DEWALT Thickness Planer DW735X Review: Top Wood Smoother?

Looking for a powerful thickness planer to tackle your woodworking projects? We’ve been testing out the DeWalt 13-inch planer, and it’s been a game-changer in our workshop.

This beefy machine boasts a strong 15-amp motor that zips through even the toughest hardwoods with ease. We love the two-speed gearbox, which lets us switch between 96 and 179 cuts per inch for different jobs. The three-knife cutterhead gives smooth results and lasts longer than we expected.

DeWalt 13-inch planer

We’re big fans of the fan-assisted chip ejection system. It keeps the work area clean and makes cleanup a breeze. The cast aluminum base is super solid, reducing vibration and giving us consistent results. We also appreciate the automatic carriage lock, which helps prevent snipe without any extra effort on our part.

The included infeed and outfeed tables are a nice bonus, giving us more support for longer boards. And the extra set of knives means we can keep working even when it’s time for a blade change.

Bottom Line

The DeWalt 13-inch planer is a top-notch tool for any serious woodworker. Its power, precision, and handy features make it a worthy addition to any shop.

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Overview of the DEWALT Thickness Planer

We’ve been using the DW735X planer in our workshop, and it’s a real powerhouse. This 13-inch model from DEWALT packs a punch with its 15-amp motor. It’s got two speed settings, which is great for different types of wood. The three-knife cutter head does a smooth job and lasts longer than we expected.

One thing we really like is the fan-assisted chip ejection. It keeps the work area clean and helps prevent clogs. The cast aluminum base is super sturdy, which helps reduce vibration and improves cut quality.

The planer comes with some nice extras too. We got infeed and outfeed tables, plus an extra set of knives. These add-ons make it easier to handle longer boards and extend the life of the tool.

While it’s a bit heavy at 92 pounds, that heft adds to its stability. Overall, we’ve found the DW735X to be a reliable workhorse for our woodworking projects.

Powerful Motor and Cutting Capability

We were blown away by the DeWalt planer’s performance. Its 15-amp motor packs a serious punch, spinning at a whopping 20,000 RPM. This power lets us slice through even the toughest hardwoods with ease. The 13-inch cutting width is perfect for most projects we tackle. We love that it has two speeds, letting us switch between faster material removal and a smoother finish. The extra set of blades is a nice bonus too. While it’s not the quietest tool, the results speak for themselves. Our boards come out silky smooth every time. For serious woodworkers, this planer’s muscle and precision are hard to beat.

Efficient Chip Ejection System

We love how the DW735X keeps our workspace clean. The fan-assisted chip ejection is a game-changer. It sucks up wood chips from the cutter head and blows them out of the machine. This helps prevent clogs and messes. We found it works great with a dust collector or shop vac hooked up. The strong suction even helps pull boards through smoothly. It’s nice not having to stop and clean out chips all the time. The system isn’t perfect though – some fine dust still escapes. But overall, it’s way better than other planers we’ve used. The efficient chip removal lets us focus on our projects instead of cleanup.

Precision Cutting Features

We were really impressed with how this DeWalt planer handles precision cuts. The three-knife cutter head is a game-changer. It lasts way longer than regular blades and swapping them out is a breeze. We love having two speed options. At 96 or 179 cuts per inch, we can dial in the perfect finish for any project. The fan-assisted chip ejection is super handy too. It keeps the cutting area clear so we can focus on the work. The beefy cast aluminum base feels rock-solid and helps prevent snipe. We found the depth gauge and big thickness scale super helpful for nailing accurate cuts every time. The turret depth stop is great for quickly setting common thicknesses we use a lot.

Robust and Durable Design

We were impressed by how solid this planer feels. The cast aluminum base is super sturdy and doesn’t flex like cheaper models. At 92 pounds, it’s hefty but that weight helps keep it stable during use. We love the three-knife cutterhead – it makes smoother cuts and the knives last longer before needing replacement. The powerful 15-amp motor handles thick hardwoods with ease. We’ve run boards through it for hours without any issues. While it’s not the quietest tool, the build quality is top-notch. The tables fold up for storage which is handy in a small shop. Overall, this Dewalt planer is built to last and should hold up well to regular use for years to come.

Pros and Cons

We’ve been putting this DEWALT planer through its paces in our workshop, and it’s time to share our thoughts. This machine has some great features, but it’s not without a few drawbacks. Let’s break it down.

Pros

  • Sharp and long-lasting blades
  • Two-speed settings for different cuts
  • Strong chip removal system
  • Sturdy aluminum base
  • Handy depth stop for repeat cuts

The DW735X’s three-knife cutter head is a real winner. We found the blades stay sharp for a long time, and they’re easy to change when needed. The two-speed gearbox is great for getting the right finish on different types of wood. We love the fan-assisted chip ejection – it keeps the work area clean and helps the planer run smoothly.

The cast aluminum base is super solid. It doesn’t flex or wobble like some other planers we’ve used. The depth stop is a nice touch for making the same cut over and over.

Cons

  • Heavy and not very portable
  • Can be loud during use
  • Dust collection could be better
  • Pricey compared to some other options

This planer isn’t light. Moving it around the shop can be a bit of a workout. It’s also pretty noisy when running, so ear protection is a must.

While the chip ejection system works well, we still had some issues with dust buildup. You might want to hook up a good dust collector for the best results.

Lastly, the price tag is higher than some other planers on the market. But for serious woodworkers, the quality might be worth the extra cost.

Customer Reviews

We’ve been blown away by the positive feedback for the DW735X planer. Woodworkers love how easily it handles tough jobs. Many say it’s the best benchtop planer they’ve used. The two-speed motor and sharp blades get lots of praise for smooth, clean cuts. We noticed a few folks had shipping issues, but that seems rare. Some users recommend adding a dust collection system for easier cleanup. Non-English speakers should double-check voltage compatibility before buying. Overall, people seem thrilled with this planer’s performance and build quality. It’s clearly a hit with both hobbyists and pros looking to step up their woodworking game.

Ease of Use

This planer is a breeze to operate. We found the controls straightforward and easy to understand. The two-speed option lets us adjust for different wood types. Changing the blades is simple too. We like how the infeed and outfeed tables fold up, saving space when not in use. The depth adjustment knob is smooth and precise. One small gripe is that it’s heavy to move around the shop. But once set up, it’s a joy to use. The clear markings on the depth gauge help us get consistent results every time.

Conclusion

We’re seriously impressed with the DEWALT planer. This tool is a game-changer for woodworking projects. It handles tough jobs with ease and leaves wood smooth and even. The two-speed option is great for different types of wood. We love how the extra blades and feed tables are included. It’s not perfect – it’s loud and makes a lot of dust. But for serious woodworkers, it’s worth every penny. The DEWALT planer is built to last and will be a trusted workshop companion for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Woodworkers often have questions about planers before making a purchase. We’ve compiled some common queries about the DW735X to help you make an informed decision.

What is the difference between the DW735 and the DW735X models?

The main difference is that the DW735X comes with extra features. It includes infeed and outfeed tables, plus an extra set of knives. The base DW735 model doesn’t have these add-ons. The extra items make the DW735X more ready to use right out of the box.

How long can I expect the blades on the DW735X to last before needing replacement?

The DW735X has a three-knife cutter head that lasts about 30% longer than standard blades. How long they last depends on how much you use the planer and what types of wood you work with. With normal use, you might get several months to a year before needing to change them.

What is the maximum material thickness the DW735X can handle?

This planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick. It’s great for most common woodworking tasks. The big 13-inch width also lets you work on wider boards without trouble.

Can you tell me where the DW735X is manufactured?

The DW735X is made in Taiwan. DeWalt has a good track record for quality control in their overseas factories. We’ve found the build quality to be solid and reliable.

Is there a difference in warranty between the DW735 and DW735X models?

No, both models come with the same warranty. DeWalt offers a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee on both the DW735 and DW735X.

Does the DW735X planer come with an infeed and outfeed table included?

Yes, the DW735X comes with both infeed and outfeed tables. This is one of the key extras you get with the X model. The tables help support longer boards as they go through the planer, which can lead to better results.

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