PORTER CABLE 3-Inch X 21-Inch Variable-Speed Sander With Dust Bag, 352Vs

I've had this sander for over 10 years, and it works fine except for the useless dust bag. Most of the dust goes out the vent in the front and nothing goes into the bag. After each use I have to use compressed air to clean the thing...and me!

I've had this sander a couple of years. I'm an occasional weekend project kind of guy, and had not used it in a year or so. Pulled it out a couple of days ago, and the motor works but the belt doesn't turn. I'd bought Porter Cable because of reputation but will stick with my Habor Freight cheap tools - they last longer and don't break the bank.

I did not use this sander more than 3 or 4 times a year. I was sanding some wood today (last time I used it was in September 2020) and small sparks and flames started coming out of the motor. Also the bag that was supposed to collect the saw dust never worked. Consequently, the motor was often covered with a lot of lose dust. It's too bad, I thought it was a tough machine, but I guess I was mistaken. There are no repair centers near where I live.

I've had this for a couple yrs now. I haven't used it much. Thought it was me on some smaller projects that I should have used a sheet sander on. This time I spent a long time flattening out my bench top (router method) and was sanding to finish. So I was at a comfortable height. The cable was always in the way. This machine is top heavy and if you aren't careful (trying to get the cord out of the way for instance) it tips and gouges the work. The dust collection is a joke. The tool is way too heavy. It is very expensive The only reason I gave it a 2 is that it does remove material

I purchase this sander when it first available and it has done everything I have ask of it. The only issue I have is the dust bag deteriorated after a few years and I just had machinist friend make me a chute that directs the dust away from me.