Porter-Cable's new drywall sander is
one of the most innovative tools to
come along in years. It combines a
rotary electric sander with a powerful
vacuum to take all the misery out of
sanding drywall. I recently used one to
sand out a new kitchen ceiling and a
two-story hallway. Here's what I found.
Rotary Power
This sander has a small motor in
line with a long, 21/2-inch-diameter
aluminum tube. The tube hooks up to
a standard 11/4-inch vacuum hose,
while the motor turns a 9-inch sanding
disk. The disk — a foam-backed abrasive
wheel — revolves inside a plastic
shroud at the end of an articulating
head. This head is surprisingly maneuverable.
While sanding, you can easily
move