Porter-Cable 342K 1/4-Sheet Palm-Sander Kit

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

This is the sander you've been searching for. The Porter Cable 342K features a powerful 2.4 Amp motor and lightweight, compact frame that you can hold comfortably in your hand. Anyone serious about woodworking will appreciate the luxury of its soft rubber grip that lets you work for hours without the discomfort of excessive vibration. Plus, you can enjoy the convenience of effortless cleaning with the handy removable top cap and efficient dust collection with the exclusive POREX dust canister and dual dust ports with 1-inch and 1-1/2-inch vacuum hose accommodation. Backed by a 1-year warranty, this sander comes complete with sandpaper and a kit box.

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable’s 342 -1/4 sheet finishing sander is ideal for woodworking, home improvement and remodeling projects. The 2.4 amp motor delivers power and durability in the shop while its porous polyethylene dust canister exceeds durability of cloth dust bags for optimum dust control and management. Its dual dust ports accept 1 and 1-1/2 inch vacuum hoses. Rubber top grip improves ergonomics. Unit ships with includes paper punch and case.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.4 x 9.2 x 7.2 inches ; 9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000H4I5LU
• Item model number: 342K
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,401 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact Finishing Sander, May 5, 2008

By 

Robert E. O'Brien (Garden City, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter-Cable 342K 1/4-Sheet Palm-Sander Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

Although I primarily use a variety of random orbit & belt sanders as a weekend woodworker, I've found that 1/4 and 1/2 sheet sanders have an important place in every serious woodworker's shop. The pre-stain wood preparation from these sanders is flawless. I also use the sheet sanders with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper between polyurethane coats.

I own the Porter-Cable 303 Speed-Bloc and the 505 sanders. Recently, my 20-year old 303 1/4 sheet sander stopped working. Rather that purchase a replacement 303, I opted for a sheet sander with variable speed, a dust control vacuum port, and an easy way to attach and remove sandpaper. The sander I chose, after evaluating the Bosch, DeWalt, and other name brands was the P-C 342K.

Since purchasing the 342 a couple of months ago I've used it on a large table I'm refinishing. The sander fits well in my hand and the vibration is not excessive. I can use the 342 for hours without tiring. It's especially effective when doing horizontal or overhead sanding. Dust collection with the attached cannister is OK but I almost always connect to a shop vacuum. Sandpaper attaches easily and the pad clamps work well.

This is a high quality and very capable sander. I own several Porter Cable sanders and the overall quality of these tools is excellent. I'm very pleased that I purchased the P-C 342 and would recommend the 342 to anyone considering a compact and efficient 1/4 sheet palm sander.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Porter Cable Palm Sanders, June 2, 2008

By 

J. Granic "PTD Tech" (Baltimore, Md) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 342K 1/4-Sheet Palm-Sander Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

There are many palm sanders on the market today. As a company we have tried almost all of them. We had purchased many of the higher end units and for the price these porter cable 1/4 sheet sanders hold up the best to the abuse that we put them through. These are used to sand epoxy and fiberglass for about 7 straight hours a day and they last about a month. Most of the less expensive models do not even last a week. The only thing that I would recommend to the manufacturers of this type of unit is to either come up with another way to secure the pad to the orbitor or change the material of the feet. That is predominately the failure point. For the homeowner this could be a sander that would last a lifetime.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tough Sander Gets the Job Done!, September 30, 2008

By 

Mike C. "Visage" (Caliente, AZ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter-Cable 342K 1/4-Sheet Palm-Sander Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

The best finishing sander I've owned. Through B&D, Milwaukee, Makita, Craftsman etc. over the years this is the best balanced finishing sander I've owned. Stout impact resistant exterior with easy to clean and service access. Powerful sanding motion with low vibration. Moderate noise levels. Finish results are predictable and repeatable.