Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Sep 21, 2005 10:32pm | #1

   PC 333 works fine...

    

2. 
   slykarma | Sep 23, 2005 03:57pm | #2

   PC for me. Tough and powerful. I have Makita too, but not for long enough to  comment on durability. Sands just as well as PC. Dust collection on both is pretty poor.

   Lignum est bonum.
3. 
   Dave45 | Sep 23, 2005 04:01pm | #3

   I don't remember the model number, but I really like my DeWalt 5" ROS.  I use the Norton discs (with the holes in them) and a hose to a gate on my DC system.  The dust collection works fine.

4. 
   csnow | Sep 23, 2005 04:16pm | #4

   That review may be obsolete by now.

   I'm happy with a Bosch which is a couple of years old.  Smooth operation, and the dust collection is surprisingly good.

5. 
   PD | Sep 23, 2005 05:16pm | #5

   Any of the major manufacturers make a good sander. The important question is how does it fit your hand. If you are going to be sanding for long periods you want something that is comfortable for you and you can easily control.

1. 
   cynwyd | Sep 23, 2005 06:02pm | #6

   I second this opinion, if you're buying an industrial tool which are pretty equal, and everybody makes lemons,  comfort is crucial. Consider too that at some date you may step up to a right angle and it's wise to stay within a brand so your discs are useable for both machines.

   You'll also need to weigh in dust collection and the availability of store bought paper, any paper can be mail ordered.  

6. 
   paule38 | Sep 23, 2005 07:14pm | #7

   PC 333 for me...a good reliable unit, moderately priced and durable....

   If you aren't one of the one's I'm talking about,you shouldn't have any complaints....

7. 
   frenchy | Sep 23, 2005 09:32pm | #8

   forsthuls,

       Based on that report I went out and bought a Mikita It was the quiestest and had the least vibration as I recall.  I've used mine building my timberframe and it's done well over 20,000 bd.ft. of  white oak black walnut etc.   so far and still great! 

     I have used a variety of others including the Bosche and the PC and never found them as quiet, as fast or as smooth..

8. 
   BilWil | Sep 23, 2005 11:23pm | #9

   I really like the 5 inch Festool.  It is lighter than my PC 333 or my DeWalt.  It is now about 3 years old and hasn't given me any grief.  The PC has had the bearings  replaced, not sealed, and it was only 2 and 1/2 half years old.  It is heavier than the Festool.  The DeWalt just seems to make too much noise, and I haven't used it much - I let the help use it.

9. 
   plumbbill | Sep 23, 2005 11:51pm | #10

   I just bought a new one a few months ago & didn't have a lot to spend & I already owned nice big pc vibrating ones. I looked for price to amp comparison & comfort I don't have the model # right off hand but I stumbled across a craftsman 3.2 amp w/dust collection & nice cross hatch rubber palm grip & it was $60 bucks now we know craftsman doesn't make power tools so judging by the looks I think it was actually made by rigid but anyways what I like best about it is that it has permanent magnets which make it quite powerful under load conditions.

   
   

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   Edited 9/23/2005 4:52 pm ET by plumbbill