Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit - Hook & Loop Pad

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The Porter-Cable 343K Random-Orbit Sander Kit At a Glance: 3-Amp motor 3/32-inch orbit diameter POREX dust canister; dual dust ports Improved ergonomics Easy to clean/service

Soft rubber grip minimizes discomfort and vibration.

Removable cap makes clean-up easy.

This sander features a soft rubber grip that minimizes discomfort and vibration, even at awkward angles. For added convenience, an enlarged plastic hood over the pad gives you the ability to access tight corners without damaging the pad or the workpiece.

Additionally, the 343K has an automatic brake that engages when the unit is set down. And cleanup and maintenance are never a problem due to the removable cap that allows you quick access to the interior.

Measuring just 12.0 x 6.25 x 5.0 inches (WxHxL) and weighing only four pounds, this sander is easy to handle and hold, ultra-portable, and a snap to store. It's also backed by a one-year warranty, and conveniently uses readily available five-inch, eight-hole hook-and-loop paper.

Efficient Dust Collection Improves Work Conditions
The 343K offers unique dust collection with a POREX dust canister and dual dust ports that can accommodate 1.0-inch and 1.5-inch vacuum hoses. This system helps improve both visibility and work conditions by clearing dust and debris that can mar your material or work surface and potentially compromise your health. For additional peace of mind, the porous polyethylene dust canister is more durable than cloth dust bags, which means you get more secure collection.

What's in the Box
343KR Random-Orbit Sander Kit; operating manual; and carrying case.

The dust collector works surprisingly well although it's a bit hard to get off, which sometimes results in spilled dust. I've had numerous sanders over the years - Craftsman, Makita, and several Porter Cables. I'm a home woodworker. This sander is sufficiently powerful and smooth. This sander is a good, well-made product. Much less vibration than others I have used.

I've gone through two of these units and two of the previous model (333). I'm buying that next. Each time the bearings failed after three to six months of use. I talked to my finish carpenter and my stair builder and they both recommended a different brand (Milwaukee).

I guess I'll never buy another one. So, I have two old porter cable routers , two old porter cable sanders and I just bought a new porter cable sander, which I imagine was made after it was sold to Black and Decker. I haven't bought a Black and Decker product in ten years because the quality reeks. The new random orbital is biggger, bulky, harder to handle, harder to control than the good ol Porter Cables. Now I find that the "NEW" Porter Cable is just like the Black and Decker products.

I like the way the sander performs. Probably because it is taller. It replaced a 343 orbital with a PSA pad so I had to remove the old PSA pad from the 343 and put it on the new sander. The sander works well but it is slightly clumsy compared to the old.

Without a doubt, the Dewalt performs better in several ways. Also, the vacuum port hooks right up to my Fein hose without any need for additional adapters - much like the Dewalt. Though the Dewalt vibrates and costs a bit more, I definitely prefer it to this. This is my second PC 5" orbital and it performs pretty much like the first one. Basically, you get what you pay for with the PC - an affordable sander that will work reasonably well until the switch fails or you wear out the velcro pad.

Between the two, I owned a Dewalt 423 sander and I have operated them back to back. The Porter Cable is less aggressive and vibrates less, but has a tendency to "grab" and get away from you. Its power switch does not have a dust boot, so it will likely fail earlier than other parts (as happened with my first PC sander). Dust collection works pretty well, and I appreciate the change to an 8 hole pattern.