The DeWalt DW735X stands as a powerhouse among thickness planers, gaining accolades for its exceptional capabilities tailored to the demands of avid woodworkers. This detailed review delves into its attributes, advantages, and potential drawbacks through an aggregate of insights from numerous experts in the field.
DeWalt DW735X Key Features
Power and Speed
| Feature | Description |
| Motor Power | The DW735X is equipped with a robust 15-amp motor, ensuring that it can handle even the most demanding woodworking tasks. |
| Speed | Capable of achieving speeds up to 20,000 RPM, which facilitates quick and efficient material removal. |
| Cutter Head | Features a three-knife cutter head that rotates at high speed to produce a smooth finish on both softwoods and hardwoods, reducing the need for extensive post-planing sanding. |
Dual Speed Settings
| Setting | CPI (Cuts Per Inch) | Application |
| Low Speed | 96 CPI | Ideal for dimensioning, removing more material with each pass. |
| High Speed | 179 CPI | Best for finishing, providing a finer cut that prepares the surface for final touches or staining. |
Ease of Use
| Feature | Description |
| Markings and Gauges | Clearly marked for easy reading, which helps in setting precise cutting depths and thicknesses without guesswork. |
| Depth Stop | Lockable depth stop allows for the setting of consistent cuts, which is particularly useful for repetitive tasks and batch work. |
| Blade Changes | Designed for simplicity, the blade changing system is straightforward, promoting less downtime and easy maintenance. |
Design and Build Quality
Durability
The DeWalt DW735X is designed with resilience and longevity in mind. It features a sturdy cast aluminum base, enhancing its strength and durability. The addition of high-impact plastics and resins in its construction also plays a crucial role in ensuring the planer can endure rigorous and continuous use. This robust build is especially beneficial in professional environments such as busy workshops, where equipment is frequently subjected to intense operational demands. However, it is also an advantage for the home user who needs a reliable tool that can withstand occasional but intense use over many years.
Portability and Size
Weighing approximately 92 pounds, the DW735X is undeniably a substantial piece of machinery. This considerable weight, while perhaps a drawback for those requiring a highly mobile tool, serves a dual purpose. Firstly, the weight contributes significantly to the machine’s stability during operation—essential for achieving precise, high-quality cuts without the interference of vibrations or movement. Secondly, the solid frame reduces the risk of wear and tear from frequent relocation, thus maintaining its alignment and performance over time.
Cost and Value
Price Considerations
The DeWalt DW735X is positioned at a premium price point compared to some competing models. This pricing reflects its superior capabilities and robust construction, which are geared towards delivering high performance and enduring reliability. Although this planer may represent a considerable financial outlay, it is often viewed as a worthwhile investment for professionals and serious woodworking enthusiasts. The higher upfront cost of the planer is justified by its durability and the high-quality results it offers, which may minimize the need for future replacements or upgrades.
Warranty and Support
DeWalt boosts the appeal of the DW735X by offering an extensive support package, which includes a three-year limited warranty to address any material or craftsmanship defects. Additionally, the company offers one year of free service, which can include repairs and maintenance, ensuring the planer operates at peak efficiency. Furthermore, a 90-day money-back guarantee allows buyers to return the product if it fails to meet their expectations, providing an extra level of assurance when making this investment.
These support features, together with the planer’s robust build and high performance, create a compelling value proposition, positioning the DW735X as an excellent choice for those seeking quality and dependability in their woodworking equipment.
Where to Purchase
If you’re considering adding the DeWalt DW735X to your toolkit, it is available for purchase at several reputable online retailers:
Safety and Accessories
Safety Features
The DeWalt DW735X thickness planer incorporates crucial safety mechanisms designed to enhance both the functionality and safety of the device during operation. One of the standout safety features is the automatic carriage lock. This mechanism significantly reduces machine movement when in use, which is vital for achieving precise and consistent cuts. By stabilizing the planer, the automatic carriage lock not only improves the quality of the work but also minimizes the risk of accidents caused by unexpected shifts or vibrations of the machine.
Accessories for Enhanced Performance
In addition to its built-in safety features, the DW735X comes equipped with several accessories that enhance its usability and extend its operational life. It includes infeed and outfeed tables, which are particularly beneficial when working with long boards. These tables support the material entering and exiting the planer, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the likelihood of snipe—where the ends of boards are cut unevenly due to lack of support.
Pros
- Exceptional Power and Precision: The DeWalt DW735X boasts a powerful 15-amp motor, capable of reaching speeds up to 20,000 RPM. This enables it to handle a broad spectrum of woodworking tasks with exceptional precision. The three-knife cutter head ensures smooth finishes across various types of wood, minimizing the need for additional sanding.
- Durable Construction: This planer is built to last, featuring a sturdy cast aluminum base coupled with high-impact plastics and resins. Such robust construction makes it well-suited for both professional environments and demanding personal projects.
- Advanced Safety Features: Safety is a vital aspect of any power tool, and the DW735X effectively enhances this with its automatic carriage lock feature, which minimizes machine movement during use. This stabilization increases user control and significantly lowers the risk of accidents.
- Efficient Dust Management: The planer includes a fan-assisted chip ejection system that actively removes debris from the workspace, keeping the area clean and maintaining visibility while cutting.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Reflecting its high-end features and build quality, the DW735X is priced higher than many other models, which might be a significant consideration for hobbyists or those on a tight budget.
- Weight and Portability: At approximately 92 pounds, this planer is on the heavier side, which might limit its portability. This could be a drawback for those who need a more mobile solution or frequently move their equipment.
- Operational Noise: Given its powerful motor and high-speed operation, the DW735X can be quite loud. Users will likely need to use ear protection to ensure safety and comfort during prolonged use.
Conclusion
The DeWalt DW735X distinguishes itself as a high-performance thickness planer ideally suited for professionals and serious woodworking enthusiasts. Its powerful performance, precision, and robust build quality justify the investment for those who demand reliability and efficiency from their tools. Despite its higher price and substantial weight, the range of features and the durability of the DW735X make it a valuable addition to any woodworking shop. This planer is particularly recommended for users who prioritize quality and performance and are prepared to invest in a tool that will deliver top-tier results consistently.
Key Takeaways
- High Performance and Precision: The DeWalt DW735X is renowned for its powerful 15-amp motor and high-speed capabilities (up to 20,000 RPM), which enable it to handle various types of wood with precision. Its three-knife cutter head contributes to its ability to produce smooth finishes, reducing the need for additional sanding.
- Robust Build Quality: Constructed with a durable cast aluminum base and high-impact plastics, this planer is created to withstand the rigors of both professional workshops and demanding DIY projects.
- Advanced Safety Features: The inclusion of an automatic carriage lock minimizes machine movement during operation, enhancing user control and safety.
- Effective Dust Management: It features a fan-assisted chip ejection system that efficiently manages debris, keeping the work area clean and safe.
- Warranty and Support: DeWalt enhances its DW735X with a robust warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee, all of which boost consumer trust in their purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the DeWalt DW735X suitable for beginners?
A: While the DW735X is packed with features that could benefit all levels of woodworkers, its high power and advanced capabilities might be more suitable for those with some experience. Beginners might find it a bit overwhelming and could consider starting with a simpler, less powerful model.
Q: Can the planer handle both softwood and hardwood?
A: Yes, the DW735X is designed to handle a wide range of wood types. The robust motor and customizable speed settings of the DW735X render it highly adaptable, allowing it to efficiently process both softwood and hardwood.
Q: How does the planer manage dust and debris?
A: The DW735X includes a fan-assisted chip ejection system that actively removes wood chips and sawdust from the cutter head, ejecting it away from the machine. This system helps to keep the work area clear and reduces cleanup time after operations.