Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Porter-Cable 390K 5-Inch Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad and Dust Collection

The Porter-Cable 390K 5-inch low profile random orbit sander kit with hook and loop pad and dust collection comes with a 3.5 amp EnduraTech motor for increased performance and durability. The EnduraTech motor technology has 71-percent fewer wear components for a 5-to-10-times longer motor life and its electronic load control provides for 42-percent faster material removal. An electronic motor brake reduces spin-down time by 73-percent for increased productivity and a mechanical pad brake reduces free-spin to virtually eliminate gouging. Other features include a low profile design that reduces sander height by 31-percent for better control and finish, and a variable-speed 7,000-to-12,000 OPM for optimal removal rate on a variety of materials. With a rubber grip for added comfort and control and an integrated dust port that accepts 1- and 1-1/2-inch vacuum hoses for optimal dust collection, this sander comes with a 3/32-inch orbit diameter. This sander measures 4-by-5-by-12-inches and weighs 2.1-pounds.
Customer Review: Great Product
I have only had limited use with this sander on only one project but the evidence is clear. This is the best sander I have ever used. It is easy to control, does not wear you out, and the dust collection is great. Everyone should own one of these. Pricey, yes. But worth every penny.
Customer Review: Nice little dust generator
I bought this one based on other reviews of the 390. So far it's working great. I used it to feather in my red oak floor instead of using an edger. I've used a variety of hook/loop discs, all worked fine. The pad isn't showing any signs of coming apart. The variable speed is nice. The discs didn't wander on the pad. I'm sold on hook/loop. Possible con: Be aware, the head is large, so if you have smaller hands it could be awkward as some people have mentioned. I had no difficulty with it. I figure if you can span a fingertip over a dollar bill, you should be easily ok. Under that will likely come down to personal preference or a two handed grip. I had no trouble with it wandering on me using grits from 60 to 120 on various woods. The 80 grit left fine swirl marks across oak grain, but above that was ok. I won't say this is the sander since paper, wood, pressure, etc. are all factors which will add up to a result unique to your situation. I found 100+ grit in my application was glass smooth. My one complaint: The dust collector works well, and the suction through the pad holes is doing its job, but the dust which does escape is very, very, fine. This is the first tool I have with this type of hard plastic porous dust collector. It's nice and super easy to clean, but the finest dust goes everywhere. A good dust mask is a must for large projects without a vac. Another interesting feature of this plastic dust collector: In dry weather, it builds up a massive amount of static. Many times I zapped myself taking it off to empty. Not painful, typical socks on carpet + doorknob type zaps. For normal sanding, especially if you have a vacuum, I couldn't fault this item. I'd buy it again, recommend it, or give one as a gift. It has spent more time out of the case than in at any rate. The case is ok, I got it because it was less $$ than the one without. It holds the sander with lots of room for sanding discs. This is the only "K" model difference in the 390 series as far as I'm aware. Spent less, got the case. The brake is great, the pad stops in 2-3 seconds. Nice feature, that you don't realize you like until you switch it off the first time. 4 instead of 5 stars because of dust collection without a vac, and other brands include a reducer/attachment for a shop vac, which for the $2 worth of plastic should be as common as included safety glasses in nailers.


random orbit sander

1 comment:

  1. after reading this post and some other 390K reviews I found, this sander is sounds like it truly is better than the rest - more power and a better body design than traditional sanders.

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