Unboxing, Review, & Comparison - Makita 9032 3/8" belt sander VS. Wen 6307 1/2" belt sander

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Published 2019-11-30

I'm working on a project and realized I had a need for a very small belt sander to sand in a tight spot. I bought the most expensive variable speed belt sander, the Makita 3/8 belt sander 4.4 amp for my project (because I also have many more projects to do), which you can buy here - amzn.to/2Y3KWFg

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I also purchased the least expensive variable speed belt sander that I could find, the Wen 1/2 belt sander 2 amp, to compare the Makita to, which you can find here - amzn.to/2qQWpfl

I made an open box review and comparison to explain the differences and functions.

I then went out to the garage to put them both to the test. I could have tried sanding different materials to show how well they do. But decided to go right for the toughest thing I had, cold hard steel.

I had already welded some sheet metal with a Mig. So, I tested how well both belt sanders sanded down the weld bead. I used equal force when sanding. The Makita didn't even flinch with the 4.4 amp motor & better grip on the belt that did not slip. The Makita ground right through the steel bead, like butter.

I then used the same amount of force on the Wen belt sander grinding the metal bead. The belt would slip and the motor will still continue to turn. I had to reduce the amount I pressed on the Wen to keep sanding and not damage the sander itself.

In the end, the Wen still got the job done but it took 2 to 3 times longer than the Makita belt sander. I was extremely pleased with both Sanders. They both got the job done, it just took a little longer with the Wen. The Makita is expensive but great for getting a job done quickly. It felt very sturdy and seems like it would last a long time if you were working with it every day. Great for getting used hard every day. The Wen is great for being the least expensive belt sander that will get the job done, it will just take a little longer. Great for the home hobbyist that will use it here or there on small projects.

I hope this video helps you in your decision of what variable speed belt sander to buy or not to buy.

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Intro music:
Dj Rkod - Pulse (George Ellinas Remix) by George_Ellinas (c) copyright 2008 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. dig.ccmixter.org/files/George_Ellinas/14073

All Comments (6)

@billbill7981 3 years ago

thanks for the review i just bought the Makita i only want to buy it one time
@freedomfitcoaching6006 3 years ago

Thank you for doing this in-depth review...this is something I have been going back-n-forth on for weeks. WEN for me!!
@JayHutchG 4 years ago

Naturally the $275 Makita is my favorite, but the $45 WEN is a value. Part of the issue is the difference in the sandpaper. Obviously the paper with the Makita is better. Love to see the WEN with better paper.
@chadboye9406 3 years ago

You can also get different attachment arms for the makita, I'm not sure exactly how many different ones they have but I Kno you can get 1/4" and 1/2" wide arms for skinnier or wider belts.
@deanryder4922 3 years ago

Thanks for the great review like you said Makita for professional use the wen for the hobbyist.That being said wen for me as I’ll be using it for small projects..