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In the Shop: Low-profile sander reviewed

Will Sampson tries out the new Porter-Cable 390K low-profile sander.

2010-03-02


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  • I am new to this site so I am not sure if this video is meant as a review or an introduction to a further video review with testing and specs included. I have two of these sanders and niether of them has been used more than a few hours. I have several of the older model mentioned as well as RO sanders from other manufacturers. When PC first announced this sander I put in a standing order with my local tool supplier for the first two shipped. I was excited for the prospect of a sander with a lower profile, more powerful motor, variable speed and adaptors for various dust collection systems. This sander was supposed to have it all. Unfortunately it has a few key weaknesses that have earned it a dusty place on the tool rack.
    The Good Points: Less vibration and excellent speed control. The built in dust container is an improvement over earlier PC sanders. Quick material removal and, as with other PC RO sanders, the gyro effect of the motor help stabilize sander for easier flat sanding.
    The Bad: It is true that the sander is lower profile but it is also larger diameter where you typically hold it. This is a bad trade. The older, taller sanders gave you several option on how to grip the sander either from the top or the side. Electric sanders are all heavier than their air powered brothers and when the size of the object being sanded requires that you sand vertically, it is hard to hold them up for very long. Being able to change from a top grip to a side grip can relieve fatigue when sanding for long periods.
    Another minus, and this is the one that has these sanders collecting dust instead of making it, is the very poor dust collection. When you light this sander up with the stock dust can, in less than two minutes you look like the live action version of Pig Pen from the Peanuts cartoon series. Part of the problem is the reducer/adapter you see when you take of the stock dust can. Not enough air can be pushed through this area to make collecting the dust this sander


    Posted Byrobert cifelli 3/29/2010 4:24:52 AM