Porter Cable 343 5 Inch Random Orbit Sander With Hook & Loop Pad

Editorial Review
* Unique in-line sanding motion allows for sanding of corners, details and profiles * Pad sands 6,000 strokes per minute for ultra-smooth sanding results on all materials * Includes dust wand for use with vacuum, for dust-free sanding applications * Standard pad accepts "hook and loop" holed paper * Includes complete set of 17 sanding profiles along with two plates for mounting of profile pads: single plate for use with a single pad; offset plate for getting into areas where extra clearance for the sanding pad is required * Comfortable motor housing grip with thumb-controlled on-off switch conveniently located on side of tool * Standard equipment include "hook and loop" standard sanding pad, single profile mounting plate, offset mounting plate, complete set of 17 different sanding profiles, one sheet each of 80-, 120-, 220-grit "hook and loop" paper, one roll (2-1/2" x 45") of 80-grit paper for use with sanding profiles, dust wand, carrying case and operating manual
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Customer Reviews

Needs improvement!

2003-11-10
I bought this unit from a local home improvement center. I took advantage of the 30 day satisfaction guaranty and returned it.
The hook and loop pad came apart after one hour. The sand paper for the profile parts would only last a minute before it wore out. After that it left black rubber marks on my work. It was very uncomfortable to hold. It has a variable speed control on it. I would suggest using Slow! This model does not come with the vacuum hose attachment adapter. I can't believe it is a Porter Cable.
I am going to try a B&D Mouse instead.

Works good, but one problem

2008-06-11
This sander requires 8 hole hook and loop, the old model 333 that I replaced with this took 5 hole hook and loop. They are NOT interchangeble. Fortunately the 5 hole pad from my 333 fits this, because I have about $80 worth of 5 hole sand paper and I sure didn't want to mess with trying to sell it and buy more. Also, the screws that hold the pad in place are Torx lock heads and the screw thread itself is not machined type threads (more like a sheet metal or wood screw), and they are a pain to remove. It takes about 5 times as long to remove the pad (which you have to do to replace the rubber band contraption that makes it random orbit). The good about it is that it's not nearly as loud and is much easier on your hands (less vibration) than the 333 model. The dust collector fits my shop vac better than the old 333 as well.

great sander

2007-01-04
I've used it for about six months and I does a very good job. The only thing I can say about the hook and loop problem, is that I let the pad cool down before I remove the sandpaper.

Best sander I have

2004-03-05
I refinish furniture. I have about 10 sanders that I use to strip and refurbish old pieces of furniture. This sander is my favorite of them all. It gets into places other sanders never dreamed of. The sandpaper rolls that fit the profiles doesn't last long but the heavy duty pre-cut profile sanding sheets do last long. This sander eliminates tons of extra work for the furniture refinisher.

My favorite restoration detail sander

2003-12-06
Dear Fellow woodworkers:
I just purchased a Porter Cable 9444vs detail sander. I was hesitant to buy it because of all the poor reviews. I decided to borrow one before I bought one of my own. I am restoring an old
cape cod & need to do alot of sanding on doors & windows that I have either stripped or burned to remove paint. This tool is perfect for this job. I can get into tight corners. I can slow it down with the variable speed & it is easy to control and does not gouge the work. I must suggest that the other reviewers are
not giving this tool a fair chance. It works quite well on my old
fireplace mantel and inside corners on the old baseboard. It does
a fine job on old exterior window sills where they meet the jambs. Overall I am very happy with this tool, I would recommend
it to anyone, but you must remember to take your time and let the tool do the work. By the way, you can run it for hours and it
does not heat up. Nice job, Porter Cable

Needs Improvement

2003-11-11
bought this unit from a local home improvement center. I took advantage of the 30 day satisfaction guaranty and returned it.
The hook and loop pad came apart after one hour. The sand paper for the profile parts would only last a minute before it wore out. After that it left black rubber marks on my work. It was very uncomfortable to hold. It has a variable speed control on it. I would suggest using Slow! This model does not come with the vacuum hose attachment adapter. I can't believe it is a Porter Cable.
I am going to try a B&D Mouse instead.