Andy,

I got the new Makita 12" planer about 6 weeks ago and am satisfied with it. I needed a wide planer and couldn't spring for a German machine, so I got the Makita. It leaves an excellent finish. Knives are reversible and disposable (which I like). Changing knives takes 3 minutes and is fool-proof. I have planed about 6000 bd ft of oak with it so far and am using my third new set of knives. I expect you could go 2.5 - 3 times farther in pine. It is not fun to use, but I don't know any 40 lb tools that are. While I am sure the German machines are excellent tools, I feel the Makita is worth it's cost.

Gabel H.