Makita 2012NB Review: Reliable Portable Thickness Planer

It might seem like the case when it comes to power tools but with good design, size barely matters of the Makita 2012NB.

This product may seem small for a 12” planer but it’s not worth fussing over. With its solid performance, it proves that it can still get to do a lot for its users.

MAKITA 2012NB at a glance

Product

Name

Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

Type

Thickness Planer

Power Source

Corded-Electric

Dimension

30.4 x 19 x 15.8 inches

Weight

61.9 pounds

Prime Status

Buy Option

Check Price on Amazon

Product

Name

Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

Type

Thickness Planer

Power Source

Corded-Electric

Dimension

30.4 x 19 x 15.8 inches

Weight

61.9 pounds

Prime Status

Buy Option

Check Price on Amazon

Described by some as the very planer to have everything you need in a portable thicknesser, it’s safe to say that it offers a lot more than just its compact size.

It’s so well-designed that when it was upgraded and tweaked years ago, many were surprised. It has been known to be a solid pick for decades already, so upgrades can be worrying as they might be for the worse. Luckily, in this case, they didn’t degrade the product’s design in any way.

However, due to its compact design, you might be wondering whether it’s a good fit for you or should you just go all out and get one of the larger options.

To be honest, this benchtop planer can do the same things as most 12” planers. It’s just more compact and portable, so if you need something that’s easier to take on worksites, it can be a good pick.

Some experts also recommend the 2012NB to DIYers and newbie woodworkers who want to upgrade their workshops. It can certainly come in handy if you’re planning on taking on a DIY renovation and other projects that require trimming large materials.

Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

• Compact with less weight for easy transporting to the jobsite
• Engineered for faster, easier blade changes
• Low noise (83dB) for operator comfort
• 4-post design and diagonal cross supports for stability
• Large table extensions to support the workpiece

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To help you assess whether it’s a good fit for you, however, we’ll further discuss its details below.

Features

• 15 AMP motor provides 8500 PRM
• 4-post design to easily accommodate larger materials
• Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp helps eliminate snipes and tear-outs
• With diagonal cross supports promise stability
• Large table extensions for better workpiece accommodation
• Fully adjustable depth promises superior precision
• LED light indicator
• Double-edge disposable blades
• On/off paddle switch for easy operation
• Optional dust hood provides an easy way to collect discarded material
• Detachable toolbox

Pros

• Compact and relatively lightweight makes it easy to bring with you to worksites
• Designed to be very easy to use
• Suitable for finish woodworking
• Offers great value for money
• Solid and durable construction
• Has lots of glowing reviews
• Very quiet when in operation
• Comes with a dust hood for faster cleanups

Cons

• A bit slow, especially if the material is not pristine
• Not everyone is a fan of its dust hood

Why Buy This Power Tool

Deciding to get a bench planer is a huge leap for a lot of woodworkers so it’s not surprising that lots of people tread carefully when faced with this task. It means that you’re already taking a huge project. The right power tools can help ensure great results, so no one wants to mess up in taking a pick from their many options.

Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

• Compact with less weight for easy transporting to the jobsite
• Engineered for faster, easier blade changes
• Low noise (83dB) for operator comfort
• 4-post design and diagonal cross supports for stability
• Large table extensions to support the workpiece

Check Price on Amazon

If you’re going to closely consider the Makita 2012NB, you must first want to know why it’s worth a shot. So to help with that, here are a few reasons why you should check it out from this makita 2012nb review.

Portability

The most notable thing about the 2012NB for a lot of people is its portability. It’s a very compact benchtop planer and being relatively light makes it easy to be lugged around.

Its small size isn’t just the only thing that makes it compact. Its table extensions are also foldable, so you don’t have to wrestle with an oddly-shaped tool. This makes it easier to move it around and store it away. So if you’re a contractor who offers offsite services, this can be a good addition to your arsenal.

Ease of use

Like lots of other Makita planers like 1806B, the 2012NB is also designed for ease of use. This is one of the many reasons why lots of experts recommend it to casual woodworkers as well as hobbyists and DIYers. It’s hard to go wrong with how simple the operation of this product is.

Aside from its straightforward depth adjustment and its accessible switch, it’s also designed for easy blade replacements. Since it’s equipped with disposable blades, this detail really comes in handy as you don’t have to get a professional to replace the part for you. You can quickly swap it out with a new one any time you need to do so.

Smooth finish

Another important thing that you have to know about the 2012NB is that it promises a smooth finish. It’s actually engineered for finish woodworking, so you can expect effective material from it.

Its Interna-Lok automated head clamp also helps in achieving such results as it prevents sniping and tear-outs. By keeping the cutter head firmly locked in place while the planer is in operation, it maintains an even and leveled cut all throughout the process.

Quiet operation

The Makita 2012NB is also well known for its quiet operation. It has been tested to only make 83 decibels of noise while running, so it’s only slightly louder than a garbage disposal unit. It will still be ideal to wear hearing protection gear when working with this tool, however.

If you think this is a sign of a low-powered motor, you’re wrong. Equipped with a 15 AMP motor, this product is efficient and capable of performing its tasks nicely. However, some users point out that it’s not exactly a fast performer, so don’t expect it to be one.

Great value

While it’s not the cheapest benchtop planer, this product still gets to offer great value for the money. Aside from its performance, it also offers the additional benefit of portability, so you can definitely get a lot of use with it.

Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

• Compact with less weight for easy transporting to the jobsite
• Engineered for faster, easier blade changes
• Low noise (83dB) for operator comfort
• 4-post design and diagonal cross supports for stability
• Large table extensions to support the workpiece

Check Price on Amazon

FAQs

Does it snipe?

It depends on the user. Some say that they do not notice any bites or snipes on their materials but they also note that they take extra measures to get their desired results.

Where is this item made?

China.

What is the shortest length of wood you can plane on this tool?

According to the manufacturers, the shortest piece you should run through should be at least 5 1/16 inches in length.