larrys2006

I am looking a for a belt sander and I would like to know what you think is the best sander of these units. I will use it for stairs and general use.

bosch 1276dvs
R2720 ridgid
porter 360vs
5936 milwake

cleveman

First belt sander I bought was a Craftsman. It started smoking, so I returned it and got a Rockwell 3x21. I needed to replace a gear in it a few years back (after 20 years of service) and it was not available, so I picked up the porter-cable 3x21 with variable speed, a dust bag, and a case.

I'm happy with it. You have to keep the dust bag clean for it to work very well. The case is necessary. The variable speed is alright I guess if you are trying to shape an edge or something stupid.

Try to find one that is quiet, I think it is the whisper series.

The PC is the same as the old rockwell, so I'm happy with the style and feel. But check out those others. I think Makita makes one as well.

I assume you have an air compressor handy to clean it with.

DesPro

You can't go wrong with the porter cable. I've been using mine ,(several) for 15 years. They are a real work horse and we use them hard day in and day out, they have never let me down.
Most of the professional wood workers and cabinet shops I know of use porter cable belt sanders exclusively.

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Quiglag

I 3rd the Porter Cable 3"x21".

I also have the smaller PC 2.5"x14" sander. It has a lot of power for the size, but the dust removal is terrible. The dust gets stuck in the sander, then clogs up the belt. You are also limited on belt grits. I did find a place that makes custom belts for very cheap http://customsandingbelts.com I am going to try them out, next time I need belts.

seifconst

Porter Cable all the way! I've used mine (3 x 24) for six years now and not a lick of problem. You will need to clean out the blower wheel every so often to take advantage of the nice large bag size. We use it for back splashes (wood and preforms) and knocking down the seem on swollen sub-floor. Works great for both. I would note that if you are going to be using it in the vertical position alot, it might be a little heavy- hence porter cable's well built tools. My 2 cents.

larrys2006

I think Porter Cable was bought up by black and decker, how well are they built now?

Joining_heads@c

I wonder this myself. I have noticed that their tools have developed the crappy pot metal look of Dewalt (slag deposits included).

philner

I think porter cable makes the best belt sanders. Other than sanders and routers I wouldn't buy anything else they make. But thier sanders and routers are top notch.

hammerken

Porter cable enough said! Family in furniture business for 55 years, extremely durable and easy replacement parts

Bill in VaBeach

Have to add my two cents for the Porter Cable 362V 4" x 24"! Powerful, reliable, holds up to being banged around on the job. Never required a repair, although bag did wear out. Reasonably quiet for a belt sander. Tough machine.

john5mt

dewalt is good but i dont buy dewalt tools anymore

i have a pc and have no complaints. It is agressive and has worked flawlessly

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BKFranks

I really like the Porter Cable sanders and they have plenty of power. Not sure if the quality is the same as before now that they are owned by Black and Decker.

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cleveman

Blew a bearing on my PC today. It had developed a "cough" and eventually wanted to seize up. The needle bearing went out on the right side. I called the tool hospital and they ordered the bearing and the guy told me he was 3 weeks out on repairs. I thought, "why is he answering the phone"?

He told me that bearing is a beatch to replace. The thing to do is drill a hole through the case, underneath the PC sticker, and punch it out. The problem is, you have to punch on the outside of the bearing, so you need a large hole or several small holes.

So I drill a bunch of holes and remove the bearing and go to my old Rockwell which I had kept for parts and do the same to it and install the old bearing in the newer sander after I cleaned the metal filings from it and applied some grease. Replaced the felt in the back and put duct tape over my drill holes and I'm in business again.

So my advice is to take off the right side cover and give her some fat.

richard123

porter/ black and decker are the best always been reliable and never let me down.

firemike

I have the P/C 3x21 variable speed - A real workhorse! I have sanded the heck out of things to the point of "abusing" the sander in what it was actually designed for, and in 11 years I had to replace the switch last year.

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