DEWALT DW735X Planer Review: Is This 13-inch Wood Planer Worth It for Your Workshop?

DEWALT DW735X Planer Review: Is This 13-inch Wood Planer Worth It for Your Workshop?

Hey everyone in the woodworking community! I know a lot of people in our group have been asking about thickness planers, especially when it comes to getting that perfectly smooth, consistent stock for your projects. Well, I’ve been using and testing out the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) for a while now, and I’m finally ready to give you my honest, in-depth thoughts. This isn’t just another tool review; it’s a personal recommendation (or caution!) from one woodworker to another.

Our community loves diving deep into tools that can truly elevate our craft, and the DW735X is a machine that often comes up in discussions. It’s a popular choice for both hobbyists and small professional shops, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer (DW735X)
Price: $669.00 USD (at time of review)
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,453 reviews

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Overview

The DEWALT DW735X is a 13-inch, two-speed thickness planer designed for serious woodworking. It’s built to take rough lumber and mill it down to precise, consistent thicknesses, giving you perfectly flat and smooth stock for your projects. This model is often lauded for its powerful motor and superior finish quality right out of the box. Unlike some other planers, the ‘X’ version typically includes infeed and outfeed tables, which are absolutely crucial for minimizing snipe and supporting longer boards.

When I first unboxed this beast, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy construction. It feels like a substantial piece of equipment, not a flimsy toy. The design is intuitive, and setting it up was straightforward, even for someone who might be newer to dedicated thickness planers. After using a few different planers over the years, the DW735X quickly stood out for its attention to detail in features that truly matter to woodworkers.

Many folks in our group have upgraded to this model from smaller, less powerful planers, and the consensus is overwhelmingly positive regarding the jump in performance and finish quality. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but as we often say, buy once, cry once, right?

Key Features & Specs

Let’s dive into what makes the DEWALT DW735X tick, based on its well-known specifications and my own experience:

• Powerful 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor: This motor is no joke. It drives the cutter head at 10,000 RPM, allowing it to handle even the toughest hardwoods without bogging down. I’ve pushed some pretty gnarly oak and maple through it, and it just keeps chugging.
• Three-Knife Cutter Head: This is a game-changer. Instead of the typical two-knife setup found on many planers, the DW735X uses three disposable, double-edged knives. This results in a smoother finish and extends the life of each knife set. Changing them out is surprisingly easy and quick.
• Two-Speed Gearbox (14,000 & 20,000 IPM): This is one of my favorite features. You can switch between two feed speeds: 14,000 cuts per minute (CPM) for rough dimensioning and faster material removal, and 20,000 CPM for a super fine finish pass. This flexibility means you get the best of both worlds – efficiency and quality.
• Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection System: This is a huge win for dust management. The integrated fan forcibly ejects wood chips out of the machine, preventing them from clogging the cutter head or building up in the dust port. When connected to a proper dust collector, it keeps your workspace remarkably clean.
• 13-inch Max Width Capacity: The 13-inch width is ample for most home and small shop projects, allowing you to plane wider boards than many entry-level models.
• Depth Stop & Material Removal Gauge: The turret depth stop allows you to quickly return to frequently used thicknesses, and the material removal gauge on the front helps you easily see how much material you’re taking off with each pass, preventing you from taking too much at once.
• Included Infeed and Outfeed Tables: The ‘X’ in DW735X typically signifies the inclusion of these essential tables. They provide crucial support for long workpieces, significantly reducing snipe (the slight indentation at the beginning or end of a board) and ensuring a consistent cut across the entire length.

These features combine to create a machine that is not only powerful but also incredibly user-friendly and capable of delivering professional-grade results. It’s truly designed with the woodworker in mind.

Pros & Cons

Every tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and the DW735X is no exception. After testing it extensively and gathering feedback from others in our community, here’s a balanced look:

Pros:

• Exceptional Finish Quality: This is arguably its biggest selling point. The three-knife cutter head and higher IPM settings produce an incredibly smooth surface, often requiring minimal sanding afterward. It’s a joy to see the wood come out so pristine.
• Powerful Motor: The 15 Amp motor rarely bogs down, even with deep cuts on dense hardwoods. This means consistent performance and less strain on the machine.
• Excellent Dust Collection: The fan-assisted chip ejection system works wonders. When hooked up to a good dust collector (or even a shop vac with a sufficiently large hose), it captures a very high percentage of chips, keeping your shop cleaner and your air clearer.
• Minimal Snipe (with tables): With the included infeed and outfeed tables, snipe is almost non-existent. This saves a lot of material and frustration.
• Durable & Sturdy Build: This planer feels like it’s built to last. The cast iron base and robust construction inspire confidence.
• Easy Knife Changes: The disposable, double-edged knives are quick and easy to swap out, getting you back to work faster.
• Two-Speed Control: The ability to choose between faster removal and finer finish is incredibly useful for different stages of a project.

Cons:

• Noise Level: Let’s be honest, this thing is loud. Like, really loud. Hearing protection is absolutely mandatory when operating the DW735X. It’s a common complaint, but also a reality for powerful planers.
• Weight & Portability: While it is technically a ‘benchtop’ planer, it weighs around 92 pounds. Moving it around regularly can be a chore. If you need something truly portable for job sites, this might be a bit heavy.
• Cost of Replacement Knives: While the knives provide excellent results and are easy to change, they can be a bit pricey compared to some other planer knives. However, their double-edged nature does give you twice the life.
• Dust Port Size: The dust port is 4 inches, which is great for dust collection, but it means you’ll need a proper 4-inch dust collection hose and system, not just a standard shop vac hose, for optimal performance.
• Initial Cost: At its price point, it’s an investment. While I believe it’s worth it for the quality and features, it might be a stretch for absolute beginners or those with very limited budgets.

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Who Is It For?

After considering its features, pros, and cons, who would benefit most from the DEWALT DW735X? Our community feedback suggests a few key groups:

• Serious Hobbyist Woodworkers: If you’ve moved beyond basic projects and are starting to work with rough lumber, or just want superior finish quality for your furniture and cabinet builds, this planer is an excellent upgrade.
• Small Shop Owners: For small professional woodworking shops, custom furniture makers, or general contractors who do a lot of trim work, the DW735X offers professional-grade results in a compact, benchtop footprint.
• Anyone Tired of Snipe: If you’ve struggled with snipe on previous planers and are tired of wasting material or spending extra time sanding, the DW735X with its included tables will be a breath of fresh air.
• Those Who Prioritize Finish Quality: If a glass-smooth surface straight off the planer is a high priority for you, the three-knife, two-speed system of the DW735X delivers consistently.

This might not be the best choice for someone who only planes a few boards a year for very casual projects, or someone on a super tight budget who just needs to dimension some 2x4s. But for anyone looking to invest in a high-performance planer that will be a workhorse for years to come, the DW735X is a strong contender.

FAQ

Q1: Does the DEWALT DW735X come with the infeed and outfeed tables?

A: Yes, the ‘X’ in the model name (DW735X) typically indicates that it comes bundled with the infeed and outfeed tables, which are highly recommended for optimal performance and reducing snipe. There is a DW735 model without the tables, but the DW735X is the more common and preferred package.

Q2: How often do the knives need to be replaced?

A: The lifespan of the knives depends heavily on the type of wood you’re planing, how much material you’re removing, and whether you’re hitting knots or foreign objects. Since they are double-edged, you can flip them once to get a fresh cutting edge. Many users report getting several months to a year or more of regular use before needing entirely new sets, especially if you rotate them and use the two-speed setting appropriately. It’s a good idea to have a spare set on hand.

Q3: What kind of dust collection do I need for the DW735X?

A: Due to its powerful fan-assisted chip ejection, the DW735X requires robust dust collection. A 4-inch dust collection system is highly recommended for optimal performance. While a powerful shop vac can work in a pinch for very light use, it will quickly fill up and may struggle to keep up with the volume of chips this planer produces. A dedicated dust collector with a 4-inch hose will provide the best results and keep your shop cleanest.

Q4: Can this planer handle very wide or very long boards?

A: It has a 13-inch maximum width capacity, which is excellent for a benchtop model. For very long boards, the included infeed and outfeed tables are crucial. For extremely long or heavy stock, additional roller stands or support might be beneficial to prevent sagging and ensure smooth feeding. Remember to take shallow passes on wide or tough material to avoid stressing the motor.

Q5: Is it difficult to set up and calibrate?

A: The initial setup is quite straightforward. Attaching the infeed/outfeed tables and dust chute is simple. The machine is generally well-calibrated from the factory, but it’s always a good practice to check for flatness and snipe on a test piece after setup. Adjustments, if needed, are usually minimal and can be done following the user manual.

Final Verdict

So, after all that, what’s the final word on the DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer? Honestly, it’s a phenomenal machine that consistently delivers professional-grade results. Yes, it’s loud, and it’s a significant investment, but the quality of the finish, the power, and the efficiency it brings to your woodworking projects are truly outstanding.

If you’re a serious hobbyist or a small shop owner looking to step up your game, reduce sanding time, and achieve perfectly dimensioned lumber, I wholeheartedly recommend the DW735X. Our community loves this planer for a reason – it simply gets the job done, and it does it exceptionally well. It’s a workhorse that will quickly become one of the most valued tools in your shop.

If you’re ready to transform your rough lumber into smooth, precise stock, click the link below to check out the DEWALT DW735X on Amazon. You won’t regret it!

Buy the DEWALT DW735X on Amazon Today!

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