Three belt sanders from their manuals
| Model | Belt | Speed | Weight | Dust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 9403 | 4 × 24 in (100 × 610 mm) | 500 m (1,640 ft)/min | 5.9 kg (13 lb) | Dust bag |
| Makita 9903 | 3 × 21 in (76 × 533 mm) | 210–440 m (690–1,440 ft)/min, variable | 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) | Dust bag |
| Makita 9902 | 3 × 21 in (76 × 533 mm) | 440 m (1,440 ft)/min | 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) | Dust bag |
From Makita's manuals for the 9403 and the 9902/9903. Weights are Makita's net figures.
Equipment notePaid link
3 x 21-in variable-speed belt sander
Makita 9903
Makita's 9903 from the table above: a 3 × 21 in belt at 690–1,440 ft/min on a dial from 1 to 5, and 9.5 lb, by its manual.
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What to compare
- Belt width. A 4 in belt covers more surface per pass than a 3 in one; the 9403 is also heavier, at 13 lb against 9.5 lb. Belts are bought to the size the manual names, so check that the size is one you can get.
- Single or variable speed. The 9903's dial sets the belt between 690 and 1,440 ft/min; the 9902 runs at 1,440 only. Makita's manual sets the speed by dial number and gives no speed for each material, so try settings on scrap.
- Weight and handling. Makita says to hold its belt sanders with both hands.
- Tracking. Belts are centred with a knob while running; check the knob is easy to reach and read the tracking instructions in the manual — see belt sanders.
- Dust. All three fit a dust bag on a tapered spout; Makita says to empty the 9403's when it is about half full. A bag is not exhaust ventilation, OSHA's preferred control.
Before buying
A belt sander removes stock and levels; the smoothing that follows is a random orbital or sheet sander's job — see choosing a sander. If you want a belt the work is brought to, rather than one you carry, that is a bench machine: benchtop sanders. Clamp the work when using one — see clamps.
Before buying a belt sander
- Belt width and length, and belts you can buy
- Single or variable speed
- Weight, held with both hands
- Tracking adjustment
- Dust bag or a hose connection
- Clamps to hold the work
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is from Makita's manuals for the models named; belt speeds are Makita's surface speeds. Other makers' handheld belt sanders could not be confirmed from their own documents, so none is listed. No sander was tested, none is ranked, and no prices are given.
- 1.
Belt Sander 9403 / 9921, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The 9403's 4 × 24 in (100 × 610 mm) belt at 500 m (1,640 ft)/min and 5.9 kg (13 lb) net weight; the tool held with both hands; tracking set with the belt running; the dust bag emptied when about half full.
- 2.
Belt Sander 9902 / 9903 / 9920 / 9404, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The 9903's 3 × 21 in (76 × 533 mm) belt at 210–440 m (690–1,440 ft)/min set by a dial from 1 to 5; the 9902's single speed of 440 m (1,440 ft)/min; both 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) net; a dust bag on the dust spout.
- 3.
Wood Dust: Possible Solutions. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Used for: Exhaust ventilation at the source as the preferred control for wood dust.
About this buying guide
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