I’m looking for suggestons for a replacement for my Porter Cable 4 x24 VS belt sander. I’ve had numerous problems with this one. I’ve had it rebuilt at the service center but it failed again, motor bearing this time! It’s very expensive to have serviced and has not performed at all like a machine of this price range should have.
I’m thinking of a Bosch, Any suggestions? Thanks
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Always liked my old Skil 4x21 3/4 with the automatic tracking system. Not sure if it can be found still.
It's a shame you are having problems with a Porter-Cable belt sander - Porter-Cable invented the belt sander and all other makes/models started with the PC design. I personally wouldn't give up on your current machine - you need to contact the PC area rep and tell him your problems. I've seen too many PC belt sanders in commercial applications that last for years.
The real top of the line machine is the PC 503 - a real brute with chain/worm drive that has been around for many years. But you will pay big bucks for it.
I agree!!! Get right after PC on this one. You might even print out this thread and show it to the regonal mgr. You may very well have a "lemon" and PC should replace it for you. If their "stuff" isn't the best, it's close enough NOT to have repeated problems. Jump up and down, yell and scream, You paid good $ for this thing and if you wanted junk you would have only paid $30 for it. My experience is that PC will do the right thing. Some managers just need more motivation than others.
Thanks alot for the input. When I had it serviced the first time I tried to explain to the guy that I only make jewelry boxes and this machine is big enough to handle much more than that.
I'm going to try again and see if I can't get them to fix it. I like the machine but this one just hasn't performed like it should have.
Go for it. It's entirelly possible that a bearing housing was machined out of square. Those things happen. In any case PC needs to own up to it and fix it or some how "make it right "with you. PC is just to good a company to let a local "blow you off". That's my 2cents.
Thanks again for the support. I called the local PC dealer but they don't do repairs/ I just emailed PC and explained the story. Hopefully I'll get something back from them.
I know PC is known for high quality but if this doesn't turn out well I think I'll go to another brand. I have several other PC tools and like them. Hopefully it will work out. I'll post the outcome.
Please do post the outcome. I'm sure a lot of other folks would also like to know how PC Corp. handled it.
I would have bought the new quiet PC sander, but I wanted the option of using a sanding frame so I went with the Bosch EVS 4x24 and the frame. I like it very much, but it sounds like overkill for just jewelery boxes. I will be VERY surprised if PC doesn't make good on your sander, most of their stuff is top notch, as long as you ignore their useless POS profile sander:) Keep us informed.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
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