Graphiti

I was wondering if anyone has used the DeWalt DW735 thickness planer? With a price near $500, I'm leary of getting it without some input from someone who has used one. The reviews I've read say it's top notch, but since I don't need portability I'm thinking a little more for a stationary machine makes more sence, what do you think?

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sweensdv

I agree with the reviews that you've read, the DW735 is a top notch benchtop planer. I've had mine now for almost 3 years without a single complaint. I've never had an issue with snipe but I did buy the optional infeed/infeed tables which some say are necessary to achieve snipe free results. IMO, the DW735 is the best of the bunch when it comes to benchtop planers.

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Dave

edp

consider the 13" Craftsman. Surprisingly, this is a real machine with some great extras. Infeed and outfeed tables are standard equipment. One handle head lock. It even provides it's own dust collection that really works well. It also has a powered height adjustment that is quite handy. I have been using mine for nearly 5 years with no complaints. I upgraded to a 15" Grizzly stationary about 2 years ago but my craftsman is still used regularly in my shop. I consider this machine a good investment.

Ed

daryl in nanoose

I also have herd nothing other that its a great planer and in fact I just bought one on sale.

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firefighteremt153

I have the 735 and think really highly of it. It was my first planer purchase and I've had it for about 5-6 weeks and so far I don't have any complaints about it. I bought mine reconditioned off ebay for around 365.00 I think and it came with a 1 year factory warranty.

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Suz

I've got an older 735 and a Woodmaster. The 735 is always "at the ready" and I use it a lot. However, it will not 'hog off" as much wood as the WM will on each pass, but there is a big difference in motor HP!
There has been thousands of words spread across all the wood working forums on how short the life is on the knives. (I've spread some of them myself.)
But, I think DeWalt might have done some changes in their planer knives because they seem to last longer. Also, be aware that it has been said you cannot sharpen the knives. I tried that once, but the sharpening shop took too much metal off and then my screw heads hit the wood. I think if you found a good shop or did your own they could be sharpend once. Anyway, if you figure out that a set of knives cost about $50 and you have two edges to use so that helps the pain in buying new knives. If you figure sharpening costs is almost $20 for three knives so where is the savings in getting knives sharpened.
I think you will be happy with the 735. But, they do cost a bit more than other brands.

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Jim

skymaster

Check Freud for new knives :}:} better,sharper, usually cheaper

Check twice!

I own a Dewalt 735 with the poratble stand. I could have bought the unit seperate but decide for my use I wanted it to move. It works very well and has not (to this point) let me down. I have had it for about 2 years now, but like all cutting tools requires you keep the blades sharp.
I am very pleased with mine!
John

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Graphiti

Wow, thank you all very much, sounds like the DeWalt would be the way to go. I paid attention the last couple days how often I moved my Delta portable out of the way, I didn't realize how often I move it so I'm definitely going with a portable. Since my delta still works and this is an upgrade I guess it's time to start watching for sales. thanks again. Oh... one other question. How loud is it? My delta is monsterously loud, sounds like a crop duster taking off!
R.G.

daryl in nanoose

It's at least as loud as my delta TP400LS 12-1/2" but I always where ear muffs when I use them and the sharper the blades the quieter it is.
I just set mine up yesterday and put some wood through it and could hardly see any snipe, its heavy (100lbs) but I can tell it is a lot heaver duty than my other one.
Here it is set up, just got to get the dust collection set up.

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Graphiti

That's ok, I kinda figured it would be... Mind if I copy your outfeed setup, that is slick!
(You know they say "Imatation is the sincerest form of flatery"?)
R.G.

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daryl in nanoose

Thanks, and yes you sure can but I can't take the design credit, it is in Shope notes issue 91. It was built to fit my Delta 12-1/2" and now with the new Dewalt which is a deeper planer its top is a little to small but will remedy that at a later date. Here are a few more pics to help you out. Notice the little locking dudad made out of aluminum angle. Works like a charm.

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daryl in nanoose

One more pic showing the levelers and the first roller that adjusts up and down for fine tunning

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Graphiti

Thank you very much, I own a pool hall and spend most of my working time dealing with very rude people, to the point i've actually begun to question if there are any nice people left in the world. Since I've been participating in this forum I've been very happy to find out there are some decent people left in the world. I really appreciate the Really Great way everyone has treated me on this site. Thank you for the pictures Daryl, it's awesome that you would go out of your way for a total stranger like that! and thanks again to everone else. I'm glad I found this sight, it's like a breath of fresh air.
R.G.

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ramon68

Skymaster's response suggested Freud knives, but I can't find replacement knives from Freud for that planer. Infinity does make replacement knives for the 735, however.

daryl in nanoose

You are very welcome, anytime and keep us posted on that new planer your getting, you are going to just love it.

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Packrat

I have had my Dewalt planer for about 6 months and it is great. My old planer was a Penn State Industries and I replaced 1 moter in 20 years. It was about $250 when I bought it. The new motor was about $100. My Dewalt was about $500 but it has 2 speeds and 3 knives instead of 2. I use my old planer to make my first cut. That way if there is any dirt on the board, it is cut off and saves on the new blades in the Dewalt. I also build stands for all of my portable machines. That way, they are less likely to be borrowed. Don

daryl in nanoose

Excellent idea's there, I am thinking the same with the delta I have using it for rough stuff first and clever idea about anyone wanting to borrow

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Check twice!

Don
That way, they are less likely to be borrowed. Don

I have a policy, I do not lend my underware, toothbrush or tools. :) :)

I will do for them but not lend my tools.

John :)

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I agree never lend your tools and you may keep some of the so call friends