Canadian Woodworking Magazine eNewsletter

The newest offering in the Porter Cable random orbital sander lineup (the model 390) has three features that make it stand out from the competition.

First, at only 4" high, it's noticeably shorter than other RO sanders (hence the 'low profile' moniker.) According to Porter Cable, the lowered center of gravity places your hand 31% closer to the stock for improved ergonomics. The handle is also wider and longer (3 1/4" x 5 3/4") than on other Porter Cable models. In use I found the handle quite comfortable, and the shorter stature of the sander does seem to make it somewhat easier to control. I have large hands, so was able to get a good grip on the sander; if you have small hands you'll want to get a grip on this sander (literally) before you purchase it, just to ensure that you're comfortable with the size of the handle.

The second feature that sets this sander apart is the 3.5 amp ENDURATECH motor. This new motor design uses brushless technology, which reduces the number of wearable components by 71%. Porter Cable says that is will give 5 to 10 times longer motor life than other palm grip sanders on the market. For the home handyperson who does a bit of occasional sanding, this is probably not a big deal, but for the woodworking enthusiast or professional woodworker, this can mean a substantial cost savings over the years. In our shop we've gone through two ROS over the past year and a half.

The motor design does seem to make the PC390 a bit quieter than other sanders; I tested it at 88db (no load). The variable speed motor runs from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM.

Finally, the PC390 features both electronic load control and electronic motor braking. Electronic load control is becoming common on a lot of power tools. Basically, it helps to maintain constant pad speed under load. It does this by monitoring motor output and adjusting power as the load increases (or decreases). I think this also contributes to the very low vibration level of this sander. Electronic motor braking of course, stops the sander lickety split. This means that you can safely put the sander down without waiting for the pad to stop, and move on to the next task in one fell swoop. It isn't a feature that I get all excited over, but I guess those lost seconds add up to quite a few minutes at years end.

As for the other bits and pieces, the PC390 comes with an 8' cord, dust canister, and 3 year warranty. Remove the dust canister and you can hook up a 1" or 1 1/2" vacuum hose. It also comes as a kit (PC390K) that includes a storage case. And there is a model (PC394) that comes with a PSA pad, rather than the ever so popular hook and loop pad.

The PC390 has an orbit diameter of 3/32", and coupled with electronic load control, removes stock quite aggressively. You don't need to apply much downward pressure; the sander does all the work.

I really like the PC390. I found it comfortable to use, it produced excellent results on the several projects I've used it on, and the dust canister is pretty effective in scooping up most of the crap. That's a done deal for me.

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Porter Cable Low Profile ROS (#390)
$139.00
Delta/Porter Cable
Porter Cable Tools are available through most tool retailers including House of Tools and Home Depot.

5" hook & loop pad (8 hole)
3.5 Amps
7,000 - 12,000 OPM
electronic load control
electronic motor brake
71% fewer wear components
dust canister
integral dust port (accepts 1" and 1 1/2" hoses)
4" H x 5" W x 12" long
2.1 lb weight
3 yr warranty

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deltaportercable.com

Porter Cable #390

The 390 (R) is more compact than the 343 (L), but has a larger grip.

The grip is quite comfortable, and thanks to good design, you don't feel much motor vibration.

While the dust container does a good job of collecting dust, for extended use connect it to shop vacuum. The 390 accepts 1" and 1 1/2" vacuum hoses.