Should You Invest in the DeWalt DW735 Planer? A Detailed Review

Are you ready to upgrade your workshop with a planer that delivers professional-grade results?

The DeWalt DW735 might be the perfect fit!

Built to handle demanding woodworking tasks, the DeWalt DW735 planer combines speed, precision, and reliability in one powerful package. With its tough build and advanced cutting technology, the DW735 sets a new standard for portable planers.

In this detailed review, we explore everything you need to know about the DeWalt DW735, helping you determine if it’s the right addition to your workshop.

Specifications and Design of the Dewalt dw735 Planer

The DeWalt DW735 planer features a three-knife cutterhead that spins at 10,000 RPM. This setup quickly removes material as boards pass through. The result is a superior finish compared to machines with fewer knives.

You get two feed speed options: 96 cuts per inch (CPI) or 179 CPI. This flexibility lets you optimize cuts based on board thickness and desired finish. The faster 179 CPI speed is perfect for thin boards.

The DeWalt DW735 packs a punch with 20,000 pounds of cutting pressure. This strong 15-amp planer powers through rough lumber with ease. It weighs only 92 pounds, making it much lighter than stationary planers. This portability is a huge advantage for woodworking projects on the go.

Key Specs

• Max cut width: 13 inches
• Max cut depth: 6 inches
• Feed speed: 96 or 179 CPI
• Cutterhead speed: 10,000 RPM
• Number of cutterhead knives: 3
• Max cuts per inch: 179
• Power source: 120V, 15A motor

Unmatched Cut Quality and Smoothness

The DW735 features a three-knife cutterhead that delivers a smooth, ripple-free finish on boards. Many portable planers use only two knives, which can lead to visible snipe marks across the grain. The cutterhead makes either 96 or 179 cuts per inch while the boards pass through. It can remove up to 1/8 inch of material in a single pass.

Taking light passes with the grain helps minimize tearing for a blemish-free surface. This approach ensures a clean and polished finish. Feeding boards through at the lower 96 CPI speed gives each knife more time to slice the wood cleanly. This results in fewer blemishes and a smoother surface overall.

The faster 179 CPI option works well for dimensioned boards that do not require heavy cuts. It helps users save time without sacrificing quality. Paying attention to grain direction is crucial for achieving a smooth finish. Adjusting the cut depth for denser woods enhances the finish quality significantly. This strategy helps maintain a clean and polished surface, regardless of the material.

Snipe Reduction

Snipe – uneven cuts at the beginning and end of a board – is a common frustration with portable planers. DeWalt designed the DW735’s materials infeed and outfeed tables to minimize snipe.

The infeed table contains rollers that grip and feed the board once it makes contact. The outfeed table has an extra-long extension support that cradles the board’s trailing end. This helps prevent snipe as the last section of board exits the cutterhead.

An automatic carriage lock engages when you stop planing. This prevents the cutterhead from creating new snipe marks if a paused board moves unexpectedly.

Cutting Depth and Adjustments

The DW735 easily handles dimensional lumber and wide boards. Its 6-inch maximum cutting depth is impressive. You can adjust the cutterhead from 0 to 1/8″ per pass for precise cuts.
A large crank helps you set the cutting depth accurately. It has a clear 1/16″ scale for easy reading. One full turn of the crank changes the depth by 1/8″.

Want to prevent accidental changes? Use the depth stop turret. It locks the cutterhead at a specific height. This feature ensures your cuts stay consistent every time you use the planer.

Dust Collection and Chip Removal

Planing lumber creates a mess of chips and sawdust. The DW735 tackles this issue with its fan-assisted chip ejection system. It blows chips out of the back of the machine and into a dust collection hose for easy cleanup.

The system features a 2-1/2” port that fits standard dust collection hoses. The fan pulls in a large volume of air, reducing jams and keeping the cutterhead clear. If chips do get stuck, small access doors make it easy to clear them out. By using a dust collector, you can significantly cut down on cleanup time and keep your workspace tidy.

Cutting Capacity for Large Boards

The DW735 effortlessly handles wide boards up to 13 inches, saving you time and effort. You can plane large boards in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple passes on a smaller machine.

The cutterhead housing is designed for stability, measuring nearly 15 inches wide. This extra width provides a smooth ride for large boards over 12 inches, preventing them from rocking or shifting during use.

Noise Levels

The DW735 planer operates at a loud 85-90 decibels, making hearing protection a must. This noise level is similar to other 15-amp portable planers under heavy use.

Although it’s loud, the DeWalt DW35 produces a more tolerable sound than some competitors, with less high-pitched noise. The powerful motor and fast-spinning cutterhead are the main sources of the noise. Using a dust collector adds to the overall loudness, so be sure to take extra precautions to protect your hearing.

Ease of Use with the DeWalt Planer on the Jobsite

DeWalt built the DW735 planer for portability and convenience. Weighing just 92 pounds, it’s easy for one or two people to move around a job site or lift into a vehicle.

The planer features a sturdy collapsible stand with wheels, making it simple to navigate uneven terrain. Just extend the stand, tip the planer upright, and lock the wheels in place for stability.

A retractable handle provides a comfortable grip for guiding the unit. When not in use, it folds down to save space, making the planer even more compact and portable.

Infeed and Outfeed Tables

The DW735’s infeed table features polyurethane rollers that grip lumber firmly, preventing slipping and ensuring smooth feeding into the cutterhead.

Extension tables on both sides provide extra support for long boards. The outfeed table extends a full 40 inches, cradling the stock as it exits the cutterhead. This design helps minimize snipe, keeping the board’s trailing end stable and secure.

By combining a firm grip with extended support, the DW735 ensures consistent and accurate planing results.

Cutterhead Access and Maintenance

The DeWalt DW35 features a quick-release cover that provides fast access to the cutterhead. To change knives or clear jams, simply rotate two threaded knobs and remove the plastic housing.

The indexable carbide inserts are easy to maintain. They attach to the rotating cutterhead with a screw and can be rotated or replaced when dull. This means you don’t have to replace the entire knife, saving time and money.

To ensure smooth, accurate cuts, DeWalt recommends checking knife sharpness every 100-200 linear feet of planing. Regular maintenance keeps your inserts sharp and your planer performing at its best.

Motor and Gearbox Durability

The DeWalt DW735 planer is powered by a robust 15-amp motor that delivers an impressive 20,000 RPM. This motor provides ample torque to handle tough woods like oak and walnut with ease.

A triple belt drive system connects the motor to the cutterhead, ensuring smooth and efficient power transfer. The larger pulleys on the motor and cutterhead add extra torque, making the DW735 a reliable workhorse.

Shifting between fast and slow feed speeds is effortless, thanks to the easy-to-use gearbox lever. Plus, grease fittings allow for easy lubrication, keeping the gears running smoothly for years to come

Thickness Planing vs Surface Planing

It’s important to note the DW735 is a thickness planer, not a surface planer.

• Thickness planers remove material across the entire width of a board to reduce thickness. The cutterhead spans the width of the planer bed.
• Surface planers use a narrow rotating cutter to only smooth the top face of the board.

The DW735 excels at thicknessing roughsawn lumber, taking boards from rough to smooth at your desired size. It does not flatten faces or smooth edges like a surface planer or jointer.

Dust Collection Recommendations

Planers generate huge quantities of chips and dust. Using the DW735 without dust collection will create a messy clean-up.

Ideally, use a dust collector with a minimum air flow rating of 400 CFM. This will efficiently suck chips from the ejection port and keep the machine running smoothly. Shop vacs clog quickly.

For adequate airflow, use 2-1/2″ diameter collection hoses rated for fine dust. Flexible hoses avoid sharp bends that reduce suction. Fitting a separator like a Dust Deputy before the dust collector keeps the filter clean.

Optional Accessories

DeWalt offers several accessories that enhance the DW735’s usefulness:

• Thickness planer stand – Provides a dedicated cart with extra storage for the planer and accessories.
• Replacement knives – Purchasing extra knives means you always have sharp inserts ready to swap in.
• Infeed and outfeed tables – Extend the support for long boards.
• Mobile base – Adds wheeled mobility.

Third party companies sell helpful add-ons like replacement chip deflectors, shelving, and dado cutting inserts too.

DW735 vs DW735X

DeWalt sells two versions of this planer – the DW735 and DW735X:

• The DW735 comes alone with just the standard tables.
• The DW735X includes the planer plus infeed and outfeed tables for supporting long boards.

The planers themselves are identical. The main distinction is the extension tables included with the “X” kit. These help minimize snipe but aren’t essential.

How It Compares to Other Planers

The DW735 combines power, cut quality, and portability in one package. Here’s how it stacks up to other popular portable planers:

• Makita 2012NB – Very similar portable planer but louder and slightly less power. $100+ cheaper.
• Ridgid R4331 – Good value planer but less refined, cheaper build.
• Cutech 41212-CT – Underpowered, noisy, and prone to snipe but costs hundreds less.
• Delta 22-555 – Slightly underpowered but very accurate cuts and finish.

For serious hobbyists, the DW735 hits a sweet spot between price and cutting performance. While expensive, it should provide years of smooth, accurate planing.

Warranty

The DW735 comes with a 3 year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects and workmanship issues. Standard wear items like knives, belts, and chip ejection housings are excluded.

Registering your warranty extends coverage to 90 days past the 3 year mark for free repairs on qualifying issues. As an upgrade, DeWalt offers a 3 year on-site warranty for ~$50 that dispatches technicians to you.

Drawbacks and Downsides

The DW735 has a few disadvantages to consider:

• High noise levels necessitate hearing protection. Communicating while running is nearly impossible.
• Plastic casing and tables instead of metal make it lighter but may impact long term durability.
• No digital thickness readout means you must rely on the crank depth scale.
• Price is ~$150 higher than competitors with similar specs.

While not perfect, the drawbacks are outweighed by its thoughtful design and reliable performance.

Final Recommendation

The DeWalt DW735 justifies its price tag by combining robust power and precision for superior planing results. It tackles tough woods easily thanks to an efficient cutterhead design and durable drivetrain.

For anyone needing to flatten, straighten, and dimension large volumes of lumber, the DW735 delivers consistent, snipe-free performance. The wealth of positive owner reviews confirm its durability and capabilities.

Overall, the DW735 deserves its reputation as a workhorse thickness planer that belongs in any professional’s or hobbyist’s shop. If you can afford the price premium, it’s one of the best portable planers available today.

DeWalt DW735 Key Specs

• Motor: 15 amp, 120 volt
• Max Cut Width: 13 inches
• Max Cut Depth: 6 inches
• Cutterhead Speed: 10,000 RPM
• Feed Speed: 96 or 179 CPI
• Cutterhead: 3 knife
• Weight: 92 lbs
• Warranty: 3 year limited

Conclusion

The DeWalt DW735 is a standout portable thickness planer. Its 15-amp motor and three-knife cutterhead easily handle tough hardwoods. While pricey, its durability and performance make it worth the investment. Smart features like auto carriage lock and extended outfeed table help reduce snipe. Two feed speeds offer flexibility: choose fast dimensioning or a finer finish. Be aware, this powerhouse is loud, so always wear ear protection.

Both professionals and home woodworkers benefit from the DW735’s smooth, flat surfaces. It consistently delivers results that will improve your woodworking projects

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