Should I spring for a DW735 planer?

[johnp001]

Thanks for the input

I really appreciate all the input.

The point of having a jointer was helpful. I did pick up an old benchtop craftsman belt driven jointer that I have been trying to get working. If I try a board, it vibrates horribly and cuts rough. I believe my problems are a slow cutter speed (still trying to find the right belt wheels) and dull knives (hoping to replace). Perhaps I will post for assistance in the tool talk discussion after doing some more homework on this.

I don't have a dust collection system, beyond a shop-vac, which made the fan assistance of the DW735 sound attractive if not an overkill.

As I am a bit of a scrounger (2nd hand router table, bench top disc/belt sander, etc) which is another reason I am favoring a DW734 or 735 over a HF choice to avoid having too many tooling projects to overcome before "making woodchips" (to quote JR).

I will give the old jointer a little more effort and see if I will use it or need to reserve some budgetary room when purchasing the planner.


Thanks!

[LCHIEN]

There are a number of good thickness planers on the market. But whatever brand or model you decide on, be sure to get one with a locking cutterhead.

Ditto on that!

[Cochese]

There are a number of good thickness planers on the market. But whatever brand or model you decide on, be sure to get one with a locking cutterhead.

+1

Only problem I have with the Ridgid LSA is I've forgotten to grab the UPC before I trash the box. So my OSS and my drill (no box, wouldn't work with me without it) don't have the LSA. Not too terribly concerned though.

Love that 735, it's on my wish list.

[LCHIEN]

one thing that bothers me about the Dewalts - they're fabulous planers but the weight is out of sight. Barely one man portable for me at least. I think the weight is approaching 85 pounds depending upon model. Unless of course if you have a dedicated stand its not so important. Consider the Delta dual speed (forgot the model number) which may be 20 pounds lighter... Save your back!

[Cochese]

I don't consider planers, even lunchbox ones, to be really portable. My 1300 is 77lbs, and I'd rather not pick it up at all - and I consider myself a rather robust individual.

The 735 is 92#, and the lightest one I'm aware of is still north of 50#.

[toolguy1000]

+1

Only problem I have with the Ridgid LSA is I've forgotten to grab the UPC before I trash the box. So my OSS and my drill (no box, wouldn't work with me without it) don't have the LSA. Not too terribly concerned though.

Love that 735, it's on my wish list.

all of my family's ridgid tools have been successfully LSA registered without UPCs. this applies to both hand held and stationary power tools.

[pelligrini]

I don't consider planers, even lunchbox ones, to be really portable. My 1300 is 77lbs, and I'd rather not pick it up at all - and I consider myself a rather robust individual.

The 735 is 92#, and the lightest one I'm aware of is still north of 50#.

I agree, and the 92 lbs for the DW735 doesn't include the optional metal tables either. I always feared of doing damage to myself when I was lugging my 735 out and onto my workmate stand. Especially so when putting it up at the end of a long woodworking day.

[Cochese]

all of my family's ridgid tools have been successfully LSA registered without UPCs. this applies to both hand held and stationary power tools.

Interesting. When I filled my LSA out for the drill, it told me to mail in the UPC. Being a floor model, it had none. Called a rep and was told that I wouldn't be eligible.

I just checked my account, and it shows the drill press and my warranty dates. Hmm. Wonder if I'd get service if I needed it. Will try to register my OSS anyway.

[sweensdv]

one thing that bothers me about the Dewalts - they're fabulous planers but the weight is out of sight. Barely one man portable for me at least. I think the weight is approaching 85 pounds depending upon model. Unless of course if you have a dedicated stand its not so important. Consider the Delta dual speed (forgot the model number) which may be 20 pounds lighter... Save your back!

While many planers may run on the heavy side, their weight has little to do with their performance in most cases. Tool purchases should be based on how well that tool performs and not how much it weighs. Just because a tool happens to weigh a little more than what someone feels comfortable lifting is no reason not to buy it. Buy the best performing tool you can afford and some how make concessions for its weight but don't not buy it just because it's heavy.

[thetimbo]

Picked up off Craigslist my very first thickness planer today. A brand new, still in the box, never set up, zero hours, spotless Dewalt 733 with dust hood and spare set of knives from a elderly retired gentleman who bought it and never got around to even unpacking it. One hundred and seventy five dollars. Read 'em and weep!

[thetimbo]

Picked up off Craigslist my very first thickness planer today. A brand new, still in the box, never set up, zero hours, spotless Dewalt 733 with dust hood and spare set of knives from a elderly retired gentleman who bought it and never got around to even unpacking it. One hundred and seventy five dollars. Read 'em and weep!

The Secret, of course, is all that Clean Livin'.

[BigguyZ]

For what it's worth, I was at HD a few days ago, and I pushed up on the cutterhead assemblys for the Rigid and the Dewault. The Rigid didn't have a cutterhead lock that I could find, and it did move. The Dewault did have a cutterhead lock, but even with it disengaged it didn't budge.

So, given the choice between the two, I'd go with the Dewault. Though I'm still thinking that if you're going to spend the cash, go big or go home (especially when HD will take the HF coupon).

[Cochese]

There's a merchant on Amazon that's selling the 735x (tables and extra blades) for about $480 shipped. Now it's not one that's sold a whole bunch, but I would figure you wouldn't have trouble with getting your money back if what was sent wasn't as advertised.

If the budget wasn't as tight, I'd volunteer to be the guinea pig. Anyone want to spot me?

[conscience]

Get the 735. You won't regret it. I have both the 735 and the 733. I have also had the two speed Delta and the Rigid. The 735 outperformed them all. Not only does it have the blower, but it has a much better locking system (that you don't lock).

It's heavy, so mount it on something that rolls. For the quality of finish and the lack of snipe I just don't think you can go wrong.

Jeremy

[sweensdv]

There's a merchant on Amazon that's selling the 735x (tables and extra blades) for about $480 shipped. Now it's not one that's sold a whole bunch, but I would figure you wouldn't have trouble with getting your money back if what was sent wasn't as advertised.

If the budget wasn't as tight, I'd volunteer to be the guinea pig. Anyone want to spot me?

Here's a link to that vendor. Better hurry though as they say they only have 1 left.