DW734 vs DW735: Which Planer is Best for Your Woodworking Needs?

When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference. One of the most important tools for any woodworker is a thickness planer. DeWalt is a well-known and respected brand in the woodworking community, and two of their most popular models are the DW734 and DW735 thickness planers. In this article, I will compare and contrast these two models to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

Two planers, dw734 and dw735, face off in a workshop. Sawdust fills the air as they buzz with power

The DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both high-quality thickness planers that are designed to make your woodworking projects easier and more efficient. The DW734 is a 12-1/2 inch thickness planer that features a powerful 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutter head. It also has an extra-long infeed and outfeed table, four-column carriage lock, and a depth adjustment crank that allows you to make precise cuts. The DW735, on the other hand, is a 13-inch thickness planer that also features a 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutter head. It has a two-speed gearbox that allows you to switch between a slower speed for rough cuts and a faster speed for finishing cuts. It also has an extra-large material removal gauge and a fan-assisted chip ejection system to help keep your workspace clean.

Key Takeaways

  • The DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both high-quality thickness planers that are designed to make your woodworking projects easier and more efficient.
  • The DW734 is a 12-1/2 inch thickness planer that features a powerful 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutter head, while the DW735 is a 13-inch thickness planer that also features a 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutter head with a two-speed gearbox.
  • When comparing the DW734 vs DW735, the main differences are in the size and features of the two machines, as well as the cost and value considerations.

Overview of Dewalt DW734 and DW735

As a professional woodworker, I have used both the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 thickness planers extensively. In this section, I will provide an overview of these two power tools and highlight their key features, specifications, design, and construction.

Key Features and Specifications

The DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both powerful wood planers, but they have some key differences. The DW734 has a 15-amp motor that delivers 20,000 RPM, while the DW735 has a 15-amp motor that delivers 20,000 RPM as well, but it also has a two-speed gearbox. The DW735 also has a wider cutting width of 13 inches, compared to the DW734’s 12.5 inches.

Both planers have a three-knife cutterhead, but the DW735’s cutterhead is designed to provide a smoother finish. The DW735 also has an extra-large thickness scale and a turret depth stop that makes it easier to set the cutting depth accurately.

The DW734 and DW735 both have a four-column carriage lock that reduces the movement of the cutterhead during operation. They also both have disposable and reversible knives that are easy to change and maintain. The DW735 has a slightly larger dust port (2.5 inches) compared to the DW734’s dust port (2 inches).

Design and Construction

The DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both well-designed and well-constructed thickness planers. The DW734 has an extra-long infeed and outfeed table that provides support for longer boards. It also has a maximum depth of cut of 1/8 inch, which is suitable for most woodworking projects.

The DW735, on the other hand, has a compact design that makes it easier to move around the workshop. It also has a fan-assisted chip ejection system that helps to remove chips and debris from the cutting area. The DW735 has a maximum depth of cut of 1/4 inch, which is ideal for thicker stock.

Both planers have a sturdy base that provides stability during operation. They also have a material removal gauge that helps to determine the amount of material that is being removed with each pass.

Overall, the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both excellent thickness planers that are well-suited for professional woodworking projects. The DW735 is slightly more expensive than the DW734, but it has some additional features that make it worth the investment.

Performance and Quality

When it comes to performance and quality, the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 thickness planers are both excellent machines. However, there are a few key differences that set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at the motor and power, cuts per inch and feed rate, and precision and adjustments of each machine.

Motor and Power

The DeWalt DW734 and DW735 both come with powerful motors that can handle even the toughest of jobs. The DW734 has a 15-amp motor that delivers 20,000 RPM, while the DW735 has a similar motor but with the added benefit of a two-speed gearbox. This allows you to switch between 96 and 179 cuts per inch, depending on the type of wood you’re working with.

Cuts Per Inch and Feed Rate

The cuts per inch and feed rate are also important factors to consider when comparing these two machines. The DW734 operates at a fixed rate of 96 cuts per inch, while the DW735 can be adjusted to either 96 or 179 cuts per inch. Additionally, the DW735 has a faster feed rate than the DW734, which means it can handle larger pieces of wood more efficiently.

Precision and Adjustments

Both the DW734 and DW735 come with a three-knife cutter head that provides a smooth finish and reduces snipe. However, the DW735 has the added benefit of a depth capacity of 6 inches, compared to the DW734’s 4-3/8 inches. This means that the DW735 can handle thicker pieces of wood with ease.

Finally, both machines offer a range of precision adjustments, such as the ability to adjust the infeed and outfeed tables, as well as the cutter head height. These adjustments allow you to achieve the perfect finish on your woodwork, regardless of its size or shape.

In conclusion, both the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are high-quality thickness planers that offer exceptional performance and precision. However, if you’re looking for a machine that can handle larger pieces of wood and offers more flexibility in terms of cuts per inch, the DW735 may be the better option for you.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

When it comes to ease of use and maintenance, both the DW734 and DW735 planers have a lot to offer. In this section, I’ll cover some of the key features that make these planers user-friendly and easy to maintain.

Infeed and Outfeed Tables

One of the standout features of both the DW734 and DW735 planers is their infeed and outfeed tables. These tables are extra-long, which makes it easy to feed longer pieces of wood through the planer. Additionally, the tables are adjustable, so you can set them to the perfect height for your needs.

Dust Collection and Management

Another important aspect of ease of use and maintenance is dust collection and management. Both the DW734 and DW735 planers come with a dust collection port that can be hooked up to a vacuum or dust collector. This helps to keep your work area clean and free of dust and debris.

Blade Changes and Adjustments

When it comes to blade changes and adjustments, the DW735 planer has a clear advantage over the DW734. The DW735 features disposable knives that can be easily replaced when they become dull. Additionally, the DW735 has a material removal gauge that makes it easy to adjust the depth of cut.

Overall, both the DW734 and DW735 planers are user-friendly and easy to maintain. The DW735 has a few extra features that make it slightly more convenient to use, but the DW734 is still a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable planer.

Cost and Value Considerations

When it comes to choosing between the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 planers, cost and value are important considerations. In this section, I will discuss the initial purchase price, long-term durability, and warranty and support for both planers.

Initial Purchase Price

The DeWalt DW734 is generally less expensive than the DeWalt DW735. However, the price difference may not be significant enough to justify choosing the DW734 over the DW735. It’s important to consider the features and capabilities of each planer when making a decision based on price.

Long-Term Durability

Both the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are well-built and durable planers that can withstand heavy use. However, the DW735 is built with more advanced features, such as a three-knife cutter head and a fan-assisted chip ejection system, which may make it more durable in the long run.

Warranty and Support

DeWalt offers a three-year limited warranty on both the DW734 and DW735 planers. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but does not cover normal wear and tear or misuse. DeWalt also offers excellent customer support, with a dedicated customer service team that can help with any questions or issues.

Overall, both the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 planers are excellent choices for any woodworking shop. While the initial purchase price and long-term durability may vary between the two models, both offer great value for the price. Whether you’re looking for a planer for occasional use or heavy-duty projects, the DW734 and DW735 are both reliable and efficient options.

Comparative Analysis

DW734 vs DW735: Pros and Cons

As a woodworking enthusiast, I have used both the DW734 and DW735 planers, and I can tell you that both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The DW734 is a great option for DIYers and those on a budget. It has a 15-amp motor with a 20,000 RPM cutter head and can handle materials up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick. The planer has an extra-long infeed and outfeed table, which makes it easier to feed longer materials. One of the cons of the DW734 is that it only has a three-knife cutter head, which means that the blades will need to be sharpened more frequently. Additionally, the DW734 is louder than the DW735.

On the other hand, the DW735 is a more powerful planer that is suitable for contractors and carpenters. It has a two-speed gearbox that allows you to adjust the feed rate to match the type of wood you are planing. The DW735 has a 15-amp motor with a 20,000 RPM cutter head and can handle materials up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. The planer also has a four-column carriage lock, which helps to reduce snipe. One of the cons of the DW735 is that it is more expensive than the DW734.

Suitability for Different Users

When it comes to choosing between the DW734 and DW735, your choice will depend on your needs and budget. If you are a DIYer or a hobbyist woodworker, the DW734 is a great option. It is affordable and can handle most of your planing needs. However, if you are a professional contractor or carpenter, the DW735 is the better option. It has more features and is more powerful, which makes it suitable for heavy-duty planing tasks.

In conclusion, both the DW734 and DW735 are great planers, and your choice will depend on your needs and budget. If you are a DIYer or a hobbyist woodworker, the DW734 is a great option. However, if you are a professional contractor or carpenter, the DW735 is the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the DW734 and DW735 planers?

The main differences between the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 planers are the cutting capacity, motor power, and dust collection system. The DW735 has a larger cutting capacity of 13 inches compared to the DW734’s 12.5 inches. The DW735 also has a more powerful motor at 15 amps, while the DW734 has a 12.5-amp motor. Additionally, the DW735 has a more efficient dust collection system, which makes it easier to keep your workspace clean.

How do the DW734 and DW735 compare in terms of power consumption?

The DW735 uses more power than the DW734 due to its more powerful motor. The DW735 has a 15-amp motor, while the DW734 has a 12.5-amp motor. This means that the DW735 will consume more electricity than the DW734.

What is the blade longevity like for the DW735 model?

The DW735 has a reputation for having long-lasting blades. However, the longevity of the blades will depend on how often you use the planer and the type of wood you’re working with. The DW735’s blades are reversible and can be sharpened, which can help extend their lifespan.

Which DeWalt planer model, DW734 or DW735, is considered the best value for money?

Both the DW734 and DW735 are considered to be good value for money. The DW734 is more affordable than the DW735, but it has a slightly smaller cutting capacity and a less efficient dust collection system. The DW735 is more expensive but has a larger cutting capacity, a more powerful motor, and a better dust collection system.

How does the performance of the DW734 planer compare to other brands like WEN and Grizzly?

The DW734 is a popular planer that is known for its high-quality performance. However, other brands like WEN and Grizzly also offer planers that are comparable in terms of performance. When comparing planers from different brands, it’s important to consider factors like cutting capacity, motor power, and dust collection system.

Are there any significant benefits to choosing the DW735X over the standard DW735?

The DW735X is the same as the DW735, but it comes with an extra set of knives and an infeed/outfeed table. The infeed/outfeed table can be useful for supporting longer pieces of wood, while the extra set of knives can be handy when you need to change the blades quickly. However, the DW735X is more expensive than the standard DW735, so you’ll need to decide whether the extra features are worth the additional cost.

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