Porter-Cable 362V 4-Inch by 24-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander

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In the world of woodworking power tools, Porter-Cable has built-up a reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and good quality machines. Their 362V Belt Sander carries on this tradition as it is a machine that has many professional features as standard, all at a reasonable cost.

First off this belt sander produces more power from its 12 amp motor than any other Porter-Cable sander. Its location directly over the platen of the sander gives the unit a better balance and control. Users also have very precise control over the sanding process due to the ease at which the belt’s speed can be adjusted. A simple twist of a dial regulates the speed from 1,000 to 1,500 sfpm. Even some of the best sanders don’t have this feature. Porter-Cable have made the 362V easy to maintain by providing a quick-release belt change lever and there is a belt tracking knob for making alterations to the belt’s alignment over the rollers.

Its ergonomically shaped handles allow the user to work for extended periods and the large capacity dust bag can be swivelled 360 degrees so it never gets in the way of working.

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Product Features and Specification

• Powerful 12 Amp motor provides professional power
• Motor is located over platen for maximum performance and perfect balance
• Designed for flush sanding up to vertical surfaces
• variable-speed dial is conveniently placed on the handle, allowing belt speed adjustment from 1,000 to 1,500 SFPM; Quick-release belt-change lever
• Includes a 100G belt, dust bag assembly and operating manual

The Reviews

There weren’t a lot of reviews for this belt sander but those that we read were generally favourable. The machine won many reviewers over with its ability to sand fast and because it was smooth in operation they could sand for longer without fatigue setting in. A couple of people had an issue with the dust collection bag which had a tendency to work loose and allow dust to spread over the working area. Others didn’t experience this problem so it may not be an inherent fault.

One review criticised the machine because of its weight. Other users regarded the weight of the sander an asset as it enabled more pressure to be put onto the surface being sanded thereby taking off more material faster.

The ability to be able to vary the sanding speed at the turn of a dial was a feature that brought much positive comment. Different stages of a job require fine adjustment of the belt speed and the wide range of the 362V’s speed was much appreciated. Some of the reviews were made by professional users who put the machine to much harder use than the domestic user would. In their opinions the sander was well able to withstand being used for long periods on a daily basis and was robust enough to be transported from job to job without falling apart. Some users thought that this model was one of the best sanders on the market and would recommend it to their friends.

One aspect of the machine that can be a problem for floor sanding is that it was only possible to get up to about three quarters of an inch from a wall. The final little bit had to be sanded by another machine that could get flush to the wall.

On balance we would recommend this sander to you if you are looking for a solidly made belt sander for tackling the larger type of sanding jobs. Porter-Cable are known for making some of the best sanders on the market and this one seems to have their stamp of quality. It is more expensive than some of its competitors but it can still be good value if it does the job better.

We have found the best price for Porter-Cable 362V 4-Inch by 24-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander at Amazon - click here to check it out.