DEWALT Planer DW735X Review: Results After 500 Hours of Use

The DEWALT DW735X planer tips the scales at 92 pounds making it up to 40 pounds heavier than other similar planers. I’ve pushed this machine to the limit over 500 hours in my workshop. Here’s why dedicated woodworkers believe its $660 US cost makes sense.

What sets the DEWALT thickness planer DW735X apart? Its two-speed gearbox grabs attention by giving a choice between faster material removal at 96 cuts per inch or a smoother finish with 197 cuts per inch. The three-knife cutterhead boosts blade lifespan by up to 30 percent compared to two-knife designs. When I tested it, the 1/8-inch maximum cutting depth worked well for most tasks, and I didn’t expect such minimal snipe considering the sturdy build of this machine.

This DEWALT planer review dives into what sets the DW735X apart from other lunchbox planers. I’ll explain why it could be a worthwhile investment for your workshop. I’ll also compare it with the DW735 base model and options from competing brands.

Disclaimer

DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM M…

• 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

$660.72

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DeWalt DW735X Features and Initial Setup

When you unpack the DeWalt DW735X thickness planer, it feels like a heavyweight addition to any workshop. After going through its specs and setting it up, I’ll break down what makes this planer different from other benchtop models available.

Weight and Size of the Planer

The DeWalt DW735X comes in at 24 inches long and 22 inches wide, with a height of about 21.75 inches. You’ll need a dedicated spot in your workshop for equipment of this size. It weighs 92 pounds on its own, but when shipped with all the parts, the total weight climbs to around 105 pounds.

Its base stands out as a key feature. Made from cast aluminum and measuring 19-3/4 inches, the base offers impressive stability during use. It feels twice as sturdy as the typical 10-inch bases you’d see in similar planers. I could tell right away while setting it up that the solid design does a great job reducing vibration while it runs.

Cutting capacity and motor specs

The DW735X has a strong 15-amp motor that spins at 20,000 RPM. This motor powers the cutterhead, which runs at 10,000 RPM. This amount of power lets the planer handle bigger cuts in wider boards without much trouble.

For a benchtop planer, its cutting capacity stands out. It takes boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. You can cut up to 1/8 inch deep in one pass, which works fine for most jobs and doesn’t push the motor too hard.

One standout feature of this planer is its two-speed gearbox. This lets users pick between two options:

• Speed 1: 179 cuts per inch – great to use during final finishing
• Speed 2: 96 cuts per inch – works well to handle initial dimensioning

The three-knife cutterhead design gives blades a 30% longer lifespan compared to two-knife systems. Swapping out blades also becomes faster and easier. The automatic carriage lock minimizes snipe-causing movement without needing you to engage it manually.

What’s in the box: DW735 vs DW735X

It can be confusing to tell the difference between the DW735 and DW735X models. After digging into the details, I found they both operate with the exact same machinery. The only variation is in what accessories come with each model.

The basic DW735 box contains:

• The planer unit comes with pre-installed knives
• A dust hose adapter
• A dust ejection chute

The DW735X package offers all the components found in the DW735 along with:

• Infeed and outfeed tables that fold up to store
• An extra pair of reversible knives

These extra items in the DW735X add an estimated $126 in value. This makes it a smarter buy if you plan to get these accessories later. The infeed and outfeed tables are helpful because they support longer boards, which lowers the chance of snipe at the ends of the boards.

Setting up the DW735X takes around 10 minutes. You need to attach the tables, make sure they’re flat, and put on the dust ejection port. This port works with both 4-inch and 2.5-inch hoses and connects to the fan-assisted system that pulls chips away from the cutterhead while you work.

Performance Testing: 500 Hours in the Shop

I used the DeWalt DW735X thickness planer for 500 straight hours to see how it handles different types of wood how much snipe it leaves, and how durable the blades are over time. This long test shows what the planer can do going beyond what you’d notice in just a short project.

Hardwood and softwood results

The DW735X works great with both hardwood and softwood. I’ve used it on poplar red oak, cherry, walnut hard maple, and even imported hardwoods. The results always turn out impressive. Most of the time, the boards come out smooth and don’t need extra sanding. This helps finish projects faster.

To get the best surface, I start with the faster feed rate to size the board. Then I switch to the slower finishing speed to smooth each side at the end. This method leaves the surface super smooth on all the woods I’ve tried.

One thing to keep in mind is that cutting more than 1/64-inch deep on boards over 10 inches wide can sometimes push the motor too hard and trip the circuit breaker. This problem shows up most when handling dense hardwoods at full width. You can fix this by making lighter cuts, which also helps avoid tear-out on wood with patterns.

Snipe consistency and prevention

Snipe, which is the dip in thickness at the ends of boards, can differ quite a bit with the DW735X. When I tested it, I found snipe measures between 15 thousandths of an inch and around 24 to 28 thousandths impacting about 3 inches at each end of the board. That said, with the right adjustments, I’ve also had times where there was no snipe at all.

A few things have an impact on how severe the snipe becomes:

1. Board length: Longer boards often cause more snipe. The weight can make the tables bend slightly, which leads to the issue.
2. Table adjustment: Lifting the outer edges of both the infeed and outfeed tables helps cut down snipe quite a bit.
3. Feed technique: angling the boards when feeding, around the positions of 1 and 7 o’clock instead of feeding them straight, helps lessen snipe.

When working with boards under 4 feet in length and if the tables are adjusted right, snipe stays low. Even so, I suggest cutting lumber with about 3 extra inches at each end to account for trimming any possible snipe.

Blade wear and maintenance tips

The standard blades pose the biggest upkeep issue with this planer. While they work well, they wear down quicker than tougher aftermarket blades. In my testing, the blades lasted anywhere from 100 to 500 board feet before they needed rotating or swapping out.

The lifespan of the blades depends on:

• The type of wood (hardwoods wear blades out quicker than softwoods)
• Knots or foreign materials in the wood (even small knots in softwoods can damage blades)
• How much wood is removed per pass (taking thinner cuts makes blades last longer)

To get the most out of these blades:

• Offset the planer blades a bit when small nicks show up instead of rushing to replace them.
• Clean the planer often using gum and pitch remover to stop resin from building up.
• Use rubbing alcohol on the infeed and outfeed rollers to help improve their grip.
• Look into aftermarket blade options since they tend to last longer compared to OEM blades.

The DeWalt DW735X comes with reversible blades. This design lets you use each blade twice, which helps stretch their lifespan. Swapping blades is super easy because of the built-in magnetic tool, which makes taking off and putting on blades quick and simple. If you’re thinking about intense or frequent usage, upgrading to a Shelix helical cutterhead can give you much longer blade life. However, this upgrade does come with a hefty price tag.

Taking a Closer Look: What Sets the DW735X Apart

Three standout features set the DeWalt DW735X thickness planer apart from other models in its category. From my hands-on experience, I found these aren’t just flashy selling points. They bring real improvements to how it works and how easy it is to use.

Fan-assisted chip ejection system

Most benchtop planers depend on external dust collectors, but the DW735X does more. It comes with a strong built-in blower system. This fan-assisted chip ejection removes the shavings right from the cutterhead and pushes them out through the dust port. The system works so well you’ll need to connect a dust collector or a bag to catch everything. Otherwise, chips could end up scattered all over your workspace.

The manufacturer advises not to hook this planer up to a normal shop vacuum. At first, this seemed strange to me, but then I saw how powerful the ejection system is. It helps keep your workspace tidier during long planing sessions without needing to stop often to deal with leftover debris.

Two-speed gearbox and cut quality

The DW735X shines because of its two-speed gearbox. This function gives you the flexibility to choose between two modes as needed:

• Dimensioning: 96 cuts per inch, which works faster
• Finishing: 179 cuts per inch, which operates more

During testing, I noticed both speeds create very smooth surfaces without any visible scalloping. The finish is comparable to what you’d get with 120-grit sanding. The slower speed stands out when working with tougher woods since it delivers smoother surfaces without needing extra sanding.

The two-speed option turns this machine into two tools in one. You can use one setting for rough cuts and the other for fine finishing. This versatility makes the extra cost of the DW735X worth it compared to single-speed models.

Depth stop precision and ease

The large turret depth stop stands out as a well-thought-out feature. It lets users return to six common thickness settings: 1/8 inch up to 1-1/4 inch. Over many hours of use, I noticed these preset points deliver consistent and precise results.

Alongside this feature, a removable material gauge and a big thickness scale ensure every cut stays accurate. The automatic carriage lock plays a big role in keeping things steady by stopping movement that leads to snipe. It works without needing manual input, which comes in handy when making multiple boards the same thickness.

Altogether, these three unique features show how well DeWalt understands what woodworkers need. After long hours of testing, I believe these aren’t just flashy extras but real improvements that make the tool more efficient and deliver better results than regular benchtop planers.

Worthwhile Upgrades and Add-ons to Think About

Experienced woodworkers often view key upgrades as necessary to get the most out of the DeWalt DW735X thickness planer. Through my hands-on testing, I found three key investments that boost the performance of this already impressive machine.

Why a helical cutterhead is a great upgrade

Switching to a spiral helical cutterhead can make a huge difference to your DW735X planer. SpeTool and FindBuyTool produce aftermarket options with 56 carbide inserts positioned in four rows. These inserts create a true shearing cut instead of the rough chopping motion of standard blades.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• You get a noise drop of 6-8 dB (this feels about 50% quieter)
• It leaves a super smooth finish with much less tear-out even on tricky woods
• Each carbide insert has four edges, which can be rotated when one side wears out
• No need to sharpen—just rotate or swap out inserts when needed

While the cost runs about $324 to $330, this upgrade gets rid of the hassle of changing planer blades often. Shop studies reveal that a single cutting edge can handle anywhere from 250 to 500 board feet of hardwood before needing to be rotated.

Wixey digital readout kit

The Wixey WR510 digital planer readout connects straight to the DW735X. It offers accurate thickness readings down to 0.005 inches. This simple and budget-friendly upgrade shows the exact thickness of the wood leaving your planer so you don’t have to rely on guessing.

Some benefits include:

• Install with easy-to-use brackets. Most setups need little or no drilling.
• Calibrate it in seconds by running a planed board through.
• Check thickness readings in millimeters or inches (fractions or decimals).
• Keeps its calibration secure even after powering it off.

Once set up, you need to recalibrate if you change the battery or when blades wear out. To achieve precise and consistent thickness across your projects, this tool becomes essential.

Planer stand with mobile base

The DW7350 stand, which includes a built-in mobile base, provides your DW735X with both portability and steady support. Its heavy-duty steel frame holds even the largest benchtop planers in place avoiding unnecessary movement.

Highlights include:

• Pre-drilled holes make it simple to mount your DeWalt planer.
• A foot pedal with a mobility system lets you move it and locks when in place.
• It comes with an MDF top and a sturdy metal shelf to store your accessories.
• The stand measures around 21 inches wide, 27 inches long, and 29.5 inches high.

With a price tag of about $220, this stand makes a good buy for tight workshops where moving tools often is a must. Its solid design also leads to smoother planing and reduces vibration during use.

DW735X Versus Other Planers: How Does It Compare?

To compare the DeWalt DW735X to other planers, you need to put it against competitors . After testing it alongside similar models, its strengths and weaknesses come out more in practical use.

DW735X vs DW735: Main Differences

People often get confused between these two models because they share the same hardware. The DW735 and DW735X are identical planers. The only thing that sets them apart is the extra gear included. The DW735X comes packed with infeed and outfeed tables as well as an additional set of knives. enough, there are times when the DW735X is cheaper than the regular DW735 that doesn’t include these extras. It is worth checking the price before deciding what to buy.

Compared to Makita Jet, and Rikon

Unlike the heavy-duty setup of the DW735X, the Makita 2012NB uses a solid construction with more metal components. While both machines run on similar motor power, the DW735X outshines with its three-knife cutter and two feed rate settings. As for snipe, Makita shaves off about an inch less compared to DeWalt.

Jet and Rikon sell spiral cutterhead models in the same price range. The Rikon 25-130H costs about $699 and includes spiral heads straight from the factory removing the need to spend extra on upgrades.

Why you might pick a commercial planer instead

heavy daily usage makes commercial planers a smart option. The DW735X performs well but uses plastic gears that can wear down under frequent use. Most commercial machines come with a 15-inch capacity tougher build quality, and blades that last far longer.

Wrap-Up

After 500 hours of running the DEWALT DW735X hard, I believe it earns its status as the top choice for serious hobbyists and small workshops. Its two-speed gearbox feels like a real breakthrough because it turns this planer into two machines—one for removing material and another for creating super-smooth finishes where precision counts.

The $660 cost might feel high at first glance for a benchtop model, but its flexibility and solid performance make it worth the money. The system combines a three-knife cutterhead, fan-powered chip ejection, and accurate depth stops to handle materials like pine and hard maple with steady results.

This machine isn’t without flaws. You will need to leave extra material length to deal with occasional sniping. After working through a few hundred board feet, keeping up with blade upkeep becomes necessary. Plastic gears also leave some wondering how well it will last with heavy commercial use.

The option to upgrade makes this planer even more appealing. Turning it into a helical cutterhead setup makes a big difference in how well it works and cuts down on maintenance troubles. However, it does come with a pretty high price. In my experience, the basic setup handles most tasks well, though I can see the value of the upgrade options.

The DW735X hits the balance between being useful to professionals and accessible to hobbyists. Heavy-duty commercial planers might handle bigger jobs and last longer, but they also cost a lot more and take up way more space. Unless you’re working with wide boards all the time or using it , this DeWalt gives most woodworkers all they could want and more.

Key Points to Remember

After a solid 500 hours of testing here’s what every woodworker should know about the DEWALT DW735X planer:

• The two-speed gearbox provides great flexibility – You can choose between 96 cuts per inch to remove material or 179 cuts per inch to get a finish so smooth you can skip sanding.
• You’ll notice 15-28 thousandths of an inch of snipe on 3-inch board ends – Leave some extra length to work with, but adjusting the table and feeding the wood helps cut down this usual problem.
• The three-knife cutterhead boosts blade lifespan by 30% compared to two-knife setups – Standard blades can handle between 100 and 500 board feet before you need to rotate them, and since the blades are reversible, you get double the life out of each side.
• Helical cutterhead upgrade changes performance – You can spend $330 to lower noise by 50%. This upgrade removes tear-out on tricky woods and manages 250-500 board feet per cutting edge.
• DW735X packs $126 in extra goodies compared to DW735 – It comes with infeed and outfeed tables, plus an extra knife set. If these parts matter to you, it’s a smarter buy.

The DW735X strikes a balance between being hobby-friendly and capable enough for pros. While commercial planers last longer with constant use, this DeWalt model covers most woodworkers’ needs. It also allows room to grow as skills improve and projects get more demanding.

FAQs

• Q1. How do the DeWALT DW735 and DW735X planers differ?
  The main difference between the DW735 and DW735X is the accessories that come with them. The DW735X includes infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of knives. These added items give the DW735X about $126 more value compared to the regular DW735.
• Q2. How do I reduce snipe when using the DeWALT DW735X planer? Raise the outer edges of the infeed and outfeed tables a little to lower snipe. You can also feed the boards at a slight tilt aiming for around the 1 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions instead of feeding them straight. These methods work well on boards shorter than 4 feet.
• Q3. What is the cutting capacity of the DeWALT DW735X planer? The DW735X handles boards as wide as 13 inches and as thick as 6 inches. It can cut down to a depth of 1/8 inch in one pass. This depth works well for most woodworking jobs without putting too much strain on the motor.
• Q4. How long do the blades last on the DeWALT DW735X planer? The DW735X blades hold up for 100 to 500 board feet before needing to be rotated or changed. Blade life depends on things like the type of wood, whether knots are present, and the cutting depth. The blades can be flipped over, which lets you use the other side and doubles their lifespan.
• Q5. Can you use the DeWALT DW735X every day in a commercial setting? The DW735X works well for dedicated hobbyists and small shop projects, but it might not hold up to constant heavy-duty commercial tasks. It has some plastic gears, which might wear out faster with regular intense use. To handle everyday commercial workloads, an industrial-grade planer could be a better choice.