Porter cable 333 sander

[Half-fast eddie]

Hi. Two questions about my PC RO sander. The O-ring drive belt popped and the velcro pad is worn, so its time for a little maintenance. I actually have 2, one is type 1 and the other is type 5. The type 1 is my original, dates back to the 90’s. Ok, ok I have more than 2, but i’m in therapy and the doctor says i’m making progress … I gave a couple to my daughter and i’m down to just 9 … not all PC.

The little fixed pulley that the drive belt loops around … is it supposed to turn with the belt? Both of mine have a groove worn in the pulley so I don’t think it is turning. And where can i find a replacement? I buy parts from eReplacement Parts, it shows as item 38b on the diagram, but they show it discontinued.

 

[neophyte]

Look at the part number and do a google search to see if you can find it elsewhere.
Unfortunately, after Stanley purchased Porter Cable, parts for older PC tools that Stanley chose not to continue making dried up.

 

[metaldad]

p/c part numbers dont cross over.
i just rebuilt 2 tiger cubs, using ball bearings in place of the obsoleted needle bearings
you'll have to get some calipers (digital would be nice), get the measurements, and try to find something close

 

[The Cobbler]

show some pics.
I have 2 R/O Porter cables. I replaced the pad & belt on one of them with (pretty sure after market parts I can't remember) and it works flawlessly

 

[Half-fast eddie]

This small thing, the parts list calls it a pulley.

 

[The Cobbler]

If I recall that stays solid and that's what makes the random orbit work

 

[dnschmidt]

It isn't what makes the random orbit work it's what makes the sander stop spinning when you lift if off of the work . IT'S A PAD BRAKE. All electric sanders use some variation of this principal to stop the pad from free-wheeling. Why air sanders don't need these has always intrigued me but no matter who the manufacturer of an electric sander might be all of them incorporate some method of preventing the pad from freewheeling. Dewalt and Bosch use a piece of plastic which rests against the top of the pad to do the same thing. You can use a common 0-ring instead of the clear polyurethane O-ring that PC used from the factory. I forgot what size it is but I got them from McMaster-Carr.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Update. Bought a couple of replacement o rings, because both of my PC ro sanders died so i figured it was time. One replacement went fine, one did not. It’s a model 333. I made sure the drill was in reverse … broke off one of the screw heads. Checked rotation, tried next one … it popped too. And the 3rd one. Now i need to get the stubs out and find some matching screws.