While working on wood with your own hands can be very satisfying and fun as leisure, it’s not when it’s a professional task. So, you have to resort to using a power planer to do your job while you attend to other tasks. Apparently, a power planer can do the job of planing really fast for you while giving you ample time to relax. Moreover, a lot of your energy is saved as well and your piece is planed at a constant level.
Since you are here in search of a planer we expect that you already have decided to use one. We will be reviewing the Mastercraft 12.5 inch thickness planer. Although it’s not the best in the market, it might still be the right one for you. Through this Mastercraft Planer review, you will clearly know what keeps it from being the best and what features still keep it available. Mastercraft is well-known for making many products in this line and deserves the fame well. So, let’s get to know this Mastercraft creation and decide if it’s for you or not.
Mastercraft Planer Review: The Features
The key to knowing if this planer is suitable for you is knowing about all its features. So, here is an in-depth take on the Mastercraft 12.5 inch planer for you:
15 Ampere Motor
The planer does not disappoint in case of its power being a power planer. You get the main ingredient you need in its best form from this planer. A motor power of 15 amperes, in other words, 2 ½ horsepower is capable of functioning at great speeds. The efficiency and performance of planers are well-affected by the motor power. So, the MasterCraft Planer with its 2 ½ horsepower motor is a good choice as a power planer.
9,000 RPM Speed
9,000 revolutions per minute speed is not a speed that we ridicule. However, with a motor power of 15 amperes, you are allowed to expect better. But, the 9,000 RPM speed also provides a great performance leaving a smooth and even finish. However, this unit has a speed of 10,000 RPM without any load. Ultimately, you would expect a planer with such a price and power to be faster.
Cutting width and length
Although the speed might have disappointed you, the cutting features probably won’t. In fact, the Mastercraft planer has a cutting width of 12 ½ inches and a cutting length of 8 inches. These are quite satisfying proportions if you ask us. Apparently, you can plane woods faster with these cutting dimensions.
Adjustable Thickness
If you were looking for one adjustable feature till now like me, bingo, here it is. You can adjust the depth of this planer from 3/16 inches to 6 inches. So, you will be able to plane various kinds of woods with this planer. All you have to do is get the depth perfect for the type of wood you want to plane. However, the hardness or softness of the wood matters. If you want to plane a rock-hard wood, chances are the blades will get stuck.
Maximum depth of 1/8-inch
The maximum depth per cut matter as it determines not only how fast it can plane but also how even the surface will be. Because the more stoppages the planer requires, the more incisions and their uneven marks might be left on the surface. So, deeper the cut each time, less the chances of the surface being uneven. The maximum depth of 1/8 inches is quite acceptable in this case.
6 ¾-inch Tables
This planer actually features infeed and outfeed tables of 6 ¾ inches. The length is alright if it is enough for your purpose. Apparently, the feeding speed is 5.5 m/min. Which is not very bad either. Furthermore, it features roller knobs to lock the tables in place.
Blades:
The MasterCraft 12 ½ inch planer comes with two steel blades. While steel as the material is not the best, the blades still do a decent job on the woods.
Cutter Head Adjustment Handle:
This planer features a cutter head adjustment handle that makes adjusting the cutter head really easy. All you have to do is rotate it either clockwise or counterclockwise to get the desired setting. Furthermore, there is a depth scale that shows the depth of the cutter head accurately. So, adjusting it will never be easier!
Storage Compartment:
The planer comes with knife alignment gauge, hex keys, and open end wrench. But, where do you keep them? The manufacturers make it simple for you by including a storage compartment on the top of the planer to hold these items.
Portability:
Weighing 88 lbs., this planer is not exactly lightweight to carry. However, it is quite convenient to carry thanks to the carrying handle it features.
Safety:
In fact, this planer features a circuit overload switch to protect itself. Furthermore, you have to keep the guards in place and remove all keys from the tool when using it to be safest.
Dust Chute:
This planer, apparently, includes a dust chute that can connect to a dust bag so you can easily manage dust as well. However, a dust bag is not included.
Three Year Warranty:
You can somewhat estimate the quality of the planer from this warranty. Since the manufacturers are confident enough to include a three-year warranty, it means the product is of high quality and great build. So, if you buy it, you do not have to worry about its durability much.
Pros:
- Well-built and durable planer.
- Great motor power.
- Decent speed.
- Quite safe to use.
- Creates smooth and even surfaces.
- Easily adjustable cutter head.
- Good capability.
- Quite portable with the carrying handle.
- Three-year warranty.
Cons:
- Requires a lot of maintenance.
- No dust bag included.
- The rollers cause issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which blades can be used to replace the original ones?
Answer: You can replace the blades with the 55-5506 version of blades.
In order to get your woodworking from a hobby to a business and to the next level, you need a power planer. They can make your woodworking days better with their speed and efficiency. However, they also have the ability to make days worse with their inefficiency and ineffectiveness. In order to get the best results and performance, you have to choose the planer carefully and check it thoroughly. Our Mastercraft planer review should have given you a clear idea about the product. It’s completely up to you now whether you want it or not. But, in our eyes, you are a great buyer.
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