The Porter Cable 7346SP 6 in. Variable-Speed Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad is a corded finishing and polishing tool built for surface prep, swirl-free sanding, and polishing work on automotive and marine projects. This is a random orbit sander designed for sanding and polishing painted, finished, and prepped surfaces. Model 7346SP gives you corded power, variable speed control, and a 6 inch pad setup that works well for users who need one tool that can move from sanding to polishing without stepping up to a heavier dedicated buffer.

The big story here is control. The 4.5 amp motor is strong enough for longer polishing and sanding sessions, while the electronic variable-speed dial lets you choose a pace that fits the job instead of forcing one speed for everything. With a 2,500 to 6,800 OPM range, you can keep things slower when you want a more controlled polishing pass and turn it up when you need faster stock removal or surface prep. The random orbit action helps reduce swirl marks, which is a real advantage when you are working on visible finishes where cleanup time matters.

Porter Cable set this tool up around a 6 inch proprietary counter balance for use with 6 inch sanding and polishing pads. That matters because proper balance helps the tool track smoother across the work surface and makes it easier to keep a consistent finish. It also accepts 5/16 inch - 24 spindle thread accessories, giving you a clear accessory interface for matching pads and attachments. If you already work with threaded polishing accessories in that size, that is useful information up front.

From a handling standpoint, the compact body and two-position removable side handle make this tool easier to manage across wide panels, hoods, decks, and other larger surfaces. You can mount the handle on either side for comfort and leverage, which is especially helpful when you are trying to keep pad pressure even across a curved or angled area. At 6 lbs, it stays light enough for extended use without feeling flimsy.

Porter Cable also calls out 100% ball and roller bearing construction, which is the kind of detail pros pay attention to because it points to long-term durability under repeated shop use. For a corded sander and polishing tool, that kind of build quality matters more than flashy extras. This is a straightforward working tool meant to spend real time in a garage, body shop, marine shop, or home workshop.

In practical use, this model makes the most sense for automotive detailing, marine polishing, finish sanding, and general surface refinement where a clean, controlled result matters more than aggressive removal. If you are restoring paint, polishing gelcoat, smoothing a surface before finish, or doing follow-up sanding on broad panels, the Porter Cable 7346SP 6 in. Variable-Speed Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad is set up for exactly that kind of work. It is a good fit for detailers, body shop users, marine maintenance crews, and serious DIYers who want reliable corded performance and better finish quality than a basic single-speed tool can deliver.

Porter Cable 7346SP 6 in. Variable-Speed Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad Gets the Important Stuff Right

If you want one corded tool that can handle finish sanding and polishing without getting twitchy on the surface, this is a smart buy.

• Who it's for: Automotive detailers, marine users, body shop prep work, and DIYers who need a random orbit sander for controlled finish work.
• Why it stands out: The variable-speed range, random orbit action, side-handle control, and 6 inch pad setup make it more useful than a basic single-speed polisher or a small finish sander.
• Worth knowing: This is an AC-only tool, so you get steady runtime but you will need cord access. It is also built around 6 inch pad use and 5/16 inch - 24 threaded accessories, so match your consumables accordingly.

• Is this a corded or cordless sander? This is a corded AC-only tool.
• What speed range does it offer? The electronic variable-speed dial adjusts from 2,500 to 6,800 OPM.
• What size pad does it use? It is set up for 6 inch sanding and polishing pads and includes a proprietary counter balance for that size.
• What accessory thread does it accept? It accepts 5/16 in. - 24 spindle thread accessories.
• How much does it weigh? Porter Cable lists the tool at 6 lbs.