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Made by: Porter-Cable
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Product Description --
Porter-Cable's 3-by-21-inch belt sander features an all-metal housing that gives the tool a solid feel, makes it tough to damage, and lets you sand effectively without having to press down. This sander also does a great job of keeping belts centered, a terrific bonus because there's nothing more frustrating that having to constantly re-center a belt. According to Porter-Cable, the all-metal housing accounts for the centered placement of the belts. The sander remains rigid, even during heavy use, and the metal helps dissipate heat, keeping the belt relatively cool and in place.
This sander also has a variable-speed dial that lets you match the speed of the belt with the application, so you can speed up for aggressive removal or dial down for more precision. We really like the 360-degree adjustable top dust nozzle--a feature you won't find on many belt sanders--because it lets you pivot the dust bag (or hose if you're hooked up to a dust vac), a huge convenience when sanding in corners or along edges. And, lastly, this is a quiet sander, thanks both to Porter-Cable's newly designed gear system, which meshes more accurately, and to the sander's serpentine drive belt, which makes considerably less noise than a more common cog system. For a belt sander, this tool is surprisingly easy on the ears, and that's a very good thing.
From the Manufacturer
Known for its reliability, this 7 amp, variable speed (850 to 1300 surface feet per minute), all metal frame belt sander is ball and roller bearing constructed, for years of dependable service. The fingertip belt tracking knob, and quick release belt change lever, make changing and adjusting belts a breeze. The motor is directly over the sanding surface for better balance and feel. The included dust bag swivels to stay out of the way while collecting dust from the work surface. The sander comes included with a 100 grit belt, dust bag assembly no. 39334, and operator's manual.
FEATURES
. 8 Amp motor, AC only
. Variable-speed dial 850-1,300 SFPM
. Belt & gear drive
. Designed for flush sanding up to vertical surfaces
. Dust bag swivels 360°
. Fingertip belt-tracking knob
. Quick-release belt-change lever
. Motor is located over platen for maximum performance and perfect balance
. Standard Equipment: Sander, 100G ceramic aluminum oxide belt, dust bag assembly #39334, and operating manual
SPECIFICATIONS
. Power: 120 VAC, 25-60 HZ
. Motor Amps: 8
. Belt Speed (SFPM): 850-1,300
. Belt Size (inches): 3 x 21
. Length (Inches): 11-3/4
. Net Weight: 10-3/4 Lbs.
. Shipping Weight: 12-1/2 Lbs.
. Dust Collection System: Yes
Terrific, Powerful Sander -- After purchasing -- and returning -- the Makita 3X18 belt sander, I bought the Porter-Cable 352VS (eee my review of the Makita). What a difference!
This sander is powerful. I sanded three layers of old paint off a door in about 1/2 hr. The body is constructed of metal, giving it a nice solid feel. When sanding, you can simply glide the sander back and forth, without having to push down at all. Porter-Cable came up with a design that gives you a lot of power, but at the same time control over that power. This is what a belt sander SHOULD be like.
The position of the front handle makes sense -- it is up higher than the front of the machine, so you get a good position relative to the sanding surface. The handle is also designed to give you a lot to grab onto.
The dust bag is designed well. You can swivel it in any direction to get it out of the way while you're sanding, and it holds the dust without spilling until you're ready to empty it out. Also, it does a fair job collecting the dust, but you should never expect any dust-bag system to be perfect.
The meachinism for loading and unloading sander belts is very good. It is easy to place the belt in the sander and then tighten it up securely.
The tracking system really holds the sander belt in place. I placed the belt on the sander, held it upside-down, running the sander until the belt no longer shifted left or right. Then I began sanding, and for the whole time I worked, the belt did not move from center at all. Because the housing is made of metal, even if the belt DID move, it would not damage the sander, as it would on machines with plastic bodies.
All told, this sander is a great combination of power and ease of use.
Reviews:
A Workhorse at a Great Price -- I used the 352VS to sand a very large deck (45' X 18'), and it performed well. Here are my observations:
Positives:
- the sander is well-balanced and well-weighted. I did not have to apply too much pressure unless I wanted to get down deep.
- changing belts was easy, and using the adjustment control was equally easy.
- the handles are well-positioned and ergonomically designed.
- overall performance was consistent and even.
Negatives:
- the dust bag was often in the way, regardless of the its ability to be swivelled. Additionally, it captured only a small portion of the overall dust.
- it is quite noisy.
- while its metal casing adds durability and structural strength, it became extremely hot during use. I burned my wrist on it more than once.
- it was difficult to handle and maneuver in small, cramped spaces.
- the design of the top of the sander prevents it from being turned over and used as a stationary, counter-top unit.
Overall, I think its price here on amazon.com makes it a good buy.
A versatile performer -- I'm pretty sure everything that should be said has been said about this belt sander. I worked with the PC "locomotive" belt sander for years and that is a fantastic tool for heavy duty, continuous surface sanding. However, if you are looking for "medium range" belt sander (not too heavy, not too light) and versatile (can sand large surfaces, but is also capable of fine control for things like sanding the joints of frame and panel doors) this is the sander for you. I find this model versatile enough for all purposes even to use one handed for scribing panels, trim and moulding on site. The DeWalt variable speed 3 x 21 is too heavy for one-handed use, and the super light plastic belt sanders made by DeWalt, Makita and Black & Decker are worth avoiding.
Belt changes are simple, belt tracking is spot on, dust collection is quite good and the noise level is worthy of hearing protection during extended use. The dust bag and cord placement is fine once you get used to it, and as with any power tool don't let your mind, power cord or fingers wander (my sympathies to the poor guy who got his fingers sucked up inside... that's gotta hurt!). The clogging of the dust intake (not common with finer grits of sanding belts, but I've had chunks of wood get sucked up in there too) can be cleaned with a blast of compressed air from the outlet (where the dust bag fits on) back down. Although it would be good to have a vacuum hook-up to use instead of the dust bag, I've always found that dragging the hose around while your sanding becomes more of a pain than it's worth.
Powerful, reliable and a joy to use. Highly recommended.
Great sander, but keep an eye on the power cord. -- Great sander, ample power, belt changes and tracking adjustments are a snap. However, one time during use, I inadvertently let the power cord get too close to the drive wheel. The tool sucked the cord up, wedging the cord between the sanding belt and the tool housing, and grinding the motor to a halt. The cord was easily repaired, but the drive belt (which connects the motor to the drive wheel) was shot and needed to be replaced. The moral of the story is to keep a close eye on the cord, and keep it away from the drive wheel at all times. Other than that, the tool has performed flawlessly.
Rock solid -- I bought my first 352 (it's a single speed - before they had the variable speed and with the "Rockwell" name on it - before they switched back to Porter-Cable)and put so many hours on it I had to put new brushes, replace the shoeplate, and get it relubed. It has been flawless in it's performance. I've owned several sanders and used many, many more (I started in construction 30 years ago) and have become a staunch PC sander fan.
I have a monster PC362 4" for really heavy sanding but this one is light and easy enough to handle I pull it for my finer finishing work. The variable speed has to make it even more versatile.
It has plenty of power, doesn't run hot, and I've never known anyone personally that has ground up any body parts in one. Dust bags are annoying - period. But after using models that the bag is fixed permanently to the right side I much prefer the PC's one on the top, at least you can turn it away from whatever angle you are to the sander. I've found it very stable and sands extremely well.
There are some good models out there (Bosch has a good tool too) but for the money and the size this one is nealy impossible to beat: not too expensive, not too large, and not too small.