Has anyone modified or used off the shelf $350 12" planers for cleaning up beams? I know that Makita makes one for around $1800, but for someone who's only going to use it once, I don't want to spend that kind of money. I also don't see why a $350 planer becomes a $2000 planer once the table is removed and a handle installed??? Surely someone has done this already.

--Bill