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Made by: Porter-Cable
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Product Description -- Hook-and-loop abrasives on this sander will take off tons of stock for you at 80 grit and leave a swirl-free finish at 120 to 150. Five dust-extraction holes in the pad pull the sawdust away and into the dust-collection canister, which is big enough to let you work for a long time without emptying it, but not so big that it's in the way. You can also connect it to your vacuum system. An easy thumb wheel controls the speed, which ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute. It's quiet and easy to handle. These features alone make it a great choice, but here's the smartest thing Porter-Cable did with this little gem: a pad brake will immediately slow the revolutions to 400 per minute when the unit is lifted off the work surface. This helps prevent gauging when you lift the sander off or place it back on the work surface. The grip is comfortable, even for those of us with smaller hands--you can hold it by the top or wrap your hand around it. Either way, it's a great sander.
From the Manufacturer
Designed to give a swirl-free finish, this random orbit sander also has a pad control feature to prevent pad spin-up. The pad does not start to spin at full speed until after it contacts the work surface, preventing gouging and swirl marks. With a variable speed dial, the speed can be set between 5,000 and 12,000 orbits per minute. A separate on/off switch allows the speed setting to be maintained when the sander is shut off. The exclusive Sandtrap dust canister is made of a porous plastic and collects even the finest of dust. Since it is hard, the dust canister will not collapse or wear out. The beefy 2.4 amp motor has plenty of power for aggressive sanding and is all ball bearings for durability. The five-inch hook and loop pad will accept either 5- or 8-hole sanding discs allowing the use of discs meant for other brands of sanders. Includes sander, 150 grit sanding disc, and operator's manual.
FEATURES
. 2.4 Amp, AC only
. For 5" hook & loop abrasives (5/8 hole)
. 3/32" orbit
. 5,000-12,000 OPM
. Dust canister rotates 360° around sander
. 1" O.D. vacuum ready
. 100% ball bearings
. Pad control feature prevents pad spin-up when tool is lifted off work
. Standard Equipment: Sander, sanding disc, filter, and operating manual
SPECIFICATIONS
. Power: 120 VAC, 25-60 HZ
. Motor Amps: 1.4/2.4
. Speed: 5,000-12,000
. Abrasive Type: Hook and Loop (5 or 8 hole)
. Tool Height: 6-1/4
. Net Weight: 3.5 Lbs.
. Shipping Weight: 4 Lbs.
WARRANTY
One year warranty with a 30 day performance certification.
Simply the best in its class -- The Porter-Cable 333VS Quicksand random orbital sander is simply the best 5" random orbital sander on the market. The tool is very solidly built, with superb fit and finish. The excellent ergonomic design allows the tool to be held very comfortably with a variety of hand positions. The hook-and-loop pad holds sandpaper firmly, without any slippage. The dust collection system is very efficient, and the rigid collection canister holds up much better (and is easier to empty) than a flimsy bag. Although I usually use mine hooked up to a vacuum system, I have used it with the canister on a number of occasions and have never had the canister fall off. The Porter-Cable 333VS random orbital sander has more than enough power for any sanding task you would use it for, and it runs very smoothly. There is also no question about the durability of this line of sanders. I also have a Porter-Cable 333 fixed-speed sander, which I once knocked off of my work bench accidentally. Absolutely no damage was done, and the sander still works beautifully. You wouldn't go wrong with a Makita, Bosch, or DeWalt, but if you want the best get the best--the Porter-Cable 333VS.
Reviews:
The smoothest sander for smooth sanding -- This is my pick for the best RO sander. It runs smoother than the others . It is not the fastest sander in the world but you can run it much longer without having a numb hand. The dust collection is great. The little canister is easy to dump and you're back at it in no time. Variable speed is a must for fine work. You don't always want full power. like when you just want to ease an edge on a nice piece of prize furniture. You can dial it down real low if you want to. This coupled to the pad control feature means no ruined work, ever. I use this sander far more than my Dewalt, Bosch and Makita RO sanders
Sanding pad replacement -- Have had the 333VS for about one year and am very satisfied with the sander's overall performance. Very aggressive at coarser grits yet silky smooth finishes using finer grits. Had to replace the sanding pad, P/N13909, after about 8-hours of operation as the pad would no longer hold sanding disks. The sander is used mostly on flat stock in preparation and finishing of furniture construction projects. Other than the machines weight, very little if any pressure is ever placed on the machine during operation. I know of only one other woodworker who has experienced the same pad problem. Have any of you woodworkers out ther experienced it? If so, please let me know if I'm the problem or the pad is. At ~$18.00/pad, it could get expensive if it is a recurring problem. I'll find out with my new replacement pad. Porter Cable informed me the pad should last approximately 25-30 hours under normal conditions. In spite of my problem, I'd still recommend purchasing the 333VS.
A much better sander -- I had the opportunity to compare this to the new Ridgid model and the Dewalt. The Porter Cable is a much better sander. For instance, it does not send vibrations through your arm like the Ridgid. Very smooth operation, for a sander. About the only complaint I have is the speed adjustment dial; it's difficult to operate but perhaps, this is by design. It's made in the USA - always a plus. If you are looking for a 5 inch sander this is it.
Great for small jobs. You'll want a belt sander for big work -- Great for smaller jobs and occasional work "in-place." Easy to use and no maintainance. But you will want to look at the very reasonably priced PorterCable belt sanders for larger jobs like doors, or large flat finished surfaces. But if you can only afford one tool to get started or are just getting started, this one is the one to start with.
MUCH Better Than the DeWalt! -- This sander seems to work much, much better than the Dewalt. The dust collection seems to be better (not as much dust flying around in the air while using it) and it does not get as hot as the Dewalt. Also there are not any consumables on this sander that you're going to have to buy. With the DeWalt, there is an O-ring that needs replacing every once in while for its dust collection. Better yet, the base takes either 5 or 8 hole sanding discs. Much better sander with regard to operation, dust collection, and cost.