Belt sanding machine Makita 9404: specifications, photos and reviews

After rough processing or cutting of building materials, structures and especially facing surfaces, a delicate finish stripping is required. Traditionally, with similar operations, the masters were coping with sandpaper with suitable characteristics of the working surface. There were other tools with tools for stripping, but the very principle of fine-tuning the imperfect coating with an abrasive surface has retained its relevance today. According to this method, the Japanese Makita 9404 grinder works automatically. The tool is suitable for grinding, grouting, polishing and general cleaning of various surfaces.

General information about the model

First of all, the tool is included in the category of belt machines intended for grinding. The design provides for the presence of a base sole and rollers, along which the working plane moves. One of the main features, due to which the Makita belt grinder from competitors differs, is the possibility of processing materials near obstacles. Also, thanks to the low-lying center of gravity, the model demonstrates decent balancing performance, which facilitates the labor costs that are applied during the work of the user. Replacement of the tape is quick and easy, again this feature saves time and physical efforts of the operator.

However, there are drawbacks to this unit as a representative of tape technology. The fact is that the location and the processing principle in this case do not provide for operations in hard-to-reach places. For such purposes, a straight grinder, which, by the way, is also represented in the line of the Japanese manufacturer, is more likely.

Specifications

Although the company aspires to pay more attention to ergonomics and functionality in the hand power tool, in this case the slope towards the performance of the machine is noticeable. This is confirmed by its technical characteristics, presented below:

• The power of the instrument is 1010 watts.
• Speed regulation - electrically operated.
• The width of the canvas is 100 cm.
• The length of the tape is 61 cm.
• The speed of rotation is from 210 to 440 meters per minute.
• Weight - 4.7 kg.
• Dimensions - 41x20x17 cm.
• The length of the cable is 5 m.

Unfortunately, the high performance and thoughtful design are not backed up by modern safety features and features that enhance the convenience of technology. In particular, the Makita 9404 machine is not provided with a smooth start and protection from overheating of the power unit. Not so significant is the lack of the ability to maintain constant tool revolutions during work, but this option has long become mandatory in many families of competing firms. Nevertheless, the Japanese are pleasantly surprised by other advantages that should be considered separately.

Technological features

The model is equipped with a system of automatic tape alignment, which is a great help in the process of performing long and complex operations. Not always the user can for a long time with the same accuracy control the parameters of the positioning of the tool - in such cases, special alignment comes to the aid. The Makita 9404 tool is equipped with a convenient grip, which also does not allow the operator to get tired. And the presence of electronics makes the machine not only convenient to manage, but also effective in terms of the quality of work with different materials. The treatment yields to both wood, stone, and plastic with metal. For each blank, the control system allows you to select the optimum intensity of the tape. The use of graphite substrates can also be attributed to innovations. Elements with a similar function are used by other manufacturers, but the Japanese firm has significantly increased the service life of the grinding belt due to cork and graphite.

Compatibility with other equipment

To prevent the particles of the treated material from scattering, the tool design provides a connector for integrating the branch pipe from the construction vacuum cleaner. The diameter for the dust bag is 28 mm. It is important to note that even when working on the street, where pollution is not of particular importance, this option is necessary because of the dust protection of internal parts and tool assemblies. It is advisable to use vacuum cleaners from Makita, with which the band sanding machine organically interacts in this modification. In particular, models 406 or 431 are recommended, which can easily be connected to the working device through an auxiliary hose. Without adapters, the model is connected to dust collectors in the 420 and 420s series.

Consumables for Makita 9404

The main consumable material for this tool is a grinding belt. When selecting a work item, it is important to evaluate its function and the grain size factor. Each tape is a ring with a closed shape, which is formed by narrow webs of paper or fabric. The surface of each tape is provided with an abrasive coating serving as the main working element of the Makita 9404 tool. The graphite sole is included, but if necessary, it can be updated or replaced with a similar component from the plug. This is the plate on which the tape is mounted in order to reduce friction in contact with the structure of the apparatus. Also as a means of personal protection is recommended to purchase branded gloves, masks and glasses Makita. Although the tool is sufficiently protected against various negative factors of operation, the use of special accessories for safety will not be superfluous.

Operating Tips

First you need to check the tape tension. After that, the dust collector is connected and securely attached to the grinder. The start of the device is realized by pressing the corresponding button, and in the same way the work stops. Usually, during the execution of operations, users use several speeds, the change of which is required not only to change the grinding methods depending on the material, but also to obtain different characteristics of the coating. The range of rotation varies from 3.5 to 7.3 revolutions per second. Change of speed is made through the electronic system. Direct grinding with the Makita 9404 should only be carried out with the complete set of motor at the set frequency. After this, you can slowly lower the device to the work surface, firmly holding its body. When the contact between the belt and the machined surface is reached, the machine should be smoothly moved back and forth without sharp jerks.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the power tool requires regular checks of the connections of its construction, the renewal of worn-out elements and the replacement of carbon brushes. Every time after the work is finished, the tool must be cleaned of dust, allowing it to work for a while in idling mode. The manufacturer recommends the reliable operations for repair of the equipment to professionals, however in many cases the spare parts for the grinder can be selected independently, in particular, this refers to belts, substrates and other equipment. To maximize the working life of the machine, you should avoid overloading the engine and observe the storage rules.

Positive reviews

According to many users, the tool is fairly balanced in terms of functionality, and in terms of performance parameters. With the help of this grinder, the owners perform processing of a wide variety of products. In particular, the model shows itself well in grinding doors, boards, countertops, floor coverings, plasters and other surfaces and materials. It does not matter what quality is required at the output. This tool for grinding can perform both professional and professional finishing of the cladding, and rough cleaning of the garden paths. With regard to ergonomics, many note the convenience of using the dust collector, a long cord, the possibility of adjusting the speed limits and sufficient noise insulation.

Negative feedback

The minuses of the device are found in a variety of aspects of operation. For example, the massiveness of the construction and the large weight of the tool are noted. These are ambiguous characteristics, since in working with solid materials, weight can play a positive role, but sometimes they do cause inconvenience. This nuance is stressed by the master, whose work involves the processing of structures in hard-to-reach places. But in such conditions, the direct grinder handles better than the belt grinder, regardless of the model and the manufacturer. Also among the shortcomings of the machine note the absence of a case. And this despite the fact that the device is very rich in equipment, which simply requires a special device for storage and transportation.

Conclusion

The developers of the model confirmed that the hand tool can be simultaneously universal, productive and convenient in operation. In the domestic market, the Makita grinder in modification 9404 is available on average for 14-15 thousand rubles. This is a fairly high price tag even considering the complexity of the tool and the manufacturer's premium. But the technical and operational qualities correspond to this price level. Moreover, even in a higher price category it will not be easy to find a grinding machine with similar qualities and the same degree of reliability. On the other hand, the tool has many insulting flaws, which practically do not occur even among budgetary equipment of this type. Suffice it to note the lack of a smooth start and protection against overheating.