If you are a professional woodworker and are looking for a powerful sander to help large projects, you are likely to come across the Makita 9920 Belt Sander.
And I am guessing you are here because you want to know if it is really worth the money. Well, we’ll tell you just that
We reviewed the Makita 9920 based on factors that matter, such as durability, ease of use, power, and also took into account reviews of various woodworkers that have worked with it so you can make an informed buying decision.
So let’s dig right into it
Specifications
- Belt Size: 3 Inches x 24 Inches
- Belt Speed (variable speed): 690 – 1,440 ft./min.
- AMPS: 8.8
- Overall Length: 13-1/8 Inches
- Net Weight: 9.9 Pounds
- Variable speed control dial: Yes
- Dust bag included: Yes
- Sands flush to the wall: Yes
- Weight: 12.4 Pounds
Makita 9920 Belt Sander: A Detailed Review
I came across the Makita 9920 when my sander broke last year after 2+ years of usage and considering it was on the cheaper side (cost me less than $100), I wasn’t too surprised.
But I knew I had to get a more powerful sander from a more reliable brand even if it meant paying over $200 and it hardly gets better than the Makita.
So after using the 9920 for about 8 months now, here’s what I think about it.
Ease of Use
One of the reasons why I opted for this model over others, not just from Makita but other brands as well is because it was really easy to use.
And one of the reasons for that is automatic tracking. Say goodbye to the hassle of having to adjust the belt constantly as you work, the Makita does it for you without having to stop or press any buttons.
It also comes with handles on both ends, thus giving you a good grip as you move the sander on the surface. And this is really important considering the sander weighs 9.9 lbs and thus is on the heavier side.
Also, this isn’t a battery-operated sander but thankfully, has a long 16.4 feet cord, which means you can move it around and work on bigger or longer pieces of wood without having to constantly switch power source.
The one thing I hate about sanding is the dust. Cleaning up after sanding can take hours, and after all that hard work, nobody wants to put more effort into cleaning, right? Well, with this Makita, it’s a tad easier as it is equipped with a dust bag.
And quite a big one so you don’t have to empty it constantly either. Included in the purchase is a 3" x 24" belt as well.
Another thing the Makita has tackled well with this model is the noise. Yes, if you are going to use the sander for hours, you need this one as it operates at about 84dB on full speed, which is much lesser compared to some of the others, ensuring you don’t get a headache afterward.
As I mentioned above, it is a bit heavy, so carrying it around is slightly tougher, but considering the power and performance it delivers and is designed for commercial use, I’d forgive Makita for that.
Performance
One of the most important factors about the sander is the speed. And Makita gives you all the control you need with variable speed. That means whether you need less speed for smaller tasks or high speed bigger tasks, you can do it all with this one.
Powering the sander is an 8.8 AMP motor that allows it to reach speeds of up to 690 - 1,440 ft./min. And you can easily adjust the speed in a matter of seconds with the electronic dial.
Even the trigger for running the sander is placed right next to the handle so you can easily turn the sander on/off without having to leave the grip on the handle.
The Makita’s design also allows means it supports flush sanding as well which means you should have no trouble while moving it in corner areas of the wall with the nose.
Design and Durability
Considering the sander costs over $200, you want it to last you a few years, right? Well, with the metal housing and premium parts, the Makita 9920 will easily give you 4+ years with regular usage.
Makita claims all of their tools are tried and tested multiple times before being sold, and considering the quality they have been delivering I have no reason to doubt that.
But in case you do have any trouble or think the sander isn’t perfect for you, they have a 30-day return policy. Yes, you can either choose to return the sander or opt for a replacement, no questions asked.
Though keep in mind, the policy does not apply to accessories wearable things like bits, blades, or cutters and thus, you won’t be able to return or replace those.
Furthermore, it is also backed by a 1-year warranty, which is pretty much the standard warranty period you get with any sander.
As for the design, if you see other Makita sanders or have used one in the past, you will know instantly that the design has been quite similar. But that doesn’t mean there haven’t been any upgrades.
And considering how easy the sander is to use and adjust, I don’t see the continuity of the design as a con.
The Drawbacks
As I already mentioned above, the sander weighs 9.9lbs and thus is pretty heavy compared to some of the others. That means moving it from one place to another will require some heavy lifting.
Another thing is that the belt is just 3”, which means when you are working with larger surfaces, it will require more passes to get the job done efficiently as compared to a 4” or higher belt.
Conclusion
I am sure this detailed review of the Makita 9920 Belt Sander will clear any questions you had in your mind about the sander.
To sum it up, the sander is great for serious woodworkers whether you do it professionally or are renovating your home and love building stuff for it.
Makita is one of the leading brands on the market and the Makita 9920 Belt Sander is just another example of why.
In case you have any more questions about it, feel free to leave a comment below. You can also email them via the contact page and our experts will get back to you asap.
Till then, happy sanding 😉
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