A high-quality planer allows you to obtain a smooth finish. If you’re an avid woodworker, nothing is more satisfying than this, right? But here’s the thing. Such planers do more than just that. They help you save money as well. And that brings to mind two popular DeWALT models; DeWALT 734 vs. 735 planers.
These units are plenty compact and affordable. With remarkable customization features for thickness! They are not only lightweight but highly efficient too. However, don’t expect them to deliver the same kind of performance.
With that in place, I’m going to review each model separately. Before I put them up against one another for the sake of comparison! So are you with me?
DeWALT Planer Reviews
I would be stating the obvious by if I said that DeWALT is a force to be reckoned with. Especially when it comes to manufacturing power tools!
The company offers many types of thickness planers. These vary in terms of features, cutting ability, and size. So let’s find out everything we can about DeWALT 734 vs. 735.
Planer Name | Our Rating | Cuts Per Inch (CPI) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 96 and 179 CPI | 92 pounds | |
#2 | Only 96 CPI | 80 pounds |
 DEWALT DW734 15 Amp 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer |  DEWALT DW735 13-Inch, Two Speed Thickness Planer |
|---|
DeWALT 734 vs. 735: DeWALT DW734 Review
DEWALT DW734 15 Amp 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer
What came first; the chicken or the egg? Likewise, what came first; DeWALT 734 or DeWALT 735? The second question is simpler to answer. It’s the DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer that was brought into existence before its younger counterpart.
The machine is equipped with a powerful 15-amperage motor. This motor offers as many as 20 thousand rotations per minute (RPM). The maximum speed is quite impressive, isn’t it? Whereas cutting head speed is 10 thousand RPM.
The DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer can work with boards that are six inches deep and 12.5 inches wide. Cutting depth varies from zero to one-eighth of an inch. On top of that, the little beast can carry out 96 cuts for every inch.
You’ll be glad to know that all DeWALT planers are packed with knife cutter heads. Three of them! And these knives are reversible as well as durable. Then come the outfeed and infeed tables. When combined, the two tables add extra length for additional support. 33.5 inches extra, to be more precise. What this does is drastically minimize the chances of the board sniping.
You also get access to an excellent manually operated carriage lock. It is very useful for preventing unwanted board movements. During cutting, this also helps in reducing snipe.
And lastly, the weight you’re dealing with is 80 pounds. So you can firmly root the planer on the table or benchtop.
DeWALT 734 vs. 735: DeWALT DW735 Review
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch, Two Speed Thickness Planer
Now it’s time to highlight the features of the DeWALT DW735 Thickness Planer. This particular model is a more recent creation. It is also slightly larger than its older sibling. But the power is the same.
As for working with wood, the DeWALT 735 accepts wider boards. As much as 13 inches! Cutting depth remains the same at one-eighth of an inch for each pass.
But here’s a point of difference. The DeWALT DW735 Thickness Planer is armed with a unique gearbox. This consists of two-speed settings. So you can customize the cuts for every inch based on the hardness of wood. The two speeds are 179 and 96.
For dust collection, the DeWALT 735 offers two features.
Here’s another distinction you might appreciate. The DeWALT DW735 Thickness Planer comes with an automatic lock feature. That means you get the opportunity to plane quickly without manual intervention.
As for weight, the DeWALT 735 is 92 pounds heavy. Now you decide whether that’s good or bad news.
DEWALT Perform & Protect Tools
DeWALT 734 vs. 735: Comparison
Time to focus on features that set both the planers apart. From the rest and one another!
Blades
Both the DeWALT models are supplied with the triple knife mechanism. And the system doesn’t disappoint when it comes to making clean cuts.
The only notable difference here is the length of the blades. The DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer has blades that are only 12.5 inches long. And that of the DeWALT 735 are 13 inches long. You might think that 0.5 inch is such an insignificant number. But not when it can create a major difference in the quality and cutting depth of flat boards.
Outfeed and Infeed Tables
The DeWALT DW735 Thickness Planer has no attachable tables. Unlike its younger counterpart! That means the DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer provides you with additional support. In the form of extra length! This makes the passage of long wood pieces easier. So if you’re wondering what outfeed and infeed tables do, here’s your answer.
However, here’s another thing that you should know. The DeWALT 735 does not have the attachable tables. Even so, its base offers plenty of stability and room.
Weight
The DeWALT DW735 is 92 pounds heavy. And the DeWALT DW734 is 80 pounds light. The latter is more portable than the former. But the former is more secure when placed on the table or benchtop.
So you need to decide what matters more for your professional requirements. Is it portability? Or is it stability?
Lock Mechanism
This is where the DeWALT DW735 Thickness Planer wins extra points. Thanks to its automatic locking mechanism. The stock gets measured digitally. And then locked into position before passing through the knives!
As for the DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer, you need to perform the same function manually. Not that turning a lever is a big deal. In fact, it contributes to reducing snipe in a far greater manner. Even so, automatic locking is more preferable than pulling the bar down manually.
DeWALT 734 vs. 735: Bottom Line
Of course, the more recent version is better. As far as features are concerned, the DeWALT DW735 Thickness Planer is a superior model. Deeper and cleaner cuts are the result of its performance. But the DeWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer comes with outfeed and infeed tables.
So you need to decide what plays a bigger role in simplifying your woodworking projects. Both are excellent choices that you won’t regret in any way.
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