In the realm of woodworking tools, DeWalt is a name synonymous with reliability and high-quality performance. The brand is celebrated for producing tools that not only last but also enhance the efficiency of any woodworking project. Among DeWalt’s extensive range of tools, the planers DW734, DW735, and DW735X stand out for their robust capabilities and popularity among both amateurs and professionals. Each of these models is designed with specific features that cater to diverse woodworking needs and budget considerations. This article aims to provide a thorough comparison of these models, examining their individual strengths and functionalities. By dissecting the details, we seek to assist you in identifying the perfect DeWalt planer that aligns seamlessly with the requirements of your woodworking endeavors.

DeWalt DW734: An Ideal Entry-Level Planer for Hobbyists and Small Scale Professionals

The DeWalt DW734 thickness planer is engineered with the hobbyist and small-scale professional in mind, combining power and precision in a compact form. This model is particularly well-suited for users who require a reliable machine for less intensive tasks but still demand high-quality results. Below, we delve into the specifications and unique features of the DW734, providing a detailed overview to guide your purchasing decision.

Key Specifications and Features of DeWalt DW734

• Motor Performance: Equipped with a robust 15 AMP motor that runs up to 20,000 RPM, the DW734 drives a cutter head at a speed of 10,000 RPM. This powerful configuration allows for quick and efficient planing, making it ideal for a variety of woodworking projects.
• Material Capacity: The planer accommodates materials up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick, offering flexibility for handling various sizes of wood pieces.
• Cutter Heads: It features a three-knife cutter-head design that achieves an impressive 96 cuts per inch. This high cut density ensures an exceptionally fine finish, making it perfect for precision work on softer woods.
• Feed Rate: The feed rate of 26 feet per minute is optimized for best results on softer wood types, ensuring smooth and even cuts without overloading the machine.
• Portability: Weighing in at approximately 80 pounds, the DW734 offers a balance between stability and mobility. It’s designed to be portable enough for movement around the shop or to different job sites, yet sturdy enough to handle demanding tasks.
• Unique Features: One standout feature of the DW734 is its extra-long infeed and outfeed tables, which extend to provide 33.5 inches of material support. This additional support is crucial for reducing snipe and ensuring that longer workpieces are handled with ease.

DeWalt DW734 Features

DeWalt DW735: A High-Performance Planer for the Serious Woodworker

The DeWalt DW735 thickness planer is designed for woodworkers who place a premium on performance and durability. This model is an upgrade from the DW734, featuring enhancements that cater to more rigorous and precise woodworking demands. The DW735 is ideal for those who seek greater control and efficiency in their woodworking projects. Below, we explore the advanced specifications and unique features that make the DW735 a superior choice for serious woodworking professionals.

Key Specifications and Features of DeWalt DW735

• Motor Performance: Similar to the DW734, the DW735 is built with a 15 AMP motor that runs at 20,000 RPM. However, it distinguishes itself with a two-speed gearbox, allowing users to switch between 96 CPI for fine finishes and 179 CPI for quicker material removal.
• Material Capacity: Maintaining the same 12.5-inch width capacity as the DW734, the DW735 enhances its functionality with a fan-assisted chip ejection system. This system efficiently vacuums chips away from the cutter-head, keeping the workspace clean and maintaining the cutter’s effectiveness.
• Cutter Heads: It comes with three reversible and disposable knives that not only ensure a superior finish but also extend the life of the cutter heads by allowing easy replacement.
• Feed Rate: The two-speed feed system lets users choose between 14 feet per minute for coarser, more aggressive cuts and 26 feet per minute for achieving a smoother finish.
• Construction: At approximately 92 pounds, the DW735 is designed to be more robust, which significantly reduces vibration and enhances the machine’s overall stability during operation.

Comparative Table: DeWalt DW735 Features

DeWalt DW735X: Enhanced Performance with Additional Accessories

The DeWalt DW735X planer builds upon the solid foundation laid by the DW735, adding several key accessories and enhancements that optimize its performance for even the most demanding woodworking tasks. This model is particularly suited for professionals who require a comprehensive setup ready to handle a variety of woodworking projects right out of the box. Let’s explore the features and upgrades that make the DW735X a standout choice.

Key Specifications and Features of DeWalt DW735X

• Extra Accessories: The DW735X is equipped with additional infeed and outfeed tables, enhancing its support for larger and longer pieces of wood. This setup minimizes snipe, ensuring a more consistent finish across the entire length of the workpiece. An extra set of knives is also included, providing immediate backups for continuous work without downtime for knife changes.
• Cutter Heads: Maintains the same high-quality, three reversible and disposable knife system found in the DW735, allowing for dual cutting speeds and extended cutter life.
• Feed Rate and Motor: The DW735X shares the identical 15 AMP, 20,000 RPM motor with a two-speed gearbox (96 or 179 CPI) as the DW735, providing powerful and versatile cutting capabilities.
• Construction: Like the DW735, the DW735X is constructed with a heavy-duty design that emphasizes stability and precision during operation. This robust build significantly reduces machine vibration and enhances user control over the planing process.
• Unique Feature: The standard inclusion of infeed and outfeed tables in the DW735X significantly enhances material handling capabilities, which is a critical factor for managing larger projects efficiently.

Comparative Table: DeWalt DW735X Features

Comparative Analysis and Final Thoughts on DeWalt Planers: DW734, DW735, and DW735X

In evaluating the DeWalt DW734, DW735, and DW735X planers, it is evident that each model is created with specific user needs in mind, from casual hobbyists to professional woodworkers. Here’s a deeper look into how these models compare in terms of performance, capacity, portability, and value-added features.

Comparative Insights

• Performance: The DeWalt DW734 serves well for entry-level and lighter duties. However, for those requiring more precision and versatility, the DW735 and DW735X models excel with their two-speed gearbox. This feature allows for greater control over material finishes, accommodating both rough cuts and finer details with ease.
• Capacity and Quality of Cut: All three models boast similar capabilities in handling material up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick. Yet, the DW735 and DW735X pull ahead with their two-speed feed rates, enabling them to achieve superior cut quality. This enhanced mechanism makes them suitable for a wider range of woodworking tasks, from quick dimensioning to intricate finishing.
• Portability: The DW734, being the lightest of the three at approximately 80 pounds, offers greater ease in transportation. This makes it an ideal choice for those who require a planer that can be moved frequently or transported to various worksites without much hassle.
• Value-Added Features: The DW735X emerges as the clear leader when it comes to additional features. With its inclusion of infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives, this model provides exceptional support for larger projects and reduces downtime due to maintenance, offering excellent value for professionals looking for a comprehensive, ready-to-use planing solution.

Comparative Table: Key Features, Suitability, and Pricing

Notes on Pricing

• DW734: Priced around $400, this model is the most affordable and is suitable for those on a budget or with less frequent usage.
• DW735: With an average price of $600, this planer offers more advanced features for those who need more control and versatility in their work.
• DW735X: At approximately $700, this model is the most expensive but includes significant value-added features such as extra tables and knives, making it ideal for professionals who will make heavy use of the planer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right DeWalt planer depends largely on your specific needs and how you intend to use the tool:

• For Hobbyists and Light Professional Use: The DW734 is an excellent choice, giving sufficient power and capacity for less demanding tasks.
• For Advanced Woodworking: The DW735 is better suited for those who require more flexibility and control over their projects, benefiting from the two-speed gearbox and enhanced cutting capabilities.
• For Full-Scale Professional Operations: The DW735X offers the best return on investment with its additional features, ensuring readiness for a wide range of tasks without the need for immediate upgrades or additional accessories.

Key Takeaways

1. Target User Base: The DW734 is ideal for hobbyists and those with smaller professional projects due to its simplicity and affordability. In contrast, the DW735 and DW735X cater to more advanced and professional woodworkers needing greater control and versatility in their work.
2. Performance and Precision: The two-speed gearbox in the DW735 and DW735X allows for more precise control over the finish, making these models suitable for a wider variety of woodworking tasks, from rough cuts to detailed finishes.
3. Enhanced Features: The DW735X stands out with its inclusion of additional infeed and outfeed tables and extra knives, providing significant value for professionals who require extensive material support and minimal downtime.
4. Construction and Durability: All three models boast robust construction, but the DW735 and DW735X, being heavier, offer increased stability and reduced vibration, which is crucial for precision work.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: While the DW734 is the most budget-friendly, the DW735X, although the most expensive, includes enhancements that can justify the higher cost for professionals who will utilize its extensive features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which DeWalt planer is the best for beginners?

A: The DeWalt DW734 is the best choice for beginners due to its simplicity, lighter weight, and lower cost, making it accessible and easy to use for those new to woodworking.

Q: Is it worth getting the DW735X over the DW735?

A: If you frequently handle larger projects and appreciate having extra accessories like infeed and outfeed tables and additional knives, the DW735X is worth the investment. It’s designed to minimize downtime and enhance workflow efficiency.

Q: Can the DW735 handle heavy-duty professional use?

A: Yes, the DW735 is capable of heavy-duty use with its two-speed gearbox and robust construction. It’s designed to offer precision and reliability for serious woodworkers.