If you have many woodworking projects, a belt sander may be a good investment for your workshop. Belt sanders make sanding wood a much easier, quicker task, so that you can move forward with your projects much faster. Makita makes two very similar belt sanders, with a few key differences that you should know about before making any purchases. Let’s take a look at both, and see which would fit your unique woodworking needs the best!
Makita 9403 Belt Sander
The Makita 9403 belt sander has an ergonomic, lightweight design at only 13 pounds, so you can work comfortably for much longer. With only 84 decibels, this sander is much quieter than others in its class are. The Makita 9403 comes with a 4-inch wide belt, and works at a speed of 1,640 feet per minute.
This product also comes with a large front grip, so you have added comfort while working through your projects. The Makita 9403 also has a labyrinth construction, so that contamination cannot easily access the product’s engine or bearings. This product comes with a dust bag, to help you easily cleanup. This dust bag also swivels 360 degrees for your convenience.
The Makita 9403’s motor maintains a constant speed while working, and has an extended base. This extended base allows for easy flush sanding. The Makita 9403 also comes with a ceramic wear plate, so that you don’t have to worry about maintenance very often.
This sander also has better balance with a low profile, so that you will have an easier time sanding with less gouging. The Makita 9403’s cord is connected to the handle, to make movement easier with the sander. With double insulation, the Makita 9403 will last through long workdays.
More features of the Makita 9403 Belt Sander
- 11 AMPS
- Belt Speed of 1,640 feet per minute
Makita 9404 Belt Sander
The Makita 9404 belt sander is very similar to the previous sander in many ways. This sander comes with a similar, lightweight design at 10.3 pounds, for extended comfortable use time. This sander is also only 84 decibels, making it incredibly quiet, like the former product. The Makita 9404 comes with a 4-inch sanding belt as well, with a speed of 690 to 1,440 feet per minute.
This product also comes with a cloth dust bag for easy cleanup, much like the previous product. The Makita 9404 also comes with a streamlined design that enables flush sanding to occur, all the way to a wall’s corner. For convenience, this product also has a front grip for comfort.
Unlike the previous product, the Makita 9404 comes with an auto-tracking belt system. This system works without adjustment for your convenience. This product also comes with a variable speed dial, so you can choose the speed you would prefer to work with for each project.
The Makita 9404 comes with an optional sanding shoe as well, to give you more control while you use the product. Similar to the last product, the Makita 9404 also comes with a low profile for less gouging into your work and its cord is connected to the handle. These features allow you to work comfortably for much longer.
More features of the Makita 9403 Belt Sander
- 8.8 AMPS
- Belt Speed of 690 to 1,440 feet per minute
Recommendation
If you are in need of a convenient product to help you sand a lot of wood at once, a belt sander is an excellent choice. If you need a higher belt speed, with a ceramic wear plate, and straightforward use and durability, then the Makita 9403 is a great choice for your needs. Conversely, if you would prefer more control with a variable speed dial, the convenience of an auto-tracking belt system, an optional sanding shoe, and a lighter weight saw, then the Makita 9403 belt sander might be the better option for your needs.
Either way, both of these belt sanders from Makita provide durability, quiet and comfortable use, and a balanced design for flush sanding. All of this combined makes either sander an excellent option for any professional or home project needs.
Click here to purchase Makita 9403 on Amazon.com
Click here to purchase Makita 9404 on Amazon.com