Porter-Cable 97366 6-Inch Variable Speed Sander Kit with Dust Collection Hood

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 97366 6-inch variable-speed random orbital sander kit comes equipped with a dust kit and a carrying case that keeps it all stowed away neatly. The included dust collection system makes easy work of dust and debris so that the work area stays clean and free from dust. The 4 Amp motor runs at variable speeds from 2,500 up to 6,000 RPM, and the 100-percent ball bearing design ensure the durability of this sanding kit. The 97366 features a 6-inch, 5-hole pad design that uses a random sanding action over the surface to provide a smooth, even finish without swirls.

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 97366 6-Inch Variable Speed Sander Kit with Dust Collection Hood

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 19.5 x 17.8 x 7 inches ; 5.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 pounds
• 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: B0000222YG
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 97366
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,837 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #95 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Sanders > Disc Sanders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bye-bye Belt Sander, October 4, 2000

By 

Richard Tyler "Adult Child of an Engineer" (Redmond, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 97366 6-Inch Variable Speed Sander Kit with Dust Collection Hood (Tools & Home Improvement)

Unlike some other users, I've replaced my belt sander with this one.

The good points of this sander have to do with it being very powerful and a random orbit sander. Powerful is good for smoothing large surfaces quickly. Quickly is good for me because I hate sanding so much (I own at least seven electric sanders -- I must hate it). Random orbit is good, frankly, because you never get the surprises that an instant of inattention with a belt sander gets you (I am in awe of those of you who get perfect results every time with a belt sander -- you are better than me). This machine is nearly as aggressive as my P-C belt sander, and much less likely to carve low spots or dig in an edge.

The bad part is that it is much harder to handle than a smaller, less powerful random orbit sander. It took me a while to develop a smooth technique with it, and it still sometimes wants to "walk" off the work piece. I use it for preliminary sanding on flat surfaces before assembly. I think it would be a poor choice for sanding small parts of an assembled piece, and a disastrous choice for something with a lot of different surface levels close to each other (a rolltop desk, small table, chair, etc.)

I use it where I used to use my belt sander, and finish sand by hand or with my small random orbit sander.

By the way, it sands like mad. It's fast. It's aggressive. I love it.

Recommended.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sander for the task, February 21, 2000

By 

Larry N. Reaume (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 97366 6-Inch Variable Speed Sander Kit with Dust Collection Hood (Tools & Home Improvement)

There is no such thing as a tool that's perfect for every task and this PC is no exception. I build kitchen cabinets and use it to smooth whole sheets of plywood before cutting and smoothing dovetail joints on drawer boxes. The 120 grit works great. Saves a ton of time on drawer boxes and the insides of the cases. The dust collection is fantastic, no more cloud of dust from my palm model with the silly catch canister. Quiet, smooth running, quality construction. Be careful with coarse grits, eats wood fast! The pad is very firm so it won't round over the edges of the wood. It may not be the best for small or narrow parts, but it's great on the big stuff. Nice Tool!

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dust filled wonder, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 97366 6-Inch Variable Speed Sander Kit with Dust Collection Hood (Tools & Home Improvement)

Porter Cable's 6" sander does a very good job of rough sanding and stock removal. It is a bit too heavy and cumbersome for fine/final sanding of a project. The included velcro straps are a nice touch for holding the vacuum hose in place.

If you are looking for a dustless sander though, look elsewhere. The dust collector is an after thought which barely functions. I have to use my Dewalt DW421 (which has excellent dust collection) for final sanding and dust cleanup.

The Porter Cable 6" sander is a good, well built sander but save a few bucks and buy it without dust collection.