The Porter-Cable Quicksand Variable-Speed Random-Orbit Sander 333VSK has several innovative features. Its best selling point is its weight: only 3.5 pounds. The small grip allows you to wrap your fingers under it for a sure hold. In addition, a sanding disc applicator, built into the unit's carrying case, makes attaching abrasive paper easy. There is also a pad control feature that prevents the unit from racing when you lift it off your work piece. This same feature, however, will mean that at some point you will need to send away for the small belt (located under the pad) in order to replace it.

Our main gripe with the unit centers around comfort. While there's no problem when gripping around the tool's neck, grasping the hard plastic palm grip becomes uncomfortable after awhile. Unfortunately, because the design incorporates vents in the grip, the palm grip cannot readily be covered with a cushioning material. In addition, vibration is significant and the dust-collecting canister is prone to slipping off.