Meets all expectations

I took my time and did my research, based the other reviews of this tool. Satisfied that so many others thought this a quality product, I took the plunge and bought it. It helped that Amazon was running a 10% off special at the time, so it was considerably less than I could have gotten it else where or on Ebay.^M
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I agree with the other posters that the packaging was flimsy, but the tool was in mint condition.^M
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This is my first planer as well, but I literally unpacked it, plugged it in, and started planing some salvaged redwood boards. This tool is excellent. The finish on the boards was very smooth and in some cases, I don't think I even need to sand them.^M
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Since this was my first planer, it was a surprise to me that it's self feeding, but that makes the use of this tool all the more enjoyable.^M
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As other posters noted, this will create a ton of debris. I ordered the hood too, but it's not due to arrive for a month. Having only a shopvac, I have my doubts whether or not it can keep up, so for now it's going to remain in the garage.^M
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I'm completely satisfied.

Perfect so far

So disclaimer first: this is my first planer.^M
Like another poster said (and I chuckled as I opened the box and remembered his words): the packing seems so marginal! Just a few glued layers of cardboard! But mine was perfect on arrival.^M
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My experience has been very good. There's not much to say because it was all so easy. I literally took it out of the box, attached the dust collector I bought and planed perfectly smooth (in my case, birch) wood right away!^M
I find it pretty light and compact. I did not measure hardly any snipe with my calipers, and I had a glassy smooth surface (just made light final cuts).^M
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Only complaint - my other favorite tool company right now is Ridgid - I like the way Ridgid gives a very complete "repair manual" (full part description) with their products. There was no such manual with the Makita.^M
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enjoy your planer if you buy!^M
Rob

another great tool from Makita

I own about 8 Makita tools and they all work great. However,if you buy this planer make sure you get the dust hood. I built one using furnace ductwork and although it worked it looked like a muffler on a tractor. Plus, in order to attach it I had to drill two 8" holes in my new planer. One other little problem: My 2" dia. shop vacuum hose is too small for exhaust hood. However, by wrapping a little duct tape around one end of a 2" shop vac splice will make it fit. Apparently Makita has their own dust colection system that will only fit their products and not a standard shop vacuum. I had the same problem with my Makita table saw.