Porter-cable 7346: Top-notch Specifications, Comprehensive Comparisons, And Trusted Buying Sources

Porter-Cable 7346 Information

The Porter-Cable 7346 is a 6-inch variable-speed random orbit sander that is ideal for a variety of sanding and polishing applications. It features a powerful 4.5-amp motor that provides smooth, controlled sanding, and an electronic variable speed dial that allows you to adjust the speed from 2,500 to 6,800 OPM for different materials and tasks. The sander also includes a proprietary counterweight for improved balance and control, as well as a two-position removable side handle for greater comfort.

Image:

Full specifications:

Feature	Specification
Motor	4.5 amps
Orbit size	5/16 inches
Variable speed	2,500-6,800 OPM
Counterweight	Yes
Removable side handle	Yes
Weight	5.5 pounds
Dimensions	10 x 6 x 4 inches

Features:

• Powerful 4.5-amp motor for smooth, controlled sanding
• Electronic variable speed dial for precise control
• Proprietary counterweight for improved balance and control
• Two-position removable side handle for greater comfort
• 100% ball and roller bearing construction for durability
• Accepts 5/16-24 spindle thread accessories
• Includes 6-inch polishing pad and sanding disc

What's in the box:

• Porter-Cable 7346 sander
• 6-inch polishing pad
• 6-inch sanding disc
• Dust bag
• Owner's manual

Pros:

• Powerful motor
• Variable speed control
• Proprietary counterweight
• Two-position side handle
• Durable construction
• Accepts a variety of accessories

Cons:

• No dust collection system
• Can be a bit heavy for some users

Overall, the Porter-Cable 7346 is a versatile and powerful sander that is ideal for a variety of applications. It is well-made and durable, and the variable speed control allows you to customize the sanding experience for different materials and tasks. However, the lack of a dust collection system can be a bit of a nuisance, and the sander can be a bit heavy for some users.

If you are looking for a powerful and versatile sander that is well-made and durable, the Porter-Cable 7346 is a great option. However, if you are looking for a sander with a dust collection system or that is lighter weight, you may want to consider other options.

Porter-Cable 7346 Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Porter-Cable 7346 to a similar item, the Makita BO5041:

Feature	Porter-Cable 7346	Makita BO5041
Power	4.5 amps	4.5 amps
Orbit size	5/8 inches	1/2 inches
Speed range	2,500-6,800 OPM	3,000-8,000 OPM
Weight	3.8 pounds	3.2 pounds
Dust collection	Bag	Port
Price	$198	$180

Overall, the Porter-Cable 7346 and the Makita BO5041 are very similar sanders. The Porter-Cable has a slightly larger orbit size and a wider speed range, while the Makita is slightly lighter and has a dust port. The Makita is also slightly cheaper.

Here is a more detailed comparison of the two sanders:

• Power: Both sanders have a 4.5 amp motor, which is powerful enough for most sanding tasks. However, the Porter-Cable has a slightly wider speed range, which can be helpful for more precise sanding.
• Orbit size: The Porter-Cable has a 5/8-inch orbit size, while the Makita has a 1/2-inch orbit size. A larger orbit size produces a smoother finish, but it can also be more aggressive.
• Weight: The Porter-Cable is slightly heavier than the Makita, at 3.8 pounds versus 3.2 pounds. This difference may be noticeable if you are sanding for long periods of time.
• Dust collection: The Porter-Cable has a dust bag, while the Makita has a dust port. A dust port can be more effective at collecting dust, but it can also be messier.
• Price: The Porter-Cable is slightly more expensive than the Makita, at $198 versus $180.

Ultimately, the best sander for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a sander with a wide speed range or a larger orbit size, then the Porter-Cable 7346 is a good option. If you are looking for a lighter sander or a more affordable option, then the Makita BO5041 is a good choice.

Porter-Cable 7346 Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Porter-Cable 7346 is a 4.5-amp, 6-inch random orbital sander that is designed for both sanding and polishing. It has a variable speed control that ranges from 2,500 to 6,800 oscillations per minute (OPM), and it can be used with a variety of sanding discs and polishing pads.

Pros:

• Powerful motor provides smooth, even sanding and polishing
• Variable speed control allows for precise results
• Ergonomic design with soft-grip handle provides comfort and control
• Dust collection port helps to keep your work area clean
• Lightweight and portable for easy transport

Cons:

• Noisy operation
• Can be difficult to control at high speeds
• Dust collection port can be a bit finicky

User Reviews:

Positive Reviews:

• "This sander is a beast! It's powerful and easy to control, and it makes short work of sanding and polishing. I'm really impressed with the dust collection, too. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than most sanders I've used." - Amazon Customer
• "I've been using this sander for a few months now, and I'm really happy with it. It's perfect for sanding and polishing furniture, and it's really easy to control. The dust collection is also great, which is a big plus for me." - The Home Depot Customer

Negative Reviews:

• "This sander is really noisy. I don't mind the noise when I'm wearing ear protection, but it can be a bit annoying if you're not." - Amazon Customer
• "I found the sander to be a bit difficult to control at high speeds. It's not a big deal if you're careful, but it can be a bit of a challenge if you're not used to using sanders." - The Home Depot Customer

My Thoughts:

Overall, I think the Porter-Cable 7346 is a great sander. It's powerful, easy to control, and has a good dust collection system. The only real downside is that it's a bit noisy. However, if you're looking for a powerful and versatile sander, I would definitely recommend the Porter-Cable 7346.

Here are some additional thoughts:

• The Porter-Cable 7346 is a great choice for both professional and DIY users. It's powerful enough for heavy-duty sanding, but it's also easy to control for detail work.
• The variable speed control is a great feature, and it allows you to fine-tune the sanding speed for different materials and applications.
• The dust collection system is effective, but it's not perfect. You'll still need to wear a dust mask when using the sander.
• The Porter-Cable 7346 is a bit noisy, but it's not any louder than other sanders in its class.

Overall, I think the Porter-Cable 7346 is a great sander. It's powerful, easy to control, and has a good dust collection system. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile sander, I would definitely recommend the Porter-Cable 7346.

Porter-Cable 7346 Where To Buy

some places where you can buy the Porter-Cable 7346 and spare parts:

• Direct from Porter-Cable: You can buy the Porter-Cable 7346 directly from the Porter-Cable website. They offer free shipping on orders over $50.
• Walmart: Walmart is a great place to find tools at a good price. They often have the Porter-Cable 7346 in stock, and you can usually find it for a lower price than you would at other retailers.
• Amazon: Amazon is another great place to buy tools. They have a wide selection of the Porter-Cable 7346, and you can often find it on sale.
• Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option if you're looking for a brick-and-mortar store that sells the Porter-Cable 7346. They usually have a good selection of tools in stock, and you can often find them on sale.
• Lowes: Lowes is another good option for brick-and-mortar stores that sell the Porter-Cable 7346. They usually have a good selection of tools in stock, and you can often find them on sale.
• eBay: eBay is a great place to find deals on used tools. You can often find the Porter-Cable 7346 on eBay for a fraction of the price of a new one.

For spare parts, you can also buy them from Porter-Cable directly, or from third-party retailers like Amazon or eBay.

I hope this helps!

Porter-Cable 7346 Problems and Solutions

The Porter-Cable 7346 is a powerful and versatile router, but it can be prone to a few common problems. Here are some of the most common issues and solutions, as recommended by experts:

• The router won't turn on. This is usually caused by a blown fuse or a faulty power cord. To check the fuse, look for a small, clear plastic tab on the side of the router. If the tab is missing or blackened, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. To check the power cord, unplug it from the router and the wall outlet, then plug it back in. If the router still doesn't turn on, the power cord is faulty and needs to be replaced.
• The router is not cutting evenly. This is usually caused by a dull bit or a loose collet. To check the bit, remove it from the router and see if it is visibly dull. If it is, you will need to replace it. To check the collet, tighten it by turning the collet wrench clockwise. If the collet is still loose, you may need to replace it.
• The router is making a strange noise. This could be caused by a number of things, such as a loose bearing, a damaged motor, or a foreign object in the router. To check the bearings, listen for any unusual noises coming from the router. If you hear a noise, you may need to replace the bearings. To check the motor, turn on the router and see if it is running smoothly. If the motor is making a noise, you may need to replace it. To check for a foreign object, open the router housing and look for anything that might be causing the noise.

If you are having any problems with your Porter-Cable 7346, these are some of the most common issues and solutions. If you are still having problems after trying these solutions, you may need to contact Porter-Cable customer support for further assistance.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting Porter-Cable 7346 router problems:

• Make sure that the router is properly grounded.
• Use the correct bit for the job.
• Do not overload the router.
• Keep the router clean and free of debris.
• If you are still having problems, contact Porter-Cable customer support.

Porter-Cable 7346 Manual

Porter-Cable 7346 Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander

Safety Information

• Read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before using this tool.
• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
• Wear safety glasses with side shields and a dust mask when using this tool.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves when sanding rough surfaces.
• Do not sand near flammable materials.
• Disconnect the tool from the power source before changing sanding discs or making any adjustments.
• Use only sanding discs that are the correct size and type for this tool.
• Do not overload the tool.
• Do not use the tool if it is damaged.

Before Use

• Read and understand the safety information in this manual.
• Inspect the tool for any damage before using it.
• Make sure the tool is properly connected to a power source.
• Select the correct sanding disc for the application.
• Adjust the speed setting to the desired level.

Troubleshooting

• If the tool is not working properly, check the following:
  • Is the tool connected to a power source?
  • Is the switch turned on?
  • Is the sanding disc properly installed?
  • Is the sanding disc the correct size and type for the tool?
  • If you are still having problems, contact Porter-Cable customer service.

Maintenance

• To maintain the tool in good working condition, clean it regularly with a soft cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the tool.
• Inspect the tool for any damage before using it.
• Replace worn or damaged parts as needed.

Warranty

• This tool is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
• If the tool becomes defective during the warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

Contact Information

• Porter-Cable Customer Service
• 1-800-433-4620
• www.portercable.com

Additional Information

• This tool is designed for professional use.
• It is not intended for use by children.
• Keep the tool out of the reach of children.
• Use the tool only for its intended purpose.
• Do not use the tool in any way that is not described in this manual.

Thank you for choosing Porter-Cable.