Hands-On – The Makita 9031 Variable Speed Belt Sander Review
A woodworker’s cache of tools would not be complete without a full scope of sanding tools. The fine finish on many wood projects, from furniture to cupboards and remodeling ideas, must be attained as a final step before staining and varnishing, or painting. The smooth, splinter-free, and glossy finish is the benchmark of a good woodworker’s effort.
Having a good, portable belt sander to do this very important job is imperative for your quality of workmanship to show through. The Makita 9031 1-1/8″ x 21″ Belt Sander is a powerful, compact tool that will show the care you put into your work, and allow your pride of workmanship to shine through.
Ease of Use
Your finishing sander must be convenient and easy to use. The compact Makita 9031 belt sander features a small belt and concise design, ideal for finishing work on fine carpentry projects or furniture. This narrow front belt and exposed pulley ensure a precise and accurate ability to get into confined spaces or work on unwieldy corners and angles.
The easy-to-handle, maneuverable body is lightweight, weighing only 4.6 pounds, and therefore perfect for alleviating user strain when working over a longer period. The side handle is re-positionable, allowing the user to change the location to suit the task at hand and ensure effortless and comfortable user operation of the tool, improving user handling and lessening fatigue.
Details
The compact belt, which measures 1-1/8″ x 21″, makes the Makita 9031 deal for the fine detail jobs you find yourself taking on in furniture making or other intricate woodworking jobs where a hulking, bulky sander won’t do. You can adjust the belt speed from 656 to 3,280 ft./min via an electronic variable speed control dial, to adapt the belt speed to the current application you are working on, ensuring the right speed for the job.
You will not lose or compromise power for size and accuracy, however, as this belt sander still boasts a 5 Amp motor, allowing power to be integrated into a compact, maneuverable design. It is easy to manage continuous use with a convenient lock-on button. Long tool life and a smooth, regulated operation are ensured with a ball and needle-bearing construction of the belt sander, so you are certain of many, many hours of outstanding performance by this Makita tool.
Specs
Belt speed: 656 to 2, 3280 feet per minute
Amps: 5 (115 volts)
Length: 15 inches
Weight: 4.6 pounds
Shipping Weight: 6.3 pounds
Includes: 2 of each of the following abrasive belts: #40; 742301-7, #60; 742302-5, #80; 742303-3, #100; 742304-1, #120; 742305-9
Overall, the Makita 9031 belt sander is the best compact sander you can find for the fine, detailed finishing woodworking jobs you will take on. The ease of use is not compromised, with the power to back it up. You will find comfort and maneuverability in a small, manageable belt sander that will suit your needs and get the job done.
