Porter Cable RO Sander

LastMango · Post by **LastMango** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 6:02 pm

I just purchased the larger Porter Cable RO sander model 7336. I think this is the same one I've seen mentioned here by Tim, although I can't seem to find the post talking about his tools list.

Basically I'm trying to see if anyone knows if I can get a 5" hook-and-loop pad for this bad boy. I want to be able to use the same stock of sanding disks I use on my palm RO sander.

Anyone have any info on this? I've tried looking at Porter-cable's site and even talked to the guy down at the local owned hardware store and have come up dry.

bcooke · Post by **bcooke** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:06 pm

I would think McMaster and Carr would have what you are looking for but I haven't checked. They have most everything. Tim has a section on his Glissando site for tools where he writes about his favorites and not-so-favorites. I remember he posted a link recently but I can't remember which thread it was on either.

-Britton

LastMango · Post by **LastMango** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:16 pm

Yeah.. I looked there. Problem is I purchased the 7336 model with is the 6". I'm hoping that the threading is the same as the 5" and I can find the 5" hook and loop pads for it.

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:31 pm

I'd put the money toward a nice startup-collection of 6" discs.

Having a pile of 5" and a pile of 6" really isn't so bad.

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:15 am

Scott, did you find the 5" pad for the sander?

heartofgold · Post by **heartofgold** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:29 am

I just replaced my pad for this sander, I believe it was this past Tuesday. I purchased a hook and loop replacement from my local woodworking tool shop, and I had the option of either a thick or thin, a hook and loop or a smooth pad.

It is recomended that if you replace the pad, go ahead and replace the silicone band immediately beneath it as it can wear out over time. I paid $20 for the pad and $1.50 for the band.

rshowarth · Post by **rshowarth** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:48 pm

I called Porter Cable on this issue and they advise that, if you purchase a 6 inch, it can be converted to a 5 inch by purchase of a conversion kit, which includes a new balance.

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 10:53 am

In case anyone is looking for a Porter Cable 5" RO sander, I found mine here:

http://www.mikestools.com/7335r-Porter- ... Recon.aspx

Factory reconditioned for $88 - same warranty as a new one. Shipping was ~$10. Best price I've found anywhere.

Jason K · Post by **Jason K** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 12:31 pm

I've purchased multiple 6" versions from Lowes for less than $100. A common defect in the unit, at least in mine, is that the switch fails and the units won't turn on or turn on intermittently. It's happened to three of mine. An advantage of buying at a brick and mortar store is that I can just go swap them out. Of course, I don't that think Lowes carries the 5", so that may be an issue, depending on your needs.

CharlieJ · Post by **CharlieJ** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:35 pm

Mike- did it have a stickit pad or was it that stupid hook and loop ones. Getting really difficult to find anything other than the hook and loop, and since I use mine daily in my shop I don't want those- TOO expensive over a years time. Might be fine for hobbiest, but when I get done with a disc It ain't worth saving. Besides, I might use a 150 disc box a month when running full tilt.

Crashed one of my old 7335s ( chunk came out of the armature) and really need a replacement. Damn thing only lasted 12 years of daily use, and only made it through 5 boats and TONS of furniture. *grin*

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:46 pm

It's the "stickit" kind, that is it uses the sticky backed sanding disks.

CharlieJ · Post by **CharlieJ** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:50 pm

Thanks- I bookmarked the site. Soons I get paid for THIS boat I'll be getting one.

cliffg · Post by **cliffg** » Tue May 30, 2006 9:00 pm

I just read Tim's tool page today. He heartily endorses the Porter Cable 7334. There is also a thread discussing air powered sanders/tools. I have a compressor, from my building days, and am now wondering which would be better, an air powered sander/grinder or the Porter Cable. I'd be glad to hear opinions.

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Tue May 30, 2006 9:32 pm

The typical contractor's on-site compressor for framing and roofing nailers is far too small to power pneumatic sanders. I have a 5horse compressor on a 100 gallon tank, and even that only gives me about 8-10 minutes of working time between compression sessions.

rshowarth · Post by **rshowarth** » Tue May 30, 2006 10:37 pm

Here is a link to a site where you can purchase the 5 inch counter weight and a 5 inch pad for your 6 inch PC DA Sander.

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/Soft ... 1149112751

Post by **Tim** » Wed May 31, 2006 5:32 am

As Mike said, the pneumatic sander is about the most air-hungry tool out there, and you need a hefty compressor to power one. It's all about the CFM rating, and the usual contractor-type compressor just doesn't produce the required CFM. I think air sanders tend to be in the mid-to high teens for CFM rating, so a compressor producing 20+ CFM is what you need. Big air tanks are nice to reduce the amount of motor running time, but are irrelevant to the CFM rating that the compressor will produce.

If you have a compressor suitable for the air sander, though, I'd go that route for sure. The air DAs are much lighter weight and easier to handle in most situations, air hose notwithstanding.

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