I recently purchase the Makita 9403 after much contemplation . my concern be the price verse other belt sander . ultimately I find a good deal on the 9403 online which make it only 30 dollar or so more than comparable model by dewalt , porter cable , etc. . I feel the extra money be worth the extra amp in power -lrb- about 4 -rrb- . I be surprise at the weight of the machine , the quietness , and overall power . I test it on some rough-cut cedar scrap I have lie around . in only a couple of seconds it have it completely smooth . it would have take my old Black and Decker a couple of minute to do what the makita do in only a few seconds . my only complaint be that it do not come with a carry case for storage like almost all other good power tool you buy these day . and , in reality it be too much sander for a lot of job . more power be not always the answer , but if you need it , this sander deliver .