Replies

1. 
   HeidiDad | Sep 19, 2002 08:39pm | #1

   I find the 4" more stable on the surface of whatever I'm sanding.  I "tested" several new sanders once and found that only the Porter Cable gouged the work when I deliberatyl rolled the sander over on its side.  Some of the sanders gouged no matter how carefull I was to prevent it.  The P.C. is designed to weigh more  so the operator does not need to push down on it to get good results.  My vote is for the P.C. 4".  For general all around do whatever, the P.C. 3".  ( Unless you drop it off the 3rd floor onto the drive way, the P.C. is the last belt sander you will ever have to buy.  In my humble opinion)

2. 
   ToolDoc | Sep 20, 2002 07:31am | #2

   The 3x21 Porter Cable gets my vote, I have one and its a very Heavy Duty built power tool, you cant go wrong if you get the Porter Cable.. Just my 2 cents worth....

      Happy Woodworking.....ToolDoc

3. 
   Dick38 | Sep 20, 2002 05:06pm | #3

   The Porter Cable is an amazing belt sander, very rugged and a dream to use. It makes sanding almost fun. I got the 3", the 4" is a little to heavy for me, you could refinish floors with that one. I used it to sand down kitchen cabinets.

   Have fun, Dick

4. 
   Elcoholic | Sep 20, 2002 10:30pm | #4

   I agree with the others that the PC's are durable and in general the 4" platten will be more stable.  If you're doing a lot of vertical surfaces then the lighter weight 3" probably makes more sense.  I didn't  get a PC though, for 1 important reason - no sanding frame is available.  A sanding frame transforms the crude belt sander into a precision finishing tool with reliable depth of cut adjustment and virtually no chance to tip and gouge.  So for me, it was the Bosch 4x24 w/ EVS.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne