Tools & Materials
Porter-Cable - Porter-Cable- 450PK Router Combo Kit
Jun 02, 2011
The Porter-Cable 450 is almost identical to the DeWalt 611PK. But the differences are where it falls short. There are no LED lights, so visibility isn’t as good. Also, the body of the fixed base has painted ridges running parallel to your fingers, resulting in a slick surface. And the subbase is round, so it’s not as good for use with a straightedge.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
Craftsman Random Orbit Sander
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander
With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.
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