Porter-Cable 362 12 Amp 4-Inch by 24-Inch Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 362 belt Sander features a huge 3 x 24 inch belt, a powerful 12 Amp motor, and a large capacity dust bag to keep the workspace clean and free of dust. Remove stock quickly with the 1,500 SFPM belt speed, but don't worry about this sander being too powerful to control--the 362's motor is located over platen to give this sander perfect balance and keep you in control, and the ergonomically-designed handles are comfortable enough for hours of sanding. When it's time to change the belt, the quick-release belt system makes it a cinch, and the fingertip belt-tracking knob gives the user a quick and easy way to fine-tune the belt tension.

From the Manufacturer

Ideal for bulk heavy duty sanding in woodworking, cabinet making, remodeling and home improvement projects Porter-Cable’s 12 amp 362 4-inch by 24-inch belt sander is versatile and powerful and delivers belt speed of 1,500 SFPM. The tool’s weight and ergonomics make it ideal for floor repairs, dressing rough stock, coatings removal, and surface prep for glue up. An extra large dust bag swivels 360-degrees so it can be moved out of the way in tight quarters. Ninety-day money back guarantee, 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service contract.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 17.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000222XG
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 362
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,064 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #42 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Sanders > Belt Sanders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality Unit, October 5, 2000

By 

"kpw23" (the Adirondack Mountains) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 362 12 Amp 4-Inch by 24-Inch Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag (Tools & Home Improvement)

I was facing the daunting task of sanding a 34 X 72 quarter-sawn white oak table top I had glued up, and knew using my Makita 3 X 21 would challenge my somewhat fragile emotional state. I looked at the Bosch and liked it, but am somewhat partial to PC, and also saw the extra weight as an advantage, not a negative. I started out with 80-grit, but just was taking too long, so I switched to 50-grit, then graduated to 80, then 120. What a beautiful job this tool does: smooth, powerful, and well balanced. The key to using a belt-sander is to use a light touch, letting the machine do the work, and to make your transitions in direction (fore & aft) as imperceptively as possible. Try not to concentrate on "problem areas" and sand the entire piece uniformly & methodically. Think of the machine as "floating" over the work. This is a big unit that prduces first rate results. Oh, by the way, don't bother with variable speed, it just is not neccessary...

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beastiality, June 18, 2000

By 

Gretchen Fox (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 362 12 Amp 4-Inch by 24-Inch Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag (Tools & Home Improvement)

This beast isn't for small jobs! If you want a unit with variable speed, you're kidding yourself buying a PC 4X24.This sander is made for full throttle. This is not a tool for being tender with delicate work, either. For that, buy a 3X21 with fine sandpaper and an orbital sander. But to remove a lot of stock rapidly without gouging, this is it. In my business, I've even stripped the occasional oak floor for refinishing with this tool. Unlike many 3X21 sanders that can gouge and tip, this sits on the surface like a couch. It's solid, smooth and stable. And as big as it is, it moves easily and is controllable. The dust bag is effective and pivots out of the way .Belt changing and tracking are a breeze. It's so powerful, I've never bogged it down. In fact, there is absolutely NO reason to apply downward pressure; just direct it. If you only want one belt sander for a variety of in-home tasks, this is too much tool. If you need a beast to do the heavy stuff the others can't do as well or as quickly, this is the only 4X24 I'd recommend

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Adequate, but I expected more., May 4, 2004

By 

Ed (Clemmons, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 362 12 Amp 4-Inch by 24-Inch Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag (Tools & Home Improvement)

Recently, while in the middle of a hardwood flooring project, I purchased this model sander at a local supplier. After considerable use, here's my assessment.
Positive observations:
- It's build like a tank and will probably run forever.
- It's well-balanced and offers smooth sanding capabilities
Negative observations:
- The metal baseplate or "shoe" that came with the unit started warping after 1-2 hours of hard use, due to excessive heat. Fortunately, I had taken the advice of another reviewer and purchased the graphite impregnated shoe and was able to replace the original shoe without losing time on the job.
- At 12.0 amps, it's still significanly underpowered. It almost stalls with a 50 grit belt and heavy pressure.
- It's dust collection capabilities are mediocre, at best. Even when connected to a large shop vac, it clogs continuously during heavy sanding. Repeated clearing with an air hose is necessary.
- The machining on the housing is poor, especially in the area around the dust collection opening near the back of the belt. The mating surfaces don't align, which adds to the dust collection problems since the dust collects in the misaligned joint. I was able to improve this some with a small file but access is limited unless you remove the rear roller.
- The label on this machine says "Whisper Seriers". I don't know what Porter Cable's definition of "whisper" is, but it's obviously much different than mine. Ear plugs are absolutely essential for the operator and anyone else within "whisper" distance.
Overall, I would have to say that there are better choices than this sander. I own numerous Porter Cable tools and have been satisfied with most but this one leaves me disappointed.