I finally got my workspace set up to use this big cutter. I used it in my 3.0hp Makita that I bought in 1987. I used a rail gauge which I chose for the flatness. I removed about 1/8 inch of thickness on each pass and it took 3 passes to complete the task. This is a sharp tool and it cuts a nice flat surface with minimal vibration. After minimal sanding, I covered the surface with several coats of boiled linseed oil.