Customer Reviews

Makita 9404 8.8-Amp 4-by-24-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nice and light, and the 4" width is great for leveling 4" wide lumber. Dust collection is better than average. I love the belt tracking adjustment and the variable speed. Slow speed is almost like hand blocking, high speed really takes off lots of material. I've had it about a year now. The other 4 X 24 belt sander that I have used is the Porter Cable 362, but it weighs 20 pounds and it's like sanding with a Buick. Don't even think about using the Porter Cable on a vertical surface. The makita weighs about 8 pounds I think. Only improvement would be to include a case, but none of the belt sanders that I looked at had a case. The 9404 is hard to find in stores, I had to order it from Tool Crib. You won't be dissapointed. If you want a really light and mobile sander, the 5 pound Makita 9911 can't be beat, but it uses 3X18 belts and I like the 4" width. Makita belt sanders seem quieter than most.

This unit is relatively quiet, and thanks to makita's efficient and powerful motors acts stronger than its amperage rating. Belts change quickly and easily, and variable speed control lets you select the best speed for the job. Another great feature is the 16' cord, allowing for maneuverability not found in most corded powertools. The dust bag is also removable. Works great. If you don't buy this, a Bosch should be your next choice.

Purchased this sander from Toolbarn after suffering with my old Dewalt DW433. The saw was delivered in a three days in excellent condition. This sander sounds ten times quieter than the Dewalt it replaced. Smoooth and powerfull. Excellent dust collection. Best belt sander I've every used - including several Porter Cables, which are much hearview and noisier.

This beast does everything I want it to do & does it better than my last one which was not variable speed. Belt changes are a piece of cake, belt adjustment is intuitive & simple. Once the belt is adjusted it STAYS adjusted. First class tool. I've used it almost daily now for over a year & have had no problems.

Hoov

I was shopping for the Porter Cable because I had borrowed a friends and loved it. But I started reading reviews, and this sounded like a nicer sander for the same price. This sander is light and quiet, but really does the job. The dust collector is awesome. The bag might be a little bit in the way for some people, but it does not bother me. I had to flatten 9 panels I had glued up and this did quick work, running continuously for almost 2 hours. I'm very happy with this purchase.

This belt sander replaces a 25 year old craftsman sander that no longer tracked. I am satisfied with its rate of speeds and obtaining a flat surface quickly. I have a Byrd Head on my jointer so does not need to do much for a smooth surface with wild grained woods. I follow with a random orbital sander before hand sanding and then finishing.

This is the best belt sander I have used. It is not too heavy and is easy to control. I use the variable speed control so that I can control just how much it is sanding or taking off, great feature.

Awesome power and ease of use is something to be said for this belt sander. I'm sure this machine will get plenty of use with these hands and possibly others. Easy to adjust belt positioning on wheels.

This thing works well. The dust bag collects some but not all the dust. Noise is moderate in comparison to other sanders that I have used, and the long power cord makes it easier to use. The belt alignment adjustment is easy and it holds its setting. I have had no problems and I am pleased with it.

Works, just like it is supposed to work... Looks good, and I am impressed with the dust bag; it actually works!