Makita 9031 550W 30mm Belt Sander

I have a 3" Makita belt sander and have always wanted a narrow one for concave surfaces. This one does exactly what I want

Do'nt mislead the consumers with false advertising and warranty programs.

1- The price is too high first of all and I find out I could buy like this one from another outfit for the half price. 2- After I bought this unit you guys sent me several warranty protection programs and I tried to buy it the lady told me that they do not warranty this product is not that strange. 3- I bought a kyocera copy machine at the same time they sold me warranty protection for four years. 4- As far as comparison and quality and functionalty it is the same as the other products. Thank You, Aban

Ease of use, well balanced.

Brought the product based upon a You tube recommendation for sanding fibreglass, having worn out 2 power files. The unit is small but powerful and feels nice in the hands when using. I like the simple method for changing and adjusting the belt, and that all moving parts can be easily kept clean.

Makita Belt Sander 9031

I bought this for my DIY wood projects. Does the job perfectly and with good finish. I even tested on metal and I was happy with the performance

Not as good as the model 9030

The Pro's are that it is a Makita - and Makita is known for quality! There is no denying this is a well built tool; however the model preceding it, the 9030, has the edge in design! The Con's: This sander was, unfortunately, designed to throw the motor cooling air, and whatever grit it contains, back in the face of the user! Safety glasses aren't enough to stop sanding dust and grit being blown back in one's face and eyes! A full face shield is necessary to safely and, more or less, comfortably use this sander - and generally a full face shield gets in the way of the kind of work for which I use the sander! Over 40 years on the job I have worn out several 9030's (and that's hard to do with a Makita tool)! But I'd take a worn out 9030 over this machine brand new any ... MoreThe Pro's are that it is a Makita - and Makita is known for quality! There is no denying this is a well built tool; however the model preceding it, the 9030, has the edge in design! The Con's: This sander was, unfortunately, designed to throw the motor cooling air, and whatever grit it contains, back in the face of the user! Safety glasses aren't enough to stop sanding dust and grit being blown back in one's face and eyes! A full face shield is necessary to safely and, more or less, comfortably use this sander - and generally a full face shield gets in the way of the kind of work for which I use the sander! Over 40 years on the job I have worn out several 9030's (and that's hard to do with a Makita tool)! But I'd take a worn out 9030 over this machine brand new any day! This machine is also 5+/- ounces heavier than the 9030! In use that translates into more wrist strain! If it wasn't an absolute necessity for my work, I wouldn't own it!

Only 1 complaint

I've used several Makita model 9030 sanders over the past 35+ years. They are a durable, well designed tool and they did the job! The 9031 model, is not quite as good IMO. My main complaint is the fact that the motor exhaust wind, sometimes with bits of grit, is directed at my face with some of the uses I put the tool to! I wear safety glasses, but a full face shield is the only way to avoid the exhaust! Such a shield would be an inconvenience in my work! My other complaint is minor. I don't care for the variable speed! It doesn't feel like this model's belt speed is as fast as the 9030's?! This may improve once the tool is broken in, and it may just be my imagination, but it's fast enough for my needs! Also, the variable speed control is just one more part to ... MoreI've used several Makita model 9030 sanders over the past 35+ years. They are a durable, well designed tool and they did the job! The 9031 model, is not quite as good IMO. My main complaint is the fact that the motor exhaust wind, sometimes with bits of grit, is directed at my face with some of the uses I put the tool to! I wear safety glasses, but a full face shield is the only way to avoid the exhaust! Such a shield would be an inconvenience in my work! My other complaint is minor. I don't care for the variable speed! It doesn't feel like this model's belt speed is as fast as the 9030's?! This may improve once the tool is broken in, and it may just be my imagination, but it's fast enough for my needs! Also, the variable speed control is just one more part to require replacing sooner or later! I also own 2 old 9030 sanders, 4 cordless drills and 2 vibrating sanders, all Makita!

Surprisingly powerful for such a small belt sander.

Great little ac powered sander. Powerful and versatile. Remove the grip to access tight areas or to support you grip while sanding. Works for tube or flat steel.

Very capable and versatile tool!

I have owned the 9030 model (non-variable speed type)but otherwise identical for about 20 years. I keep finding new ways to use it to accomplish jobs that other tools just can't do. The 9031 variable speed tool is even more versatile, as you can slow it down for less aggressive cutting or cooler sanding of plastics that may melt at higher speeds.My only quibble with the tool is the motor fan blows sanding dust in my face. I am left handed and it may not be an issue for right handed users.If mine ever wears out I will buy the VS model.

Very handy

I’ve had one of these for over 20 yearsIt’s so gray for small touch ups, and you only need 1 hand to operate itIt’s very lightweight, and you’ll find a million uses for it!

You don't know how much you needed this tool until you have one.

This handheld belt sander is lightweight, yet easy to control. I bought it for fiberglass work because it is easy to control the dust with a shop vac. But, when I was doing some welding, it was handy and I grabbed it instead of an angle grinder for a quick prep job, and found it did a better job. I had a ground connection on my truck that had corroded. Instead of rolling out the air hose and die grinder, I grabbed the Makita belt sander. When I go to split wood next weekend, I have a feeling I'll use it to put a better edge on the maul. What I thought was a single purpose tool, is slowly becoming a necessity.