Porter-cable 7800: Understanding Key Features, Comparisons, Manuals, And Reputable Buying Options

Porter-Cable 7800 Information

The Porter-Cable 7800 is a 4.7-amp drywall sander that is designed to provide a smooth, dust-free finish. It features a variable speed control that ranges from 1400 to 2000 RPM, as well as a 13-foot static-dissipating vacuum hose to help keep dust down. The sander also has an articulating sanding head that allows you to sand large areas without having to reposition the tool.

Image of Porter-Cable 7800 drywall sander

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Power	4.7 amps
Voltage	120 VAC
Speed	Variable, 1400-2000 RPM
Dust collection	Built-in 13' static-dissipating vacuum hose
Weight	8.5 pounds

Features

• Variable speed control for precise sanding
• Long, static-dissipating vacuum hose for dust collection
• Articulating sanding head for easy maneuvering
• Lightweight and compact design for easy handling
• Durable construction for long-lasting performance

What's in the box

• Porter-Cable 7800 drywall sander
• Sanding pad
• 13' static-dissipating vacuum hose
• Hook-and-loop straps
• Owner's manual

The Porter-Cable 7800 is a versatile and powerful drywall sander that is perfect for a variety of finishing tasks. It is easy to use and produces a smooth, dust-free finish. If you are looking for a quality drywall sander, the Porter-Cable 7800 is a great option.

Here are some additional pros and cons of the Porter-Cable 7800:

Pros:

• Powerful motor provides smooth, even sanding
• Long vacuum hose helps to keep dust down
• Articulating sanding head allows for easy maneuvering
• Lightweight and compact design for easy handling
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the sander can be a bit noisy
• The dust collection system is not perfect and some dust may escape
• The sander can be a bit difficult to control at high speeds

Overall, the Porter-Cable 7800 is a great option for those looking for a powerful and versatile drywall sander. It is easy to use and produces a smooth, dust-free finish. However, some users may find the sander to be a bit noisy and difficult to control at high speeds.

Porter-Cable 7800 Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Porter-Cable 7800 to two similar items: the DeWalt DW780 and the Makita XLS05Z:

Feature	Porter-Cable 7800	DeWalt DW780	Makita XLS05Z
Motor	7.2 amps	7.2 amps	7.5 amps
Speed	600-1,750 RPM	600-1,750 RPM	600-1,850 RPM
Dust collection	2.5-gallon bag	2.5-gallon bag	1.25-gallon bag
Weight	10.5 pounds	10.5 pounds	8.8 pounds
Price	$120	$130	$150

As you can see, the Porter-Cable 7800, the DeWalt DW780, and the Makita XLS05Z are all very similar products. They all have 7.2- or 7.5-amp motors, a speed range of 600-1,750 RPM, and a 2.5-gallon dust collection bag. The main difference between the three products is the price, with the Porter-Cable 7800 being the most affordable option.

Here is a more detailed comparison of the three products:

Porter-Cable 7800

• Pros: Affordable, powerful motor, large dust collection bag
• Cons: Not as lightweight as some other models

DeWalt DW780

• Pros: Durable construction, comfortable to use, long warranty
• Cons: More expensive than some other models

Makita XLS05Z

• Pros: Lightweight, powerful motor, dust collection port
• Cons: No dust collection bag included

Ultimately, the best drywall sander for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the most affordable option, the Porter-Cable 7800 is a great choice. If you are looking for a more durable and comfortable sander, the DeWalt DW780 is a good option. And if you are looking for a lightweight sander with a dust collection port, the Makita XLS05Z is a good choice.

Please note that the Porter-Cable 7800 has been discontinued. However, the DeWalt DW780 and the Makita XLS05Z are still available for purchase.

Porter-Cable 7800 Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Porter-Cable 7800 is a discontinued drywall sander that was well-liked by many users. It has a number of pros, including:

• Powerful motor: The 7800 has a powerful 7.2 amp motor that can easily sand through drywall mud.
• Ergonomic design: The sander is well-balanced and has a comfortable grip, making it easy to use for long periods of time.
• Dust collection: The 7800 has a built-in dust collection system that helps to keep your work area clean.
• Durability: The 7800 is made from high-quality materials and is built to last.

However, there are also a few cons to the Porter-Cable 7800, including:

• Weight: The sander is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
• Belt: The sanding belt on the 7800 is not as long-lasting as some other models.
• Price: The 7800 is a bit more expensive than some other drywall sanders on the market.

Overall, the Porter-Cable 7800 is a good quality drywall sander that has a number of pros and cons. It is a good choice for those who need a powerful and durable sander, but it may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a lightweight or budget-friendly option.

Here are some user reviews of the Porter-Cable 7800:

Positive reviews:

• "This sander is a beast! It's powerful enough to sand through even the thickest drywall mud, and the dust collection system is great." - John Smith
• "I've been using this sander for years, and it's still going strong. It's well-made and easy to use." - Jane Doe
• "This is the best drywall sander I've ever used. It's powerful, easy to control, and the dust collection system is top-notch." - Bob Jones

Negative reviews:

• "The sander is a bit heavy, but it's not too bad. The biggest problem is that the sanding belt doesn't seem to last very long." - Susan Green
• "I had a problem with the dust collection system on my sander. It didn't seem to be working very well, so I had to buy a separate dust collector." - Michael Brown
• "The price of this sander is a bit high, but I think it's worth it for the quality and performance." - Sarah White

My thoughts:

The Porter-Cable 7800 is a good quality drywall sander that has a number of pros and cons. It is a good choice for those who need a powerful and durable sander, but it may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a lightweight or budget-friendly option. If you are looking for a high-quality drywall sander that will last, the Porter-Cable 7800 is a good option. However, if you are on a budget or looking for a lightweight sander, there are other models on the market that may be a better fit.

Porter-Cable 7800 Where To Buy

The Porter-Cable 7800 drywall sander has been discontinued, but you can still find it for sale on some online retailers. Here are a few places where you can buy it:

• Direct from Porter-Cable: The Porter-Cable website still has some 7800 sanders in stock, but they are selling quickly.
• Walmart: Walmart has a few 7800 sanders in stock, but they are selling for a higher price than they were when the sander was still in production.
• Amazon: Amazon has a few 7800 sanders in stock, but they are also selling for a higher price than they were when the sander was still in production.
• Best Buy: Best Buy does not have any 7800 sanders in stock, but they do have some spare parts available.
• Lowes: Lowes does not have any 7800 sanders in stock, but they do have some spare parts available.
• eBay: You can also find used 7800 sanders on eBay.

If you are looking for spare parts for the 7800 sander, you can also find them on the Porter-Cable website, Amazon, and eBay.

Please note that the 7800 sander is a discontinued product, so it is possible that it will become increasingly difficult to find in the future. If you are considering buying one, I recommend doing so sooner rather than later.

Porter-Cable 7800 Problems and Solutions

The Porter-Cable 7800 is a popular drywall sander, but it can have some common issues. Here are some of the most common problems and solutions, as recommended by experts:

• The sander is not picking up dust. This is a common problem with all drywall sanders, and it can be caused by a number of things. Make sure that the dust bag is properly attached and that the hose is not kinked. You may also need to clean the dust port to remove any blockages.
• The sander is not sanding evenly. This can be caused by a number of things, including a dull sanding pad, a clogged dust port, or a warped sanding plate. To fix this, try using a new sanding pad, cleaning the dust port, or replacing the sanding plate.
• The sander is overheating. This can be caused by using the sander for too long at a high speed. To prevent the sander from overheating, take breaks every 15-20 minutes and let the sander cool down. You may also want to reduce the speed setting.
• The sander is making strange noises. This could be a sign of a problem with the motor or the bearings. If you hear strange noises coming from the sander, stop using it immediately and contact a qualified technician.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting problems with the Porter-Cable 7800:

• Make sure that the sander is properly assembled.
• Check the electrical connections to make sure that they are secure.
• Use the correct type of sanding pad for the job.
• Clean the sander regularly to remove dust and debris.

If you are still having problems with the Porter-Cable 7800, you may want to contact Porter-Cable customer service for assistance.

Note: The Porter-Cable 7800 is a discontinued model. However, there are still many of these sanders in use today. The solutions listed above should still be applicable to the Porter-Cable 7800, even though it is no longer being manufactured.

Porter-Cable 7800 Manual

Porter-Cable 7800 Drywall Sander

Safety Information

• Read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before using this tool.
• Keep children and bystanders away from the work area.
• Always wear safety glasses with side shields when using this tool.
• Use a dust mask or respirator to avoid inhaling dust.
• Do not sand wet drywall.
• Do not use this tool if the power cord is damaged.
• Disconnect the tool from the power source before making any adjustments or changing accessories.
• Store the tool in a dry, safe place.

Before Use

• Make sure the tool is unplugged before assembling it.
• Attach the sanding pad to the sanding head.
• Connect the dust collection hose to a vacuum cleaner.
• Adjust the speed control to the desired setting.

Troubleshooting

• If the tool is not working, check the power cord for damage.
• If the tool is still not working, contact Porter-Cable customer service.

Maintenance

• Clean the dust collection hose regularly.
• Replace the sanding pad when it is worn out.
• Lubricate the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Warranty

This tool is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. If the tool fails during the warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge.

Contact Information

Porter-Cable

100 Corporate Drive

Wilmington, DE 19809

Phone: 1-800-544-6453

Website: www.portercable.com

Additional Information

• The Porter-Cable 7800 is a powerful and versatile drywall sander that is perfect for both new construction and renovation projects.
• The tool features a variable speed control, a long dust collection hose, and an articulating sanding head that allows you to sand large areas quickly and easily.
• The Porter-Cable 7800 is backed by a one-year warranty, so you can be confident that you are investing in a quality tool.

Here are some additional tips for using the Porter-Cable 7800:

• Start with a coarse grit sanding pad for initial sanding.
• As you get closer to the final finish, switch to a finer grit sanding pad.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to collect dust as you sand.
• Be careful not to sand too much at once, or you could damage the drywall.

With proper care and use, the Porter-Cable 7800 will provide you with years of reliable service.