Tool Review:Makita 1002BA Curved Base Planer

Tool Name:	Makita 1002BA Curved Base Planer
Tool Type:	Hand Held Power Tools
Manufacture:	Makita

A few months ago we were sent a Makita 1002BA 4 3/8″ Curved Base Planer to put to the test and review. We gave it a real work out, a hands on real world tool test. Read on to find out what we think of this power planer.

Specs

Using Curved base planer

Planing Width 4-3/8″
Planing Depth 5/32″
No Load RPM 15,000
Curved Radius 1-13/16″ to 12-5/8″
AMPS 11.0
Length 13-11/32″
Cord Length 16.4’
Net Weight (lbs.) 11.9
Shipping Weight (lbs.) 15.4

Included Items

Sharpening Holder
Wrench
Blade Gauge
Wing Nut
Planer Blade

First Things First

Our operation of the planer really has been a true test of power and durability.This power planer has a curved base shoe making it an effective radius planer. We use it as an alternative to hand hewing timbers and logs.

We had this planner in our grubby little hands for about two weeks. In that amount of time we produced about two full sized pickup truck loads of shavings. Hewing over a thousand square feet of surface area. Yep, we rode it hard and……. properly tested it. Hard work, but still the quickest way to get a nice hand hewn look.

Staining Hewn Log Siding

Price

At first glance you may think the price of this planer seems high compared to straight base power planers. I initially had that same thought, but further comparison reveals the reason. The Makita 1002BA Curved Base Planerhas an 11 amp motor. The Makita 1902X7 4 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Hand-Held Planer, which is a very common tools, has a 4 amp motor. A very substantial power difference.

My Opinion of This Machine.

The first few minutes of planing is fun, but I will admit that feeling wears off after a few hours. It did perform very well. It is powerful and capable of removing material fast. The blades held up very well considering the logs and timbers did have some dust and dirt on them.

The dust port can clog if it is pointed upward, but that is to be expected. There are rumors floating around that the blades are sharp enough to cut the power cord off. I have heard this from a reliable source, so it may very well be true.

It is heavy, loud, and messy, but I see no way for the Makita Power Tool engineers to cure those issues, so I will shut up and get back to work or it will never get done.

If you have a need for a curved base planner don’t hesitate to buy it. I have no regrets. Which is good, because the Makita is the only option in this price range that I am aware of. The other curved shoe planners I have seen sell for thousands of dollars. It’s a powerful, well made and well designed tool.