Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 7336 6-inch variable-speed random orbit sander gets the job done with an efficient random, swirl-free sanding action. The 7336 is powered by a 4 Amp motor that spins at speeds of 2,500-6,000 OPM. The ergonomically-designed handle helps to increase leverage and also promotes a comfortable position for sanding. This model uses a spiral/bevel gear configuration that is very efficient and ensures reliable performance for year to come.

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 7336 6-inch variable speed random orbit sander only.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14 x 6.5 x 6 inches ; 5.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000222YH
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 7336
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,007 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Follow-up Review 4 Years Later: Still My Best Power Tool, October 30, 2005

By 

Harris A. Reynolds Jr. (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only (Tools & Home Improvement)

Since I wrote my original review for this sander in 2001 (take a look), I have upgraded my table saw, bought 3 vibratory sanders and 3 circular saws. No, 4. I have killed and buried 3 cordless drills. (I have TWO Milwaukees now; highly recommended.) Bought a power mortiser, a portable planer and a drill-press.

This is STILL my best power tool. I STILL don't lend it out.

Biggest project I did in that period was a new kitchen with custom cherry cabinets. This sander did EVERY cabinet, door, and drawer in the kitchen. I went through 4 big boxes of sanding disks in several grits down to 220. I was a sanding fool.

Besides the kitchen, I've built several sets of speakers, a couple of tables, a big garden shed, three workbenches, an "heirloom" cherry sewing kit, a dollhouse, and innumerable cabinets for tube amplifiers. This weekend, I am stripping paint from our old wooden garage doors with 60 grit disks. I guess I've used it quite a bit, since every piece of wood I've bought in the last 9+ years has met my Porter Cable sander.

Now that I think about it, I am on my FOURTH foam sanding disk for this sander, or about one every 2-1/2 years.

Today, I only use TWO power sanders: This one and the FEIN triangle sander. If the work is small, or there are interior corners, I use the FEIN, otherwise I use the Porter Cable. I haven't used a belt sander since I've owned this tool, as I find them tempermental, expensive to keep in paper, and difficult to control compared to the P-C.

I have not had any problems with the switches as described by other reviewers, but ironically I HAVE had those exact problems with the FEIN. I strongly suspect that sanders in general are subject to "fouling" of the electrical switches from all the fine dust. Perhaps I've been lucky with the Porter Cable, or maybe my work position (hand over the switch most of the time) shields it, or maybe very frequent use keeps it healthy. Dunno.

As in 2001 I STRONGLY recommend the 6 inch version of this tool, particularly for sanding large panels; it's much easier to avoid rocking off the edge, and it wobbles much less than the 5 inch version.

At the same time, you have to be careful with veneered pieces to use fine grits and low speeds, because the 6" version makes VERY fast work of most jobs, even with fine grit papers, and you don't want to sand through your nice veneers. Easy does it.

OTOH, put some 60 or 80 grit on there and you can chew-through most anything, fast and flat.

Best illustration of this sander is glued-up solid-wood panels (like table tops); do your rough sanding (150 grit or rougher) ACROSS the grain rapidly, both sides, to true the surface. Use a nice long straight edge (like a machinist's 36" straight edge) to find the high spots. Then finish with the grain using fine papers. Works fast, works great.

Five Stars in 2001 + Five Stars in 2005 = 10 Stars.

I fully expect we'll get to 15 stars in 2009. See you then.

Right now, gotta go sand some more.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great tool., May 25, 2002

By 

Greg Markov (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this sander to use as a car buffer, primarily. This is exactly the same unit that is sold as a car buffer as well. I then went out and bought a nice set of pads, with the backing plate included. So, this way I have both a full sander and a full buffer. The Random Orbital buffer is wonderful for car paint, I can do anything with it. However, recently I have been using it for a lot of sanding. Primarily refinishing wood, but recently for sanding concrete floors. The tool will work all day, and not give me any issues. This is my first Porter Cable, and they have certainly established a great reputation for themselves with me. Highly recommended.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It does the job!, July 25, 2000

By 

Phil Ordway (Lake Oswego, OR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only (Tools & Home Improvement)

A friend recommended this sander to me. He is a highly skilled craftsman (Shipwright) and a self confessed "Tool Junkie" and calls this tool as "the world's best sander, bar none." I have two projects I bought the tool for. One is fairly rough requiring the evening of 2X4s glued together, stock and filler removal. The other project requires fine preparation of a large area (4' X 8') for spray painting. The sander works very well. It removes stock and primer without gouging the surface and leaves a clean smooth surface. It is much easier to control than the random orbital Bosch I borrowed. The sandpaper attachment system (sticky back) is far superior to the Velcro type on the Bosch. One caveat! Start the sander with the sandpaper on your project. Once it gets going full speed, it will act like a body grinder until applied pressure slows the RPMs down and the random orbital action becomes effective. I recommend this tool! It is the best sander I have used.