A very good belt sander
Written: Aug 17 '04 (Updated Sep 20 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well made and has power to spare.
Cons: LOUD! Screaming loud is a better description.
The Bottom Line: A good performer for nearly any sanding job. The only fault is that the sander is loud.
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| tarf's Full Review: Porter-Cable 3" x 21" Belt Sander 352VS |
I decided to buy the Porter – Cable 352VS because I wanted a smaller belt sander than my old (and heavy!) but reliable Rockwell 362 that uses a 4”x24” belt. The Porter – Cable 352VS has some nice features and some annoying ones too. Parts and service is a snap because Porter – Cable has many factory service or factory authorized service centers located throughout the United States.
Let’s start with the positive features. The Porter – Cable 352VS is a very well made machine with a metal frame and sturdy and comfortable handles. I have used the sander for hours and hours and the motor has withstood much dust, grime and grit all without overheating or failing. The motor has plenty of power even at lower speeds and operates with little vibration. I also think the machine is light enough to be used overhead and on vertical surfaces. The sander was not put on a scale but it seems to weigh about 9 pounds and draws 8 amps of current at 120 volts AC.
Changing belts is simple and the lever is easy to operate and locks down positively. This model uses 3” x 21” belts. Tracking adjustment is easy and I have yet to adjust it. You must make sure the belt is tracking true else the belt and machine life will be compromised. I have used the “cheapo” belts to the expensive “name brand” belts all with success. The sander does not seem to be fussy with belts just as long as they are 3”x21”.
A feature I have really come to appreciate is the variable speed of the machine. You have the ability to adjust the belt speed from 850 SFM (Surface Feet per Minute) to 1300 SFM. The belt speed can be adjusted at any time with the thumb wheel on the frame of the sander. You can also lock the machine on with a push button on the trigger switch.
As far as maintenance is concerned I simply use a compressor to blow the dust out of the collector and motor every so often. The rest of the unit is permanently lubed but the manual says to have it serviced after every “...100 hours of use” at which time the service center will lube and check the brushes.
Even though not quite a positive feature the dust collector works ok but to get best performance you need to empty it out when it gets half full. Connecting a vacuum to the sander is NOT an option. The connector is too small and you’d have to have an adapter (which doesn’t exist) to get it to work correctly. I suppose you could make one, though. Using it without a dust bag is also NOT an option as the dust exhaust is pointed right at your face. A dust mask or a respirator should be worn to avoid breathing in too much dust. Dust masks and respirators are a pain but wearing oxygen masks and pulling oxygen tanks around because of not using protection is even worse!
I have saved the negatives for last. One of the biggest complaints I have is how loud it is. It’s a high pitched shriek that will have your ears “bleeding.” Hearing protection is a must!
Now the last negative is the gap between the belt and the frame. The gap is quite large and is big enough to get “things” stuck in it such as cords, thin work pieces, etc.
With that being said, I like the sander and would recommend it to anyone needing a belt sander. The Porter – Cable 352VS would be, in my estimation, for the serious weekend warrior or Do-It-Yourselfer, or a woodworker. Considering the cost it’s probably not for the “once a year” type person unless they want a very high quality sander as there are less expensive ones out there. The 352VS comes with a one year warranty.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tarf
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Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 1 member
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