After rough processing or cutting of building materials, structures and especially facing surfaces, a delicate finishing cleaning is required. Traditionally, craftsmen dealt with such operations with sandpaper with suitable characteristics of the work surface. There were other tools with devices for cleaning, but the very principle of fine-tuning an imperfect coating with an abrasive surface has remained relevant today. According to this method, the Japanese Makita 9404 grinder also works in automatic mode. The tool is suitable for grinding, grouting, polishing and general cleaning of various surfaces.
Model Overview
First of all, the tool is included in the category of belt machines designed for grinding. The design provides for the presence of a base sole and rollers along which the movement of the working plane is carried out. One of the main features due to which Makita's belt sander differs from its competitors is the ability to process materials near obstacles. Also, thanks to the low center of gravity, the model demonstrates decent balancing indicators, which facilitates the labor costs applied in the process of the user. Tape replacement is quick and easy, again this feature saves the operator time and physical effort.
However, there are drawbacks to this unit as a representative of the tape technology. The fact is that the location and the principle of processing in this case do not provide for operations in hard-to-reach places. For such purposes, a direct grinder is more suitable, which, by the way, is also presented in the line of the Japanese manufacturer.
Specifications
Although the company seeks to pay more attention to ergonomics and functionality in hand-held power tools, in this case there is a noticeable bias towards machine performance. This is confirmed by its technical characteristics, presented below:
- Power tool - 1010 watts.
- Speed control - electrically controlled.
- Web width - 100 cm.
- The length of the tape is 61 cm.
- The rotation speed is from 210 to 440 meters per minute.
- Weight - 4.7 kg.
- Dimensions - 41x20x17 cm.
- Cable length - 5 m.
Unfortunately, high performance and thoughtful design are not supported by modern safety features and functions that increase the convenience of technology. In particular, the Makita 9404 is not provided with a soft start and protection against overheating of the power unit. Not so significant is the lack of the ability to maintain constant revolutions of the tool during operation, but this option has long been mandatory in many families of competing firms. Nevertheless, the Japanese are pleasantly surprised by other virtues, which are worth considering separately.
Technological features
The model is equipped with an automatic tape alignment system, which is a good help in the process of performing long and complex operations. Not always the user can for a long time with the same accuracy control the positioning parameters of the tool - in such cases, special alignment comes to the rescue. Equipped with a Makita 9404 tool and a convenient grip that also prevents the operator from getting tired. And the presence of electronics makes the car not only convenient to drive, but also effective in terms of the quality of work with different materials. Wood, stone, and plastic with metal lend themselves to processing. For each workpiece, the control system allows you to choose the optimal intensity of movement of the tape. The innovation can also include the use of a graphite substrate. Elements with a similar function are used by other manufacturers, but the Japanese company significantly increased the working life of the sanding belt due to cork and graphite.
Compatibility with other equipment
To prevent dispersion of particles of the processed material, the design of the tool provides for a connector for the integration of the nozzle from the construction vacuum cleaner. The diameter for the dust collector is 28 mm. It is important to note that even when working on the street, where pollution does not matter, it is necessary to use this option due to the protection of the internal parts and components of the tool from dust. It is advisable to use Makita vacuum cleaners, with which the belt sander in this modification organically interacts. In particular, models 406 or 431 are recommended, which can be easily connected to the working device through an auxiliary hose. Without adapters, the model connects to dust collectors in the 420 and 420s series.
Consumables for Makita 9404
The main consumable for this tool is sanding belt. When choosing a work item, it is important to evaluate its purpose and grit factor. Each ribbon is a ring with a closed shape, which is formed by narrow canvases of paper or fabric. The surface of each tape is provided with a coating of abrasive, which serves as the main working element of the Makita 9404 tool. A graphite sole is included in the kit, but if necessary, it can be updated or replaced with a similar component from the cork. This is the plate on which the tape is installed in order to reduce friction in contact with the apparatus structure. It is also recommended that you purchase Makita branded gloves, masks and glasses as personal protective equipment. Although the tool is sufficiently protected from various negative operating factors, the use of special accessories to ensure safety will not be superfluous.
Operation tips
First you need to check the quality of the tape tension. After that, the dust collector is connected and securely attached to the grinder. Starting the device is realized by pressing the appropriate button, and in the same way, the work stops. Typically, in the process of performing operations, users use several speeds, the change of which is required not only in order to change the grinding methods depending on the material, but also to obtain different characteristics of the coating. The rotation range varies from 3.5 to 7.3 revolutions per second. The change in speed is made through an electronic system. Direct grinding with the Makita 9404 should only be carried out with the engine set at the set frequency. After that, you can slowly lower the device to the work surface, firmly holding its body. Upon reaching the contact of the tape and the work surface, the machine should be moved smoothly back and forth without sharp shocks.
Maintenance
Maintaining the operability of a power tool involves regular checks of the joints of its structure, updating worn elements and replacing carbon brushes. Each time after the end of work, the tool should be cleaned of dust, allowing it to work for a while in idle mode. The manufacturer recommends trusting professionals to carry out complex operations on repairing equipment, however, in many cases, spare parts for the grinder can be selected independently, in particular, this applies to belts, substrates and other equipment. To maximize the preservation of the working life of the device, avoid engine overloads and observe storage rules.
Positive reviews
According to many users, the tool is quite balanced in terms of functionality and performance indicators. With the help of this grinder, the owners carry out the processing of a wide variety of products. In particular, the model shows itself well in polishing doors, boards, countertops, flooring, plaster and other surfaces and materials. It does not matter what quality is required at the output. This sanding tool can perform both professionally fine-tuning lining and rough cleaning of garden paths. As for ergonomics, many note the convenience of using a dust bag, a long cord, the ability to adjust speed modes and adequate noise isolation.
Negative reviews
Cons of the device are found in a variety of aspects of operation. For example, massive construction and heavy tool weight are noted. These are ambiguous characteristics, since weight can play a positive role in working with solid-state materials, but sometimes they really cause inconvenience. This nuance is emphasized by the masters, whose work involves the processing of structures in hard-to-reach places. But in such conditions, a direct grinder copes better than a belt grinder, moreover, regardless of model and manufacturer. Also, among the shortcomings of the machine, the absence of a case is noted. And this despite the fact that the device has a very rich configuration, which just requires a special device for storage and transportation.
Conclusion
The developers of the model have confirmed that hand tools can be universal, productive and easy to use at the same time. In the domestic market , the Makita grinder in modification 9404 is available on average for 14-15 thousand rubles. This is a fairly high price tag, even taking into account the complexity of the instrument and the manufacturer’s premium. But the technical and operational qualities correspond to this price level. Moreover, even in a higher price category it will not be easy to find a grinder with similar qualities and the same degree of reliability. On the other hand, the tool has a lot of offensive flaws that are practically not found even among the budget technology of this type. It is enough to note the lack of a soft start and protection against overheating.