Makita 2030 vs 2030n

Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 08:50 pm

If you are looking at buying a new jointer, you may choose between the Makita 2030 vs 2030n. They are similar jointer planers made of cast iron. Their most notable differences are weight and price. They both use Makita blades and motor brushes that need replacement. Below is a more detailed review of both tools. Look closely at their characteristics before you get one to avoid regrets.

Overview of the Makita 2030

The Makita 2030 is a vintage jointer planer made of cast iron. Although it is a single machine, the jointer and planer elements are separate. You have no conversion time from one function to the other.

The Makita 2030 has two cutter heads. They feature a single belt from a motor at the base. The machine weighs 125kg, making the machine heavy. Its high feed rate makes it less suitable for woods with problematic grain. 

However, if there was an extra sprocket set, you could change set the feed rate to a slower speed. Finding replacement blades for the planing jointer of 2030 is a bit difficult. Do not perform jointing operations and planning operations on material shorter than 5-1/2 inch, narrower than 3/4 inch, or less than 1/4 inch thick.

Maintain the proper relationships of infeed and outfeed table surfaces and cutter head knife path. Support the workpiece at all times during operation, maintaining control of the work. Avoid performing an abnormal operation without study and the use of adequate hold-down/push blokes, jigs, fixtures, and stops.

Pros

• Durable
• Adjustable
• Affordable 
• Lightweight 
• Sturdy

Cons

• Replacement blades are scarce

Features

Depth of cut.

The maximum depth Of cut is 1/8inch,  having a width of 5-7/8inch 1/32inch with a stock width of 12inch. Determine the depth of cut in terms of the width of the stock to be cut. The protrusion will indicate the depth of the cut. When cutting to a depth of 1/8inch in a single pass, raise the stopper to allow infeed.

Fence system

Use the socket wrench to loosen the hex bolts holding the fence in place. The fence system should be fastened steadily. Start by leaving screws holding the fence system in the installed condition. The lower edge of the fence should contact the stationary table, set the angle at the fencing point, then tighten the hex bolts. When moving the fence system, loosen the stop screw on the fence and move the fence system in or out, equally on either end.

Cutting operations

In straight cuts, keep the wood flush with the fence. To remove uneven spots, keep the work flat against the stationary table, and for uniform thicknesses, use the Auto-Planer.

Key safety switch

The Makita 2030 machine is on after inserting the key into the switch. Remove the key with the switch in the “ON” condition. The tool may be switched Off without the key. When unattended, the machine should be both OFF and unplugged.

Drum cover

Turn the outside knob in the arrow direction and check the cutter knives setting with the levelers. If the knife is too far in, loosen the hex bolts slightly and use a screwdriver or the like to pull it forward through the holes on the drum cover. Then run the leveler over the knife edge on both ends, adjusting using the knob in the arrow direction. When changing the cutter knives, always replace them with planing knives of the same size and brand.

Carbon brushes

Replace carbon brushes when they wear down to about 1/4inch, or sparking will occur. Brushes should be changed at the same time. Always brush off dirt, chips, and foreign matter adhering to roller surfaces and motor vents. Water or oil should not enter the motor.

Lubrication 

The periodic lubrication is performed with oil. Start by removing the chain cover—Oil the chain, the column moving parts, and the crank handle.

Overview of the Makita 2030n

Makita 2030n durable to the cast iron construction. Make sure there is no warping or sagging in the jointer bed. Take a piece of rough lumber along with a square, run a face and edge over the machine, and see if it gets it flat/square. Check the fence for the square along the bed as well.

If nothing is wrong with the motor and rollers, you are good to go. If your lumber does not get flat, it is an adjustment issue where the table is out of parallel. You will be quick to notice if the bed has sagged or something.

You need to resharpen the blades, but it comes with replacements to check if they are sharp. Planer blades are simple to replace, and a jointer head is not hard to sharpen, so long as it is uniform and installed back correctly in the plane. The price is affordable.

Pros

• Durable
• Adjustable
• It comes with replacements
• Affordable 
• Uniform

Cons

• Bulky

Features 

Carbon brushes 

Remove and check the carbon brushes regularly. Replace when they wear down to about 6 mm or less. Keep the carbon brushes clean and free to slip in the holders. Use only Makita carbon brushes. 

Remove the screws that hold the chip cover and the switch cover. Set the speed change lever in the neutral position and remove the switch cover. Open the chip cover. Remove the brush using a screwdriver.

Adjusting infeed/outfeed rollers (Auto-planer) 

The planer infeed and outfeed rollers are factory adjusted. It is simple to make the setting. Use the wrench to loosen the installation nuts slightly. Turn the adjusting screw to achieve a 0.1 to 0.3 mm above the table surface. A postcard can slip in and out between the roller and the leveler. After adjusting rollers, tighten installation nuts securely. A protruding roller cause gouging or shipping in the workpiece and rough surfaces.

Blades

When removing the blade from the Jointer, release the drum lock and turn the knob to the position. Push the Makita blade out with the screwdriver. 

Depth of cut

Determine the depth of cut and the cutting speed. That is in terms of the width of the workpiece you intend to cut. Insert the workpiece flush with the tabletop. When cutting a long and heavy workpiece, lift the end of the workpiece at the start and the end of the cutting. That prevents gouging or sniping at the ends of the workpiece.

Similar Features

• Both have two knives.
• They use Makita blades.
• They of cast iron.
• They work on long lumber.
• They have a no lad speed of 7,000 R/min.

Key Differences

• Makita 2030n weighs 150 kg, whereas Makita 2030 weighs 125kg.

Verdict

If you are looking for a light planer, Makita 2030 is the machine to pick between the two. However, these tools are more similar in their use and features. However, the Makita 2030n is more advanced than its competitor. Look closely at your preferences before you pick one.