Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Hook-and-loop abrasives on this sander will take off tons of stock for you at 80 grit and leave a swirl-free finish at 120 to 150. Five dust-extraction holes in the pad pull the sawdust away and into the dust-collection canister, which is big enough to let you work for a long time without emptying it, but not so big that it's in the way. You can also connect it to your vacuum system. An easy thumb wheel controls the speed, which ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute. It's quiet and easy to handle. These features alone make it a great choice, but here's the smartest thing Porter-Cable did with this little gem: a pad brake will immediately slow the revolutions to 400 per minute when the unit is lifted off the work surface. This helps prevent gauging when you lift the sander off or place it back on the work surface. The grip is comfortable, even for those of us with smaller hands--you can hold it by the top or wrap your hand around it. Either way, it's a great sander. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.1 x 6.9 inches ; 3.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000222YP
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 333VS
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,629 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best in its class, October 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

The Porter-Cable 333VS Quicksand random orbital sander is simply the best 5" random orbital sander on the market. The tool is very solidly built, with superb fit and finish. The excellent ergonomic design allows the tool to be held very comfortably with a variety of hand positions. The hook-and-loop pad holds sandpaper firmly, without any slippage. The dust collection system is very efficient, and the rigid collection canister holds up much better (and is easier to empty) than a flimsy bag. Although I usually use mine hooked up to a vacuum system, I have used it with the canister on a number of occasions and have never had the canister fall off. The Porter-Cable 333VS random orbital sander has more than enough power for any sanding task you would use it for, and it runs very smoothly. There is also no question about the durability of this line of sanders. I also have a Porter-Cable 333 fixed-speed sander, which I once knocked off of my work bench accidentally. Absolutely no damage was done, and the sander still works beautifully. You wouldn't go wrong with a Makita, Bosch, or DeWalt, but if you want the best get the best--the Porter-Cable 333VS.

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The smoothest sander for smooth sanding, May 24, 2000

By 

Toolpig "toolpig" (Troy , KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is my pick for the best RO sander. It runs smoother than the others . It is not the fastest sander in the world but you can run it much longer without having a numb hand. The dust collection is great. The little canister is easy to dump and you're back at it in no time. Variable speed is a must for fine work. You don't always want full power. like when you just want to ease an edge on a nice piece of prize furniture. You can dial it down real low if you want to. This coupled to the pad control feature means no ruined work, ever. I use this sander far more than my Dewalt, Bosch and Makita RO sanders

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great toy -- but for serious work!, January 7, 2001

By 

Eric Majewski (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

Christmas day was spent with a huge grin on my face since I unwrapped my 333VS RO sander and a 9444VS detail sander -- and why not? Porter Cable tools never fail to satisfy, and this was no different. Though a bit more expensive as one reviewer noted, the hook and loop pads stick more consistently in dusty situations than the adhesive pads. If you are debating spending the extra $$ for the VS versus single speed, get the VS as you will appreciate the added control. At lower speeds with very fine paper you get a mirror-like finish. At higher speeds with heavier grits this thing can accomplish some pretty aggressive stock removal. While sanding some joint compound, I also noticed the lower speed still removed the excess, but kept the dust cloud to a bare minimum. Another excellent PC tool that will definitely see lots more use than my palm sander.