Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook & Loop Pad

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Treat yourself to a sander that will do the job right without taking its toll on your body. This is a compact sander that produces fine, swirl-free results and can be used on a huge variety of surfaces, thanks to the variable speed dial with an impressive range of 7,500-12,000 orbits per minute. Though equipped with a powerful 3Amp motor, this sander lets you tackle even the most difficult angles without the discomfort of excessive vibrations, thanks to its soft rubber grip. Other features include an automatic brake that engages when you set it down, and the efficient dust collection of the exclusive POREX dust canister and dual dust port that can accommodate 1-inch and 1-1/2-inch vacuum hoses. Additionally, a removable cap resides at the top of the machine for effortless cleaning and service. This impressive sander uses readily available 5-inch hook-and-loop paper and includes a kit box.

From the Manufacturer

Well-suited for woodworking, home improvement and remodeling projects Porter-Cable’s 3 amp, 5 inch random orbit sander removes stock and finishes cleanly. Its variable speed dial enables matching disc speed to material from 7,500-12,000 OPM. Its dust canister is top quality while its ergonomics make long sanding jobs easier. The dual dust ports accept 1 and 1-1/2 inch vacuum hoses while the tool delivers 12,000 OPM for work in hard and soft woods. Hook and loop discs make swapping discs easier. Tool ships with kit box.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000H4G20G
• Item model number: 343VSK
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,372 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Sander, but can be improved, January 3, 2007

By 

J. Wong (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook & Loop Pad (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this sander because I needed an ROS badly to finish my woodworking projects. I had a crappy B&D OS (not orbital) which worked but didn't have any dust collection. The PC 343VSK sander that I have is made in Mexico.

This PC ROS works very well, giving me very smooth sanded surfaces. It is heavier than the 333 model and has a slightly larger cap. Although it is heavier, it is well balanced and it adds some weight to the sanding. The slightly larger cap may make it harder for smaller hands to hold or grip it well. The motor is powerful and provides even sanding even when I apply a lot of pressure on the unit to sand hard.

I only had 2 small qualms about the sander. If you don't use the shopvac, and use the collection canister, the canister is not very efficient in containing the sawdust. Small particles of sawdust start coming out through the lip when the canister fills to about 1/4 full. This is because the canister is installed upside down on the sander when sanding on horizontally flat surfaces. The canister is easily removed to be emptied but it is just more troublesome to remember to check how full the canister is. Although the dust collection was reasonable without hooking up the sander to a shopvac, hooking it up to the vacuum makes sanding almost dustless.

The second qualm is that the first unit I received had a hard case that did not latch properly. No matter what I tried, the latch would not latch tightly and properly and the case would not stay locked, leaving the case prone to opening when you lifter the carrying handle. I exchanged the sander for a new one and although the new latch worked better and was closing, the design specs could be improved to give it a positive locking on the latch.

Overall the sander is an excellent unit. Would recommend it.

Update Jan 4 2008:
The dust canister kept getting loose and keeps vibrating off. Can't keep in in pace except with duct tape. Just be forewarned of this design issue.
I would drop the rating to 3 stars if I could.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wouldn't buy this one again, October 27, 2007

By 

Dr. D - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook & Loop Pad (Tools & Home Improvement)

The screws that attach the pad base to the unit screw into plastic. Eventually these will strip out due to heat and vibration. These should be machine screws instead. If I can't find parts, this thing is going in the garbage.

The variable speed is pointless. When turned down below the highest setting it is just about impossible to use the sander. It jumps all over the place and you can't get a consistent finish.

The dust collector doesn't do much either.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My fourth variable speed ROS from Porter Cable, March 4, 2008

By 

J. Paul Paris "Pauliep" (Bakersfield, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook & Loop Pad (Tools & Home Improvement)

Well, this is my fourth Porter Cable variable speed random orbit sander. The three previous models, 333VS, still work and do a great job. However, I needed a new one and noted the 333VS has been replaced by this one.

First, fit and finish are slightly different than the old 333VS. The top handle cap is indeed a little bit larger, but I am able to handle it well even with my small hands. I have had to search and search for units that I can use properly as my hands are not as big as my woodworking friends. So, if you have smaller hands, this might be a consideration to keep in mind.

The dust collection is about the same as the previous model. I have had to duct tape or masking tape on the dust collector as it would continue to fall off while sanding, or the dust would find ways to escape from the canister. However, putting a hose attachment to a dust collector will take care of the majority of these issues. This is the only reason why I have given this model 4 instead of 5 stars (seems like an engineering problem).

The unit comes in a nice case. Mine is rarely in the case as I use it quite a bit. The variable speed settings only add to the versatility of this unit. I can't think of any reason why I would want to pay $20 less in order to get the same model without the variable speed function. I have used the variable speed feature in almost every job I have done and find this feature to be extremely useful. My suggestion is to get a sander with the variable speed function versus one without.

Finally, it is nice to see Porter Cable still makes a good product that will last for the consumer. I have purchased several different manufacturers versions of a variable speed random orbit sander and have never been truly satisfied. This one, in my opinion, does it all and will keep you happy.