This is a very handy little sander. Very ergonomic. Two safety concerns: 1) Portions of the chassis get very hot very quickly. It's easy to burn yourself. 2) Belt tracking is adjusted by turning a small plastic knob that functions as a bolt head. The bolt shaft is threaded into the chassis. There is a spring that surrounds the bolt shaft, and is therefore trapped between the chassis and the bolt head. This spring is under compression, which creates an outward force against the inside of the bolt head. This force prevents the adjustment knob from "walking" out of adjustment when the sander is running. Unfortunately, the spring is not strong enough to do its job, and the tracking must constantly be adjusted. Worse, the creeping of the adjustment knob is in the direction that causes the belt to work its way off the platen. This could result in workpiece damage, or even an injury to the operator. I'm going to replace the spring with a much stronger one to try and corect this problem.
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Porter-Cable 371K 2 1/2 by 14 Inch Compact Belt Sander KitProduct Description: This must-have kit features a belt sander that won the Handy Magazine Innovation Award in 2006 for its host of winning features. First, this capable compact sander houses a 120-volt, 5 Amp motor that delivers serious power within a portable, lightweight frame that you can comfortably hold in your hand. Combined with a large rubber grip on the surface, this sander allows you the precise control your jobs demand. Even in tight spaces, this handy instrument can comfortably maneuver up to a perpendicular, 90-degree angles thanks to its flush side and its compact, 2-1/2 x 14-inch belt. Conveniences like the removable anterior dust port and the dust-sealed recessed switch that reduces accidental switch-off will make this your go-to sander no matter the job. The Porter-Cable 371K includes the sander, an 80-grit sanding belt, a durable carrying case, and a manual.
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Sometime a job needs to be quicker than sandpaper and is smaller than a tabletop.The big sander needs two hands to be safe.This unit gives a smooth, uniform surface - ready for finish sanding with an orbital or sanding block.Good product.
I was immediately intrigued when this belt sander came on the market - I always felt there needed to be a more diminutive belt sander for certain operations, things that a quarter-sheet palm sander or a oscilating disk sander just are not right for (for one example, our companyoften has to taper the end of a baluster - this is the tool for the job). Also keep in mind that many people find a larger belt sander hard to control without gouging the workpiece. So I ordered one. As soon as it arrived, it had celebrity status - there are one-hand and detail operations that the other four trim capenters I work with immediately took to this tool to perform, and I am adding a second one to our inventory soon.
$6 per belt w/ shipping!That's four times what I now pay, and these do not last any longer than any other aluminum oxide belt.They do track very well on my Bosch sander.
I go through a LOT of sanding belts.I've paid a lot of money in my local hardware store.These are at least as good, maybe better, than any I get locally, at a fraction of the price!Recommended!