Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer
Best for
Best portable
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$1,099.00
Updated Jun 23, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Makita 2012NB is the compact, quieter alternative to the DeWalt machines. High-trust r/woodworking commenters describe it as 'pretty good for what it is,' accurate on thickness with 'surface quality on par with any other straight blade planer,' while r/Makita threads call it the 'best value-for-money' even though it costs more than most competitors. A finewoodworking.com writeup and verified Home Depot buyers echo that it is a powerful performer with simple blade changes and an acceptable noise level for a planer.
What reviewers liked
- Compact, lighter four-post design praised for portability and low noise (rated 83dB)
- Community consensus on excellent finish quality and easy, long-lasting blade changes
- More power than its size suggests, per multiple high-trust community reports
- Long-running model with replacement blades still in production
Where it falls short
- Highest price in this pool at around $1,099
- Mixed reports on stock dust collection—several say it needs the optional hood
- Straight-knife design means more tearout on figured wood than a helical head
- Narrower 12-inch capacity versus the 13-inch DeWalt and JET units
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Across the reviewers we read, the Makita 2012NB is the compact, quieter alternative to the DeWalt machines. High-trust r/woodworking commenters describe it as 'pretty good for what it is,' accurate on thickness with 'surface quality on par with any other straight blade planer,' while r/Makita threads call it the 'best value-for-money' even though it costs more than most competitors. A finewoodworking.com writeup and verified Home Depot buyers echo that it is a powerful performer with simple blade changes and an acceptable noise level for a planer.
- 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
- Compact and lightweight for easy transporting to the job site
- Fastest and easiest blade change system on the market; uses disposable double edge blades
- Quietest (83dB) planer in its class
It does it's job fine and has more power than you would expect it's ok. the dust collection on it is subpar. Dust collection works great, it's ...
It's pretty good for what it is. Accurate when it comes to thickness, surface quality on par with any other straight blade planer, good chip collection when ...
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“MAKITA 2012NB Thicknesser” · TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YET ...
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