Porter Cable Restorer on sale at Lowes

Hybridss · Jan 14, 2017

Its on sale online as well for $69. Consumables are nearly half price as well.
This essentially a DIY burnishing set up or stripper like the Eastwood Contour SCT or the Metabo unit. The PC unit is only 3.5 amps and probably not as good at the $199 Eastwood unit. The Eastwood abrasive stripper drum is also like $60 VS the smaller PC abrasive drum currently at $12.

For me as a hobbyist who just needs to knock the rust off 2x2 square steel the Porter Cable should be great. I really dislike using a round grinder on certain things due to the patterns and marks it leaves.

Anyways...just thought I would share the deal.

nutjob · Jan 14, 2017

Thanks! Just ordered one up with supplies. Been thinking this type of tool would be handy and at this price its worth a try.

Kevin

4xdog · Jan 14, 2017

Same here -- I have a couple of projects that will take the next year to complete where this might be useful.

Hybridss · Jan 14, 2017

There is a nice comparison video on youtube between this and the Eastwood. The Eastwood is obviously a better more robust tool. But its also three times the cost and consumables are three times the cost. It looks like PC just put this out and if you go to the website they have plans to release 8 or 10 other types of consumables...such as wire brushes etc. This is not for a production shop IMO. But I am in the middle of making a workbench out of 2x2 square. And this thing is going to save me some serious time and will allow me to make a better product for sure.

BFBOB · Jan 14, 2017

Just going by the pix, how is this any better than a belt sander?? You know, the tool we all probably already have?

4xdog · Jan 14, 2017

BFBOB said:
Just going by the pix, how is this any better than a belt sander?? You know, the tool we all probably already have?

The belt sander I have (in theory) is the 40 year old Wen cheapie still in my folks old home waiting for me to clean it out.

It's a good point you make. I've been looking at belt sanders, 'cause I need one. This is cheap and has some interesting media options. I'm guessing it might be better in some things due to those media options, but worse in others as it doesn't have the flat plane of a belt sander. Seems like it will be easier to get depth variations on wood with the Porter Cable thing. We'll see.

Hybridss · Jan 14, 2017

BFBOB said:
Just going by the pix, how is this any better than a belt sander?? You know, the tool we all probably already have?

Stripping down through paint or rust to bare steel will be done much better with this. The round profile allows for more control with your pressure and certain consumables also have some "give" to them allowing to penetrate better for things like rust and grooves with paint or contoured surfaces.

But it will not divot material the way a grinder will.

It is certainly not the end all be all and thats why I didnt want to shell out $400. But at $69 its another option for certain applications.

Belt sander is less than ideal on many applications.

Lhorn · Jan 14, 2017

What are the chances this is one of those tools that people aren't interested in enough for the company to keep making? Will other generic sanding drums fit?

onarant · Jan 14, 2017

I almost bought this at $79.00, glad I waited. Thanks OP.

Hybridss · Jan 14, 2017

Lhorn said:
What are the chances this is one of those tools that people aren't interested in enough for the company to keep making? Will other generic sanding drums fit?

Its possible. You never know. I think Ill go ****** up a ton of consumables since they are so cheap. I figure I can order about $100 worth before I equal the cost of the Eastwood. That will probably hold me over for several years.

Hybridss · Jan 14, 2017

Lhorn said:
What are the chances this is one of those tools that people aren't interested in enough for the company to keep making? Will other generic sanding drums fit?

Regarding other generic sanding drums..I got some pics and measurements. I also tested it.

Box quotes some odd size for the drums:

But after measuring I see that their measurements are ID...not OD as typically mentioned.

OD is a typical 3" sanding sleeve. So a quick search brings up many 3" sleeves. Although many are sold as 3 x 4.5. These are 4". Im sure 4" can be found. The specialized stripper wheels and Scotchbrite like wheels are probably proprietary.

Testing: Before

After about 3 minutes of use on my 1" welding table:

I will get quite a bit of use out of these. I tried quite a bit of different methods to clean my welding table when I got it. Sanders, air tools, grinders with different wheels. This is by far the best thing I have put on my welding table. Unfortunately now I need to do the rest of the table. Good news is it should only take about 20 minutes with the new tool.

Lapkritis · Jan 15, 2017

A glaze of ketchup over a vacation timeframe on the top of the welding table would probably do the trick.

Sent from my SM-T580 using Tapatalk

CNGsaves · Jan 15, 2017

Is tool like this much use . . . ie can't be better than a full-size belt sander ??

Think a belt sander would have done much better on the welding table.

Showkey · Jan 15, 2017

Lhorn said:
What are the chances this is one of those tools that people aren't interested in enough for the company to keep making? Will other generic sanding drums fit?

+10 on this concern ^^^^^^^^ the yellow tag discount is a tell tale........they are clearing them out and a huge price reduction likely discontinued . So supplies will not be restocked.????????

Hybridss · Jan 15, 2017

Maybe. I just did some research on them and it looks like this was a partnership between PC and Wellington tool. Supposedly there is the same tool coming out also branded as Black N Decker. Looks like it has only been on the market for around 5 months.

Either way...at $69 Im willing to take a chance. Going to go buy more consumables today. Particularly the black spongy stripper rolls and the scotchbrite like rolls. The sanding drums im pretty sure can be had elsewhere.

Tinner · Jan 15, 2017

CNGsaves said:
Is tool like this much use . . . ie can't be better than a full-size belt sander ??

Think a belt sander would have done much better on the welding table.

Dinky little 3.5 amp motor and 3" drums. All it did was polish the mill scale on that welding table. You would be all day trying to actually remove scale with that toy.

Packard V8 · Jan 15, 2017

Tinner said:
Dinky little 3.5 amp motor and 3" drums. All it did was polish the mill scale on that welding table. You would be all day trying to actually remove scale with that toy.

X2 - agree, the PC is very special purpose and not a heavy duty machine. Trying to remove mill scale with it brings to mind the adage "slow as a cat eating a grindstone."

As to removing mill scale, BTDT on a 2' X 7' X 1/2" steel plate workbench top, with a few holes weld-filled for extra credit. I began with a heavy duty belt sander, stepped up to the 4.5" angle grinder and finally realized I had to break out the dreadnought 9" Black & Decker Wildcat.

I really dislike using a round grinder on certain things due to the patterns and marks it leaves.

Yes, the evidence of grinder use was there; some of us are more visual than others, but I dislike even more those power tools which don't git 'er done.

OT, but what's the quickest/easiest way to remove mill scale?

jack vines

kkroger · Jan 15, 2017

I'd never be able to use that little thing, This sign is 3'x5' .080 aluminum, the pattern was applied with a Metabo burnisher, and a red scotchbrite flap drum. The Drum is pretty open that little guy would scratch the **** out of the aluminum on both sides. too much shrouding.

bimmer1980 · Jan 16, 2017

Hybridss.... Thanks for posting. I've been looking at this for the same reasons you mentioned. I would be curious to see how long the consumables last for you.

I wasn't thrilled with the $129 price, but for $70, I might hit it...

Does it have enough power? Can you bear down on it without it bogging down?

I have a Black and Decker belt sander (hand held) and it has a tendency of loading up and bogging down.....

My stationary Delta belt sander works great, but it is hard to remove rust on a length of tube......

4xdog · Jan 16, 2017

Had a chance to use this for a bit today on wooden window sashes I'm restoring.

Meh. The abrasive sleeves don't stay as clean as they indicate the design will give. It's hard to keep the unit flat on the surface -- I created a few low spots where it wasn't parallel to the surface, despite light contact and virtually no pressure. The dust extractor works pretty well.

I'd say a belt sander or orbital sander are probably better bets, and I'm returning to my old Black and Decker Mouse for the sashes. I'm considering a return of the Porter Cable Restorer...

sanddan · Jan 16, 2017

Tinner said:
Wow, I'm impressed, you polished the scale some more. I'm not a snob, just someone who knows the difference between a tool and a toy. Enjoy your toy.

You can then follow it up with a cordless dremel to finish the job! :lol_hitti

Hybridss · Jan 16, 2017

bimmer1980 said:
Hybridss.... Thanks for posting. I've been looking at this for the same reasons you mentioned. I would be curious to see how long the consumables last for you.

I wasn't thrilled with the $129 price, but for $70, I might hit it...

Does it have enough power? Can you bear down on it without it bogging down?

I have a Black and Decker belt sander (hand held) and it has a tendency of loading up and bogging down.....

My stationary Delta belt sander works great, but it is hard to remove rust on a length of tube......

I did some testing today on some angle that was sitting for several years. I First used the paint/rust remover ( spongy course roll). It does good to remove mild rust but does not penetrate the steel much.
Then went to the 80 grit drum. That does a great job of removing the rust and scale. Then I went to the course Scotchbrite type drum. That does a great job all the way around and its a bit flexible to get into small pits and grooves. I will be using that the most I am sure. Here are some pictures from testing as well as 2 videos. One with 80 grit drum and the other with the Scotchbrite roll. All tests were timed in 45 seconds of use with 2 hands except the video. I had to one hand it. Less than ideal. You can also see the exact time of use in the videos.

The rust/paint remover:

The 80 grit drum:

Scotchbrite roll:

Youtube videowith 80 grit:

Youtube video with Scotchbrite. Near the end I am pressing down very hard...but one handed. You can hear it bogging slightly:

So there you have it. Anyone should be able to judge accurately if this $69 tool might be of use for you. It has already been useful to me. I say for the garage warrior many of us will find it useful.....regardless of what the tool snobs say. Hope someone found this useful.

American Locomotive · Jan 16, 2017

Looks like it works well enough to me

Hybridss · Jan 16, 2017

American Locomotive said:
Looks like it works well enough to me

Lol...looks like it works $69 good enough.

Hybridss · Jan 16, 2017

Anyways. Enough talk and testing. I had some work to do today.

Some 2x2 14 gauge that was old and nasty:

Had to cut and clean about 26 feet or so. The $69 tool worked better than my cheap 4" angle grinders IMO.

bimmer1980 · Jan 16, 2017

Thanks for posting! I might have to try one out myself!

I get that it is not a professional burnisher, but it seems to do alright.....

Tanker · Feb 6, 2017

Went to Lowes and tried to price match with the $69. price. First manager says no, saw the store manage who was busy and he told the cashier just to do it, the cashier matches it for $59.99 - the 5% for using my card. I went back to look at the accessories and the first manager passes by and I show him the $79.99 sign, he looks at the numbers on the yellow tag and says that it was not for that item, rips it off and says that the price is $129.99 and walks away pissed off....LOL.

cspcrx · Feb 6, 2017

Store by me has them at $129 now

Hybridss · Feb 7, 2017

I used it to prep in my workbench build which you can see here http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352270.

After now using it for quite a bit I am still quite happy with it at $69. I would not pay $129 though. At $129 its close enough in price I would probably go ahead and get the Eastwood SCT unit at $199. I think I have seen the Eastwood on sale once or twice.

Couple more things about the little Restorer:

1) the extra shrouding is obviously there to make use of the vacuum/dust collection port. Which works pretty good.
2) the extra shrouding has not hindered me in any way except one...cleaning up the inside angle on angle iron. An open wheel would be best here.
3) I LOVE USING THIS TYPE OF TOOL!! Even this little guy has been very useful and much better than a typical angle grinder for many duties. I would love to have a Metabo unit. Unfortunately $69 (minus 10% Military discount) was all that was in the cards for now. Im sure ill wear the brushes out of this thing though.

Hybridss · Feb 10, 2017

OK...I have to give this tool more credit than I ever figured I would. I was stripping a 12 foot section of bowling alley today for my workbench build. I initially started off with my belt sander but it was going a bit slow. So I grabbed the Restorer with a 60 grit drum and it was taking the old 1993 resin coat right off. But of course it was making a mess. Then I remembered the dust collector on this restorer so I hooked up the little shop vac and went to town. It worked GREAT and had nearly no dust. This is obviously where the shrouding had advantages.

It took be about 2- 2.5 hours to strip the 12 foot bowling alley and then I went over it with the belt sander. I used four 60 grit rolls doing it. I was expecting a much tougher time with it. But the restorer and belt sander combo worked great.

Here is another video of it stripping the bowling alley coating.

csp · Feb 11, 2017

Saw these today at my local Lowes for $99 on clearance. Was at another store 50 miles away a few days ago and they only had the consumables on clearance. Online shows it currently at $99 also.

I hate Lowes

FadedGray · Feb 11, 2017

Looks like I'm gonna have to plan a trip to lowes tomorrow. Looks like I will be able to get some good use out of this.

Porter Cable Restorer on sale at Lowes

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