
10 
OPERATION 
Hold the tool firmly with one hand on the knob and the 
other hand on the switch handle when performing the tool. 
Planing operation 
Fig.16 
First, rest the tool front base flat upon the workpiece 
surface without the blades making any contact. Switch 
on and wait until the blades attain full speed. Then 
move the tool gently forward. Apply pressure on the 
front of tool at the start of planing, and at the back at the 
end of planing. Planing will be easier if you incline the 
workpiece in stationary fashion, so that you can plane 
somewhat downhill. 
The speed and depth of cut determine the kind of finish. 
The power planer keeps cutting at a speed that will not 
result in jamming by chips. For rough cutting, the depth 
of cut can be increased, while for a good finish you 
should reduce the depth of cut and advance the tool 
more slowly. 
Shiplapping (Rabbeting) 
Fig.17 
To make a stepped cut as shown in the figure, use the 
edge fence (guide rule). 
Adjust the shiplapping depth using a depth guide 
(accessory). 
Draw a cutting line on the workpiece. Insert the edge 
fence into the hole in the front of the tool. Align the 
blade edge with the cutting line. 
Fig.18 
Install the edge fence on the tool and secure it with the 
washer and thumb screw (A). Loosen the thumb screw 
(B) and adjust the edge fence until it comes in contact 
with the side of the workpiece. Then tighten the thumb 
screw (B) securely. 
Fig.19 
When planing, move the tool with the edge fence flush 
with the side of the workpiece. Otherwise uneven 
planing may result. 
 
CAUTION: 
• The blade edge should be made to protrude 
outside slightly (0.2 mm - 0.4 mm) for shiplapping. 
Fig.20 
You may wish to add to the length of the fence by 
attaching an extra piece of wood. Convenient holes are 
provided in the fence for this purpose, and also for 
attaching an extension guide (optional accessory). 
Fig.21 
Chamfering 
Fig.22 
To make a chamfering cut as shown in the figure, align 
one of three "V" grooves in the front base with the edge 
of the workpiece and plane it. 
Fig.23 
Use of chamfering rule (optional accessory) assures 
more tool stability when shiplapping. 
Fig.24 
To install the chamfering rule, remove two screws on 
both sides of the front of the tool and set the depth of 
cut to 4 mm. And then install it on the front base of the 
tool and secure it the screws as shown in the figure. 
When doing a great amount of chamfering, place an edge 
of chamfering rule so that it contacts workpiece and make 
many passes of planing as shown in the figure. 
Fig.25 
MAINTENANCE 
 
CAUTION: 
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and 
unplugged before attempting to perform inspection 
or maintenance. 
• Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or 
the like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may 
result. 
Sharpening the planer blades 
For standard blades only 
Always keep your blades sharp for the best 
performance possible. Use the sharpening holder to 
remove nicks and produce a fine edge. 
Fig.26 
First, loosen the two wing nuts on the holder and insert 
the blades (A) and (B), so that they contact the sides 
(C) and (D). Then tighten the wing nuts. 
Fig.27 
Immerse the dressing stone in water for 2 or 3 minutes 
before sharpening. Hold the holder so that the both 
blades contact the dressing stone for simultaneous 
sharpening at the same angle. 
Fig.28 
Replacing carbon brushes 
Fig.29 
Remove and check the carbon brushes regularly. 
Replace when they wear down to the limit mark. Keep 
the carbon brushes clean and free to slip in the holders. 
Both carbon brushes should be replaced at the same 
time. Use only identical carbon brushes. 
Use a screwdriver to remove the rear cover. 
Fig.30 
Take out the worn carbon brushes, insert the new ones 
and secure the rear cover. 
Fig.31 
To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, 
any other maintenance or adjustment should be 
performed by Makita Authorized Service Centers, 
always using Makita replacement parts.