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Each time the bearings failed after three to six months of use. I'm buying that next. I've gone through two of these units and two of the previous model (333). I talked to my finish carpenter and my stair builder and they both recommended a different brand (Milwaukee).
The new random orbital is biggger, bulky, harder to handle, harder to control than the good ol Porter Cables. Now I find that the "NEW" Porter Cable is just like the Black and Decker products. So, I have two old porter cable routers , two old porter cable sanders and I just bought a new porter cable sander, which I imagine was made after it was sold to Black and Decker. I haven't bought a Black and Decker product in ten years because the quality reeks. I guess I'll never buy another one.
It replaced a 343 orbital with a PSA pad so I had to remove the old PSA pad from the 343 and put it on the new sander. Probably because it is taller. I like the way the sander performs. The sander works well but it is slightly clumsy compared to the old.
Between the two, I owned a Dewalt 423 sander and I have operated them back to back. The Porter Cable is less aggressive and vibrates less, but has a tendency to "grab" and get away from you.
Though the Dewalt vibrates and costs a bit more, I definitely prefer it to this. Dust collection works pretty well, and I appreciate the change to an 8 hole pattern.
Its power switch does not have a dust boot, so it will likely fail earlier than other parts (as happened with my first PC sander). Basically, you get what you pay for with the PC - an affordable sander that will work reasonably well until the switch fails or you wear out the velcro pad.
This is my second PC 5" orbital and it performs pretty much like the first one. Without a doubt, the Dewalt performs better in several ways.
Also, the vacuum port hooks right up to my Fein hose without any need for additional adapters - much like the Dewalt.
My only complaint is the inadequacy of the dust collection attachment. Overall, I would recommend this random orbit sander I have only used the sander for about a month on several occasions but it appears to work well. It captures some of the dust but the fines are airborne and will cover the surrounding work area.
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