When I researched this class of planer on the Internet and in Woodorking magaines, virtually all reviews point to this Dewalt DW735 model as the champion by far. So all I needed then was to find the right deal. When I did find a great price, I bought it immediately and have not regretted one single thing. It has been flawless and a real pleasure to use with the most beautiful smooth cuts coming out on all my Maple, Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Padouk, Pine and Fir boards that have been planed so far. It is just perfect for my small hobbyist woodworking shop.
Dewalt DW735 Planer Review
Dewalt DW735 Planer Review by Elton Hammond P.Eng
What I Do Like: - Quality, Quality, Quality. - Virtually every detail from labelling, ergonomics, aesthetics, cover access, etc. have been very well thought out by a first class design team. As a life long Mechanical Engineering designer myself, I am always impressed when this level of effort has been put into a product with excellent results for the customer. - Beautiful smooth cuts with little to no sniping. - Exceptional dust ejection fan that really boosts the ejection velocity into your dust collector. - 4 solid jack posts at each corner that lift in precisely synchronized unison. - Clear depth of cut indication with a gauge and a clever material removal marker. - Very clean and simple design with well thought out details like only one hex wrench stored in the top of the case that tightens and removes all user accessible bolts. - Substantial weight for sturdy mounting with 4 bolt holes makes it easy to bolt down to a stand or mobile bench.
June 30/2010 Update: I just finished flipping the 3 cutting blades around to use the 2nd sharp edge these blades provide and was pleasantly surprised by many well thought out features by the design team at DeWalt: - Blades are positioned accurately by 2 pins that ensure correct location in an instant. No alignment tools required! - Both sides of the blades have a sharp edge, so you get twice your value from each one by flipping the dull side for the 2nd sharp side. - A small tray is provided under the cover to hold the 8 screws for the blade during swap out. - A pair of magnets in the T-handled socket wrench provides a safe way to handle the 3 very sharp and dangerous blades. - This was my first blade swapping experience and it went incredibly smoothly, thanks to a very well designed planer.
What I Don't Like: - Dust port needs to be clamped to your dust collector hose which is a minor issue on my mobile shared dust collector. - Extension tables are not included, but deemed necessary to reduce sniping. I have since bought the extension tables and they are very well designed as with the rest of the machine. They aligned well and can be quickly removed via the spring loaded hinge pins if desired. - Extension tables are not sold at most dealers. - All accessories are sold at full list price in all locations I have found to date.
Dewalt DW7351 Extension Tables
Dewalt DW7351 Extension Tables are Optional
These extension tables are a necessary option that must be purchased from a minimum of sources since most dealers do not carry them. They install quite easily except on the output side where access was slightly awkward. The fastening method is well designed, strong and allows for quick spring loaded temporary removal if ever needed. They are very solid and fold nicely out of the way when I roll the planer out of the way after my project is completed.
