Comparison:Makita 9404 vs 9403

When the conversation turns to belt sanders that can balance power, precision, and staying power, Makita tends to be a dependable benchmark. Two models often compete for the attention of skilled DIYers and professionals alike: the Makita 9404 and the Makita 9403. At first glance, they look almost identical same overall footprint, same 4″ × 24″ belt, same ability to sand right up flush against a wall. But once you start working with them, their personalities diverge. The 9404 leans toward adjustable versatility, a tool you fine-tune depending on the task. The 9403, meanwhile, is a straightforward powerhouse raw strength, minimal fuss.

Makita 9404

Technical specifications

Nominal power : 1010 W

Belt speed : 210 to 440 m/min (variable)

Speed control : Yes (5 settings)

Belt size : 100 × 610 mm

Weight : 4,8 kg

Noise level : 96 dB(A)

Vibration level : ≤ 2,5 m/s²

Automatic belt tracking : Yes

Dust collection : Standard outlet

Motor protection : Standard

Compatible with stationary mounting : Yes (with stand ref. 193055-3)

Dimensions (L × l × H) : 334 × 143 × 157 mm

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Adjustable variable speed (about 210 to 440 m/min), allowing you to match the material and the finish you’re after.
Moderate weight (around 4.8 kg / ~10.6 lbs), which makes handling easier without feeling flimsy.
Can be mounted on a stand for stationary use, turning it into a small benchtop unit when needed.
Reliable automatic belt tracking that keeps the belt centered without constant correction.
Very low vibration level (≤ 2.5 m/s²), reducing fatigue during longer sanding sessions.
Compact form factor that fits more comfortably into tighter or awkward spaces.

Weaknesses

Less powerful than the 9403 (1,010 W vs. 1,200 W)
Dust bag isn’t adjustable in orientation
Shorter power cord
Not as fast when removing heavy material or working on very hard woods

Indicative price

360$

Who is Makita 9404 suitable for?

The Makita 9404 is a versatile belt sander designed for finishing work and for sanding large flat surfaces. Its variable speed control and well-balanced design make it precise and pleasant to handle suitable for advanced DIY users as well as craftspeople who want a clean, refined finish.

Makita 9403

Technical specifications

Nominal power : 1200 W

Belt speed : 500 m/min (fixed)

Speed control : No

Belt size : 100 × 610 mm

Weight : 5,7 kg

Noise level : 97 dB(A)

Vibration level : ≤ 2,5 m/s²

Automatic belt tracking : Yes

Dust collection : 360° rotating dust bag

Motor protection : Labyrinth dust-resistant seal

Compatible with stationary mounting : No

Dimensions (L × l × H) : 353 × 164 × 211 mm

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Powerful 1,200 W motor, well-suited for fast material removal
High belt speed (about 500 m/min) for efficient sanding performance
Labyrinth-style motor sealing helps reduce dust-related wear
Dust bag can rotate 360°, useful in tight or awkward spaces
Long power cord (about 5 m / ~16 ft), giving good freedom of movement
Sturdy build quality, appropriate for frequent professional use

Weaknesses

Heavy weight (around 5.7 kg / ~12.5 lbs), which can become tiring during longer sessions.
No variable speed control, making it less refined for finishing work.
Bulkier overall shape, not the best choice for tight or narrow areas.
Slightly higher noise level (around 97 dB(A)).
Less comfortable for occasional use or tasks requiring delicate precision.

Indicative price

320$

Who is Makita 9403 suitable for?

The Makita 9403 is a belt sander built for heavy-duty sanding and demanding job sites. Powerful and long-lasting, it prioritizes straightforward operation and rugged durability over fine adjustments. It’s a tool for those who want raw efficiency, with no concessions made on toughness.

Comparison table: Makita 9404 vs 9403

Criteria	9404	9403	Verdict
Nominal power	1010 W	1200 W	9403More powerful (+19%)
Belt speed	210 to 440 m/min (variable)	500 m/min (fixed)	Tie9403 is faster, 9404 is more versatile
Speed control	Yes (5 settings)	No	9404Advantage
Belt size	100 × 610 mm	100 × 610 mm	Tie
Weight	4,8 kg	5,7 kg	9404Lighter (-16%)
Noise level	96 dB(A)	97 dB(A)	Tie
Vibration level	≤ 2,5 m/s²	≤ 2,5 m/s²	Tie
Automatic belt tracking	Yes	Yes	Tie
Dust collection	Standard outlet	360° rotating dust bag	9403More convenient in use
Motor protection	Standard	Labyrinth dust-resistant seal	9403
Compatible with stationary mounting	Yes (with stand ref. 193055-3)	No	9404
Dimensions (L × l × H)	334 × 143 × 157 mm	353 × 164 × 211 mm	9404More compact

Recommended accessories

For Makita 9404

Cork skid

Belt sander support

Sanding belts 100 x 610 mm - 80 grit - Wood and metal

For Makita 9403

Dust bag for belt sander 9403

Steel and cork glide

Sanding belts 100 x 610 mm - 80 grit - Wood and metal

Real-life test: Makita 9404 vs 9403

Nicolas is completely renovating an old workshop he’s turning into an office. On the agenda: sanding solid beech tabletops, old doors, and exposed beams. Two full days of work, six boards two meters long, and a whole lot of dust.

Experience with the Makita 9404?

Right from the first grip, Nicolas appreciates the stability and control of the 9404. The tool sits well on the wood, advances without pulling, and the variable speed lets him switch from light stripping to finishing without changing tools. After an hour of use, the motor is still cool and the noise remains manageable. He also notes how precise it is along edges no need for hand touch-ups. The moderate weight helps him keep a steady pace, especially when working at bench height.

Experience with the Makita 9403?

The mood changes as soon as he fires up the 9403: this one hits hard. The belt moves fast, layers of varnish disappear instantly, and Nicolas barely needs to apply pressure. On thick beams, the extra power makes a clear difference. But after two hours, arm fatigue kicks in, largely due to its 5.7 kg weight. The rotating dust bag is handy, but the noise level is high ear protection is basically mandatory. By the end of the day, he sums it up: the 9403 is a “workhorse,” but definitely less docile than the 9404.

User reviews

Makita 9404

4.50/5

Power and performance

86%

Versatility and precision

94%

Ease of use

89%

Value for money

91%

★★★★★

Julien P.

The 9404 is stable and precise perfect for my oak furniture projects. The variable speed keeps me from gouging the wood by mistake. It’s the kind of tool that stays on the workbench for the long haul.

★★★★★

Sophie L.

Light and pleasant to handle, it does its job well on flat surfaces. Only slight drawback: the cord is a bit short, but nothing serious.

★★★★★

Alain G.

I really like the level of control it gives, especially for fine finishing work. The stationary mounting frame is a real advantage when you're working for long stretches.

Makita 9403

4.32/5

Power and performance

94%

Versatility and precision

77%

Ease of use

81%

Value for money

94%

★★★★★

Patrick D.

A true job-site machine. It strips fast, doesn’t heat up, and takes hours of work without complaining. But you have to be okay with the weight!

★★★★★

Claire T.

The power is impressive it eats through material effortlessly. Too bad there’s no variable speed; that would have made it perfect.

★★★★★

Karim N.

Used it to strip my shutters, and it was incredibly effective. A bit loud, sure, but you can feel it’s built tough.

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the Makita 9404 and the 9403?

The Makita 9404 features variable speed control (about 210 to 440 m/min), which makes it more versatile for precise sanding work. The Makita 9403, more powerful (around 1,200 W), runs at a fixed belt speed of 500 m/min and is better suited for heavy-duty material removal.

Which Makita sander should you choose for professional use?

For daily, extended work sessions, the Makita 9403 is generally better suited thanks to its higher power and enhanced dust protection. The 9404, on the other hand, is more appropriate for finishing tasks and delicate surfaces where finesse matters.

Can the Makita 9404 be used in a stationary position?

Yes. With Makita stand ref. 193055-3, the 9404 can be set up as a stationary unit to provide more stability when working on long pieces.

Which sander is more comfortable to use?

The 9404 is lighter (about 4.8 kg vs. 5.7 kg) and runs a bit quieter, which generally makes it more pleasant for longer sessions.

Are the sanding belts interchangeable between the two models?

Yes, both use 100 × 610 mm belts, so you can use the same consumables on either one without any compatibility issues.