Replies

1. 
   user-267272 | Nov 02, 2004 02:37am | #1

   I wiukd recommend the PC quicksand 333K I have two and have had no problems .  I also made an adaprer from a piece of PVC pipe fitting and connect it to my Festool 22 Vaccuum.  Any other vac wil also work.  I have dropped, kicked and abused the sanders in a small one man cabinet shop.

1. 
   farmer_green | Nov 04, 2004 03:46pm | #3

   Thanks I'll give it a try.. Bud

2. 
   JohnG | Nov 03, 2004 10:03pm | #2

   I have the PC 333 and I am happy with it.  Like all hook and loops, the pad needs to be replaced once in a while. Just don't do like I did and push too hard.  The pad fails prematurely from the heat.

1. 
   dado4u | Nov 06, 2004 02:14am | #5

   Problem w/ the PC333 is the pad tears up from the heat in a short order.  Also if you're not using a dust collection hose,the  o rings on the dust cup wear out quick and the cup blows off makin a mess on your work. PC said at one time they had a fix,( new O rings), but they dont hold up any better. Rather disappointing from PC. Thinking of going elsewhere on my next sander!  334 same crap!      woody in the hoody

3. 
   CRAIGCONEY_M | Nov 05, 2004 08:02pm | #4

   my Bosch 1295 DVS has been great, upgraded to the Festool mainly for dust control. 

4. 
   jc21 | Nov 09, 2004 12:34am | #6

   Another vote for the Porter Cable 333. Mine is an old 1.7 amp one (the newer ones are 2.4 amps) that's seen plenty of use. Still on the original hook and loop pad. I'm pretty religious about blowing the sander out after each use ........ could be wrong but I think it helps the lifespan of any sander.  I've changed several sets of canister o rings over the years ............. when they wear out the canister blows off while sanding. I keep a spare set in the case. If your going to be doing interior work or using it in a shop setting, I'd invest in PC's hose and adapter. It replaces the canister and hooks up to your shop vac. Far better dust collection than with the canister. Your Bosch paper will work but note that PC uses 5 hole paper- you'll lose some effectiveness in dust collection. I've used Bosch, Makita, and DeWalt 5" random orbit sanders ........... still prefer the PC. Mine isn't aggressive as some of the others but I find I can use coarser grit paper without tearing the wood up.

1. 
   Ribeye | Dec 17, 2004 01:08am | #7

   My two-year-old PC 333 is sort of me.

   When you first start it up it's unsteady, wobbly and cranky as hell but it eventually gets up to speed (about half-way through the job).

   The 333 started out as a Random ORBIT Sander but it has gained an added feature over time. Now it's Random SPEED as well.  (No, it's not the variable speed model -- or it wasn't when I bought it :-) )

   --Steve

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

   Penury is the Mother of Invention

   Edited 12/16/2004 5:09 pm ET by Putzger

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 17, 2004 04:55pm | #8

   Bearings maybe? I've heard stories where PC had switched to Chinese made bearings in an effort to save a few pennies and it backfired and have since switched a better supplier. My old 333 despite all the use its seen is still on it's original pad and bearings and short of springing for a Festool, would still be my first choice.

1. 
   Ribeye | Dec 28, 2004 09:33am | #9

   Wow. Did you ever hit that one dead on!

   The lower pillow block bearing suddenly froze up tighter than a ...  and all that came out of the machine was a quietly-strained hummmmmm.

   I had to completely tear the unit down to get to the offending "made in china" bearing.  I laid a large set of channel lock pliers on the bearing and gave a hard twist to the motor shaft.  The insides of the bearing broke loose (not apart, just loose).

   A good soak in WD40 followed by some Mystery Air Tool Oil freed the bearing up to the point that I reassembled the thing, plugged it in, hit the switch and VAROOOOM !

   Now I'm wondering if I should return or keep the Bosch variable speed ROS I bought to replace the PC.-- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   it might well be the only chance you get.

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 28, 2004 11:26pm | #10

   I've used DeWalt, Bosch, and Makita and am still partial to my old PC. It's smooth and I find it more comfotable to hold which helps on long spells with these arthritic old paws of mine. It's not as aggressive as the others which is a plus to me; I find I can use a coarser grit of paper. They're all good tools. From what I've seen almost all the manufacturers have been snake bit at one time or another in their effort to save a penny.