Keeping a low profile is not something the new Porter-Cable random orbit sanders do because they’re avoiding calling attention to themselves – it’s something they have in order to give you better control and, hence, a better finish as you put the final sanding touches on your project. In fact, they’ve reduced the sander height by 31 percent: an advantage when you want to get into a tight spot.
The 3.5-amp motor in the sander has a variable speed of 7,000–12,000 rpm to accommodate sanding a variety of materials – and it also has, in what they’re calling “Enduratech” motor technology, 71 percent fewer components in the motor that are made up of things that tend to wear out over time. Porter-Cable says this will give the sander’s motor five to 10 times longer life than the average ROS.
Electronic load control for fast material removal and an electronic motor brake to reduce spin-down tie by 73 percent are other aspects where technology has been employed to make the tool a more efficient use of your time. The mechanical brake pad reduces free spin and, thereby, nearly eliminates gouging.
And, since you know sanding is accompanied by sawdust, the Porter-Cable Low Profile Sander has two different dust ports: one to accept a 1” vacuum hose; the other to accept 1-1/2”.
The 5” low profile sanders take up model numbers 390 (sander with hook and loop pad); 390K (a kit with dust collection for the hook and loop pad model); 392 (PSA pad); and 394 (dust collection and PSA pad). Street prices start at about $129. You can find more information at http://www.deltaportercable.com.
