Hi All, Iam interested in the new Porter-Cable371K 2 1/2″X 14″belt sander.I once had a Skil Sand Cat and found it very handy.I am a big fan of all P-C sanders.
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Is that the small belt sander that is relatively new? Looks to be a nice little tool, haven't had a chance to put it to use yet, though.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
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I haven't used it myself, Porter Cable usually makes good sanders, except that Profile Sander... that's a joke.
My main concern would be the long term availability of belts if PC decided to stop making it.
I got one from Amazon last week on sale for $111. I used it briefly Saturday before I clogged the belt sanding some wet wood and realized I forgot to get a rubber belt cleaner. The sander seemed to work fairly well and the belt tracing adjustment worked quite well. The belt change is quick, easy, and toolsess. It defiantly can sand flush on one side but I am not sure that removing the front handle gains much room. It seems to fit in the case it comes with but only a couple of spare belts will fit too. Comes with a vac. adapter for dust collection that I haven't tried yet but hope works well.
Belts seem to be hard to come by, Amazon has them backordered and the guy at the Dewalt service center who sold me several packages said that they had to work hard to fill an order for our local Rockler store since the store couldn't get them through normal channels.
At least the belt price was reasonable, around $11 for a package of five.
Thanks for your reply,I think I will take the plunge and order one from Amazon.I think this tool will get popular so the belts should get more plentiful.
I'm still running my SandCat. Noisy as h*ll and the belt runs halfway off the platen, but a nice tool. I'm interested in this new little thing also. How loud is it?