Makita 9403 4" x 24" Belt Sander Initial ReviewFor the last couple months I've been sanding a lot. Sanding panels and floors, creating very fine dust that has been clogging the filter to my shop vac and testing my patience with the belt sander.  I put down about 900 sq ft of white oak flooring in my workshop, using Bostik Greenforce glue over concrete. It is a special moisture barrier type hardwood flooring glue that is designed to be used over concrete. I really have been impressed with this product since it is water-based, doesn't smell too much or for very long, and dries really quick, starting in about an hour. It is expensive but it removes the need for a sub floor, as well as the material and time involved in that construction. So all this sanding the floor has really put my 3 x 18 belt sander to the test. And it is has been pretty good, but I really needed something a little better, and bigger. I received a lot of suggestions about the 4 x 24 Makita, so I took the plunge and bought it for $250, and a 10 pack of 40 grit paper for $17. It was a definite improvement. First because it was bigger, and second because one of the biggest problems most run-of-the-mill sanders face is shredding paper and clogging dust chambers. My old sander required more than a little disassembling to clear the shoot of dust and cloth bits from the sand paper backs. The Makita on the other hand seems to actually be designed by someone that has used a sander. With just four screws you can remove the metal shroud and easily clear the clog. Another feature that is nice is the fan/turbine to remove the dust is made of a sturdy metal. The Makita has parts made of plastic, but it seems to reduce the weight more than to make it cheap. One of the other nice touches is that the dust port is on the top and can swivel. A nice feature when moving around and doing a lot sanding with a hose attached. Ports that are on the side, usually the left are just in the way and reduce freedom of movement. In just a month of use I do highly recommend the Makita 4 x 24 inch belt sander. It is quite heavy, but that actually helps to reduce strain. It is also quite expensive compared to other models, but that is what you have to deal with when you get something made to do the job better than other cheaper, cheaply made models. Pros: Large sanding area Centered, top dust port Easy to clean Main parts are metal Long power cord Minimal settings Cons: Expensive Heavy Paper is more expensive Conclusion: You get what you pay for, which is a positive when you are ready to pay! Buy: Amazon Affiliate Link Makita Belt Sander
| 
