Porter Cable 371K 2 1/2 by 14-Inch Compact Belt Sander $79 at HD stores

[Cheeky]

i'm going back with a 10% off tomorrow. 2nd store i saw it at that price.

same as this one here

[MBG]

i'm going back with a 10% off tomorrow. 2nd store i saw it at that price.

same as this one here

Curious - how do you get 10% off.

I was on the fence but decided to buy one two weeks ago. Then I did my homework later. Few things I found to be true:

1) It has quite a bit of belt drift. I think most is due to the belt stretching.

2) The spring in the belt adj. knob is probably too weak. If you set the belt and let go you can actually see the knob move on it's own. I fixed this with a drop of low strength Loc-Tite.

3) Belts are special size so make sure you have plenty on hand.

4) It gets hot! Especially around the drive mechanism. I measured a little above 170 deg. F. I tried a graphite pad under the belt - didn't help. I attached a shop vac and the temp. dropped about 30 deg.. I'm pretty much convinced the heat is generated by the motor/drive system.

5) No dust bag.

If you have a special need for a small belt sander it seems to be built well but I would suggest a std. 3" or 4" sander for everyday use.


Mike

[Cheeky]

Curious - how do you get 10% off.

I was on the fence but decided to buy one two weeks ago. Then I did my homework later. Few things I found to be true:

1) It has quite a bit of belt drift. I think most is due to the belt stretching.

2) The spring in the belt adj. knob is probably too weak. If you set the belt and let go you can actually see the knob move on it's own. I fixed this with a drop of low strength Loc-Tite.

3) Belts are special size so make sure you have plenty on hand.

4) It gets hot! Especially around the drive mechanism. I measured a little above 170 deg. F. I tried a graphite pad under the belt - didn't help. I attached a shop vac and the temp. dropped about 30 deg.. I'm pretty much convinced the heat is generated by the motor/drive system.

5) No dust bag.

If you have a special need for a small belt sander it seems to be built well but I would suggest a std. 3" or 4" sander for everyday use.


Mike

good to know Mike, thanks

as for the 10% off, I sign up via lowesmoving.com and homedepot.com

[Andrew Benedetto]

I got the Ryobi 3x17 on sale for $39 or less and it has no issues. Small enough for most all the same uses.

[radhak]

I got the Ryobi 3x17 on sale for $39 or less and it has no issues. Small enough for most all the same uses.

That's cheap! Where'd you get that, and when?

[Andrew Benedetto]

Last year, from a tip from a member here posting the sale at HD.