PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbital Sander
This basic model from Porter-Cable is a great bet for the homeowner who doesn’t have a lot of projects on the horizon but knows one or two will always come up. This is one of the lighter-duty orbital sanders available and comes equipped with a 1.9 amp motor and a few extra features offered by swankier models. But if you’re looking for a tool that will handle the basic jobs that come up around your home, this random orbital sander might be the best pick for you.
Like the Black & Decker model included in our reviews, this Porter-Cable orbital sander is not a variable speed sander. The 382 runs at an impressive 12,000 orbits per minute, though. It also utilizes a Controlled Finishing System. This allows for controllable pad speed and lessens the occurrence of gouging and swirling.
The 382’s best selling point is probably its ease of use and maneuverability. Porter-Cable’s sander has a 5-inch ball-bearing construction, 3-pound weight, and a dual-plane counterbalanced fan. These make it easy to move about and also reduce user fatigue. As a result, you can keep working as long as needed.