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1

Why We Love It

The Makita 9403 is a powerhouse in the world of belt sanders. Users love its excellent power output and its ability to remove material quickly and efficiently. Its quiet operation is a major plus point, especially for those working in residential areas. The durability of this tool is also highly praised. The labyrinth construction, in particular, is appreciated for protecting the tool's vital components from dust and debris.

Pros

  • Powerful 11 AMP motor
  • Fast material removal
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • Belt alignment can be tricky

4-inch belt sander from Makita with a powerful motor and quiet operation.

The Makita 9403 Belt Sander comes with a 4" X 24" belt, delivering fast material removal and smooth finishes. This sander features a powerful 11 AMP motor with electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load. It has an innovative design for sanding flush to the wall with nose and side of the sander. Its quiet operation at 84 decibels makes it one of the quietest sanders in its class. The labyrinth construction seals and protects the motor and bearings from dust and debris for longer tool life.

2

Why We Love It

We and many users love this Makita belt sander for its sheer power and efficiency. Despite its powerful performance, it operates quietly, making it a favorite among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its durable construction and dust protection feature also ensure its longevity, providing great value for money.

Pros

  • Powerful and fast
  • Quiet operation
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • No variable speed control

4-inch belt sander with quiet operation

The Makita 9403 Belt Sander combines power and speed with the quietest operation in its class. The 4" x 24" belt delivers optimum performance with an impressive speed of 1,640 feet per minute. This sander also features a 360-degree rotatable dust bag for maximum convenience and a labyrinth construction to protect the motor from dust and debris

3

Why We Love It

Users praise the Makita 9403 for its power and efficiency. It has a robust motor that can handle heavy-duty tasks, yet operates quietly. The electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load, enhancing its performance. Despite being a bit on the heavier side, users find its performance worth the trade-off. Its high-speed capabilities make fast work of stock removal, making it a favorite among professionals.

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Quiet operation
  • High-speed performance

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive compared to other models

A high-speed belt sander with 1,640 feet-per-minute speed.

The Makita 9403 Belt Sander combines power and speed with ease-of-use features for superior performance. Ideal for woodworkers, carpenters, furniture makers, floor installers, deck builders, and general contractors. The 9403 features a powerful 11 AMP motor with electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load, with a 4" wide belt and a speed of 1,640 ft./min. for fast stock removal. The 9403 also features less noise: at only 84dB, it is one of the quietest sanders in its class.

4

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Makita 9403 for its sheer power and speed, making it ideal for heavy-duty sanding tasks. Its low noise operation is highly appreciated, offering a more pleasant working environment. The efficient dust collection and the ability to do flush sanding to walls are also frequently mentioned as standout features. Users also praise its sturdy construction and long-lasting performance.

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Low noise
  • Efficient dust collection

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Makita 4-inch belt sander with dust bag.

The Makita 9403 Belt Sander combines power and speed with ease-of-use features and less noise for fast and efficient stock removal. The 9403 is ideal for woodworkers, carpenters, furniture makers, floor installers, deck builders and general contractors who require a best-in-class belt sander. It features a powerful 11 AMP motor with electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load, and a unique design that allows flush sanding to walls. The 360-degree rotating dust bag ensures more efficient dust collection, while the large front grip ensures operator comfort and control.

5

Why We Love It

The Makita 9903 Belt Sander is a hit among users for its high speed, power, and surprisingly quiet operation. The auto-tracking belt system is a standout feature, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments. Despite some minor issues with belt changes and weight, users find it reliable, efficient, and well worth the investment.

Pros

  • Powerful and fast
  • Quiet operation
  • Auto-tracking belt system

Cons

  • Belt changes can be difficult
  • Could be lighter

3-Inch-by-21-Inch variable speed belt sander

The Makita 9903 Belt Sander is an efficient tool, featuring an 8.8 Amp motor that delivers a variable speed of 690-1,440 ft./min for fast and accurate stock removal. Despite its speed, it has the quietest operation in its class. The auto-tracking belt system tracks the belt without adjustment, while the dust bag provides a cleaner work environment.

6

Why We Love It

Users highly recommend the WEN 6321 Belt Sander for its powerful motor and lightweight design. The lock-in safety feature has been appreciated for providing continuous sanding without the need to constantly hold the trigger. The quick-release belt-change system also receives positive feedback. Despite some users mentioning the need for frequent belt alignment, it is generally considered a reliable and efficient tool for most sanding jobs.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Powerful motor
  • Safety lock feature

Cons

  • Belt may require frequent alignment
  • Dust bag is small

A 7-Amp belt sander with dust bag and quick-release belt-change system.

The WEN 6321 Belt Sander is the perfect tool for smoothing out surfaces. The 7-Amp motor rotates the belt at over 13 feet per second, while the lightweight design weighs in at a mere six pounds to limit user fatigue during operation. The lock-in safety feature allows users to maintain continuous sanding without requiring a constant grip on the trigger. It also includes a detachable dust bag to minimize clean-up.

7

Why We Love It

The WEN 6321 is praised for its power and compact design, making it a versatile tool for various sanding tasks. The quick-release belt change is a favorite feature among users, making sandpaper changes quick and easy. Despite some minor issues, the WEN 6321 is highly recommended for its overall performance and value.

Pros

  • Powerful 7-Amp motor
  • Quick-release belt change
  • Compact design

Cons

  • Dust bag could be more efficient
  • May vibrate excessively

7-Amp corded belt sander with quick release and compact design

The WEN 6321 Belt Sander is a compact and powerful tool, capable of handling a wide range of sanding tasks. It features a 7-Amp motor and a quick-release belt change lever that makes paper changes a breeze. The sander comes with a detachable dust bag to help minimize cleanup. The compact design makes it easy to transport and use.

8

Why We Love It

The WEN 6321 Belt Sander is highly praised for its compact and lightweight design, with users noting that it's easy to handle and maneuver. Despite its size, it has a powerful 7-amp motor that users find adequate for most sanding tasks. The lock-in safety feature is a popular addition, as it allows for continuous sanding without the need to keep pressing the trigger. Users also applaud the adjustment knob for keeping the belt in the right position during operation.

Pros

  • Powerful 7-amp motor
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Lock-in safety feature

Cons

  • Dust bag may not catch all particles
  • Belt can slip off with heavy use

WEN 3x21-inch corded belt sander with dust bag.

The WEN 6321 Belt Sander is a compact and lightweight sander that packs a powerful punch with its 7-amp motor. It comes with a dust bag to help keep your workspace clean and a lock-in safety feature to allow for continuous sanding without applying constant pressure on the trigger. The belt runs at 820 feet per minute, making it suitable for a variety of sanding tasks. The sander also has an adjustment knob to ensure the belt stays in the right position during use.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 3 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Powerful Motor Belt Size Speed Control Dust Collection Weight Design
1 Makita 9403 4" X 24" Belt Sander
11 AMP 4" x 24" Electronic speed control Labyrinth construction protects motor Heavier than competitors Innovative flush design for wall sanding
5 WEN 6321 7-Amp 3 in. x 21 in. Corded Belt Sander
7 AMP 3" x 21" No variable speed Detachable dust bag Lightweight and compact Compact design for easy transport
7 PORTER-CABLE Belt Sander with Dust Bag, Variable-Speed, 8 Amp, 3-Inch-by-21-Inch (352VS)
8 AMP 3" x 21" Variable-speed control Dust bag included Moderate weight Metal housing for durability
1

Makita 9403 4" X 24" Belt Sander

Powerful Motor
11 AMP
Belt Size
4" x 24"
Speed Control
Electronic speed control
Dust Collection
Labyrinth construction protects motor
Weight
Heavier than competitors
Design
Innovative flush design for wall sanding
5

WEN 6321 7-Amp 3 in. x 21 in. Corded Belt Sander

Powerful Motor
7 AMP
Belt Size
3" x 21"
Speed Control
No variable speed
Dust Collection
Detachable dust bag
Weight
Lightweight and compact
Design
Compact design for easy transport
7

PORTER-CABLE Belt Sander with Dust Bag, Variable-Speed, 8 Amp, 3-Inch-by-21-Inch (352VS)

Powerful Motor
8 AMP
Belt Size
3" x 21"
Speed Control
Variable-speed control
Dust Collection
Dust bag included
Weight
Moderate weight
Design
Metal housing for durability

Frequently Asked Questions About Belt Sanders

What makes a belt sanders the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your belt sanders recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of belt sanders?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.