Porter-Cable 390K 5-Inch Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad and Dust Collection

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Efficient, thorough, and easy to control, the Porter-Cable 390K Low-Profile Random-Orbit Sander has a low center of gravity for the close to the work feel of an air sander with the convenience of a standard electrical plug. Its 3-1/2 amp ENDURATECH brushless motor ensures robust, time-saving performance on a variety of materials, including red oak, pine, and poplar. The sander also features integrated dust collection that keeps your workspace cleaner and healthier.

390K Low-Profile Random-Orbit Sander At a Glance: Low-profile sander with a low center of gravity for a 'close to the work' feel Variable speed range of 7,000 to 12,000 rpm for optimal removal rate Integrated dust collection for a cleaner workspace Three-year warranty

Remove paint or sand wood to a fine finish with the orbit sander's variable speed range of 7,000 to 12,000 rpm. View larger.

Rubber grip and ergonomic features provide comfort during extended jobs. View larger.

Robust Performance in a Compact Package
The 390K is a powerful, compact sander ready to take on a variety of heavy-duty jobs. It's ideal for aggressive sanding, coating removal, leveling seams, smoothing rough material, solid surface work, and boat-bottom cleanup.

ENDURATECH Motor for Improved Productivity and Durability
The 2008 winner of the WOOD Magazine Top Tool Award, the 390K boasts ENDURATECH brushless motor technology for 70 percent fewer wearable parts, which increases the motor life by up to 10 times when compared to traditional palm-grip sander motors. The result is greatly improved productivity, durability, and control.

Low-Profile Design for Optimum Control
The 390K sets a new standard for palm-grip sanders. Its low-profile design is 30 percent shorter than the competition. This means you'll get optimum control and finish, as well as comfortable handling on the job.

Variable Speed Range for Versatility and Precision
Versatile and powerful, this sander has a variable speed range of 7,000 to 12,000 rpm for optimal removal rate on a variety of materials. Electronic load-control monitors the rpm and maintains a constant operating speed for smooth sanding and over 40 percent faster material removal.

Innovative Brake Designs Save Time and Reduce Free-Spin
Also, the 390K saves you time with its innovative electronic motor brake, which reduces spin-down waiting from close to 10 seconds to approximately 3 seconds.A separate mechanical pad brake reduces free-spin--effectively putting an end to gouging, and a 3/32-inch orbit diameter means this sander can handle a range of materials with ease.

Compact, Ergonomic Design with Integrated Dust Port
The 390K measures 4 by 5 by 12 inches (W x H x D) and weighs just 2.1 pounds, so it's compact and easy to store. Its rubber grip and ergonomic features maintain user comfort, even during extended jobs.

For further convenience, an integrated dust port accepts 1-inch and 1-1/2-inch vacuum hoses for optimal dust collection. This makes your workspace cleaner and healthier and helps maintain good visibility of your workpiece.

Warranty Information
The 390K is backed by a three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Random-orbit sander kit, 5-inch hook-and-loop pad with eight-hole pattern, rugged storage case, and user manual.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.4 x 9.2 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001B2EGLK
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 390K
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,991 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #11 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Sanders > Random-Orbit Sanders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent sander, but some shortcomings, August 21, 2008

By 

Stephen J. Soldo (Arcadia, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter-Cable 390K 5-Inch Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad and Dust Collection (Tools & Home Improvement)

Intrigued by the design, I purchased this sander. Overall, I am very pleased with it. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros: Lower center of gravity makes it a delight to use. Feels more natural, like a sanding block. This is a very, very powerful sander, and the constant response motor prevents the sander from bogging down with pressure--no matter how hard or soft you apply pressure to the workpiece, the power is always there. The quick stop feature is a great innovation--you don't need to wait for it to stop or use a "sander sitter". The benefit of all of this is that you get A LOT of sanding done in much less time, compared to other 5 inch orbital units (e.g. Bosch).

Cons: (reason for 4 stars and not 5) Two, that are greatly overshadowed by the PRO's above, but issues nonetheless. The biggest problem is the receptacle for dust collection. It only takes that stupid Porter Cable dust hose that is horribly inefficient due to the small size of the hose. The hose is functional and does suck up dust, but could be better. I had one of these hoses laying around from my biscuit cutter, but it is still a lousy design. Maybe I can Jimmy up some type of setup for a better hose with an adapter.

The next con is that the top of the unit is somewhat broad and a little difficult to "palm" without some hand fatigue, but I am getting used to it. This ergonomic shortcoming is somewhat compensated by less fatigue by the lower center of gravity, but not entirely. The more standard units have a smaller top that is easier to get your hand around.

I would definitely buy the item again. It is a very useful tool.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rated 4 1/2 stars, October 3, 2008

By 

Clyde Bouley "CWB" (Berwick, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 390K 5-Inch Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad and Dust Collection (Tools & Home Improvement)

I just received my orbital sander (Porter-Cable 390K) a few weeks ago. I bought this sander based on a review in one of the recent wood magazines. Removed it from the box, put some sandpaper on it and away I went. I sanded Oak, Pine and Popular. I used 80, 120, 150 and 220 grit sandpaper and was pleasantly pleased with the results. My biggest concern having my shop in the basement was dust. I've got three other orbital sanders and had to do all my sanding outside. But that is not the case any more. I tried the sander with the dust collector on and then with my Shop-Vac. The dust collection in the on board collector was very good just a small amount of dust left on the bench. For very small, short jobs I would use this method. For larger, longer jobs my Shop-Vac will be used, from what I could tell there was no dust left behind (in both cases if I wiped my hand a crossed the board and there was wood dust. The dust I was talking about was on the bench and in the air, boards have to be whipped clean with a tack cloth. This is one of the few electric tools that I can use the Shop-Vac 1¼ "hose with no adapters and it works like a champ. The noise is very low and the vibration was low also. I wear a medium glove (my fingers are a bit short of the ends) and I found this very comfortable to use. I had complete control and the low center of gravity made it very maneuverable. On high speed this was very aggressive, thus the advantages of speed control and a light touch. I would recommend this sander to all. Overall the only problems I see is the little dust left behind with the on board collection system and price (time will tell if the price was worth it). By the way my other sanders are in storage until I need to do sanding outside.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definite improvement, September 18, 2008

By 

John E. Dinger (Rockville, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter-Cable 390K 5-Inch Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad and Dust Collection (Tools & Home Improvement)

This review comes about after 10 hrs of real world use of the new sander. The best new features are the quick spindown and the variable speed control. I'm a professional cabinetmaker, and I use the sander to sand between finish coats as well as typical usage. The low speed helps control burn through on flat surfaces and narrow edges using 320grit. The low profile and slight increase in power are the second best new features. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the width of the grip. I have an average hand size and it's a bit wide and not what I would call ergonomic. I would have also put the speed control in a easier to reach place, so that I could control the speed with the same hand that I'm sanding with. The ergonomics become more of an issue when a vacuum hose is hooked up to the sander. It's that little extra pull of weight that makes the job more tiring when your sanding for multiple hours. It's also worth noting that the sander vibrates less that the last version and is a couple of decibles quieter that the 333. I would have given five stars if the sander were more ergonomic.