If you want the speed and feel of a corded hand planer but hate dragging a cord across a door edge or a deck board, the Makita XPK01Z is built for that exact moment. It’s a tool-only 18V LXT cordless planer designed for fast stock removal, clean edges, and jobsite convenience—especially for finish carpenters, installers, and remodelers. This review breaks down what it does well, where it’s not the best fit, and who will genuinely benefit from buying it.
Key Specs (What Matters for Real Work)
Here are the numbers you’ll actually feel in use:
- No-load speed: 15,000 RPM
- Planing width: 3-1/4 in (82 mm)
- Max planing depth per pass: 5/64 in (2 mm)
- Shiplap (rabbet) depth: 11/32 in (9 mm)
- Overall length: 13-1/8 in (333 mm)
- Weight: 7.4 lb with battery (battery sold separately)
- Motor type: Brushed
- What’s included: Planer + wrench + blade gauge + 2 blades (but no battery/charger)
Design & Ergonomics
Makita got the basics right:
Balanced feel for one-handed control
Makita highlights an ergonomically centered balance and rubberized grips on front and rear handles, which matters most when you’re planing a vertical door edge or working overhead.
Spring-loaded stand (small feature, big deal)
The spring-loaded stand lifts the base when you set the tool down, helping protect your blades and the work surface. This is one of those “pro tool” touches you appreciate daily.
Performance: Cut Speed, Control, and Finish Quality
15,000 RPM is the headline
A 15,000 RPM cutterhead is fast enough for efficient trimming and smoothing, especially for common jobsite tasks like fitting doors, easing edges, or flattening proud joints.
Depth adjustment is simple and repeatable
The click depth adjustment knob goes from 0 to 5/64″, giving you predictable control. For cleaner results, many users do multiple lighter passes rather than max depth in one go (especially on tricky grain).
Blade setup is built for speed
Makita includes an easy blade setting system and a blade gauge for faster, more consistent blade installs—useful if you’re swapping blades on a jobsite schedule.
Battery Platform: Why LXT Ownership Changes the Value
The XPK01Z is tool-only, so it becomes a much better deal if you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries/chargers. Makita also uses Star Protection Computer Controls™, which is designed to protect the tool/battery against overload, over-discharge, and overheating (the tool can stop if conditions are unsafe).
Practical takeaway: if you’re already on LXT, this planer slots into your system easily. If you’re not, the “real price” is tool + battery + charger.
Dust & Chip Management (Don’t Ignore This)
Planers create a lot of chips fast. On jobsites and small workshops, that can become:
- A mess problem
- A visibility problem
- A respirable dust problem over time
OSHA notes planers are woodworking machines used to dress and size lumber, and exposure control matters in woodworking environments.
Helpful safety reminder: wear eye protection and manage dust/chips—OSHA emphasizes PPE for hand/power tools.
Real-World Use Cases: Where the XPK01Z Makes Sense
This is where the tool shines:
- Door trimming and fitting (especially finished homes where cords are annoying)
- Deck board leveling and quick edge cleanups
- Beveling/chamfering edges for nicer joinery transitions
- Light stock removal on framing or rough boards (not a replacement for a thickness planer)
- Shiplap/rabbet work up to 11/32″ (9 mm) for certain fitting tasks
Pros and Cons (No Hype)
Pros
- Cordless convenience with strong speed/capacity for the class
- 15,000 RPM cutterhead for fast work
- 0–5/64″ depth adjustment is practical and precise
- Spring-loaded stand protects blades/work
- Included blades + gauge + wrench (solid out-of-box kit for “tool-only”)
Cons
- Battery/charger not included (cost jumps if you’re not already on LXT)
- Brushed motor (some buyers prefer brushless for efficiency/maintenance)
- Still a handheld planer: not a substitute for a full thickness planer when you need perfectly uniform boards
Who Should Buy It
You should strongly consider the Makita XPK01Z if you are:
- A finish carpenter, door/window installer, deck installer, or remodeler (Makita calls these out as target users)
- Already invested in Makita 18V LXT
- Doing frequent “fit and finish” planing where cordless saves time
Skip it or think twice if:
- You don’t own LXT batteries and only need a planer once in a while
- You need heavy, continuous planing all day (a corded planer or shop planer may suit better)
Alternatives to Consider
- Makita XPK01 (kit version) if you want battery + charger bundled (often easier for first-time buyers).
- A corded Makita planer if you need unlimited runtime and don’t mind cords
- A benchtop thickness planer if your main goal is consistent thickness across full boards
Conclusion
The Makita XPK01Z is the kind of cordless planer you buy when you’re tired of fighting cords and still want clean, confident results. With 15,000 RPM, a 3-1/4″ width, and up to 5/64″ depth per pass, it’s built for real jobsite trimming and finish work—not just hobby projects. If you’re already on Makita LXT, this is one of the most practical “time-saver” tools you can add to your woodworking or installation kit—especially for doors, edges, and quick fitting.
FAQ
1) Is the Makita XPK01Z a 3-1/4 inch or 4 inch planer?
Makita lists the XPK01Z as a 3-1/4″ planer. Some marketplace titles may show “4-inch,” but the official planing width is 3-1/4″ (82 mm).
2) What is the maximum cutting depth of the Makita XPK01Z?
It can plane up to 5/64″ (2 mm) per pass.
3) Does the Makita XPK01Z include a battery and charger?
No—it’s tool-only. Battery and charger are sold separately.
4) How fast is the Makita XPK01Z cutterhead?
The no-load speed is 15,000 RPM.
5) Does it support shiplap/rabbet cuts?
Yes. The manual lists shiplapping depth up to 11/32″ (9 mm).
6) What is Makita Star Protection and why does it matter?
Star Protection is designed to help protect tool and battery by monitoring for overload, over-discharge, and overheating—and can stop the tool if needed.
7) Is a cordless hand planer safe for beginners?
It can be, but it’s a powerful cutting tool. Follow manufacturer instructions and basic PPE guidance (eye/ear protection, stable workholding, and careful handling). OSHA emphasizes PPE and safe use with power tools.