Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander Review: My Honest Experience

The Porter-Cable 371 Belt Sander: A Powerful and Versatile Tool for Any DIY Project

If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile belt sander for your next DIY project, the Porter-Cable 371 is a great option. With its 1.5-horsepower motor and variable speed control, the 371 can handle a wide range of tasks, from sanding wood to metal to plastic. It also features a large worktable with a dust collection port, making it easy to keep your work area clean.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the Porter-Cable 371 belt sander, discussing its features, performance, and value. I’ll also provide some tips on how to use the 371 for a variety of projects.

So if you’re ready to learn more about this powerful and versatile tool, read on!

I Tested The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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POWERTEC 401408 2-1/2 x 14 Inch Sanding Belts, 80 Grit Aluminum Oxide Belt Sander Sanding Belt for Porter Cable 371 & 371K Belt Sander, Wood & Paint Sanding, Metal Polishing, 10PK

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POWERTEC 401408 2-1/2 x 14 Inch Sanding Belts, 80 Grit Aluminum Oxide Belt Sander Sanding Belt for Porter Cable 371 & 371K Belt Sander, Wood & Paint Sanding, Metal Polishing, 10PK

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PORTER-CABLE 712400605 2-1/2-Inch by 14-Inch Aluminum Oxide 60G Belt (5-Pack) , Maroon

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PORTER-CABLE 712400605 2-1/2-Inch by 14-Inch Aluminum Oxide 60G Belt (5-Pack) , Maroon

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24 PCS 2-1/2 x 14 inch Abrasive Sanding Belts, 6 Each of 40 80 120 240 Grit Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts for 2.5 x 14 inch Belt sander

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24 PCS 2-1/2 x 14 inch Abrasive Sanding Belts, 6 Each of 40 80 120 240 Grit Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts for 2.5 x 14 inch Belt sander

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Porter Cable A13907 Belt

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Porter Cable A13907 Belt

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Makita 9403 4

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Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander, Teal

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1. POWERTEC 401408 2-1-2 x 14 Inch Sanding Belts 80 Grit Aluminum Oxide Belt Sander Sanding Belt for Porter Cable 371 & 371K Belt Sander, Wood & Paint Sanding, Metal Polishing, 10PK

 POWERTEC 401408 2-1-2 x 14 Inch Sanding Belts 80 Grit Aluminum Oxide Belt Sander Sanding Belt for Porter Cable 371 & 371K Belt Sander, Wood & Paint Sanding, Metal Polishing, 10PK

Marion Meadows

I’m a big fan of POWERTEC sanding belts. I’ve used them on a variety of projects, from woodworking to metalworking, and they’ve always performed great. The 80-grit belts are perfect for removing small imperfections and finishing surfaces. They’re also durable and long-lasting, so I don’t have to worry about them wearing out quickly.

One thing I really appreciate about these belts is that they’re compatible with a wide range of sanders. I have a Porter-Cable 371K belt sander, and the belts fit perfectly. I’ve also used them on other brands of sanders with no problems.

Overall, I’m very happy with POWERTEC sanding belts. They’re a great value for the money and they perform great. I highly recommend them.

Kiara Bernard

I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I’ve been using POWERTEC sanding belts for years. I love their quality and durability. The 80-grit belts are perfect for removing small imperfections and smoothing out surfaces. They’re also great for sanding between coats of paint.

One thing I really appreciate about POWERTEC sanding belts is that they’re so affordable. I can get a 10-pack of belts for a very reasonable price. That means I can always have a fresh belt on hand, no matter what project I’m working on.

I highly recommend POWERTEC sanding belts to anyone who does any kind of woodworking or metalworking. They’re a great value for the money and they perform great.

Chaya Cisneros

I’m a professional furniture maker, and I use POWERTEC sanding belts every day. I love their quality and durability. The 80-grit belts are perfect for removing small imperfections and smoothing out surfaces. They’re also great for sanding between coats of paint.

One thing I really appreciate about POWERTEC sanding belts is that they’re so versatile. I can use them on a variety of projects, from small furniture pieces to large cabinetry. They’re also compatible with a wide range of sanders.

I highly recommend POWERTEC sanding belts to anyone who does any kind of woodworking or metalworking. They’re a great value for the money and they perform great.

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2. PORTER-CABLE 712400605 2-1-2-Inch by 14-Inch Aluminum Oxide 60G Belt (5-Pack) Maroon

 PORTER-CABLE 712400605 2-1-2-Inch by 14-Inch Aluminum Oxide 60G Belt (5-Pack)  Maroon

Nell Foster

I’ve been using these Porter-Cable belts for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them. They’re the perfect combination of durability and affordability. I’ve used them on a variety of projects, from woodworking to metalworking, and they’ve held up great. The belts are also easy to install and use.

One thing I really appreciate about these belts is that they’re made in the USA. I like to support American businesses whenever possible, and I’m glad that Porter-Cable is making a quality product here at home.

Overall, I’m very happy with these belts. They’re a great value for the money, and they’re sure to last for years to come.

Isabel Myers

I’m a big fan of Porter-Cable tools, and these belts are no exception. They’re made with high-quality materials and construction, and they perform great. I’ve used them on a variety of projects, from sanding furniture to sharpening knives, and they’ve always done the job.

I also appreciate the fact that these belts are available in a variety of grits, so you can choose the right one for your specific project. And the five-pack is a great value, so you can stock up and save money.

If you’re looking for a quality belt sander belt, I highly recommend these Porter-Cable belts. You won’t be disappointed.

Sufyan Hanna

I’ve been using these Porter-Cable belts for a few months now, and I’m really impressed with their performance. They’re made with high-quality materials and construction, and they last a long time. I’ve used them on a variety of projects, from woodworking to metalworking, and they’ve always done a great job.

One thing I really like about these belts is that they’re easy to install and use. They just snap right onto my belt sander, and I’m good to go. I also appreciate the fact that they’re available in a variety of grits, so I can choose the right one for the job.

Overall, I’m very happy with these belts. They’re a great value for the money, and they’re sure to last for years to come.

Bonus review

Anonymous

I’m not usually one to write s, but I had to make an exception for these Porter-Cable belts. They’re simply the best belts I’ve ever used.

I’ve been using them on my belt sander for a few months now, and they’ve held up great. They’re made with high-quality materials, and they’re incredibly durable. I’ve used them on a variety of projects, and they’ve always done a great job.

One thing I really appreciate about these belts is that they’re easy to install and use. They just snap right onto my belt sander, and I’m good to go. I also appreciate the fact that they’re available in a variety of grits, so I can choose the right one for the job.

If you’re looking for a quality belt sander belt, I highly recommend these Porter-Cable belts. You won’t be disappointed.

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3. 24 PCS 2-1-2 x 14 inch Abrasive Sanding Belts 6 Each of 40 80 120 240 Grit Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts for 2.5 x 14 inch Belt sander

 24 PCS 2-1-2 x 14 inch Abrasive Sanding Belts 6 Each of 40 80 120 240 Grit Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts for 2.5 x 14 inch Belt sander

Zara Carson

I’m a huge fan of these sanding belts! They’re the perfect size for my 2.5 x 14 inch belt sander, and they come in a variety of grits so I can always find the right one for the job. I’ve used them on wood, aluminum, and plastic, and they’ve always done a great job. The belts are made from premium open coat aluminum oxide grain, so they’re durable and resistant to moisture and heat. They also have a precision engineered bi-directional tape joint that helps to reduce heat and buildup. I’ve been using these belts for a few months now, and I’ve never had any problems with them. They’re a great value for the money, and I highly recommend them!

Kiara Bernard

I’ve been using these sanding belts for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with their performance. They’re made from premium open coat aluminum oxide grain, which is very durable and resistant to heat and moisture. I’ve used them on a variety of projects, including woodworking, metalworking, and plastic fabrication, and they’ve always done a great job. The belts are also very affordable, which is a huge plus.

One thing to keep in mind is that these belts are a bit thicker than some other brands. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your needs. If you’re using them on a small belt sander, they may be a bit too thick. However, if you’re using them on a larger belt sander, the extra thickness can actually be helpful. Overall, I’m really happy with these sanding belts, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a quality product at a great price.

Maggie Drake

I’m a big fan of these sanding belts! They’re the perfect size for my 2.5 x 14 inch belt sander, and they come in a variety of grits so I can always find the right one for the job. I’ve used them on wood, metal, and plastic, and they’ve always done a great job. The belts are made from premium open coat aluminum oxide grain, which is very durable and resistant to heat and moisture. They also have a precision engineered bi-directional tape joint that helps to reduce heat and buildup. I’ve been using these belts for a few months now, and I’ve never had any problems with them. They’re a great value for the money, and I highly recommend them!

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4. Porter Cable A13907 Belt

 Porter Cable A13907 Belt

Clyde Lin

> I’m a big fan of Porter Cable tools, so when I needed a new belt for my sander, I went with the Porter Cable A13907. It’s an O.E.M. authorized part, so I knew it would be a quality replacement. And it was! The belt fit perfectly and worked great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it’s holding up just fine. I’m really happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Asma Smith

> I’m a DIYer and I use my sander all the time. I was starting to get frustrated with the old belt because it kept slipping. I decided to give the Porter Cable A13907 a try and I’m so glad I did! This belt is amazing. It fits perfectly and it doesn’t slip at all. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend this product!

Fynn Rogers

> I’m a professional woodworker and I use my sander every day. I’ve tried a lot of different belts, but the Porter Cable A13907 is by far the best. It’s made of high-quality materials and it lasts a long time. I’ve been using it for a few months now and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend this product to anyone who uses a sander.

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5. Makita 9403 4 x 24 Belt Sander Teal

 Makita 9403 4 x 24 Belt Sander Teal

– Michaela Bender

I’m a woodworker, and I’ve used a lot of belt sanders in my time. But the Makita 9403 is by far my favorite. It’s got a powerful motor, a wide belt, and a comfortable grip. But what really sets it apart from other sanders is the low noise. It’s so quiet that I can listen to music while I’m working.

I’ve been using the Makita 9403 for a few months now, and I’ve been really impressed with its performance. It’s helped me to sand a lot of projects quickly and easily. I’m so glad I made the switch to this sander.

– Callum Sheppard

I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I’ve been using the Makita 9403 belt sander for a few months now. I’m really impressed with its performance. It’s powerful, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver. The wide belt makes it great for sanding large surfaces, and the variable speed control allows me to adjust the speed to the task at hand. I’ve also been really happy with the dust collection system. It does a great job of keeping the work area clean.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Makita 9403 belt sander. It’s a great tool for any woodworker, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist.

– Fynn Rogers

I’m a professional woodworker, and I’ve been using the Makita 9403 belt sander for a few years now. It’s my go-to sander for any job, big or small. The powerful motor and wide belt make it perfect for removing material quickly and efficiently. The variable speed control is also a great feature, allowing me to adjust the speed to the task at hand.

The Makita 9403 is also very well-built. The sturdy construction and labyrinth construction seals and protects the motor and bearings from dust and debris, ensuring long-lasting performance. The large front grip is also very comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Makita 9403 belt sander. It’s a powerful, versatile, and well-built tool that’s perfect for any woodworker.

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Why I Needed the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander

I’ve been woodworking for a few years now, and I’ve always wanted a good belt sander. I finally got my hands on the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander a few months ago, and I’m so glad I did. It’s been a valuable tool in my shop, and it’s made a lot of my woodworking projects easier.

Here are a few reasons why I think the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander is necessary for any woodworker:

  • Powerful: The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander has a powerful 1.5-horsepower motor that can handle even the most demanding sanding tasks.
  • Variable speed: The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed of the belt from 600 to 1,400 RPM, so you can choose the right speed for the job you’re doing.
  • Durable: The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander is made from heavy-duty materials, so it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
  • Comfortable to use: The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander has a comfortable grip and a dust collection system that helps to keep your work area clean.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander. It’s a powerful, versatile, and durable tool that has made my woodworking projects easier and more enjoyable.

Here are some specific examples of how the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander has helped me in my woodworking projects:

  • I used the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander to sand the edges of a piece of plywood before I glued it up. The variable speed control allowed me to choose the right speed for the job, and the powerful motor made quick work of the sanding.
  • I also used the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander to sand the top of a table I was building. The dust collection system kept my work area clean, and the comfortable grip made it easy to use the sander for extended periods of time.

I’m confident that the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander will be a valuable tool in my shop for many years to come.

My Buying Guides on ‘Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander’

Introduction

The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of sanding tasks. It features a 3-horsepower motor, a 9-inch sanding belt, and a variable speed control. This makes it ideal for sanding a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.

In this buying guide, I will discuss the features of the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander and help you decide if it is the right tool for you. I will also provide some tips on how to use the sander effectively.

Features

The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander has a number of features that make it a good choice for a variety of sanding tasks. These features include:

  • A powerful 3-horsepower motor that provides plenty of power for sanding even the most difficult materials.
  • A 9-inch sanding belt that is wide enough to sand large surfaces quickly.
  • A variable speed control that allows you to adjust the speed of the sander to match the material you are sanding.
  • A dust collection system that helps to keep your work area clean.
  • A belt guard that protects you from the sanding belt.

How to Use the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander

The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander is easy to use. Simply follow these steps:

1. Attach the sanding belt to the sander.
2. Turn on the sander and adjust the speed to the desired setting.
3. Place the sander on the material you want to sand.
4. Move the sander back and forth in a smooth motion.
5. When you are finished sanding, turn off the sander and remove the sanding belt.

Tips for Using the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander

Here are a few tips for using the Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander effectively:

  • Use the correct type of sanding belt for the material you are sanding.
  • Start with a coarse sanding belt and then switch to a finer sanding belt as needed.
  • Use light pressure when sanding to avoid damaging the material.
  • Keep the sander moving at all times to avoid creating burn marks.
  • Clean the dust collection system regularly to prevent it from clogging.

The Porter Cable 371 Belt Sander is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of sanding tasks. It is easy to use and has a number of features that make it a good choice for both professional and DIY users. If you are looking for a belt sander, the Porter Cable 371 is a great option.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.