9403 Belt Sander

The Makita 9403 belt sander shows strong repairability with metal housing and user-serviceable components, though a few design choices limit perfection.

• •Tool Access: Standard screws thread into metal housing rather than plastic, allowing easy disassembly with common tools, though small Phillips heads prone to stripping limit long-term serviceability.
• •Parts Availability: Replaceable components like $7 drive belts act as sacrificial parts to protect more expensive components, showing thoughtful design for repair.
• •Weak Points: Plastic dust collection port and support arm break easily, forming the main vulnerability in an otherwise durable construction.

Bottom line: Built to last with serviceable internals and metal construction, but Phillips head fasteners and fragile plastic components prevent a perfect score. Solid professional-grade repairability backed by clear user evidence.

This is the belt sander that tradespeople swear by — built like a tank with a metal body that actually gets repaired instead of replaced.

• •Metal housing, not plastic: Users report screws thread into metal, not plastic, and when one ran over the power cord, a $7 drive belt broke instead of the motor or gears — that's thoughtful engineering
• •Achilles heel is plastic dust port: Multiple users report the dust collection arm breaks easily, which is frustrating on an otherwise bombproof tool
• •Phillips screws strip during maintenance: One detailed review noted the tiny M4 Phillips heads on service panels strip out, suggesting Torx would be better for a tool designed to be serviced

Bottom line: Classic BIFL workhorse that'll outlive cheaper sanders 10:1, just baby that plastic dust port and it'll serve your grandkids

Makita offers a standard 1-year limited warranty on the 9403 Belt Sander with a potential extension to 3 years upon registration, though details on the extension are inconsistent across sources.

• •Base Coverage: 1-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
• •Extended Option: Some sources indicate registration may extend coverage to 3 years, but this isn't clearly communicated on official Makita resources.
• •Repair Process: Repairs handled through Makita Factory or Authorized Service Centers, with users reporting good availability of replacement parts even for older models.

Bottom line: A respectable 2-3 year warranty that appears generally honored, though Makita could be more transparent about registration requirements for the extended coverage period.

The Makita 9403 Belt Sander has achieved legendary status in the BIFL community as the gold standard for belt sanders. Users consistently describe it as nearly indestructible, powerful, and designed to last decades.

• •Durability praise: Built like a tank with metal housing and serviceable parts - users report replacing $7 drive belts instead of entire tools after accidents.
• •Performance consensus: Consistently praised for its power, low noise (84dB), excellent dust collection, and perfect belt tracking without constant adjustment.
• •Minor criticisms: Plastic dust collection port prone to breaking, Phillips screws that strip during maintenance, heavy weight limits versatility for vertical work.

Bottom line: Overwhelmingly considered the benchmark all other belt sanders are measured against - a true "buy it once, cry once" tool that professionals and serious DIYers consistently recommend without hesitation.