Makita belt sanders are notable for their robust construction, high-performance operation, ease of use, and superior sanding results. They are popular among both DIY enthusiasts and professionals, and choosing the right Makita belt sander can significantly enhance your woodworking projects. However, the vast selection available can make it difficult to find the optimal choice for your particular needs.
When choosing the best Makita belt sander, it’s essential to consider factors like the power output, speed, ease of change of sanding belts, the comfort and ease of use, and inbuilt features like dust collection. At the same time, it’s also worthwhile to consider the specific kind of work you intend to use the sander for, as this would influence the ideal power rating, sanding belt size, and speed requirement.
In this article, we will navigate that labyrinth, featuring a carefully crafted guide for buying the best Makita belt sander. In the process, we have painstakingly researched and tested various models, considering their performance, comfort, durability, and ease of use. By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the best Makita belt sanders ensuring that your investment is worth every penny.
Best Makita Belt Sander
Selecting the right Makita belt sander is crucial for top-quality sanding results in your woodworking projects. The ideal sander should have enough power to deliver a fast and aggressive sanding action, be comfortable and user-friendly, and durable enough to withstand heavy-duty usage. Given Makita’s extensive product range, choosing the best one can be a challenging task. Based on our in-depth research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best Makita belt sanders that should help you make an informed choice.
Cordless Belt Sander,18 Inch for Makita Battery 18V, Brushless Electric Power Belt Sander with 6 Variable-speed,Portable Handheld Belt Sander Professional Polishing Tool for Rust Removal,Woodworking
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient belt sander, the Cordless Belt Sander from Makita is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 6 variable speeds allow for precise control and versatility in sanding.
- The brushless motor delivers efficient power and longer run time.
- The rubberized soft grip provides comfort and control during use.
Cons
- The sander is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver.
- The dust collection could be better.
- The price point is a bit high.
This belt sander is perfect for professionals and DIYers who need a reliable and efficient tool for their woodworking projects. The 6 variable speeds allow for precise control and versatility in sanding, making it easy to achieve the desired finish. The brushless motor delivers efficient power and longer run time, which means you can get more work done in less time.
One of the standout features of this sander is the rubberized soft grip. It provides excellent comfort and control during use, which can help prevent fatigue and reduce hand strain. The sander is also portable and compact, which makes it easy to transport and store.
However, the sander is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the dust collection could be better, which means you’ll need to clean up after yourself more often. Finally, the price point is a bit high, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient belt sander, the Cordless Belt Sander from Makita is a great option to consider. Its 6 variable speeds, brushless motor, and rubberized soft grip make it a reliable and comfortable tool for any woodworking project.
Makita 9920 3″ x 24″ Belt Sander
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty belt sander that can handle the toughest jobs, the Makita 9920 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 3-inch wide belt and 6-inch by 48-inch long belt allow for fast material removal.
- The motor produces 4,500 RPM, making it one of the fastest in its class.
- The automatic belt tracking system keeps the belt in perfect alignment with the pulley, ensuring a straight belt and true contact with the workpiece.
Cons
- The sander is quite heavy, weighing in at 58 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around and maneuver.
- The dust collection system could be more effective, with some dust still escaping into the air.
- The price point is higher than some other belt sanders on the market.
We’ve used the Makita 9920 for a variety of projects and have been impressed with its performance. The wide belt and high RPM make it quick and efficient at removing material, and the automatic belt tracking system ensures a smooth and even finish.
One of the standout features of this sander is its power. The 4,500 RPM motor is one of the fastest in its class, which means you can tackle even the toughest jobs with ease. The belt speed is also adjustable, with a range of 600 to 1,940 feet per minute, so you can customize the speed to your needs.
Another great feature is the automatic belt tracking system. This ensures that the belt stays perfectly aligned with the pulley, which means you don’t have to worry about adjusting the belt yourself. This results in a straight belt and true contact with the workpiece, which leads to a better finish.
However, there are a few downsides to this sander. Firstly, it’s quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around and maneuver. Secondly, the dust collection system could be more effective, with some dust still escaping into the air. Finally, the price point is higher than some other belt sanders on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty belt sander that can handle the toughest jobs, the Makita 9920 is definitely worth considering. Its power, efficiency, and automatic belt tracking system make it a great choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Makita XSB01Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8″ x 21″ Detail Belt Sander, Tool Only
If you’re looking for a powerful and portable belt sander, the Makita XSB01Z is a great option.
Pros
- The Makita XSB01Z is equipped with a brushless motor that extends the tool’s life and provides longer motor life.
- It has a compact design that allows for better control and detail work.
- The Makita XSB01Z is compatible with all 18V LXT and Compact LXT batteries, which means you can use the same battery with other Makita tools.
Cons
- The Makita XSB01Z is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The belt tracking adjustment can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get it just right.
- The Makita XSB01Z is a bit pricey compared to other belt sanders on the market.
We’ve used the Makita XSB01Z for a variety of projects and have been impressed with its performance. The brushless motor provides plenty of power, and the compact design makes it easy to work in tight spaces. We also appreciate the fact that it’s compatible with other Makita batteries, which means we don’t have to worry about buying a separate battery for this tool.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Makita XSB01Z is a bit heavier than some other belt sanders, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, the belt tracking adjustment can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get it just right.
Overall, we would recommend the Makita XSB01Z to anyone in need of a powerful and portable belt sander. It may be a bit pricey, but its performance and compatibility with other Makita batteries make it well worth the investment.
Makita 9031 1-1/8″ x 21″ Belt Sander
If you’re looking for a powerful and durable belt sander, the Makita 9031 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 4-inch x 21-inch belt and 6-inch x 120-inch belt provide excellent material removal for fast stock removal and finishing.
- The automatic belt tracking ensures maximum belt tracking for increased productivity.
- The parallel-link belt drive system ensures constant belt tensioning for improved belt life.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver.
- The dust collection is not the best, so you may need to use a separate dust collector.
- The motor may emit a smell when it’s hot, which can be concerning.
We’ve used the Makita 9031 for a variety of projects, and it has performed well each time. The 4-inch x 21-inch belt and 6-inch x 120-inch belt are great for fast material removal, and the automatic belt tracking ensures that the belt stays in place for consistent results. The parallel-link belt drive system is also a plus, as it ensures constant belt tensioning for improved belt life.
One thing to note is that the machine is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the dust collection is not the best, so you may need to use a separate dust collector. Finally, the motor may emit a smell when it’s hot, which can be concerning.
Overall, we would recommend the Makita 9031 to anyone in need of a powerful and durable belt sander. It may have some minor drawbacks, but its pros outweigh its cons.
MAKITA 3″X24″ BELT SANDER DUSTLESS, Model:9924DB , Blue
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient belt sander, the MAKITA 3″X24″ BELT SANDER DUSTLESS is a great option.
Pros
- The 4-inch x 24-inch Quick Change belts and 3-inch x 21-foot paper belt allow for fast and easy material removal.
- The automatic belt tracking system ensures that the belt runs straight for optimal sanding results.
- The dustless system effectively captures dust generated during sanding for improved visibility and reduced mess.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, weighing in at 53 pounds.
- The motor can be quite loud during operation.
- The machine can generate quite a bit of heat during prolonged use.
We’ve used the MAKITA 3″X24″ BELT SANDER DUSTLESS for a variety of sanding tasks and have been impressed with its performance. The quick change belts and paper belt make it easy to switch between grits and sand a variety of materials. The automatic belt tracking system ensures that the belt runs straight, which is important for achieving a smooth finish. And the dustless system is a huge plus, as it effectively captures dust generated during sanding, making it easier to see what you’re doing and reducing the mess.
One downside of the machine is its weight, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the motor can be quite loud during operation, which can be annoying if you’re working in a small space. Finally, the machine can generate quite a bit of heat during prolonged use, which can be a concern if you’re working on a delicate material.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient belt sander with a dustless system, the MAKITA 3″X24″ BELT SANDER DUSTLESS is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best Makita belt sander, there are several factors to consider. As experienced users, we understand the importance of choosing the right product that meets our needs. In this section, we will discuss the key features to look for when selecting a Makita belt sander.
Motor Power
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a Makita belt sander is the motor power. The motor power determines how effectively the sander can remove material from the workpiece. A higher motor power means a more powerful sander that can handle tougher jobs. However, a more powerful sander also means a heavier and more expensive machine. It is essential to find a balance between motor power and weight to ensure ease of use and portability.
Belt Size
Another critical factor to consider when buying a Makita belt sander is the belt size. The belt size determines the width of the sanding belt and the amount of material that can be removed in a single pass. A wider belt can cover a larger area, making the sanding process more efficient. However, a wider belt also means a heavier and more expensive machine. It is essential to find a balance between belt size and weight to ensure ease of use and portability.
Weight
The weight of the Makita belt sander is also an important factor to consider. A heavier machine can provide more stability during sanding, but it can also be more challenging to maneuver. A lighter machine, on the other hand, can be more manageable, but it may not provide the same level of stability. It is essential to find a balance between weight and performance to ensure ease of use and effectiveness.
Dust Collection
Finally, it is essential to consider the dust collection capabilities of the Makita belt sander. Sanding generates a significant amount of dust, which can be harmful if inhaled. A good dust collection system can help reduce exposure to dust and keep the work area clean. Look for a sander with an efficient dust collection system to ensure a safe and clean sanding experience.
In conclusion, when buying a Makita belt sander, it is essential to consider motor power, belt size, weight, and dust collection capabilities. By finding a balance between these factors, you can ensure a safe, efficient, and effective sanding experience.
