after go through a couple of $ 50 - $ 60 belt sander I decide to spend the big money and get something where -lrb- hopefully -rrb- all the feature work as they should . this model 9903 3x21 belt sander from Makita do not disappoint I ! the first thing I notice be it be incredible balance and precision , obviously well design and build , have a very `` solid '' feel . the belt speed be nearly double that of the $ 50 model , which make a huge difference in the amount of time it take to sand the deck i be work on . the dust collection be flawless , collect 90 % of the dust without clog , even with 50grit sandpaper . I run this sander 4hr at a time , it do not overheat like the cheaper model do . the sand be very even , no miss spot . the only bad thing I have to say about it be the weight , a benefit when sand horizontal surface but at almost 10lb , sand the vertical post be tough , my shoulder be pretty sore by the time i finish ! I guess that be the price of have a bigger motor that deliver greater belt speed .