Porter-Cable's 371K compact belt sander is a portable powerhouse of a tool packed in an ultra-light body weighing just 5 pounds. With an arched back shaped like an armadillo, the 371K is designed for small jobs and tight places. However, with its 5-amp, 500-watt (maximum) motor and 1,100 surface-feet-per-minute belt speed, this unit is also powerful enough for almost any job.

Overall, the 371K is a great little sander. The unit's small belt size (2-1/2x14 inches) nevertheless performs impressively, and the light weight and low center of gravity make for a perfect balance. The design is sleek, with a soft, rubberized grip and a removable auxiliary handle for more precise control when you need to use both hands. Depending on the job, you can also use the cord-exit grip for additional control.

Other attractive features include a recessed on/off switch, which is dust-sealed and located up front so it's easy to access yet hard to flip accidentally. We also like the simplicity of belt changes, which require you to just turn a lever, take off the worn belt and slide on the new one. A removable dust port helps keep your workspace clean, and the flush side allows you to sand right up against a perpendicular surface. Our only gripe is with the unit's handle, which is a bit too wide across the gripping surface for people with smaller hands.

Great for sanding small surface areas, tight spaces, radius edges and overhead areas, the 371K is ideal for cabinet and countertop installers, trim carpenters, staircase installers, deck builders, remodelers and high-end DIYers. The sander comes with an 80-grit sanding belt and a sturdy carrying case. For powerful performance in a lightweight design, the 371K compact belt sander by Porter-Cable delivers.


Pros: Powerful yet compact, low center of gravity provides perfect balance, great for tight places or unusual applications, sands flush to perpendicular surfaces, easily accessible switch is sealed against dust, removable front handle for added control, removable dust port with dust canister
Cons: Gripping surface is a bit wide for people with smaller hands, no dust collection bag

Warranty
1 year