Need to remove alot of stock? This sander is the best. 
After trying several belt sanders on the market, I was extremely happy to come across this one. For starters, it never bogs down. No matter how much pressure is put on the platen or how long it runs, the motor never bogs. That was the main problem with other belt sanders I have used.The sander also has some heft to it. It is not a light weight machine. This is good because it doesn't need a lot of extra force to remove a lot of stock, and the weight helps to keep it on track. If weight is a concern for you, you need to look elsewhere. Although the "elsewhere" sanders won't work as well!
This sander is tough. I was sanding a faceframe one day when my partner accidentally unplugged the machine. I set the machine down (this part is embarrassing) forgetting to turn the trigger off. When I plugged it back in, it pulled itself across the bench and onto the floor before I realized what was happening. It bounced a couple of times and continued across the floor before pulling the plug from the outlet. It purrs like a lion to this day. There has been other times when it has been dropped or stepped on and has never had any problems.
The only drawback, and the reason I gave it only 4 stars, is the dust bag. It gets in the way sometimes when working on other than horizontal surfaces. It can be swung around, though, to the left or right out of the way. Also, the dust bag forms a rub hole, right at the top where the aluminum tube ends inside the bag. I've sealed it with clear silicone which works fine.
Best In Its Class
Plenty of power- doesn't bog down. Long lived ....... in shops I've worked in PC was the sander of choice.Belt tracks very well. The variable speed is handy and is a separate wheel control as it should be. At this price and the full warranty it's a no brainer. You could pay more and get a lot less sander.
Porter-Cable 352VSR 3 x 21 belt sander review
This was purchased to replace a stolen sander. I have used others and
none compare to Porter-Cable for ease of use and durability.
Best out belt sander
I used this to remove paint from maple floors. I have to say, this sander is the best thing out there. I purchased a Craftsman 3X21 sander so that my wife could work with me. She took the porter cable, and i got stuck with the craftsman. the difference between the two was remarkable.
The porter cable felt like a luxury sander. The balance was great. initially the belts were wearing unevenly, but that was my fault. I purchased a new foot pad, and it was even again. The belt release lever is great. It is made out of metal, and is very sturdy. Whenever using it, make sure the tracking knob is not too tight. If it is, the belt release will not work properly. the tracking is pretty good. place the belt on, hold the sander in the air, turn it on, and then adjust. Once you adjust it, and place the sander on the wood, it won't move. I have found that some sanders are not like that. That's what makes the Porter Cable the best out there.
One of the negatives is that the dust collection system sucks. That's why its a four star. For some reason, the front of the sander blows up at your face when you hold it at the wrong angle. I tried cleaning it, it just don't work.
