Makita 9404 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander Review

Are you tired of surfaces that feel rough or uneven? 

Well, you’re in the right place! Getting that super smooth surface can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. You might try sanding by hand, but it takes forever and can be really tiring. That’s where a good belt sander comes in handy.

 Today, we’re taking a close look at the Makita 9404 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander. Makita is known for making tools that last, so expectations are high for this one. 

We’ll talk about what it can do, how easy it is to use, and if it’s the right tool to help you achieve that flawless finish you’re after. 

First Impressions: Solid and Steady

When you first pick up the Makita 9404, you’ll notice it feels pretty solid. It weighs about 10.3 lbs, which might seem a bit heavy, but it actually helps keep the sander steady while you’re working. Lots of folks who’ve used it say it feels “heavy-duty” and “first-class,” and one person even mentioned how surprisingly stable it is. 

This weight helps it sit nicely on whatever you’re sanding, making it easier to remove material evenly. Plus, it has a low-profile design. This isn’t just for looks; it makes the sander feel balanced in your hands, so it’s easier to control and might not tire you out as quickly when you’re sanding for a while. 

 Key Features at a Glance

To really know what the Makita 9404 can do, let’s look at some of the important details.

Feature	What It Means for You
8.8 AMP Motor	Gives you plenty of power to remove material quickly and easily from different surfaces.
4″ x 24″ Belt Size	A good size for sanding larger areas efficiently.
Variable Speed Control (690 – 1,440 ft./min)	Lets you change the speed of the sanding belt to match the material you’re working on. Lower speed for paint, higher for wood.
Auto-Tracking Belt System	Keeps the sanding belt centered automatically, so you don’t have to keep adjusting it.
Flush Sanding Design	You can sand right up against walls and into corners with both the front and side of the sander.
Low Noise (84 dB)	Quieter than many other belt sanders, making it more comfortable to use for longer periods.
Long 16.4 ft Power Cord	Gives you lots of room to move around without needing an extension cord.
Dust Bag Included	Helps collect some of the dust while you sand, keeping your workspace a bit cleaner.

Putting It to Work: Sanding Different Stuff

The Makita 9404 really shows what it can do when you start using it on wood. With that strong motor, it can remove material quickly. People who’ve used it have said it’s great for things like sanding old floors to get rid of the old finish and make them look new again. It’s also been used to flatten big wooden tabletops, taking off a good amount of wood.

So, whether you need to remove a lot of material or just smooth things out, this sander seems up to the task. However, some users have mentioned that it can slow down a bit at the lowest speed settings when sanding wood. One person noticed it slowing down even with light pressure. It might be something to keep in mind if you plan on doing a lot of very delicate sanding.

To get the best results, it’s a good idea to use the right sandpaper for the job, starting with rougher paper and then moving to finer ones to get that smooth finish. The company also says you can use the Makita 9404 on metal and to remove paint and rust.

Easy to Use? Let’s See

Nobody wants a tool that’s a pain to use. Luckily, the Makita 9404 seems pretty user-friendly. Changing the sanding belt looks like it should be easy thanks to that auto-tracking system. The variable speed dial is in a handy spot, so you can easily change the speed while you’re working.

It also has a front handle that’s made to be comfortable and give you good control, which is important when you’re sanding for a while. People often say it runs smoothly. That long power cord is another thing that makes it easier to use, giving you more freedom to move around without tripping over cords.

Dealing with Dust: Keeping Things Clean

Sanding can get messy, so a good dust collection system is a big plus. The Makita 9404 comes with a dust bag to catch some of the sawdust. This helps keep your work area cleaner. If you need even better dust control, you can hook it up to a shop vacuum.

One user mentioned that the dust bag can be taken off, and you might need a smaller adapter for a 1.25″ vacuum hose. However, a common complaint is that the dust sometimes blows back at you, especially when sanding big flat areas like a deck. So, while it does have dust collection, it might not be perfect for every situation.

There are other dust bags and vacuum hose adapters you can buy if you need a better setup. Some say a 1 7/8″ adapter works well with many shop vacs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong motor for fast sanding.
• You can change the speed for different jobs.
• The belt stays on track by itself.
• It can sand right up to edges and into corners.
• It’s not too loud.
• The long cord is really handy.
• It comes with a bag to collect some dust.
• People who use it generally like its power and how long it lasts.

Cons

• Some users said it might slow down at low speeds.
• The dust might blow back at you sometimes.
• It costs more than some other sanders.
• The dust bag might not be enough for everyone.

How It Stacks Up: Other Options

If you’re looking at other sanders, the Makita 9403 is similar but has a more powerful motor (11 AMPs) but no variable speed control. Other brands like Wen, DeWalt, Bosch , and Porter-Cable also make 4″ x 24″ belt sanders. It might be worth checking out some of these to see which one has the features and price that work best for you.

Final Thoughts: Is the Makita 9404 for You?

Overall, the Makita 9404 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander seems like a good choice for serious DIYers and woodworking fans who want a strong, reliable, and not-too-loud sander for projects like making furniture or refinishing cabinets. Pros who like having variable speed, auto-tracking, flush sanding, and a quieter tool might also find it appealing. While it might slow down a bit at low speeds, and the dust exhaust could be better, its overall performance, how well it’s built, and how easy it is to use make it a strong contender.