The Makita KP0800K Planer is a Hand-held Thicknesser That is as Efficient as a Benchtop Planer
What We Like
- Lightweight and ergonomic handle
- Perfect power-to-weight-ratio
- 6.5 AMP motor offers 17,000 RPM cutter-head
- Impressive cutting capacity
- Two-blade cutter head
- High-quality aluminum casing for durability
- Lock-on button and spring-load stand
- Depth adjustment knob and precision machined aluminum base
What We Don’t Like
- No chip bag included
Bottom Line
In our Makita KP0800K Planer review, we only listed one disadvantage of using this item because every other thing about it is close to perfect.
The motor, weight, blades, and everything else about the planer is commendable. Since it is handled, you will get the flexibility that no benchtop planer can offer. This convenience is one of the biggest benefits of this planer. Another benefit is the price.
Benchtop planers cost between $300 to $600 but with just as little above $150, you can buy a Makita KP0800K Planer for your woodworking projects.
However, there is no chip bag in the package, and purchasing one will cost around $50 to $60 online.
Handheld thicknessers are convenient power tools that can be used to flatten and smoothen wooden surfaces and shape wood into the required density.
They are easier to use than benchtop thicknessers and they also happen to be cheaper.
However, not every handheld planer is durable or even powerful enough to give you the professional finish you seek. If you’re in the market for a new handheld planer, reading this review might help you.
The device delivers enough output power for fast removal of materials and the lightweight allows you to move it around with ease even when you’re handling overhead woodworking chores.
These are just a few of the features of this Makita KP0800K Planer. Many more will be discussed in this review.
Related article: Bosch PL2632K Hand Planer Review
Features of the Makita KP0800K Planer
Lightweight and Ergonomic Handle
A handheld power tool needs to be portable and lightweight if it is to be used to complete tasks effectively. The last thing any woodworker wants is to strain their shoulders or lose their grip because the tool is too heavy.
With the Makita KP0800K Planer, you don’t need to worry about fatigue because it weighs just 5.7 pounds. You can swing it around your workplace whenever you want. Apart from the lightweight, the tool also comes with an ergonomic handle.
Ergonomic handles are the best for all handheld tools because they are designed with your comfort in view.
The rear and front of the handle are rubberized and this can be soothing to your palm protecting you from direct contact to metal.
Keep in mind that the device is corded so it doesn’t offer limitless flexibility. Notwithstanding, the cord is long so you will have a reliable range to work with during your projects.
Perfect Power-to-Weight Ratio
The power-to-weight ratio is perfect so you will always feel the balance when you’re using the handheld planer whether you’re holding it upside down or not.
There is a 6.5 AMP motor on the device and it is just perfect for the 5.7 lb size. If the motor was any bigger, the power-to-weight ratio would have been disproportionate.
Planers with this problem usually have vibration problems that affect precision as well. Apart from this, two other things that prevent the vibrations are the machined aluminum and balanced planer drum.
They absorb and buffer the vibrations from the motor making the machine essentially vibration-free. This is something only a few handheld planer manufacturers have been able to achieve.
Cutter-head Offers 17,000 RPM
The cutter-head of the device has two blades. This way, each pass trims off a significant amount of wood and the cuts will be cleaner than the cuts you’ll get from a single blade cutter-head.
Thanks to the 6.5 AMP motor, the cutter head moves 17, 000 times every minute. This is incredibly impressive for a handheld planer of this size.
To ensure that the blades don’t cause any damage when in use, the spring-loaded stand raises the base from the surface in question.
The blades on the cutter-head come with variable speed settings. You can change the speed through the adjustment knob. When you change the speed, lock the blades in place to ensure that they don’t fall off during use.
The package also comes with a wrench for quick blade replacement. To achieve even more precise cuts, you can use the depth adjustment knobs in addition to the variable speed option.
Related reading: DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer
High-quality Aluminium Casing for Durability
The die-cast aluminum casing of the Makita KP0800K ensures its durability over time. Aluminum isn’t prone to rust like iron but it provides around the same level of durability and protection for the internal parts of the device.
Apart from this, another feature that helps promote the durability of the device is the all-ball bearing construction.
With ball bearing, there is less friction on the motor. Combined with the poly-v belt drive system, you can rest assured that your Makita KP0800K Planer is going to last for a long time.
To ensure that the product doesn’t get ruined in storage or during transportation, there is a hard carrying case that protects both sides of the device.
Related article: Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer Review
Makita KP0800K Planer Review The Verdict
The review above shows that it is a good woodworking tool for beginners and hobbyists. Even professionals may find good use for the Makita KP0800K Planer in their workshop. With about $150 to $160, you can buy one for yourself on Amazon.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t include the cost of the chip bag. Without a chip bag, the debris released when you’re shaving wood will be all over the place.
You’ll need to buy the chip bag if you want the device to serve you flawlessly. Other than this, everything else about the Makita KP0800K Planer is fine.
If you find out that it isn’t good after you purchase it, you can return it within the first year. Just make sure that you meet the terms of the warranty before you call Makita.
