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Naturally, power is an important component of any power tool. This particular planer has plenty of it. With a 15-amp motor that delivers 20,000 RPM (with a cutter head speed of 10,000), you will be able to easily make larger cuts on wide materials.
In general, planers benefit from a lot of power but even when you don’t need it, the extra oomph certainly won’t hurt.
With multiple knives, you will both benefit from an extended lifespan, and easy blade changes so that you can spend less time on machine maintenance and more time on woodwork.
The multi-speed gearbox serves to allow you to alter your feed speed to ensure that the planer cuts are optimized to your interests. With the adjustable speeds, you will be able to design your cuts at 96 or 179 CPI.
This model features a cast aluminum base that is designed to be twice as rigid as comparable materials. You will appreciate the durable design as well as the increased stability that will add consistency and accuracy to your woodwork.
The carriage locks automatically so that you experience a reduced risk of snipe without needing to apply any extra effort on your part. It’s a handy feature that adds even more stability to your work.
Like “power,” “accuracy” is a buzz word that you should pay close attention to in the world of power tools. This tool features an extra-large thickness scale that will consistently help increase the accuracy of all of your cuts.
This tool also features a large turret depth stop that will allow you to return to thickness settings that you frequently use to save your time.
The extra set of knives that come with the DEWALT DW735X compared to the DW735 which is a simple but nice feature that makes it just a little bit more buyer friendly. In general, replacement blades for any power tool aren’t exceptionally expensive but it is nevertheless nice to know that when you work through your first set of blades on this model, there will be no need to run to the hardware store for more.
Snipe occurs when a planer cuts a bit too deep at the beginning or end of the board, it’s rather subtle but still noticeable and could ruin an otherwise perfect piece of material.
If you got your set up correct, then you should zero to minimal with the DW735X
Do also keep in mind that if you are working with expensive hardwoods, snipe might result in some costly material waste. Test boards are key to avoid this!
We mentioned earlier the features that allowed for an expanded blade life span. A set of three knives, as well as a bonus set of refills, both make it so that you should not have to buy a new set for some time.
While these features certainly do help keep the mandatory maintenance needs of your planer down, there have been some user reports of blades not lasting for a very long time.
This definitely isn’t the biggest setback in the world and blade lifespan does vary greatly based on material hardness and frequency of use. Nevertheless, be aware that you may have a high blade turnover with high usage.
This is a problem with many benchtop planers so do not push your limits with this planer or you can find yourself going through knives pretty quickly!
This tool features a three-year repair warranty that will allow you to have any defects that are the result of a manufacturers error fixed without charge for up to three years. The warranty does not include errors that occur due to misuse of the tool.
My overall opinion is that despite a few minor drawbacks, the DeWALT DW735X is a useful tool that will serve the average woodworker very well. Is it perfect? Of course not. Truly no product is but I personally believe that the pros outweigh the cons with this unit.
If you want a planer that offers up a combination of power, value, and accuracy, then the DEWALT DW735X may very well be the tool for you. While it may not be ideal for contractors, it is a great tool for the passionate do-it-yourselfer or woodworker.
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