Best Belt Sander Review Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903

Last Updated on 2020-12-23 by Harry Masterton

Best Belt Sander Review – We give you a complete plus and minus, the good and bad breakdown of the differences between the Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903Power tool manufacturers are renowned for releasing a complete line of products designed to match very specific woodworking power tool needs. That can make it difficult for consumers, like you and I, to select the best equipment for your shop.

This Makita belt sander review will help you match the right tool to your woodworking needs. Comparing the Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs9920 vs 9903 head-to-head will save you time and money while shopping.

Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 – What's In A Brand?

Looking at the manufacturer will help determine if comparing the Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 is worth the effort in the first place. There is no doubt that Makita make some of the very best woodworking power tools and the Makita range of Belt Sanders is no exception.

Mosaburo Makita founded the company that would carry his name in 1915. The Japanese company began to manufacture power tools in 1959. Since then, Makita has opened factories in other parts of Asia, Europe, as well as North and South America.

Over the years, the corporation has built a reputation for engineering firsts in the power tool industry. That includes its corded tools, including the products in this Makita belt sander review. Makita products are popular with professionals as well as hobbyists, resulting in billions in sales annually.

Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 – Is There A Difference?

Differences must exist for a head-to-head comparison between the Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 to matter.

The company has several models of various sizes in its product line, as highlighted by the models in this Makita belt sander review. Comparing the Makita 9920 vs 9903 highlights the manufacturer's mid-sized 21-inch belt design (9903) compared to the larger 24-inch long belt design (9920).

Three inches of belt length may not seem like much of a difference, but it changes the entire profile between the two power tools. The longer belt increases the dimensions of the belt sander, making it bulkier as well as heavier. That will affect how it handles and increases the fatigue you will feel as you work.

Other considerations are not as obvious right away. Optional attachments and accessories can also make a difference. Comparing the Makita 9920 vs 9903, you will discover the 9903 has an optional sanding shoe available that provides more control of the sanding depth.

Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 – Do The Differences Matter?

For a casual woodworker, product features between these belt sanders may not matter. For many woodworkers, however, small differences can make all of the difference between a power tool that gets used and one that collects sawdust.

Let’s look at the two of the most popular Makita Belt Sanders on the List – The Makita 9403 vs 9404

Makita Belt Sander Models – Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903

Makita 9403 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander

Recommended for: Serious Amateur, professionals woodworkers and home remodeling contractors looking for a durable design with a proven track record.

This Makita belt sander review begins with a design from 1999. The 9403 is a simple product with minimal features, something that should appeal to novice woodworkers.

It uses a four-inch-wide belt that measures 24-inches in length. You will find this model great for large surfaces that will take advantage of the belt width. Carpenters and DIY’ers will appreciate the ability to sand flush to walls when working on floors.

[amazon box=”B0000223IY” title=”Makita 9403 4 x 24 Belt Sander”]

Makita 9403 features

The stand out feature in this Makita 9403 belt sander review is the powerful electric motor. It rates at 11 amps, making it one of the largest in this class of hand-held power tools.

One feature that this venerable design does lack is the ability to adjust the speeds that the 11-amp electric motor generates. The single-speed of 1,640 feet per minute is a rating that is not unique to this Makita 9403 belt sander review alone.

Makita 9403 – Things We Like

• It uses an 11-amp electric motor. That will provide plenty of power to drive 24-inch belts of any grit size.
• The dust bag can swivel 360-degrees. Plenty of movement combines with a higher mounting position to keep this component out of the way while you work.
• A user-friendly design. The lack of variable speed controls or other features makes this a simple belt sander to use, even for beginners.

Makita 9403 – Not So Good

• It is a single-speed belt sander. The lack of a variable speed control provides less versatility than more modern designs.
• A higher price point is surprising for what you get. As this Makita 9403 belt sander review indicates, it is an older model with few features.

Makita 9404 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander

Recommended for: This belt sander targets woodworking hobbyists and makes an excellent back-up belt sander for the job site as well.

The second entry on the Makita belt sander review list is the 9404. It represents an upgrade to Makita's 9403 in many ways, providing users more versatility without the heavy-duty motor.

This model also uses a four-inch belt that is 24-inches in length. The belt width does favor larger surfaces, but this sander is not as aggressive as the previous model reviewed above. Note that you can sand up to the wall with the 9404.

Makita 9404 features

We start this portion of the Makita 9404 belt sander review with a downgrade in motor size. The electric motor used here is only 8.8 amps, a popular rating on recent designs.

An upgrade from the 9403 is in speed controls, with this model providing five settings that range from 690 to 1,440 feet per minute.

A 16.4-foot long cord will eliminate the need for extension cords in many cases and is worth mentioning.

[amazon box=”B000056NOA” title=”Makita 9404 4 x 24 Belt Sander”]

Makita 9404 – Things We Like

You can adjust the speed of belt rotation. That is an upgrade to the older 9403.

• It has a 16.4-foot long power cord. That length may eliminate the need to use an extension cord on many projects.
• The handles are positioned properly. These locations help maintain control as well as pressure for even sanding.

Makita 9404 – Not So Good

• The dust bag will drag as it fills. It is a problem with some of the other tools not discussed in this Makita 9404 belt sander review, but it does stand out on this model more than others.
• Makita's 9404 is one of the more expensive belt sander models produced. That may be a factor for woodworkers with limited funds.

Makita 9903 3″ x 21″ Belt Sander

Recommended for: A three-inch belt and shorter housing make this a belt sander a nice choice for cabinetry and small woodworking shop projects.

[amazon box=”B000056NOC” title=”Makita 9903 8.8 Amp 3-Inch-by-21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander”]

The product highlighted in this Makita belt sander review is a mid-sized design that uses a three-inch wide belt. You will find this belt size adequate for most projects, including glue-up paneling or rough sawn lumber. The Makita 9404 is an ideal belt sander to go on your woodworking power tools list when you're setting up a small woodworking shop.

Makita 9903 features

This Makita 9903 review highlights the mid-sized product range found in many shops. An 8.8 amp electric motor powers this sander, a power rating that matches up well with the belt size.

The 9903 is a variable speed belt sander. It has settings that range from 690 to 1,440 feet per minute.

A feature found on these belt sanders, including the product in this Makita 9903 review, is the auto-tracking. That helps keep the belt in place and eliminates much of the downtime needed for constant belt adjustments.

Makita 9903 – Things We Like

A more compact design, compared to the previous reviews. The smaller footprint is easier for cabinetwork.

• An 8.8-amp electric motor works more efficiently on a 21-inch belt. There will not be as much bogging down, and it will take longer to build up heat.
• An optional sanding shoe is available. It will provide more control for precise sanding depths.

Makita 9903 – Not So Good

• The lighter weight generates more noise and vibration transfer. That can make it feel like a less-sturdy power tool.
• A longer dust bag gets in the way. The bag is as long as the sander and feels obtrusive as you work.

Makita 9920 3″ x 24″ Belt Sander

[amazon box=”B000056NOD” title=”Makita 9920 Belt Sander 3 x 24 8.8 Amp”]

Recommended for: Anyone looking for a lighter alternative in the 24-inch belt range, the 9920 has a smaller housing for a three-inch sanding belt.

The design in this Makita belt sander review offers the abrasive speed of a 24-inch belt with a three-inch wide sanding path. Its additional length provides more sanding power without taxing the motor as much as the 9404 does.

Makita 9920 features

An 8.8 amp electric motor drives the belt on this product. It should provide plenty of power for most belts, but you might notice less optimal performance with larger grits. You will still sand more quickly than when using a shorter belt.

This Makita 9920 belt sander review highlights a standard variable speed range from 690 through 1,440 feet per minute. That will sand more quickly on this 24-inch belt than those speeds on a smaller belt sander.

The Makita 9920 belt sander offers to-the-wall sanding at both the nose and the sides of the sander. It is a feature found on many Makita belt sanders and is critical for carpentry work on floors.

Makita 9920 – Things We Like

• Uses a full-length belt. It will work quicker than an 18 or 21-inch belt will.
• Electronic control maintains belt speed. Like other Makita belt sanders, the 9920 features controls for a consistent sanding texture.
• This belt sander compromises between sander sizes. It offers a full-sized belt at a three-inch width.

Makita 9920 – Not So Good

• Larger surfaces require more work. The three-inch belt requires more passes than a four-inch belt does.
• The Makita 9920 belt sander uses a smaller front handle. It may be more difficult for larger hands to use comfortably.

Makita 9924DB 3″ x 24″ Belt Sander

Recommended for: The smaller motor is best for medium or light sanding. Cabinet makers will appreciate that precise sanding and dust collection design.

The Makita belt sander review list finishes with the 9924DB. It uses a three-inch wide belt that is 24-inches long, like the 9920. This belt sander has an extended base plate that exposes more of the belt near the nose, however.

Another feature you may find less than ideal is the single-speed control. This model runs at 1,300 feet per minute, which is lower than the single speed of the Makita 9403. Medium and fine sanding should not be affected by this limitation, though.

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The stand out feature of this model is the dust collection system. It represents an upgrade to that found on the other belt sanders from Makita.

Makita 9924DB features

One thing that appears underwhelming in this Makita 9924DB review is the electric motor. It rates at 7.8 amps, which is less than any of the other products reviewed here. That may bog down when using larger grit paper or when pressing heavily on the sander.

Makita 9924DB – Things We Like

• An extended base allows the sanding belt to reach beyond the housing. That helps to sand to walls along the floor easier than other designs.
• An improved dust collection system contains more dust. That is critical for projects inside of homes.
• The ceramic base plate is replaceable. That extends the life of the tool.

Makita 9924DB – Not So Good

• A 7.8 amp motor drives the belt. That is the smallest power unit on the list.
• It has a larger price tag. The price stands out even more with the single speed and smaller motor.

Smoothing Out Your Selection

The products examined in this Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 review represent the heart of the manufacturer's handheld corded line. As is the case with other manufacturers, the belt sanders from Makita share many design characteristics.

Makita belt sander review – Makita 9920 vs 9903

The subtle differences highlighted in this Makita 9403 vs 9404 vs 9920 vs 9903 review should help you determine the right tool for your needs, both now and in the future.

• [amazon link=”B0000223IY” title=”Makita 9403 4 X 24 Belt Sander” /]: This is a venerable design with a proven track record. It is a workhorse for large surfaces that is easy to use.
• [amazon link=”B000056NOA” title=”Makita 9903 8.8 Amp 3-Inch-by-21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander” /]: A less aggressive sanding power makes this a tool for many hobbyists. The design also provides five-speed settings for more versatility.
• [amazon link=”B000056NOC” title=”Makita 9903 3-Inch 21-Inch Variable Speed Belt ” /]: The mid-sized housing works well for stripping cabinet interiors and most shop flatwork. The 8.8 amp motor is better suited for this belt size.
• [amazon link=”B000056NOD” title=”Makita 9920 Belt Sander” /]: This represents a go-between for sizes. Users get the control of a three-inch belt with the removal speed of a 24-inch belt.
• [amazon link=”B0000223IW” title=”Makita 9924DB 3 x 24 Dustless Belt Sander” /]: A smaller motor for medium and light belt sanding. Woodworkers will also appreciate the advanced dust collection system.