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Since I did my sanding outdoors dust collection was not that important to me but the bag system seemed to do an adequate job. I recently used it to sand rough cut 2x4 and 2x6 pine. After sanding numerous boards the sander did seem to generate alot of heat but it was never what I would call excessive. I have purchased numerous tools from Amazon. I purchased the Makita 9920 3x24 belt sander after reading the reviews of dozens of belt sanders. I was not initially looking for a 3x24 inch sander but purchased it anyway because of the positive remarks. Also, the ability to align the belt with one simple knob was nice. This sander worked flawlessly and I would definitely make this purchase again.
In most cases the ability to see others reviews strongly influences my tool purchases. I needed a sander to do a good enough finish job on the wood so that it could be stained. The reviews of this sander on Amazon led me to another positive purchase. I used the sander for a few days sanding a few dozen boards with little rest in between.
Delightfully quiet. This is a powerful, quiet machine. And let's not overlook the 8 - foot cord. OK, there's that awkward trigger lock - So what. .with nice features - simple, not sexy - no frills. It has an effective, easily emptied dust bag. I've always used 3X21 sanders, but the extra few inches of the 3X24 belts add stability with no noticeable increase in unit weight.I'm delighted. There's an easy-to-reach variable speed control.
I wondered (and still wonder why) the 9920 has so few reviews compared to the 9903. Obviously, there are dust collection issues in those situations but I would not expect otherwise. Overall, dust collection was good. Everything I read about Makita belt sanders, though, convinced me to look at this unit. I have no second thoughts about this purchase. It has plenty of get up and go but is incredibly smooth and relatively quiet. Replacing windows on an old house can present lots of issues. Varying window opening sizes comes to mind.
Its 8.8 amp motor is easy on ones hands and ears. It's design allows one to operate the sander virtually flush against a right angle. I have no plans to purchase the vacuum, though, because because the Makita's dust collection met my expectations.The 9920 is great sander. I seriously considered sanders with higher amp ratings from Porter-Cable and Bosch.
For the most part, I simply left the boards in place in the opening. It appears to be identical; excepting its shorter belt. There are lots of belt sander choices in 9920's price range. Now that I've seriously put the 9920 to the test, though, I don't care about the 9903.Here's why: This "Made in Japan" masterpiece, at about 10.5 pounds, has the heft needed to grab stock but is light enough to sand vertical surfaces with ease. I used it for hours on end, stripping paint off 130 year old boards, with great results. The manual recommends an accessory vacuum to improve collection.
Sanding upside down and vertically was easy and effective. I still am not sure why the 9920's 21" little brother, the Makita 9903 8.8 Amp 3-Inch-by-21-Inch Variable Speed Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag, costs more. The belts track true and last much longer than my experience with other belt sanders would have led me to believe.The 9920 really showed it mettle, though, removing stock. If you need a tough, strong belt sander, the 9920 is an excellent choice. The Makita, though, makes short work of openings not quite big enough.
This is a strong, relatively quiet sander. If they do, I missed it. Seems well designed and easy to use. One complaint though, it would be really nice if Makita offered this sander with a carrying/storage case.
I've owned my Makita 3 x 24 belt sander for at least 20 years and have abused it in every way. This thing has paid for itself over and over again. I've dropped it, run over the cord and ran it until it was too hot to handle. After all this, it just keeps going.
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