Milwaukee Brushless 2" Planer

In the world of carpentry and remodeling, having a reliable planer can make all the difference. The Milwaukee Brushless 2" Planer, model 2524-20, has become a mainstay in my toolkit and for good reason. This compact, cordless tool brings a new level of precision and convenience to my woodworking projects, making it a joy to use.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee 2" Planer is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 3.1 lbs, it's incredibly easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold, reducing fatigue during extended use. Despite its lightweight nature, the planer feels robust and well-built, thanks to its metal composition. The overall length of 10.87 inches and a height of 4.86 inches make it a portable yet powerful tool.

Performance

Performance-wise, this planer truly shines. The brushless motor delivers an impressive 14,500 RPMs, resulting in a smooth and even finish. The planer features dual blades that work in tandem to ensure that the surface you're working on is left pristine. I was particularly impressed with the ability to remove up to 5/64" in a single pass, which is more than sufficient for most of my needs.

The 2" wide shoe is perfect for common applications, and the 21 different depth settings ranging from 0 to 5/64" offer a high level of control. Adjusting the depth is straightforward, and the incremental settings allow for precise control, making it easy to achieve the desired thickness. I found this particularly useful when working with different types of wood, from softwoods to hardwoods.

User Experience

One of the standout features for me is the dual-sided shavings port. This design allows for shavings to be expelled from either side of the tool, depending on your preference, which adds a layer of convenience. However, it's worth noting that the planer doesn't come with a shavings bag, which means you'll need to attach a vacuum for effective dust collection. The universal hose adapter included makes this relatively hassle-free, although some users might find the vacuum hose a bit cumbersome.

The lockable kickstand is another thoughtful addition. It prevents the blades from interfering with the surface when the tool is not in use, which is a great safety feature. The kickstand automatically retracts when you start using the planer, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

Battery Life

This tool is part of Milwaukee's M12 battery system, which I already use for several other tools. The battery life is impressive; even after extensive use, the battery still had plenty of charge left. However, it's important to note that the tool is sold as a "tool-only" option, so you'll need to have compatible M12 batteries on hand. The 4.0 Ah battery is particularly effective, providing ample power for demanding tasks.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this planer excels in a variety of applications. Whether I'm working on doors, windows, or even smaller woodworking projects, the tool's versatility is evident. The ability to perform rabbeting is a nice touch, adding to its functionality. I also found that it handles different types of wood with ease, from soft pine to harder oak.

One area where the planer truly stood out was in planing doors. Older homes often have doors that stick due to shifting and settling, and this planer made quick work of adjusting them to fit perfectly. The compact size also made it easy to maneuver in tighter spaces, such as around door frames and window sills.

Limitations

No tool is without its flaws, and the Milwaukee 2" Planer is no exception. One issue I encountered is the alignment of the blades with the back plate. While this didn't affect the overall performance for me, it could potentially lead to snipe if not carefully managed. Another minor inconvenience is the lack of a shavings bag, which means you'll need to rely on a vacuum for dust collection.

Additionally, the depth knob requires a few clicks before the cutter engages from the zero setting. This might be an adjustment issue or simply the way the tool is designed. While not a deal-breaker, it does require a bit of getting used to.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Brushless 2" Planer is a fantastic addition to any woodworker's arsenal. Its combination of power, precision, and portability makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. While it does have a few minor drawbacks, they are easily outweighed by its numerous benefits.

I would highly recommend this planer to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its ease of use, coupled with the ability to handle various types of wood and tasks, makes it a valuable tool for anyone involved in carpentry or remodeling. The compact design and cordless convenience further enhance its appeal, making it a must-have for any toolkit.