more expensive and only come in a few grits- I would look at that before you buy.
    I hate the Home depot look of ridgid, but the lifetime warranty sounds pretty good. . .
    zak

16. 
    BruceCM | Dec 22, 2005 06:36am | #24

    No one has mentioned it, so I will.

    I've owned the Hitachi 3X21 for about 15 years. Variable speed broke and it makes a funny sound when I lean into it, and alas, with a 100 grit belt, I can stop it.

    Inherited my dad's old 4X24 PC (forgot the model), but its as old as Methusela. All metal (grounded) and so heavy, you need two people...but it's a sandin' fool, and I've found that as long as I keep the belt grit over 150, I can sand anything. Well balanced and impossible to stop...but changing the belt requires pusing the front rolloer backwards until it 'catches', pull off old belt, slide in new...and then tap it with a hammer until it 'pops' back. Hmmmm, somehow, I doubt you'd find this kind of technology today.

    BruceM

1. 
   jimblodgett | Dec 22, 2005 06:47am | #25

   That's how you changed belts on that Milwaukee I had.  Then the shaft gets a little sawdust in there and it won't go far enough to catch so you kind of ram it to get it in there? Or it won't pop back all the way out so the frikkin' belt walks off the edge of the wheels, so I'd use the belt tracking knob to get the belt back in and it would then overcompensate and run off the wheel towards the housing and sparks start flying around in there with the sawdust...what a piss poor tool. 

   In fact, it's been a couple years since I've said it so I'll take this chance to hammer Milwaukee tools in general.  Only two I've had that gave decent service are my 1/2" hole shooter and my Hole Hawg (now, THERE'S an intersting learning curve to go through, using THAT wrist buster without getting hurt!) 

1. 
   DougU | Dec 23, 2005 04:29am | #26

   Well Jim maybe your just not cut out to use those Milwaukee tools!  <G>

   I bought my circular saw used about 30 years ago, still works great. I have two 3/8 electric drills that are indestructible, my hammer drill is fantastic, my 4 X 24 belt sander is a work horse even though the dust bag sucks.

   I think I have a few more Milwaukee tools and I like all of them.

   I had the hole howg to but someone thought they needed it more then I did but your right, its a wrist buster, not much will slow that baby down.

   Now dont be diss'n the Milwaukee tools, K.  They have feelings you know.

   Doug