DeWalt DW734 vs. DW735 vs. DW735X — What’s the Best Planer for You?

Every contractor, carpenter, and fan of DIY projects knows the importance of a high-grade wood planer. After all, it heavily influences the quality of the end product. With the right planer, you will achieve smooth, even cuts and a brilliant finish.

Of course, your choice of a planer depends on your needs and the project you’re working on. Still, whatever your requirements may be, one of the DeWalt planers will surely work out for you. But which model should you pick?

DeWalt’s offer includes three planer models: DW734, DW735, and DW735X. Each has its own pros and cons so it’s up to you to decide which one will be perfect for your projects. Let’s take a look at their features and differences.

1. Benchtop Planer DW734

While Benchtop Planer DW734 offers only the basic features, it still remains a powerful tool. Because of its thickness adjustment features, you can use it to process different kinds of wood. It handles pieces up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide.

This model includes a three knife cutter that can make 96 cuts per inch and spin at 10,000 RPM. What’s more, the knives are easily replaceable, so you won’t waste your time on sharpening old ones. They are 12 inches long, which is longer than what other similar products offer.

DW734 also includes a dust hood, which you can connect to a dust collector or a vacuum cleaner. In addition, this planer includes a four-column carriage lock, which will significantly reduce the movement caused by snipe. However, unlike other DeWalt models, DW734 has only one speed option.

If you’re looking for a quality and easily-portable tool, DW734 will be the perfect model for you. At only 80 pounds, it’s much lighter than other DeWalt wood planers. Also, you can fold the feed table up so it won’t take much space when you’re not using the tool.

2. DeWalt Planer DW735

While DeWalt Planer DW735 is a bit bulky, it comes with better equipment and more features than DW734. The greatest thing about this planer model is that it comes with a strong, 15A motor and two speed options. Besides the 10,000 RPM spin and 96 cuts per inch — the option it shares with DW734 — with this model, you can also make 179 cuts per inch.

In addition, DW735 has an automatic carriage lock, a feature that DW734 is missing. Thus, movement control while using this tool is far easier. The thickness capacity remains at 6 inches, but it can handle 13 inches wide materials, which is a significant improvement.

Another great thing about DW735 is that it has amazing debris management features. Its clip ejection system makes clogging highly unlikely. Also, it can serve as a sort of a vacuum, thus making it easier for you to keep the surface clean. Finally, the tool comes with two dust shrouds that make the cleanup faster and simpler.

DW735 has an aluminum base, which further improves its strength and durability. Yet, this feature makes it 12 pounds heavier than DW734. Since it weighs 92 lbs, this model won’t suit your needs if you’re looking for an easily portable tool.

3. DEWALT Thickness Planer DW735X

DEWALT Thickness Planer DW735X is similar to its predecessor, DW735, in several ways, but it also includes some extra accessories.

DW735X has an outstanding 15A motor with a speed of 20,000 RPM . In addition, the cutter head speed reaches 10,00 rpm. Just like DW735, this model has two speed options — 96 and 179 cuts per inch.

This model includes a three knife cutter head that increases the longevity of the knives by 30%. The blades are 13 inches long, reversible and disposable. Therefore, you don’t need to bother yourself with sharpening them, which will save both your money and effort. What’s more, this model comes with an additional set of cutter head knives, so you will be stocked for a long while.

DW735X makes cuts easily both on softwood and hardwood. Even if you’re dealing with the hardest materials, the motor will not strain and you will not damage the wood. Thus, your hard work will not result in snipes and tear out.

This model also has a 19-3/4″ cast aluminum base, which makes it more stable and twice more rigid than folding tables and regular 10-inch bases. Unlike DW735, this model offers both infeed and outfeed tables.

Finally, DW735X comes with a dust adapter and its chip ejection system includes a fan. So, you won’t need to worry about spending hours on cleanup after your work.

The only area where this model falls short is its weight. Because of its 92 pounds, it belongs in the category of stationary tools. So, if you’re looking for a portable tool, DW735X probably won’t work for you.

What Is the Best DeWalt Planer Model for You?

As you can see, all three DeWalt models are quite outstanding. Therefore, your choice depends on your own preferences and needs.

Our favorite pick is without any doubt DW735X. In terms of its performance, it is far superior to other models. Also, with this model, you won’t need to acquire infeed and outfeed tables separately. With a strong motor and two speed options, this is one of the best tools available. Its only weakness is that the motor is quite loud. So, if you’re looking for a premium-quality tool that would bring you fantastic results, this will be the best pick for you.

Moreover, if you need a reliable and extra-durable tool, DW735 and DW735X are both fantastic options. Since they include an aluminum base, these models are sturdier than other planers.

However, both DW735 and DW735X are quite pricey. Therefore, if you want to get the job done and save some money, DW734 will be the better option. Finally, portability can be an important feature when choosing a wood planer. So, if you don’t mind the lack of portability, you can go for either DW735 or DW735X. On the other hand, if you need a tool that you can move easily, DW734 will be the best model for you.

Whichever model you decide to go for, we are sure that you will be satisfied with it. After all, DeWalt offers only the best products to their customers.