Accuracy and clean cuts are mandatory out of a thickness planer. Some tools will provide that, and others will not. Is DeWALT DW735x one of those planers that will deliver good results?
DeWalt promises top-notch performance thanks to a three-blade cutting head, two speeds, and quality build materials. Does DW735x deliver on this promise? Let’s find out.
This DeWalt DW735x planer review takes a closer look at this 13-inch planer to see how it might fit your shop needs.
Why buy a thickness planer in the first place?
- Save time;
- Less hassle;
- Improve accuracy;
- Greater wood selection.
An alternative to using power wood planers is using hand planes. The skill required to properly dimension wood with a hand plane takes time to master. For that reason, a good thickness planer will save you valuable shop time while improving the quality of your work.
Most of us start woodworking with pre-dimensioned lumber from the local hardware or big box stores. That limits your selection to mostly construction lumbers made from cedar, pine, fir, and redwood. Creating usable wood from rough-sawn timber opens up many wood species that are not available pre-dimensioned.
While any woodworker could benefit from using a thickness planer, some hobbyists will discover it is critical to their woodworking journey, including:
- Cabinet makers;
- Woodworkers using glue-up panels;
- Hobbyists using rough-sawn lumber;
- Anyone needing to use thinner boards on projects.
Presenting The DeWalt DW735X Thickness Planer
- Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor (10,000 rpm cutterhead speed) handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease
- Three knife cutter head delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
- Two-speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
OVERVIEW
This thickness planer can handle boards up to 13 inches in width. It also provides you with two operating speeds for more versatility. The manufacturer uses quality build materials, and it also offers good customer support.
You will get an extra set of knives, as well as infeed and outfeed tables with this thickness planer.
PROS
- 13-inch cutting width;
- Two operating speeds;
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables;
- Three-year limited warranty.
CONS
- Compared with other thickness planers, this model is quite expensive;
- This product does not come with a stand;
- The overall weight is 92 pounds.
DeWalt DW734 vs DW735X
The DW735X offers 1/2-inch additional width. It has an automatic locking carriage and two operating speeds. DeWalt also includes a chip ejector with the DW735X. The DW734 is less expensive, though.
DeWalt DW735X vs DW735
The difference comes down to the packaging.
These thickness planers are the same. DeWalt includes an infeed and outfeed table with the DW735X. It also comes with an extra set of knives.
DeWalt DW735X Planer Review: Benefits & Features
Capacity
As mentioned throughout this DeWalt thickness planer review, the DW735X can handle boards that are up to 13 inches wide.
This represents the maximum width capacity found on most planer models. It provides users with more capacity without having to upgrade to cabinet-sized models.
A depth capacity of six inches is standard for thickness planers. That should be enough space between the cutting head and the table.
Power
DeWalt uses a 15-amp electric motor to power the DW735X. That generates 20,000 RPMs under no load. That converts into a 10,000 RPM cutter head speed.
It should be adequate for home woodshops or construction sites. That will cut through all but the hardest woods with minimal bogging. I am not aware of any wood species that a 15-amp motor would struggle with.
This product runs off of 110 volts. It allows you to run the machine without having to install special wiring or outlets. You will not be able to convert the motor to run off of 220 volts.
Cutter head and knives
The cutter head used in this thickness planer holds three knives. That is one more blade than found on cheaper models.
Adding a third knife will help extend the life of each blade up to 30 percent. That means less frequent changes. It will also save you money.
This product can take up to 1/8-inch off with each pass. That provides a balance between material removal and a smooth surface.
Two-speed gearbox
This thickness planer will allow you to select between 96 Cuts Per Inch and 179 CPI.
The 96 CPI setting will cut through the wood faster, but it will also leave a rougher surface. Conversely, the 179 CPI setting will leave the surface smoother, but it will take longer to plane.
Adjusting the speed provides you with more versatility in the shop. Keep in mind that the higher CPI setting will generate more wear on the blades.
Planer base and tables
The table provides you with 19 3/4 inches of support. That is about mid-range for thickness planers. It is made from cast aluminum and should provide a more rigid surface.
The DeWalt DW735X has an infeed and an outfeed table. Some products lack these extras (including DeWalt’s DW735), making this a feature worth noting. They will effectively double the amount of material support this thickness planer has.
Clear markings
Dewalt markings for adjustments are easy to see. The black lettering is in contrast to DeWalt’s famous yellow tool housing.
It uses graphics as well as a traditional gauge to indicate heights (for cutter head height and thickness of cut). DeWalt also uses short descriptive sentences (with the speed setting controls, for example).
Build quality
DeWalt tools are considered professional-grade for their durable construction as well as for their features.
Cast aluminum and copper are used in the motor and on the table components. High-impact plastics and resins are also employed on the body.
This provides a solid tool that is designed for harsh work environments found on construction sites. It should be plenty strong for your workshop.
DeWalt customer support
The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and one year of free service. The thickness planer is also covered by a three-year limited warranty.
DeWalt maintains over 60 service centers across North America, and the company also maintains a strong social presence.
What Buyers Are Saying
I took a lot of time to search on various social media sites to determine what other users had to say about the DeWalt DW735X thickness planer.
Some verified purchasers are typical woodworkers who have positive things to say about the durability of this product.
Another feature that is often brought up positively is how easy this product is to use. That can be the most important aspect for some users, especially those who are new to woodworking or using power tools like a thickness planer.
Various adjustments also provide controls that users appreciate.
DeWALT DW735X Alternatives
DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer
- Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor handles larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods.
- Three-knife cutter head with 10,000 rpm cutter-head speed provides 96 cuts per inch, one of the finest finishes of any portable planer
- Disposable, reversible knives deliver 30% more knife life and make knife change fast and easy.
OVERVIEW
If you do not need the 13-inch capacity of the DW735X, this might be a good selection. It offers 12.5 inches of material width capacity, which is close to the larger design.
It uses the same-sized motor as well as a three-blade cutter head. However, this product has a single speed setting of 96 CPI.
Pros
- Available at a lower price point;
- Easier to move around your shop;
- Knives are reversible.
If you are looking for something more compact for the limited space in your shop, take a closer look at the DW734 by DeWALT.
Full Review: DeWALT DW734 Review
WEN 6552T Benchtop Planer
- Onboard material removal gauge informs users about the cutting depth of each pass
- Plane boards up to 6 in. T and 13 in. W
- 15 Amp motor generates 25,500 cuts per minute at a 26 ft. per minute feed rate
OVERVIEW
You can fit 13-inch wide boards into this planer, but it will only take 3/32-inch off with each pass. That should not be a problem with many boards, including pre-dimensioned pieces.
A more simple design and cheaper materials make this a budget-friendly option that is easy for novice woodworkers to use.
Pros
- A simple design that is easy to use;
- This includes a fan that helps to remove debris;
- Lightweight at 66-pounds.
Woodworkers looking for a simple design without adding costly extras should look further into the WEN 6552T.
Full Review: WEN Planer Review
Craftsman CMEW320 Benchtop Planer
- HARD AND SOFT WOOD MATERIAL REMOVAL: 15 Amp motor of the woodworking planer provides power for both hard and soft wood material removal
- MAXIMUM STOCK REMOVAL: The thickness planer features Poly-V Cutterhead drive for maximum stock removal
- SMOOTH OPERATION: The wood planer featuring two knife, quick change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings, assures smooth operation and long life
OVERVIEW
This unit measures about 23 inches x 17.25 inches x 15 inches. That is a reasonably small footprint for a thickness planer.
A simple power switch and large knobbed crank allow you to control the planer with ease. The setup includes folding infeed and outfeed wings that add to the support but are smaller than the table additions for the DW735X.
Pros
- A compact design that is easy to move and store;
- 16,000 CPM from the motor;
- Carbon steel knives that last longer.
The CMEW320 is a solid two-blade planer that provides adequate stock removal and is targeted for those new to power tools.
Final Word
- Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor (10,000 rpm cutterhead speed) handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease
- Three knife cutter head delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
- Two-speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
The DeWalt DW735X is a professional-grade thickness planer designed for durability and performance.
It provides a maximum capacity of 13 inches in width and 6 inches in depth. The three blades on the cutting head can provide either 96 CPI or 17p CPI, depending upon the speed you set it at. This product uses a 15 amp motor to provide power and it includes extra blades as well as an infeed and outfeed table.
If this DEWALT DW735x review piqued your interest, make sure to take a closer look at this tool on Amazon!