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I presume you are in the woodworking industry or work on lots of DIY carpentry related projects. If that’s the case, then you must have learned the essence of owning the best DeWALT appliances that you can find. I know, there are lots of brands in the marketplace. But trust me, only a few manage to compare to this industry leader in terms of ingenuity, value, as well as quality.
The manufacturer has come a long way since its founding in 1923. And its long years’ experience is evident in each new product they design. Better yet, DeWALT has currently produced more than 200 different high-end power tools, and accessories.
Having said that, I took it upon myself today to review the three best benchtop planers from DeWALT: DW734 vs DW735 vs DW735x. Are you really a woodworking aficionado? If yes, then you should own at least one of these.
1. DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer
With the DeWALT DW734, you can now design a specified space in your workshop or studio. This is the space you will be using to plane wood. The DeWALT DW734 is designed in such a way that it allows you to either use it on a bench or on the floor.
The four columns that you can clearly see on all corners create a stable base for working on. This further minimizes the chances of the appliance sniping while you cut. The four columns also give the product extra stability. This keeps the machinery from moving or shaking while you use it.
If you usually work on real hardwood, you will appreciate the 20,000 rotations per minute. The powerful 15 amp motor further permits you to cut through any sort of wood smoothly.
The DeWALT boasts three knives in its cutter head which deliver 10,000 rotations per minute. The cutter head makes 96 cuts per inch. This gives your wood such a smooth finish that you will have no reason to even use a sandpaper thereafter.
The knives can last up to 30% longer compared to knives found on other benchtop planers on the same price range. They are also disposable. Which makes it quite easier for you to swap them out or replace them later on.
As one of the only portable benchtop power tools on the market, you can take the DW734 with you to any job site without a hassle.
The infeed table placed on the front side allows you to move the board inside the benchtop planer. The outfeed table, on the other hand, will catch the boards as they come out from the other side.
Pros
- Easy to clean up
- Snipe is reduced greatly thanks to the four columns
- The knives on the cutter head deliver 30% more knife life compared to DW734’s counterparts
- Includes a dust management system
- Cost-effective
Cons
- It is not a heavy duty production tool
- Falters a bit when it comes to working on the hardest woods like oak
2. DeWALT DW735 Benchtop Planer
The DeWALT DW735 boasts a two-speed gearbox. This permits you to select between two different speed settings. You can either choose to make 179 cuts or 96 cuts per inch. That said, regardless of the speed you pick, the DW735 will make thousands of cuts per second.
It also boasts three knives in its cutter head. Like the DW734, they offer 30% longer lifespan and are quite easy to remove. This ease of removal will come in handy when you need to swap the knives or change them altogether.
The DW735 is also designed for use in different situations. This explains why it comes with convenient handles. They allow you to easily carry the appliance around if you are on the field.
You will also notice a hand wheel placed on the side. Turn this in order to change the depth of your cuts. You will also find that this appliance can accommodate woods of different sizes and shapes. You can change between the two speeds using a small switch placed on the front side of the appliance.
If, for some reason, you need to stop the motor during an emergency, simply press the emergency stop button. But I hope you’ll never have to use it. If you choose this appliance, rest assured that it’ll award you consistent results for the next couple of years.
Pros
- Includes three knives assembly
- Delivers either 96 cuts per inch on low setting or 179 cuts per inch on high setting
- Accommodates up to 13 inch wide woods
- Retails with a four column carriage lock to reduce snipe
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- A bit expensive
3. DeWALT DW735X Benchtop Planer
The first thing you should know about the DeWALT DW735X is that it’s an upgrade of the DW735 I just reviewed. Are you confused? What is the difference between the two appliances? You may ask.
Well, there is no actual distinction between these two planer units. The prime difference between the two is the accessories the two products come with.
The DW735, for instance, retails with the outfeed & infeed tables, the planer unity, and an added set of planer knives. These extra knives are for just in case the ones already in place get nicked or dull. The DW735, on the other hand, retails with the planer unit and nothing else.
When we talk about benchtop planers, I think the DeWALT DW735X is the overall winner, both in terms of performance and design.
What do you look for when picking the best benchtop planer? For me, the one I pick must be able to produce sufficient power to cut easily through both soft and hardwood. It should do so without straining the motor or damaging the wood in any way. It should not result in tear out or snipes. The DeWALT DW735X delivers just that.
When it comes to power, the DW7355 is also a beast. This equipment boasts a powerful 15 Amps motor which rotates at a speed of 20,000 rpm. The power also spins the cutter head at a speed of 10,000 rpm. This allows the machine to plane any sort of wood effectively without straining the motor.
As for the cutter head fixed, it boasts three knives, all with decent lifespans. You can also easily replace them with the extra set of knives included if the need arises.
Pros
- The best for professionals
- Comes with an extra set of cutter head knives
- Can cut wider materials quite easily
- Just like its counterparts I just reviewed, it delivers 30% longer knives life
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Noisy and loud
Conclusion
After extensive research, I pick the DW735X as the best DeWALT benchtop planer. Acquiring DW735X eliminates the need to get the infeed & outfeed tables separately. Furthermore, with the DW735X in your garage, you can rest assured all lumber will come out smoothly and finely planed. You’ll never need to work on the boards with sandpapers afterward. Its design and performance will also leave you in awe.
