Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Nov 09, 2003 09:39pm | #1

   You might try calling or going to a PC factory service center, they're usually pretty helpful. A puzzling problem. I have an old 1.7 amp non VS 333 and I'm still on the original pad.

1. 
   rodney | Nov 10, 2003 12:26am | #2

   Thanks for your reply, jc.  I am going to contact Porter Cable.

2. 
   uncommontree | Nov 22, 2003 08:17am | #3

   Rod,

   We have three 333vs's , my old one is on the same pad , were as the two newer ones have been replaced at least twice. It's like they are making them cheaper which in turn there longevity is greatly reduced. Do let us know what you find out from P.C. I too am interested. In the mean time these are a few things I have learned about hook and loop sanders. Always store your sander with a sanding disc on. Blow off the pad from time to time . This one may sound like brain dead but check to see if there is a disc on your sander before you start to use it. This is instant death to all those little hooks,and it wont sand worth a hoot . My friend bought a new pad for his 333 (as you know not cheap) installed it and handed it over to his father and he promptly plugged it in and started to sand some hickory doors with it, and you guessed it NO sand paper. The air was a little blue in the shop for a time. Hope this helped . Rick

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/22/2003 12:20:10 AM ET by ADESIGNS

1. 
   rodney | Nov 25, 2003 01:47am | #4

   Rick,

   Thank you for your reply to my post.  Believe it or not, a Porter Cable tech representative told me that my pads were simply wearing out and that I should convert to PSA pad and disks.  I told him that the second pad I put on the sander lasted only a few hours.  He told me that hook and loop systems were designed for hobby or occasional use and that the heat from production use wears them out fast.  I still think the PC hook and loop pads are of very poor quality and should be improved.  I am converting to PSA.  If you learn any more about this, please advise.  Thank you.

   Rod

1. 
   uncommontree | Nov 25, 2003 06:38am | #5

   Hi Rod ,

   It sounds like a snow job from a great company. I have had a P-C 333 for several years and have sanded for days on end using the same hook and loop pad , in fact it is still on it and only now showing signs of ware. What the rep is telling sounds like a crock. My gut is that some other company is making them for a lower price. My NEW VS333 pad is showing more ware than the old one. Also we have a 4 year old Makita and a 3 year old Dewalt they get regular use and are showing no signs of hook and loop failure. I have never been a fan of the PSA system But if it will work well for you this is great, I myself my be in the market for a new company to buy my sanders from. Good luck. Rick

3. 
   jimshome | Nov 29, 2003 09:16pm | #6

   I've got 2 of them. Bought within a week of each other.

   One has the original pad, the other is on its 3rd.

   The difference? I'm the only one that uses the one with original pad.

   The other one has been used by employees. Each of them had to learn!

   1 dont use it with out paper!!

   2 use the right pressure!!!

   3 don't use paper that has "dulled"

   4 there is a learning curve to RO sanders

   too much pressure will not only slow down the sander and leave swirl marks but will overheat and destroy the hooks on the pad

   too little pressure causes the sander to "slip" slightly at the joint between the paper and the sander pad. That tears the fabric on the back of the paper and the "strands" get caught in the hooks. The next sheet of paper won't stay "stuck" 

   I still won't let them use mine!

   If they need some thing heavier I give them the belt sander or the 6" PSA (P-C 7336)

   Jim

    This above all, to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, Thou cans't not then be false to any man      Hamlet

1. 
   rodney | Nov 30, 2003 02:32am | #7

   Jim,

   Thank you for your reply to my post.  The information was greatly appreciated.  This was my first RO hook and loop sander and I didn't realize that the pads were that sensitive.  Although I never used the sander without a disk attached, I may have use too much or too little pressure.  I think I'll convert to PSA anyway.

   Rod

2. 
   JMartinsky | Nov 30, 2003 06:55pm | #8

   Amen to what Jim says! We use the 333s exclusively and the one that I reserve for myself doesn't:

   1. Vibrate off the dust canister.

   2. Look like it's 50 years old.

   3. Give me any problems.

   Good Luck,

   John

1. 
   Crownman | Dec 09, 2003 08:26am | #9

   I have an older dewalt sander, 7 years to be exact. I work on a high production trim crew with several othe carpenters. I am still with my dewalt while they have gone through 2 or even three porter cables. Its the only dewalt tool i would own though.

4. 
   woodensplinter | Jan 25, 2005 03:38am | #10

   If your not satisfied with the PC product, give these guys a try:

   http://www.stockroomsupply.com

   I don't know their prices compare to PC.

5. 
   dsoys | Jan 30, 2005 05:02am | #11

   one tip the repair center told me was when you go to change paper wait a few seconds before you rip the paper off because the hook is hot and will pull of little by little as the paper comes of. I have a group of guy over once a month and found I start having the same problem. After explaining to them everything working fine.

1. 
   rodney | Feb 04, 2005 12:17am | #12

   Don, thanks for your message regarding PC RO sander hook and loop pads wearing out too quickly.  I will try your method.   Any future additional information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

6. 
   DougF | Feb 04, 2005 06:20pm | #13

   I recently ordered a replacement pad and they sent me a combo pad that fits the 333 VS for 5 and 8 hole disks: it spewed dust everywhere.   To their credit, they sent a 5 hole pad without charge after I complained.  I would suggest you avoid the combo replacement pad.  BTW, this was my first replace pad after 6 years of hard use.

   Doug

1. 
   LostOne0069 | Feb 04, 2005 06:43pm | #14

   Is it just me, or are you guys replying to a post that is over a year old?

1. 
   DougF | Feb 04, 2005 07:21pm | #15

   LostOne,

   It appears that it we who are lost, not you. 

   However, so as to not look totaly foolish, the problems are ongoing.

   Thanks for the enlightenment.

   Doug