KP312 12-1/4" Planer

High quality. Beast of a machine. Heavy, solidly built. More affordable than Mafell. Upgradable head. Good power.

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

Amazing quality tool for an unbeatable price.

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.

Really awesome quality tool. My only issue is that makita doesn’t included a box of some sort to transport this tool around because most contractors have to go to the job not the factory floor. I can’t say anything bad about this tool in the least. I seriously had to build a container to protect it though which is ridiculous when paying the money I paid for this tool!

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.

Planer works great!

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

Amazing bit of kit