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I read some of these reviews before buying and noticed that several were addressing a problem with the tracking adjustment screw. Loctite makes a low strength product (#222MS) where the download-able PDF states that this product if for use on adjustment screws. If this is the worst problem it has, I'm going to start "accidentally" leaving the Amazon web page up with this item on it whenever I'm not using my computer. Christmas is on the way, and maybe my wife will notice.
overall i'd say this is worth owning, and i will buy a third sander soon. when you turn the sander on the belt is stationary until you peel it off.my first had tracking problems and finally died, my second has lasted a lot longer and doesn't have the tracking issue, but seems headed for the same fate.the good news is this sander is so light and versatile you can tackle difficult projects, especially edge sanding in place.
why two you ask.first the bad news, as mentioned in earlier reviews this tool gets so hot that it actually can not be held. i have now owned two of these sanders, yes two.
recently the sander got so hot that it bubbled the cool looking rubber on the casing, and always the glue from the belts heats up, comes of on the plate and after the sander sits for a while the belt is literally glued in place. if you run it for an extended period gloves won't even do the trick.
generally i find myself holding the handle and the dust port or cord connection. i almost never use my portable planer any more with trim work because this is far more controllable.
i just wish porter cable would get their act together and put the proper motor in this tool, i'd certainly be willing to pay more for it.
I found the wearing work gloves and mostly holding it by its nose worked best. The right side can get right up tight with obstacles. Like other reviewers, I found that the sander does get very hot especially toward the rear. This compact belt sander is great for working in the confined spaces of a boat. Still a terrific device. The protrusions keep the belt a good half inch away from obstacles on this side.
The only things that need improvement is a reduction in heat, and making the controls on the left side (the belt release and belt alignment adjustment) and the drive belt not stick out so far.
Quality construction.
Once I turned if off and set it down and a few minuts latter it fired up and took off.
Once fitted with belts from Woodworker Supply it performed really well (Porter Cable belts don't last long).
I'd also like a switch that has a more positive feel.
Feels very solid.
Do to its short wheelbase it can be a handful trying to keep it flat on the surface especially with heavier grit belts.
With gloves on it's hard to operate the switch.
I'm glad I returned the belt shredding Skil belt sander and spend an extra $50 to buy this one.
Buy this sander if you are an installer. You will leave your large sander in your truck. It won't replace a larger 3 x 24 sander but this is way lighter, easier to handle, and great for tight spots.
My usage will be for home repairs and projects and so far this sander fits the ticket. Would've liked to have seen a bit more room so a larger quantity and variety of spare belts could be stored with the tool. One of my first actions was to download a PDF of the expanded parts breakdown for future reference. It has some brief instructions to get you going. I didn't finish the job before I decided to shut it down and let it cool off. I am very pleased with the purchase.
As others have stated, this tool heats up rather quickly. My first project was to smooth some trim pieces for a doorway. As noted in the title, this is my first belt sander. I also work outside so dust collection isn't an issue. The accompanying tool box is handy. The owners manual is lacking. Was wondering if a vacuum would help airflow through the tool, helping to keep it cool.
Might be inherent to this model. I made my purchasing decision based on the reviews at this website and other websites. One thought I'd like to throw out about the heating problem. From reading the reviews, this seems uncharacteristic for a belt sander but no one has reported failure after the tool heats up. The suggestion by another reviewer to use Mirka belts to deal with the tracking problem shouldn't be overlooked, it's good advice. I don't use a dust collection vacuum because my shop vac hose is too large.
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