Replies

1. 
   Fotze | Jun 26, 2008 09:28pm | #1

   There is absolutely only one 1/2 sheet sander worth buying and that is porter cable.

   model # 505. it is the smoothest sander around. All metal housing, no plastic.

   Mark

1. 
   dgreen | Jun 26, 2008 11:01pm | #3

   I believe the Metabo SR-358 is a better choice than the Porter Cable for a half sheet sander.Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke

2. 
   BOBABEUI | Jun 26, 2008 10:41pm | #2

   I own a Porter-Cable 505, really nice machine that I have owned for 10 years. Unlike the smaller PC 330 (1/4 sheet) sander which has no dust catching provisions, the 505 has a optional 'Sand Trap' attachment that allows the sander to be hooked up to a vacuum. The Sand Trap is only modestly successful at catching the dust. Other downside is the machine can use either actual 1/2 sheet sand paper or pressure sensitive, not sure if the new 505's come with a hook and loop pad.

   Since purchasing a Festool ETS 150/3 ROS and CT33 vacuum I seldom use the two Pc sanders. FWIW Festool does market a 1/2 sander model RS2, it's $325 mightr be worth a look..

3. 
   RW | Jun 27, 2008 03:08am | #4

   I have a 505. I have an RS2E. I never use the PC. I'd sell it in a heartbeat to make space.

   That said, it isnt cheap. If its something you use all day and make your bread and butter with, totally worth it. If its a two hour a week hobby, not as much.

   Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

4. 
   genec | Jun 28, 2008 02:53am | #5

   I have porter cable 505 Its the only way to go especially if you have arthrits

1. 
   dgreen | Jun 28, 2008 03:43am | #6

   A little info on the Metabo I did'nt have time to post earlier. HereGiving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke

1. 
   dgreen | Jun 28, 2008 03:46am | #7

   Some info on the PC 505 here.Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke

2. 
   PCM | Jun 28, 2008 04:19am | #8

   Thanks!

   Has the PC 505 gone cheap, as many people are saying the rest of their line has?

   Where to buy the Metabo, I have e-mailed Toolsplus for a quote.

   Pete

1. 
   dgreen | Jun 28, 2008 04:40am | #9

   I don't know about what PC has done with the sander as of the last two years. It was never half the sander the Metabo is.

   Let me know what city you are in and I'll find the Metabo dealer closest to you.Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke

1. 
   PCM | Jul 03, 2008 04:07am | #10

   Sorry I haven't replied before this. I'm researching, and leaning to the Metabo. I have their local dealers and have priced at Tools Plus. $186., $13 shipping.

   Does this sander require a "stik-it" or perforated type paper?

   Thanks again.

   Pete 

2. 
   dgreen | Jul 03, 2008 05:11am | #11

   It uses regular sheet paper, you just cut the sheet in half, clamp it in the sander and press it down on the plate that comes with the sander which pokes all the dust holes.Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke