I finally replace my Craftsman 4x24 which self-destruct after 25 year of faithful service . I be ask myself why I wait . the Makita have as much power , be smoother and more predictable . I use it to smooth out glueup panel for cabinet door . Belt tracking and run smoothly be very important factor for a flat door panel . this machine track smoothly with the grain , across the grain and at a angle to the grain . it be controllable one-handed . dust collection be superior to the Craftsman and other belt sander I have use in the past . the long cord -lrb- over 10 ' -rrb- be a joy . most of the time I do not need a extension cord . ergonomically , it be a ambidextrous dream . there be plenty of power to handle 50-60 grit belt and I do not get the jerky feeling so many sander give when under full load . start w\/o digging in and create divot be a thing of the past . the tool be unbelievably quiet . my ear thank I . a smooth and controllable machine equal smooth panel . Feel tempt to use this on finish furniture - but - that be not its place . if you want to create a lot of sand dust , really quickly , this be the machine for you . base on what I see so far , I believe this will go better than 20 year in a hobbyist 's shop w\/o be a paperweight in you storage cabinet . the quality be far superior to anything I ever get from Craftsman . for those who love DeWalt , Porter-Cable or one of the other on the market - this be the Lexus of sand machine . any difference in price be insignificant over 20 year . this will never be the machine you hate everytime you use it .