Porter-Cable 343K 5-inch Random Orbit Sander Kit - Hook & Loop Pad Reviews

• No more hand sanding tool marks for me!!!

  
  By AUQZTM1IIQFJ7 on 2007-01-15
  I owned a Black and Decker finish sander that I always used to sand from 80 grit to 220. I noticed that it was taking so long, and then finally I broke my sander. So I bought a Makita BO3700 finish sander (excellent finish sander!!!), but it is a finish sander, not a tool mark remover. So for the last few projects, I've been scraping, then hand sanding until I was ready for 180-220 grit final sanding. Normally this used to take me hours. So much so that I started regretting woodworking (GOD forbid!!!). So after reading some reviews of this, and may other random orbit sanders, I decided to take a chance, and buy one.
  Well, after many reviews, I opted for the Porter Cable 343K. I also bought some Norton paper, in 60/100/150 grit. After tapering some table legs, I loaded it with 60 grit, and started sanding. I was amazed how fast the burn marks (cherry), and saw marks sanded out, with no swirl marks!! After going through all the grits to 150, I decided to grab my Makita, and finish it out. All the tool marks were gone, all the scratches were gone, and I finished my legs, and aprons (4each) in 1 hour!! I'm currently gluing up the frame, and will final sand again in 220, then apply my finish. I can't believe go fast, and how thorough this P/C sander works, but then again, it's a Porter Cable. I think I'm going to order some of the Mirka paper on Amazon. In a previous career, I used to sell Mirka, and all the body shops always told me how great the Mirka paper was. Looks like I'm gonna find out on my next project!!! Don't hesitate to order one of these, it is a great sander!!!
  
  

• better than the old 333 version

  
  By A24MFDDEZ6BXPH on 2007-06-08
  I've been through 2 of the 333 model sanders. They were decent sanders and my main complaint was the cost of replacing the velcro pad. My local P-C supplier charges close to $30! As it was time for a new pad, I decided to spend an extra $30 and try the new version of the sander.
  
  It's definitely improved. The feel in hand is far more comfortable and they seem to have refined the clutch mechanism so that it practically stops when you lift if from the workpiece, which is great because you can put it down without waiting for it to stop spinning. Another improvement is the plastic hood which goes over the pad is enlarged enough so that you can go into an inside corner without damaging the pad or the workpiece.
  
  As with other reviewers, I've had problems with the dust canister falling off. Unlike like the old model, you now keep the base of the canister in place and remove the cylinder to reveal a multi-sized vacuum hookup. This is a great feature that holds the vac hose more securely than the old style and puts the hose in a far better position so that it's not at all in the way. Since the overall result is a design improvement, I can live with duct taping the canister in place.
  
  At first I was irked that they switched to an 8-hole pad, but mine came with some 8-hole paper from Lowes and it does work better for dust collection. And I think P-C was the last holdout of the 5-hole pattern, so it makes sense for 8-hole to become standard. If you have a huge stash of 5-hole paper, the other reviewer who mentioned switching pads has a great idea. Besides, you are going to need to replace the pad eventually, so hold onto the 8-hole for later.
  
  The case is much better than the old ones. I don't use the cases that come with tools because I have big work boxes for my remodeling business, but I'll reuse this case for some other purpose. P-C and Dewalt are now under the same ownership, which is kind of scary, but it also seems to have yielded some nice cross-engineering. This case as well as some of the design features of the new sander are clearly Dewalt.
  
  I've also got a 6" P-C right angle sander that is great for large flat work or just hogging material, but this sander is much easier to control and more comfortable to use. The 6" is really a two-handed tool.
  
  Lastly, I've yet to pop the top off, but it's a nice feature that it can be removed to clean out the inside of the machine. My first 333 died because the inside was caked with dust.
  
  

• Excellent buy.

  
  By A83RPS198D04S on 2007-02-20
  This sander is surprisingly good for the price.
  
  It is comfortable to use, it removes wood pretty fast and has an excellent scratch pattern.
  
  The case is handy but would benefit from more storage for sand paper.
  
  I found the dust collection just ok with the canister it does its work but you have to empty it very often which is annoying. This is not an issue however if you hook the sander to your shop vac.
  
  

• Not Impressed

  
  By A30CT8NL1N0SKV on 2007-10-06
  Having owned several PC products, this is one of the first in which I've been completely unimpressed.
  
  On the positive side, for an orbital sander, it's very aggressive in removing wood. Plus, compared with other sanders, it seems to effectively use the entire sanding disc, rether than just wearing out the edges. It also comes with a nice hard case.
  
  Unfortunately, the dust collection system is completely sub-standard. It's impossible to keep it firmly attached to a shop-vac. Amazingly, it doesn't even work well with a PORTER CABLE shop-vac. Additionally, unless you hold it on with your hand, the dust canister continually rattles off during use. Lastly, in the rare instance when you can get the canister to stay in place, dust blows out past the seals.
  
  I've come to expect much more from PC, even for a low-cost tool.
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Wanted to like it, but...

  
  By AYEGM7L3RKD3C on 2008-01-29
  I'm partial to Porter-Cable products, and had high hopes for this sander. It replaces a Dewalt RO sander. I chose the P-C because I liked the dust collection arrangement and the ability to connect easily to a vacuum hose. Unlike some of the other reviewers I had no problem making a firm connection, but that may be because of the hose I used. And I also like the action - the sanding job is quick and smooth. What I don't like, and it could just be that I've got a lemon, is that the unit vibrates far more than my DeWalt did. Sanding for more than 5 minutes tires my hand out with intense high-frequency vibration. Despite the other appealing aspects of the sander, this vibration problem would send me back to the DeWalt.
  
  
• Can work with 5-hole pad
  By AI5355FIE6S8K on 2007-05-07
  I ordered this after my old 5-hole model 333 finally gave out. I have a fairly large inventory of 5-hole sandpaper disks, which I hoped to be able to use with this 8-hole hook & loop pad model. Sure enough, both the 5-hole and 8-hole pads are the same size, with mounting holes in the same position. Thus, I was able to replace the 8-hold pad with a 5-hole one and use my 5-hole paper.
  
  
• Another great porter cable product
  By A2GWYQ9342X2A1 on 2007-06-29
  I own several Porter Cable products and this one lives up to their name. It works great for all your light to medium duty sanding needs with a strong 3 amp motor. Vibration is less than cheaper models and when you apply more pressure for difficult spots the motor doesn't bogg down. The longer power cord and rigid dust collector with positive locking are nice features for a sander in this price range. The storage case is sturdy but lacks any pockets for storing sanding discs. A minor issue considering the overall value of this product.
  
  
• Disappointed
  By A3Q3ARTNYAHYJC on 2007-10-03
  This sander sanded fine but there were two important things about this tool that disappointed me. First, I have two Shop Vacs and this sander would not attach to either of them. Second, the ability of the sander to collect dust was marginal at best. The boat yard where I was working had to ask me to quit using this sander because it was allowing too much dust to escape. I had higher expectations from Porter Cable.
  
  
• Great sander, poor dust collection
  By A1MFZTHE3MI5HW on 2007-05-25
  As far as the sander and it's performance goes, I wish I could give it 5 stars, but after a few weeks, the cannister started vibrating off in the middle of sanding. I had an O-ring of the same size that was used to keep the canister in place and thought replacing it would be the answer. It was for about 5 hours of work or so, and it's back to it's old trick. It's actually very frustrating because if you get your face down close to your work to get a closer look at a certain area and the thing decides to fall off, you get a face full of sawdust. Taking it to Porter Cable is on my list of stuff to do, but for now I turn on the ambeint air cleaner and toss on a dust mask while I'm sanding (which I should be doing both anyway). The performance of the acutal tool has been supurb. The tool feels very good in your hand and is easy to handle in many different positions - and the best part is your hand and arm stop vibrating when you turn the tool off as opposed to other brands I have used that you can feel the vibration from your finger tips to your elbow until the next morning. As far as sanders go, this is one of the quietest I have ever heard.
  
  
• Timothy t;he Tool Man
  By A1U68D17UTKPWZ on 2007-10-11
  It hurts my hands because of vibration. Also my wife says it's to loud and I should sell it at the garage sale.
  Not one I would recomend to anyone.
  I own 2 other brands that work a lot better and were cheaper to purchase,
  
  
• two major faults
  By A29T8YTV22Q0NL on 2008-02-19
  If it rates two stars due to dust canister falling off, then I give it one star. One star because, in addition, the hook and loop pad wore out after about a week of use.
  
  Now, I have to contact P-C for warranty.
  
  
• Avoid this sander at ALL COSTS
  By A16F19SZRILBPC on 2008-03-07
  Porter Cable needs to issue a FULL RECALL OF THIS HORRIBLY DEFECTIVE AND HIGHLY DANGEROUS PRODUCT.
  
  I've been using this sander for a few months now. As a sander it works fine, it randomly spins and does a nice job sanding.
  
  Then 3 days ago I was using it to sand some drywall joint compound between applications. I was wearing both dust mask and safety goggles. The dust collection cup decided to just 'fall off' all by itself and shot me directly in the face at such an angle that a significant amount went underneath my dust mask. The collection cup is now so loose that it will barely stay on when the sander is turned OFF, but as soon as I turn it on, it just vibrates the collection cup off within seconds. I even tried using duck tape and that didn't work either since the dust slowly erroded the seal, and it shot me in the face a 2nd time after that.
  
  When I look at the locking mechanism for the cup its no wonder that it failed, theres hardly ANYTHING holding it in place!
  
  Its now 3 days later and I have developed a serious lung infection that is painful. I am trying to get ahold of porter cable support.
  
  Porter Cable needs to issue a FULL RECALL OF THIS HORRIBLE DEFECTIVE AND HIGHLY DANGEROUS PRODUCT.
  
  
• THERE IS A BETTER CHOICE THAT THIS ONE
  By A1Y45JSSKP9I5G on 2008-05-01
  THE PAD IS A POOR DESIGN AND WILL NOT LAST. YOU WILL BE PUCHASING MANY PSA REPLACEMENT DICS. MINE LASTED ABOUT 3 HOURS . I HAVE BEEN IN THE CABINET BUSINESS FOR 23 YEARS AND THIS IS THE ONLY SANDER THAT FAIL THIS QUICKLY. PORTER CABLE HAS SLIPPED IN QUALITY OVER THE YEARS AND IF YOU PURCHASE THIS ITEM IT IS GOOD FOR ONLY 30 DAYS AND THEN AMAZON SAYS " WELL YOUR MONEY IS OURS AND 3O DAYS HAS GONE BY, SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT, BUT GOOD BYE" SO SAD , TO BAD. BUY SOME OTHER SANDER AND CONSIDER THE SELLERS POLICY AS TO STANDING BEHIND THEIR FAILED MERCHANDIES.
  
  
• Sander
  By A2C0NYIOKOA1J1 on 2007-04-01
  Dust collector is very weak and after two weeks of use is falling down. Instead of that the sander is really good.
  
  
• Love it.
  By A2VLKJZSYDDFF3 on 2007-06-30
  This thing is fast and slick. It works beautifully....except for the dust collector. Buy some extra black plastic electrician's tape to keep it from vibrating off every thirty seconds or so.... If you can live with that (or if you use a shop vac) you'll love it, too.
  
  
• Great sander, great value
  By A16PGYFULQ3O73 on 2007-09-02
  I was a bit worried when I purchased this sander back in June as I had a heavy workload planned for it and I didn't know if it would be powerful enough. A couple of months later and I've sanded two coats of paint off all of my kitchen cabinets. I went all the way down to 40 grit paper and I was surprised how smooth and swirl-free it was after such coarse paper. There were days when I ran it almost non-stop for hours and hours on end. For being designed for small-medium duty tasks it sure did a great job for heavy paint removal. It also did a very nice job with finish sanding when I was done. For $59 I got a ton of work out of it. (I should also add that I had zero problems with the dust canister).
  
  
• Really Good so far
  By A2JU3G25JW23IT on 2007-12-21
  I've only had this sander for a week or two but it works great so far. The sander seems to catch almost all the dust when you attach a shop vac to it. I have a small shop vac that I attach it to. I have a larger Ridgid shop vac but the hose is too big for the dust port.
  The sanding works really well.... just don't put a ton of pressure on the sander or you'll leave swirl marks.
  I would give this 4.5 stars but I know a lot of people only have the larger shop vac and may be disappointed that their shop vac isn't compatible with it.
  
  
• great small sander
  By A13853O9CBLTEY on 2007-12-30
  this is a unit that is very effective. It is small and therefore gets in places my 6" sander just won't. It is very aggressive when you use force or sands very lightly when you don't Porter Cable always makes a quality product and you just can't go wrong when you buy this product. Highly recommended. The dust collection works pretty well also.
  
  
• 5"PorterCable random orbit sander
  By A2QWCT92PKSP49 on 2008-05-03
  Anyone interested in buying a random orbit sander should read your one star reviews on this product. I did just to see if anyone else had the same troubles. My dust collector fell off almost from day one so I attached it using self-tapping sheet metal screws. I don't check it often because it rarely collects anything anyway. I only use it outdoors now in a breeeze. I am online now trying to buy a new hook and loop pad. It does sand nicely, but I wish I had never seen it.
  
  
• Nice little sander
  By A3VGYI7T4F9J3 on 2007-05-11
  Got this for my husband as a birthday present, he loves it. does small jobs wonderful to have around
  
  
• Dust Pickup needs Help
  By A114HR79TYVHR6 on 2007-11-01
  This unit does a very good job of sanding, but its dust pickup lacks. It just does a very minimal job on collecting the dust. Wear a good respirator and/or hookup to a vac. Since writing this review I have purchased a bag and adapter assembly from a 5" Dewalt Orbital sander (model Dewalt). The cloth bag has less restriction then the hard plastic porous filter and it fits tighter to the adapter. I then applied a small amount of silicone to the adapter and slipped it onto the Porter-Cable housing. It still can be removed if you have to really take it off. This setup greatly improves the dust to a minimum.
  
  
• Can be a pain!
  By AG5FCMLHJZGF2 on 2008-01-27
  I own several Porter Cable tools, and this one leaves me wondering who did the R&D. Its not as comfortable to use as previous models. On the bright side, the dust collector is easy to empty..actually it never gets much in it as it always falls off and blows clouds of dust in your face!
  
  If you like the look of duct tape on your new tools... go for it.
  
  I do hope someone at PC looks at these reviews for feed back.
  
  
• NEW Dust Collection System - VERY POOR
  By AJFLV55JJ0BB9 on 2008-07-28
  I've owned both Porter Cable & Dewalt orbital sanders and still own both. I have never liked this push on type of dust canister as they always blow off while sanding and dust goes everywhere.
  
  PORTER CABLE/DELTA - Go back to your old style, PLEASE!!!
  
  I've needed a couple of new sanders but refuse to buy these now because of the dust canister. I love the sanders...just hate the canister connections.
  
  
• porter cable orbital sander
  By A2AJAN81SVXMFT on 2008-01-18
  They have switched from a 5 hole to an 8 hole dust collection system. which is fine except I don't like that the extracter extend to the rear so far that you can only use it on flat open surfaces. Any smallish areas such as inside of bowls are impossible to get at with this unit. Apart from that, it works just like the old model which I have had good luck with.
  
  
• Works fine, but
  By A36VEAJN8H6ZE on 2008-06-11
  This sander requires 8 hole hook and loop, the old model 333 that I replaced with this took 5 hole hook and loop. They are NOT interchangeble. Fortunately the 5 hole pad from my 333 fits this, because I have about $80 worth of 5 hole sand paper and I sure didn't want to mess with trying to sell it and buy more. Also, the screws that hold the pad in place are Torx lock heads and the screw thread itself is not machined type threads (more like a sheet metal or wood screw), and they are a pain to remove. It takes about 5 times as long to remove the pad (which you have to do to replace the rubber band contraption that makes it random orbit). The good about it is that it's not nearly as loud and is much easier on your hands (less vibration) than the 333 model. The dust collector fits my shop vac better than the old 333 as well.
  
  
• Nice tool but ????
  By AD95BIDFW6RDS on 2008-08-29
  Unit seems to work well overall but does seem to BOG down on occasion.
  Maybe it needs a little more capacity OR it's at my end. The tool deos
  do a nice finishing job.-----Brian
  
  
• Porter-Cable 343K 5" Sander Review
  By A2S07U1TL32SB4 on 2008-09-16
  I am a fairly active wordworker (a hobbyist) that builds our own furniture, primarily out of cherry. I have four 5' random orbit P-C sanders along with a host of others. I find all of the P-C Sanders to be superb, reliable and durable products with only one minor weakness. I believe that the dust collection canisters could be a little stronger and that the airflow to them should be strengthened a bit. I do get a fair amount of residue on the outside of the sander that probably could be "collected" a bit better. A couple of mine have more than ten years of fairly continuous service with the only additional costs being that of the sanding pad, as the hooks seem to wear out after a great deal of us. Great products!!
  
  
• EXTREMELY Disappointed!
  By A91ZFJUS56K4P on 2008-11-05
  I don't usually review items after I purchase them... especially when its been over a year. But today I became so frustrated with this sander that I just had to share.
  
  Previously, I owned a DeWalt random orbit sander which was my first. It was awesome. Maybe not quite as powerful as some people would like, but it handled like a dream. I built my entire kitchen with it and I couldn't have achieved the results I did without it. Funny thing is, I really didn't do much research when I bought it. It was affordable and in stock at my local home center, so I wen with it.
  
  Well, when the DeWalt finally died, I thought this time I would do my homework and get something even better. I mean, if I liked my old one so much without even researching it before hand, then this time I would get something even better! So I ended up with the Porter-Cable. What a mistake! One word...CONTROL. This thing drifts all over the place when you're trying to work with it. It isn't balanced well, or something and just feels terribly uncomfortable to use. I thought maybe it was my sanding discs, but after trying a couple different brands, I realized that this is just how it is.
  
  So, for the past year I've just been using it anyway (basically avoiding it whenever possible) because I didn't like the idea of throwing money down the drain. And then today something else has started happening. The sawdust collector just falls off! When I'm sanding, it just come loose and FALLS OFF! Sawdust everywhere and when I put it back on, it is so loose that it won't stay in place unless I keep checking on it. I have no idea why it is loose unless the plastic is just fatigued or something, but now I've had it.
  
  As far as all of the positive reviews are concerned, in scimming through them, it seems that this is the first or only brand sander that many of the reviewers have owned. Maybe thats why the gave it such high marks... nothing to compare it to. But I urge you to look for a different sander. The DeWalt handled like a dream and was much nicer to use than this one. Of course, the only reason I know this is because I've used it.
  
  
• Great tool!
  By A2ASCD9K70OHR1 on 2007-02-24
  I'm really pleased with this sander. It's smooth, quiet, and when hooked up to a shop vac makes almost no airborne dust. This sander also seems really solidly built, but is light weight and easy to handle. The "brake" feature that prevents the thing from spinning out of control when lifted off the workpiece works like a charm. I think I'm most enamored with the lack of dust. A very welcome addition to my shop, and at a reasonable price.
  
  
• Works as Described
  By A3MTYJPV8Q2WEH on 2007-12-28
  This product is well made and if you go to your local Woodcraft store you can buy a hose that connects the sander to your vac. The combo works as well as any I have tried with 90% of the sandings sucked into your vac.
  
  

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