Makita has launched a new cordless belt sander that they say delivers the same or superior power compared to their corded model.
The new Makita belt sander features a brushless motor, 3″ x 21″ belt size, automatic belt position adjustments, an adjustable front handle, LED worklight, and a dust collection bag.
It’s compatible with Makita’s XGT cordless power tool battery system, which saw the launch of a couple of other new sanders earlier this year.
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The sander can be mounted upside down to a workbench or similar secure surface for stationary use. This allows users to bring smaller work to the tool for smoothing or shaping.
From the product images, the XGT sander can also work close to corners and walls.
It has variable speed adjustments (390-1540 ft/min), and its worklight can be tilted.
The sander is compatible with Makita’s AWS automatic dust vacuum activation system, with the transmitter module typically requiring separate purchase.
USA pricing and availability have not yet been announced, and there has been no indication whether an 18V version is also on the way.
Discussion
It’s good to see Makita adding more woodworking tools to their XGT cordless power tool system, although there are still many holes for them to fill.
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Makita does things differently than Dewalt and Milwaukee, such as with the adjustable front handle, tilting worklight, and inverted stationary use mode. The sander looks bigger and bulkier, but that could be a fair tradeoff.
Makita still hasn’t brought the other XGT cordless sanders to the USA, and so it might be a while until we see this one here too.
Jared
How do you turn it on and off when it’s bench-mounted?
I think it’s great that the Makita has that option.
eddiesky
Usually trigger. I have the corded version and the cord was the issue. Now, this would be neat to have to mount and ride around the shop! (rubber belt instead of the sand belt, ofcourse!!)
I want this and a cordless power planer. Gonna have to sell my corded one…
Jason M
The mounting option is a really nice touch
Jared
It’s not the first time Makita has done that. It’s an option on some corded models too, but I think you have to buy the clamps separate (at least I have a corded Makita belt sander and I don’t recall it coming with clamps).
E.g. p/n A-19772
Rog
I like that they openly acknowledge benchtop use and I appreciate the (nearly) flat edge to get into tight spaces. Probably gonna cost a million bucks tho 😛
Robert
I’d be interested in exactly how it is mounted upside down for bench mounting. I have a 3×24 corded version of these I’d loved to be able to use as stationary sander. So, for example, the clamps in the second photo, are those unique to this cordless Makita belt sander, or are they backwards compatible? Yes, I’ve seen some DIY jigs on YouTube to do the same thing, but don’t really want to spend the time building those.
Jared
That is a thing. I’m not sure if they have that option for all of the belt sanders. I posted one part number above. I also found “192694-6” when I googled it.
fred
I have a Makita 9403 – and I’ve seen online articles about machining steel parts to make it work as a bench sander. Having a big old Delta sanding station. I’m not inclined to spend money or time convert the 9403. For the newer Makita 9404 – Makita does sell a stand:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-193055-3-Sander-Stand-Multi-Colour/dp/B001G0UXHS
fred
Wow are those clamps pricey (over $100 for the pair) on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-Clamp-9910-Part-No-192694-6/dp/B007HQX9F8
fred
Can be sourced from Italy for about $25 less – with shipping:
https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/makita/clamp-for-9910-9911/43478.html
WastedP
I have a corded Bosch 4×24 sander that I often bench-mount with a pair of quick clamps, one through each handle. It’s stable. A specialized jig or mount would be better, but probably isn’t worth the time for me. I think the same trick would work with this Makita sander.
Farkleberry
I think the 9404 corded 4×24 is probably the best belt sander on the market, and it’s relatively flat top allows mounting using Makita’s stand, or there are lots of robust DIY versions as well.
Metabo HPT has had their own 36v 3×21 out for a while, and it also has variable speed, the same ability to get close to walls, but no light or flat top.
I’m not sure how valuable the benchtop mounting is for sander of the smallest common size, which still only gets about 10 min of run time. Not sure if you have to unclamp to change batteries? I’m sure there are some great jobsite applications, but a workbench often has AC power.
The most major difference between the two is Metabo HPT’s AC adapter. For power hungry tools like belt sanders, grinders, vacuums, air compressors, etc., I think the adapter is a great idea. I can’t understand why other manufacturers don’t offer them other than they want to sell more batteries.
Nathan
From what I understand, there are a couple snags preventing easy conversions, but nothing that shouldn’t be solvable for Makita.
The first problem is the inability to do regenerative breaking, so some safety features on tools will not work properly, and from what other people have said, it is apparently difficult to handle dumping that power instead of storing it. I’m…not really sure why or how, but maybe it’s just what generally available inverters are built for. Makita has all of this alleged tool-battery communication, they could probably let it only work on some tools and not others.
The next problem is that batteries (especially XGT) can exceed the wattage of a standard 110v outlet. Even the Hikoki version isn’t as strong as the batteries. There could be some concern that people will feel the tools are insufficiently powerful and have negative associations with the brand. Could Makita create a 230v version? Probably. Could they also just make the convertor BL4025 sized so people get an appropriate idea. Probably.
Then there is the size of the invertor required. You’d need quite the brick for a constant 1500W 100% duty cycle and decently thick cables for the DC cables. The first is fixable with GaN inverters, the latter is a matter of preference of what’s too heavy.
Finally, Dewalts’ 120v converters apparently damaged the tools over time, so maybe there is something we’re missing that makes it harder then we think. It would be nice if they just came out and said why though…
Ken
Does Makita not make any LXT anymore? Everything I see now is XGT
fred
There are still plenty of LXT tools being sold by Makita USA – it just seems like they are not introducing much new to the LXT (18-36V) line – in favor of trying to push the new XGT (40V) platform. If you look at their website – and sort the LXT tools by “latest” – the tool that comes up is:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XWT19Z-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless/dp/B0CZ2HCN6S
Amazon says that this hit the market in March 2024. So, if all that is true it suggests that LXT has had nothing new in the USA for 6 months.
James
They’ve released several LXT tools this summer since that impact. The “lightsaber” light and the new couple-shaft system come to mind. Several other new LXT have been announced for the US market. XGT is getting more releases in part because they are filling in the line.
Goodie
Great comment. I think Makita and Metabo HPT (as Hitachi) have reputations.for producing bulletproof belt sanders. We had a corded Makita belt sanderin the 80s when I grew up. It still runs. They’re bulletproof. The design looks very similar to the modern 9404. Here’s hoping Makita brought that same level of effort to this sander. The Metabo HPT MultiVolt option is interesting to me as I am on that platform.
fred
Bulletproof – well describes my Porter Cable 503. Chain driven – requires lubrication – but mine is still running after almost 60 years of use. I use it for stripping finish and rough sanding tasks – progressively switching to other machines as finishing gets closer. Belt sanders IMO don’t get enough love these days – they can speed up your process and do some things better than other options. I would not give up my Mirka ROS – but it doesn’t replace my belt sanders either. I haven’t tried a Makita 9404 – but my 9403 is also a workhorse.
Goodie
Fred, it’s hard to beat old Porter Cable machines. 😉
Farkleberry
Goodie, if your 80’s sander is a 4×24, I’m guessing it’s the discontinued 9401 or 9402. The current 9403 and 9404 have characteristics of both. These oldies have a great reputation, as evidenced by the number and price of well used, fully functional examples on eBay.
The Metabo HPT 36V was $110 from Amazon last Black Friday, but has no advantage beyond handier size/weight/portability and price.
I should qualify a previous comment.
The Makita 9404 is the best belt sander on the market for finish sanding, and it’s easy to adapt to bench mounting:
The variable speed, large platen (along with available sanding shoes) and ergos are hard to beat if you care to do fine work with a belt sander. The rationale for this is the large, flat, stiff platen makes it harder to roll over edges accidentally vs a ROSX etc., and the linear motion makes it easier to hide scratch marks, as long as you sand with the grain. It’s very quick, and yields great results as long as you’re steady, have some finesse, and start the sander while the resting on work piece. Obviously slower speeds and higher grits are safer. Dust collection is not like the latest ROS, but is still worthwhile.
If you’re using a belt sander for rough work, the 9403 is superior (except COO). The ergos are easier when making long passes, it’s significantly more powerful, and a fixed/max speed is fine.
Goodie
Thanks for the clarification. I had your comment in mind when I wrote this. These are great sanders. The 9404 certainly appeals to me.
Eliot Truelove
This looks to be an incredible and robust tool. The bench top mounting and ability to get right into corners could find it’s place in many people’s toolkits.
Cris
Hello to everyone
Here is what I like to say
If all these companies come up with the most white belt sander please let me know as they are all so bloody noisy
As for me I prefer corded sanders over battery ones any day
Thanks