MakitaKP312 12-1/4" Planer

Excellent tool but as notes in other reviews, the replacement blades are rather costly and don't last long on hardwoods as they don't make them in carbide (that I've found at least). We build oak timber structures and use the tool almost every day.The vital complement/upgrade to this tool is the shelix blade replacement by Byrd tools; not cheap either (at over $430) but that makes this tool much more efficient (faster wood removal, much quieter operation, blades last a good bit longer as they are carbide, and the little square blades can be rotated if ever there's a nick in one of them.).It is cheaper to buy the Shelix upgrade than the number of regular blades it replaces (one shelix blade set lasts ten times longer than the HSS standard blades which would cost over $400 for ten sets). It pays for itself with the first set, and is then much cheaper with each subsequent set (around $180 per set). Reduces man power (fewer blades to changes, less forcing on the tool when they start getting dull) and produces a smoother finish.Steve for Chattanooga TimberWrights

This thing rocks, and it’s much cheaper than the comparable mafell unit. Makita make great timber framing tools. We also have the 6 3/4 inch unit, which is also a beast.

As background, I am a timber frame / glulam professional, I make my living from big wood. I have a strong preference for Mafell products as they, though expensive, are simply outstanding. I purchased the this planer to work along side our Mafell and here is what I found:- a solid work horse well priced.Biggest drawbacks in comparison are:- Knives. I wish I could buy higher quality replacements. Knives are ok.- Power. Unit is down on power from 240 volt Mafell. Upside, no step up converter required.All in all, a solid, reliable unit that I am happy with, down slight on performance and consumables, but more than made up for in price. Great value in the segment.

Great tool , lots of power .Replacement blades were not for the 312 as implied.Replacement blades should be offered with this planer .The right blades were hard to find and not in stock .

I used this to build a timber frame pavilion. About three passes on all four sides of my rough sawn 8 x 8 timber created beautiful timber and facilitated accurate joinery. I can't imagine doing this without this planer.

Planer works great!

This tool will make the joinery work on your timberframe shine! Will not disappoint and well worth the steep cost.

Machine is great everything planed from now on would recommend it to anyone.I would recommend buying a few spare sets of blades though as planing air dried oak can take the edge off very quickly.