Need to curve something?
This planer, like many in the Makita tool arsenal, works as a crossover product that professionals and serious do-it- yourselfers can appreciate in terms of power, versatility, accuracy and cost. The 4-3/8- inch wide tool ranks among the more powerful handheld planers, sporting a 9.6-amp motor that serves up to 15,000 RPMs. That’s an almost ideal speed to accomplish high-level timber-planing tasks and it is one of the only one that is curved.
With all that power, one might expect a fairly weighty machine. That isn’t the case here. The Makita 1002BA comes in at a slender 4 pounds, which won’t tire the arms and shoulders during extended use.
The 1002BA model has been designed with a large two-fisted center handle that provides sturdy gripping for left- or right-handed woodworkers. In terms of practical use, that translates to accurate notching at a 12-5/8- inch curved radius and an adjustable bevel range of 11 and 13/16s. Not too shabby.
As power tools go, featuring a large ejection chute that makes a tremendous amount of sense. The design keeps debris and chips away from the planer’s heart and outfitting a vacuum system can keep the workspace clean and organized.
Timber and log home framers will certainly benefit from the curved design when working long and short arches. But, this Makita also has optional curved bladed to notch the much sought after rough-hewn look log home owners relish. Given the power this tool brings to bear, that custom work takes minutes versus hours with hand chisels. Some pros consider this Makita among the very best curved power planers currently on the market.
What Do Other Makita 1002BA 4-3/8 Inch Curved Base Planer Users Have To Say?
When making a tool-purchase decision, it never hurts to check out the message boards. The experience of everyday tool users should be taken with a grain of salt, but some practical insight can be gained.
The overall ratings have been quite good, with most owners giving the Makita 1002BA unfettered and high praise. Speed, power, accuracy and efficiency seem to be what tool users like the most about this product. It has been touted as a sculpting workhorse and a bargain for its workshop value.
The knocks on the Makita are minimal. Some noted a loose screw and potentially cheaper options. You do get what you pay for at the end of the day. Most chisels are less expensive too.
When taking cost, power, efficiency, accuracy and versatility into account, the Makita 1002BA handheld planer easily outpaces others in its class.
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