Makita 1100
Makita 1100 Electric Planer Instruction Manual
Model: 1100 | Brand: Makita
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Makita 1100 Electric Planer. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new tool. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the planer to ensure proper handling and to maximize its performance and lifespan. This 950W, 82mm electric planer is designed for professional use, offering high stock removal capacity and deep rabbet capabilities.
2. Safety Instructions
Always observe basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings:
- Work Area Safety: Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
- Electrical Safety: Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
- Personal Safety: Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. Always wear eye protection. Use dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection for appropriate conditions.
- Tool Use and Care: Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools.
Specific Planer Safety Warnings:
- Wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down. An exposed rotating cutter may engage the surface, leading to loss of control and serious injury.
- Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
- Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body makes it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
- Always use sharp blades. Dull blades can cause the planer to kick back or stall.
- Ensure the workpiece is free of nails, screws, or other foreign objects before planing.
3. Components and Parts
The Makita 1100 Electric Planer comes with several key components and accessories to facilitate its operation and maintenance.
- Planer Body: The main housing containing the motor, cutter head, and base.
- Front Base Plate: Adjustable plate for setting cutting depth.
- Rear Base Plate: Fixed plate that supports the planer during operation.
- Depth Adjustment Knob: Used to precisely set the planing depth.
- Trigger Switch: Activates the motor.
- Parallel Guide: Attaches to the planer to ensure straight cuts along the edge of a workpiece.
- Carbide Insert Set (Blades): The cutting elements of the planer.
- Socket Wrench: For blade installation and adjustments.
- Adjustment Plate Set: For fine-tuning blade alignment.
- Metal Case: For storage and transport of the planer and its accessories.

Figure 3.1: Overview of the Makita 1100 Electric Planer, showing its main body, depth adjustment knob, and the attachment points for the parallel guide.
4. Setup
4.1 Blade Installation and Adjustment
- Disconnect Power: Always ensure the planer is unplugged from the power source before performing any adjustments or maintenance.
- Access Blades: Turn the planer upside down. Locate the screws securing the blades on the cutter head.
- Remove Old Blades (if applicable): Loosen the screws with the provided socket wrench and carefully slide out the old blades.
- Install New Blades: Insert the new carbide insert blades, ensuring they are seated correctly in the cutter head.
- Adjust Blade Height: Use the adjustment plate set to ensure the blades are perfectly flush with the rear base plate. This is crucial for a smooth finish and to prevent gouging. Tighten the screws securely.
4.2 Setting Cutting Depth
- Locate the depth adjustment knob at the front of the planer.
- Rotate the knob to raise or lower the front base plate. The scale indicates the cutting depth in millimeters.
- For initial passes, it is recommended to start with a shallow depth and gradually increase it as needed.
4.3 Attaching Parallel Guide
- The parallel guide is used for planing edges straight and parallel to the workpiece.
- Slide the rods of the parallel guide into the designated holes on the side of the planer.
- Adjust the guide to the desired width from the blade and tighten the locking screw.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Basic Planing Operation
- Secure Workpiece: Always secure your workpiece firmly with clamps or a vise to prevent movement during planing.
- Power On: Plug the planer into a 110V power outlet.
- Starting the Cut: Place the front base plate flat on the workpiece, ensuring the blades are not touching the surface. Start the planer by pressing the trigger switch.
- Smooth Movement: Once the motor reaches full speed, slowly and steadily push the planer forward across the workpiece. Apply even pressure on both the front and rear handles.
- Finishing the Cut: Continue pushing until the entire rear base plate is on the workpiece. Release the trigger switch only after the planer has completely left the workpiece.
- Multiple Passes: For deeper material removal, make several shallow passes rather than one deep pass. This provides a smoother finish and reduces strain on the tool.

Figure 5.1: Proper technique for operating the Makita 1100 Electric Planer, showing how to maintain control and apply even pressure during a cut.
5.2 Rabbeting (Rebating)
The Makita 1100 is capable of deep rabbet cuts.
- Attach the parallel guide and adjust it to the desired width of the rabbet.
- Set the cutting depth for the rabbet.
- Position the planer so the parallel guide runs along the edge of the workpiece, and the blades cut into the desired area.
- Proceed with the cut as described in Basic Planing Operation, ensuring the guide remains firmly against the workpiece edge.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Makita 1100 Electric Planer. Always disconnect the power cord before performing any maintenance.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the planer thoroughly. Remove all wood chips and dust from the cutter head, base plates, and ventilation openings using a brush or compressed air.
- Blade Inspection and Replacement: Regularly inspect the carbide insert blades for sharpness and damage. Dull or chipped blades should be replaced immediately to ensure clean cuts and prevent motor strain. Refer to Section 4.1 for blade installation.
- Cord Inspection: Check the power cord for any signs of damage, cuts, or fraying. If damaged, have it repaired by a qualified service technician.
- Lubrication: The planer's internal components are factory-lubricated and generally do not require additional lubrication. Refer to a qualified service center for any internal maintenance.
- Storage: Store the planer in its metal case in a dry, secure location, out of reach of children.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your planer.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Planer does not start. | No power supply; damaged cord; faulty switch. | Check power outlet and cord. Ensure plug is fully inserted. If problem persists, contact service. |
| Rough or uneven surface finish. | Dull or chipped blades; incorrect blade alignment; uneven pressure during planing. | Replace or sharpen blades. Re-align blades (Section 4.1). Apply even pressure and maintain steady feed rate. |
| Planer bogs down or stalls. | Too deep a cut; dull blades; motor overload. | Reduce cutting depth. Replace or sharpen blades. Allow motor to cool if overheated. |
| Excessive vibration or noise. | Loose blades; damaged bearings; foreign object in cutter head. | Check and tighten blade screws. Inspect cutter head for obstructions. If problem persists, seek professional service. |
8. Specifications
| Brand | Makita |
| Model Number | 1100 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Wattage | 950 W |
| Cutting Width | 82 mm |
| Cutting Depth | Up to 2 mm (standard planing) |
| Item Weight | 5.1 Kilograms (11.22 pounds) |
| Product Dimensions | 15.35 x 4.92 x 5.51 inches |
| Material | Metal / Alloy Steel |
| Included Components | Metal case, Adjustment Plate Set D-07945, Parallel Guide, Carbide insert set 782209-3, Socket wrench. 161046-2 |
9. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Makita website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For technical support, service, or to purchase genuine Makita replacement parts, please contact Makita customer service or visit an authorized Makita service center.
You can find more information and contact details on the official Makita store page: Makita Official Store.
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