I'm using 10 exposed 12x12 x 19' long red oak timbers in my house (it's a hybrid, not a full timber frame). A local guy is milling them, and I'm debating how to surface them--can I use one of those Makita 6 3/4" hand held power planers and just hit them multiple times? Is it practical to try to rig up a system to feed them through a standard portable planer? I'd rather spend my money on a portable planer than the hand held since I'd probably use it more later on, but getting the timbers right is my first concern.

I'd appreciate any thoughts.