Makita M1901 Power Planer, Red/Black, 82 mm

I've used one in Asia for years, they are branded as MAKTEK there. Been using this one in the uk for a lot of planing old oak sleepers. No frills tool but excellent quality in both build and the job it does. These go on for a very long time and there is no point spending twice as much on the full fat makita.

Cant really go wrong with Makita

First things first: this arrived with a European 2 pin plug on it, which was a surprise. HOWEVER, like most power tools, this planer is double earthed, so even if it had come with a UK 3 pin plug, then the earth pin would not have been connected to the tool..(I am not an electrician, but I can open a plug: have a look inside your old 240v hammer drill plug, or better still: the plug on your wife's 2000W 'best' hairdryer: no earth cable). So, all that is needed to use it is a cheap EU to UK travel adapter and you are away and planing.The M1901 is a good quality machine: it is simple to use, feels like quality and is easily powerful enough to plane oak for as long as most civilians will ever need to. It will plane all the things that other planers do, it just does it cheaper.It is the same general dimensions as the Makita 'Pro' 240v model (KP0800), but has 20% less power, a lower amp rating on the motor, a slightly shorter, less indestructable cable and it is orange, not teal green. It still cuts up to 2mm per pass, and can rebate to 9mm, has an easy to use chamfering groove in the sole, and uses the same 2 blade design as the expensive model ( it even looks like the same blades to me). The M1901 also comes with the same 3 year warranty as the Pro version, (provided you register it online within a week or so of delivery). This model costs roughly half of the KP0800 model, so there is a lot to be said for it, really.The M1901 comes in a carboard box with a sturdy metal fence (or guide), an instruction manual, and a blade setting tool. Hard cases are usually an option with quality power tools (because most of them will live in a workshop and won't ever need the case).It is compatible with the same dust bag as the Pro model ( part number 1227930), and you will probably want that: this 'lower power' planer will still create an instant blizzard of wood shavings which will cover every surface in sight. Shop around for this accessory, and you can make good savings.I believe that Makita invented the electric planer in the 1950's, it was one of the first power tools that they made. Having used this one for a while, I can see that they know what they are doing.Top tips:1: Don't forget to register it online within a few days of receiving it to upgrade your warranty from 1 year to 3 years.2: If you are using an EU to UK adapter, make sure it is not a shaving adapter: they only handle 1Amp. These adapters are very cheap and reliable.3: If someone is sniffy about it 'only having 500W', you can always point out that most pro joiners would be hgappy to use a Makita battery powered planer when visiting a customer's home... they are less than 20W.

Spot on cannot fault

Made of quality materials and well put together.Feels purposeful and like it will last.