ToolBox Blog

Tool: Porter-Cable 333 and 333VS 5″ Random Orbit Sander

The Porter-Cable Model 333 and Model 333VS are both 5″ Random Orbit Sanders that look the same but one cost about $30 more and is worth it. A variable speed sander is a better choice. Of these two sanders the variable speed model is still working great while two of the single speed sanders have quit.
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Rating:

Specifications:

• 2.4 Amps, AC only
• For 5″ hook & loop abrasives (5 hole)
• 3/32″ orbit
• 12,000 OPM
• SANDTRAP® dust collection canister
• Dust canister rotates 360° around sander
• 1″ O.D. vacuum ready
• 100% ball bearings
• Pad control feature prevents pad spin-up when tool is lifted off work
• Special S.A.P.A. (Self Aligning Paper Applicator) feature built into the case

Experience:

I have quite an assortment of Random Orbit Sanders. I started with a quality AEG variable speed motor with an R.O. attachment in 1989 and it still works. These Porter-Cable sanders were picked up a few years ago for a lot of mahogany sanding. I put them to use quite a bit but since retired them to ‘employee use only’. I personally favor a few others to these but for the money, the 333VS has been a good R.O. sander.

Comments:

I have a couple of comments on the Porter-Cable 333 and 333VS. First of all something trivial and incredibly frustrating. The sander comes in a formed plastic case. When you set the sander into the case you MUST align the 5 holes in the sanding pad with little nubs formed in the bottom of the case. It’s not easy to do and if you don’t do it, the case won’t shut. WTF? They call this a Self-Aligning Paper Applicator. Which came first; The faulty storage case or the faulty excuse for the nubs?

A few of these P-C 333 sanders quit on the job. If you want a real job performer I recommend the right-angle kind. The single speed one vibrated itself to death. Even so, one of my variable speed sanders has a mind of it’s own and increases or decreases speed unpredictably.

Links:

Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander (Product Data)

Below are the current Porter-Cable R.O. Sanders at Amazon.com,

Porter-Cable 343K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit – Hook & Loop Pad Single Speed

Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander – Hook & Loop Pad Variable Speed

Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only Much better!

Filed under: Sanders | Tagged: Porter-Cable, Random Orbit, Sander