Porter-Cable 363 12 Amp 4-Inch by 24-Inch Belt Sander

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 363 belt Sander features a huge 4 x 24 inch belt, a powerful 12 Amp motor, and an efficient belt-and-gear drive system for accurate power transfer. Remove stock quickly with the 1,500 SFPM belt speed, but don't worry about this sander being too powerful to control--the 360'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 adjust 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 363 4-inch by 24-inch belt sander is versatile and powerful enough to deliver a 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. The unit is without a dust bag. Ninety-day money back guarantee, 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service contract.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 16.9 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: B0000222XJ
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 363
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,578 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #20 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Sanders > Belt Sanders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is truly a well built machine. Strong, Quiet, Practical, November 5, 2001

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 363 12 Amp 4-Inch by 24-Inch Belt Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

I had bought the Porter Cable 4" Whisper Series Model 362 about a year ago. It is the same unit as this one, same 12 amp motor etc, but has the dust bag with it, and is variable speed. You can see the 362VS here at Amazon. For the price difference I would buy the 362VS. I had written this review, thinking that this was the model that I had, after looking at the model number on the sander, I realized it was a 362. Consequently I wrote this review first, then copy and pasted the review into the 362VS. So if you see the same review, you know why. For the sake of interest, I am letting this review stand. Here it is:
I previously used a 3x21" Sears. Did the job, but this PC is in a whole different category. Some of the more important features: Positive tracking-when you set the belt adjusting knob, the belt stays adjusted. Some belt sanders creep on you, and require frequent resetting. Annoying to say the least. Also the belt change feature is nice. A simple lever you pull out, then push back in. Quiet-you do not have to wear ear protection to use this. Hearing protection is always a good idea though. It is heavy, but to me this is an advantage. You don't have to push down on the unit, in order to get the job done. To those who mention that you have to keep an eye on the machine, because it can take away too much material too fast, that is because they are using a coarser grit than it required for the task. Finer grades give you more flexibility, and removal is more gradual and even. A belt sander is not designed to replace a finish sander.
With the larger 4" footprint, it is possible to remove a lot of material fast, without digging troughs in the work, which is possible with many belt sanders. Troughs-ridges show in the finished product. For fine finishes that are even and flat, a dedicated planer, then a finish sander, and finally a fine grade of hand sanding will give you the desired result.
The Porter Cable 4" is the best belt sander I have ever used. I would not hesitate to take on a floor refinishing task with this unit. If I was doing it for a living, I would of course persue a walk behind.
This is a no nonsense sander. Heavy duty. Lay it on the board, and hold on. Makes short of a lot of work. Feels like it will last a lifetime. Definitely a leader in the pack, and worth the money.