There’s something about sanding a big flat surface that makes me want to pull my hair out. You may be lucky enough to own one of those fancy random orbit sanders and they do great on little areas, but what happens when you’ve got a whole deck to do? You need something that covers area fast.
Enter the disc belt sander. It’s like a hybrid between a disc sander (which has a nice controlled finishing touch) and a belt sander (for the rate at which it eats up the stuff). And the one you’ll find everywhere in the home center is the Porter Cable 394.
Why? Because it’s a work horse. For those looking to do it themselves but have higher expectation (or don’t wish to purchase two pieces of equipment), the attraction are clear: one tool you can switch between modes using levers.
The downside is that these units is not as simple as other orbitals. They’re bigger, they weigh more, take longer to set up, and demand slightly more attention. For a quick touch-up job or paint scuffing, a good ol’ random orbital sander are simpler to use.
But if you’ve got some serious stripping/leveling to do on a table or your subfloor, then this hybrid may be worth mastering. This is the Porter Cable 394. At around ten pounds, that may sound like a lot of weight but remember this tool pack a punch in terms of power for the money.
Comprehensive Review Of Porter Cable Disc Belt Sander
Why Choose a Disc Belt Sander
Key Specifications and Performance
This thing has a five amp motor and the sanding disc rotate at approximately 5,200 RPM. The belt also runs a decent speed. Together, these two give you the ability to switch modes quickly.
How to Switch Between Modes
For instance, if you find an area that’s got some rough spots, you’ll be able to run the belt section across them to smooth out the area and then simply flip the machine over and take one last pass with the disk section. It keeps you moving through the process without switching tool constantly. Mechanically it’s simple to switch back and forth, you just have to get used to it.
There’s a lever on the tool that locks the belt and disc in place individually. To engage the disc, unlock the belt. To engage the belt, unlock the disc.
It only takes seconds. The key is knowing what type of abrasive to put where. Don’t start off with the fine on the belt side because it will clog immediatly.
Choosing the Right Grit
Start off coarse on the belt to knock some stuff off and then go to the disc to clean it up with medium or fine. Here is a note on dust control: any sander throws dust around. A disc belt combo does so in spades.
Managing Dust and Visibility
If you don’t contain the dust, these will throw it all over. The Porter Cable 394 includes a dust bag. Is it perfect?
No. You’ll have a little in the air. The real deal is connecting to a shop vac. That makes a world of difference.
The port is large enough for regular hoses. You can hook it up and actualy SEE what you’re doing. This is critical when checking for flat spots.
Can’t see your grain, then you’re just guessing.
Handling and Vibration Comfort
The handle design provide comfort when working long hours. With this tool, you have good control and the wrap around handle allow you to grip it from the top or sides based off how you are angling your work.
You will notice some vibration, but it’s manageable. It won’t dampen vibration nearly as well than a high-end Festool or Fein. However if you’re using this for occasional use on a weekend project, the Porter Cable will hold up fine.
It doesn’t feel as though it is fighting you. It feels stable.
Proper Sanding Technique
One common error I see is pushing with too much pressure.
They believe harder is faster. Actualy it slows you down. It heats up the paper.
It glazes it. It makes the belt flex on itself. Just let the motor do its thing and let the weight of the tool do its job.
Glide it over the surface. When the motor are working efficienty you’ll hear a change in pitch. High whine means you’re pressing too hard.
Low groan means you’re moving too slow. The key is finding the middle ground. These tools is going to teach you that.
Final Verdict and Value
To conclude, The Porter Cable 394 isn’t the flashiest tool on the shelf. It doesn’t have fancy electronic variable speeds or carbon brush indicators like some higher end models. But it does what you need it to do, when you need it to do it and without fail.
In one sander, it fills that gap between rough shaping and fine finishing. If you’re upgrading from a more basic model of sander, it’s a clear cut step up and makes you feel like you’ve gotten something for your money. Don’t forget to let the machine do the hard work and choose the right grit for the job.
You’ll be glad your patience lasted longer and your finished product will show it. You should of used better grit.