Replies

1. 
   Bill_Pickard | Dec 11, 2000 10:29pm | #1

   *
   b TVMDC

   I chose the PC 6" RO over the 5" because the sanding area is 44% larger than the 5" model. I also use the Bosch 3727DVS which is also 6" and use different grits on each sander.

   The 335 is a good choice.

   But the real secret is using 3M MicroFinishing Film whose grit is graded at 95% nominal size raher than 65% as is typical for most sandpapers. Also, the grit is on a polyester film rather than cloth so you can WASH IT!

   Available from the Japan Woodworker: 1-800-537-7820.

1. 
   George_Lentulo | Dec 12, 2000 10:23pm | #2

   *Ralph,I own the PC 5" r.o., and have picked up and used the 6" of others several times on different jobs. For shaping and quick, accurate stock removal I find that nothing beats the 6" - it's superb IMO.Hmmm... I wonder if the wife has bought me anyhing yet for Christmas ....

1. 
   Bill_Brennen | Dec 19, 2000 09:14am | #3

   *I bought a PC 335 sander when they first came out, because I wanted a one-handed random orbit and I already had a 6" RO sander and tons of paper. It always overheated, even when hooked to a vacuum cleaner. Eventually, the platen melted where the three screws secured it to the orbiting plate that is also the fan. In addition, the dust cannister cracked and broke the very first time I ever used it, and kept falling off unless taped on. I finally chucked it out. Maybe they have the bugs all worked out now. The only PC tool that came close to being as bad was my old plate joiner, and it still functioned when I replaced it with the Dewalt. Looking at the above posts, I guess I just got a lemon.Bill

1. 
   Jim_Malone | Dec 21, 2000 05:08am | #4

   *George,I got something that will beat it. My 4x24 Makita Belt Sander with a 36 silicon carbide belt, a dressing stick and some Wheaties for breakfast. Followed up with my PC 5" random orbital. Who could ask for anything more. From Santa anyway. Now from the wife -- that's a different story.Good Building,Jim Malone

1. 
   Adrian_Wilson | Dec 22, 2000 04:59am | #5

   *Nope, they are a piece of crap, IMO...and i like PC tools. I used to run a specialty production shop...lots of sanding...the PC's were always in the repair shop, along with every other PC in town. I switched to Dewalt, which is much superior, and I'm still thinking of a Fein or a Festo.That's for the 5". The big PC is a good tool.

2. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Dec 22, 2000 08:30am | #6

   *i got the PC Speed Block. No idea of the model number. It's the one handed thingy with the cord and knob kinda thing outta the top. Uses 1/4 sheets of paper. What ever the hell it is.....I like it! Use it for both quick rough sanding, and nice and easy finishing sanding. Comfy and plenty powerful for me. If you already have the 5" randon orbit....it may be worth a look.Jeff

3. 
   Frank_"Mad_Dog"_Maglin | Dec 22, 2000 04:47pm | #7

   *Yeah Jeff,I like the speed block too. Another good one is the PC 505 which is a bigger version of the speed block.I think I'd have to agree with Adrian on PC's 5"ROS line. Had to have bearings replaced after about a year after it locked up on me. I had a Makita ROS for 3 yrs and it still has the original bearings in it.

4. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Dec 22, 2000 11:36pm | #8

   *Well, if we're talkin' up 5" random orbitals, I think the Dewalt 423 with electronic variable speed dial is hard to beat. You have to replace the variable speed dial about once a year, but the control that thing gives you is great. Change out the stock hook and loop pad for the optional PSA pad, and you're ready to roll.

5. 
   Frank_"Mad_Dog"_Maglin | Dec 23, 2000 02:27am | #9

   *Yeah Jim,I prefer PSA over H&L also. Went and converted both my sanders. It seems that the PSA pads last me longer and initial cost is a few pennys less. Seemed like I was always wearing the H&L mounting pads out where they wouldn't hold a sanding disc. Don't have that problem with PSA.

6. 
   Adrian_Wilson | Dec 23, 2000 03:50am | #10

   *Crazy Legs and Mad Dog; you dang Texans are wacked. I mean that with the utmost respect. H & L beats PSA hands down, double on Sundays. Never want to see a PSA pad again, ever. Sheesh.

7. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Dec 23, 2000 04:54am | #11

   *Yeah, I remember you sayin' you had a lot of trouble with PSA, Adrian. I have a couple of those 5" RO sanders (actually 3, but, um, that's another story) so I bought PSA pads for two of them and left one H+L (besides, I had a bunch of H+L paper to use up). But seriously, I always reach for the PSA sanders when I have the choice. The paper is way cheaper and seems to last at least as long. What do you have against PSA?

8. 
   Adrian_Wilson | Dec 23, 2000 05:36am | #12

   *My experience is this (and things may have changed): I could never get the stupid things to stay on the pad, which lead to lots of time trying to keep the pad superclean, and a lot of money down the drain in wasted disks flying off and landing in the dirt. And the main reason is, I found the H & L gives a better end result (flatter and just plain better sanded). When I was using PSA we were high volume sanders; now we're more low level. I have a couple of sanders. If I really thought the PSA did a better job, I'd buy more and keep them set up for that grit, but i find H & L works better in my situation. I go through way less paer than I did with PSA, even if it costs more; on some grits, I'm only restocking now after five years in this shop.

9. 
   jim_hesley | Dec 23, 2000 06:31am | #13

   *b I am refinishing oak cabinets. On my first practice door i think I got whats called "scarring" (like a white sreak) with a random orbit sander. Now what should i do...resand that area and the scarring will eventually go away????

10. 
    Jim_Malone | Dec 23, 2000 07:02am | #14

    *Jim, I assume your not through all the finish. Oak being the wonderful open grained wood that it is, often will have filler or finish fairly deep. Usually just switching to a finer grit disc that isn't loaded up will feather away such marks. Touch it with a dab of solvent and see if it is really as bad as it looks.I have never encountered such marks on unfinished oak unless my sanding paper is really loaded up and dull. I was able to purchase a much better pad for my PC RO PSA 5" sander. The discs will stick -- no more frisbees, but you must remove them when your done for the day or they are a bearcat to remove the next day.Good Building,Jim Malone

11. 
    Frank_"Mad_Dog"_Maglin | Dec 23, 2000 04:08pm | #15

    *Adrian. Just the opposite works for me. My hardwood supplier supplies me with my PSA disks and of all places, they're made in......Canada!They have no brand name on them and they have a amber colored grit.When I was useing H&L it seemed like the pad would lose its H or L in the middle, and that's when the pads would come flying off usually after 3 to 4 months use.

12. 
    jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Dec 23, 2000 09:23pm | #16

    *I don't think all sandpaper is created equal either. Open coat, closed coat, garnett, emery...there's a lot of holes on my education, I'll tell you that. Any of you guys willing to talk about that a little?I had a long discussion with a Mikra (sp?) rep at a show last year and he gave me a bunch of samples of various grits. Then, a local auto body supply house was closing out their 5" PSA discs and I bought all the 100 and 150 they had (same brand). I've been using that stuff for about a year and they seem to cut fine and stick real good. What brand(s) does everyone else use? Does anyone make the 5" PSA discs with 8 holes yet? I had trouble finding those when I switched over from H+L.

13. 
    Darrell_Nivens | Mar 04, 2001 04:34pm | #17

    *Has anyone tried out the Bosch 1619EVS router? How does it compare to a PC?

2. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Mar 04, 2001 04:34pm | #18

   *
   Porter Cable has a new 6" sander, model 335. Anybody seen one or used it yet? Is it, because it's bigger, any better than a 5"? I'm selecting my christmas gifts and I do need a new sander (among other things).