If you are looking to purchase a lunchbox-style thickness planer and are considering if the DeWalt DW735 is a worthwhile upgrade over the DW734, you have come to the right spot!
Below, we will compare the two models, examining their features, performance, and prices to assist you in making a well-informed decision. There are plenty of similarities between these two benchtop models, but what is the difference between the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 thickness planers?
Wood Planer
Though a thickness planer typically isn't the hobbyist's first purchase, it will make a welcome addition to any woodworking shop. It can turn rough, uneven pieces of wood into smooth, parallel boards. Plus, with the right jig, it can level a crooked board as good as any jointer can!
Even if you're just a hobbyist, a thickness planer can help take your woodworking skills to the next level. And don't worry if you don't have a lot of shop space - they come in a range of sizes, from the small "lunchbox style" models to larger floor models for more spacious workshops.
DeWalt Benchtop Planer
DeWalt offers a range of affordable "lunchbox" style thickness planers that are durable enough to withstand heavy usage for several years, including the DW734 as the basic option and the enhanced DW735 and DW735X models.
Compare Wood Planer Specs
The DW734 is a fine machine, but the updates made to it with the DW735(X) model make up for the additional cost. See below for specs comparison and pros/cons of each model.
DeWalt Planer Price Comparison
For a lower price of approximately $200 compared to the DW735, the older DW734 is the most budget-friendly choice. By spending an $150 more than the DW735, you can opt for the DW735x, which includes the same features as the DW735 but adds infeed/outfeed tables and an extra set of blades (3).
It is common for the DW735X (including infeed and outfeed tables) to be discounted by 25%, making it more affordable than the version without the tables!
DeWalt DW734 vs DW735
The DeWalt 735 and DeWalt 734 are both benchtop thickness planers, but they have some differences in terms of their features and capabilities.
Comparatively, the DeWalt 735 is a robust and more powerful machine when compared to the 734 model. With a 15-amp motor capable of reaching 20,000 RPM, it excels in handling challenging woodworking projects. Additionally, equipped with a three-knife cutter head featuring disposable and reversible knives, it enables swift and simple knife replacements, enhancing planing efficiency and precision.
The 735 has a maximum cutting width of 13 inches and a maximum cutting depth of 6 inches, and it can handle stock up to 13 inches wide and 6-1/8 inches thick.
In contrast, the DeWalt 734 features a 10-amp motor capable of reaching speeds of up to 10,000 RPM. Equipped with a two-knife cutter head that has disposable and reversible knives, it offers a maximum cutting width of 12-1/2 inches and a maximum cutting depth of 6 inches. This planer can accommodate stock up to 12-1/2 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
Overall, the DeWalt 735 is a more powerful and capable device compared to the DW734, making it more suitable for demanding woodworking projects. Nonetheless, the 734 remains a solid option for individuals requiring a dependable and effective planer for lighter tasks, or for those who want to save a few bucks.
As far as benchtop planers go, the DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both great machines with their own set of pros and cons. In short, the DW735 is the updated thickness planer model of the DW734. These machines can be quite loud, but there are ways to reduce this noise.
DeWalt DW734 Thickness Planer
DeWalt DW735 Thickness Planer
Looking for discounts on woodworking tools? Our Facebook group is a community of woodworking enthusiasts who share and discover amazing deals on tools woodworkers use. Join us to connect with like-minded individuals and find savings and discounts while building out your shop. We can’t wait to have you as part of our community!
Don't have facebook? That's OK, we post the best deals right here!
Difference Between DW734 and DW735
Selecting between the two comes down to a couple things. The newer DW735 improves upon the DW734 with 1/2" more width capacity, added chip extraction and 2 cutting speeds enhancing the quality of cut.
DW734 & DW735 Planer Capacity
The DW735 and DW735X have 1/2" more board width capacity compared to the DW734.
DeWalt DW734: 12-1/2"
DeWalt DW735: 13"
Both machines can be fed with stock up to 6" thick.
DW734 & DW735 Planer Infeed/Outfeed Tables
DW734: Includes infeed/outfeed tables, providing 33-1/2 inches of board support
DW735: None - without some form of in/outfeed support, snipe will be an issue
DW735X: Includes infeed/outfeed tables, providing 33-1/2 inches of board support
Even with the infeed and outfeed tables, long stock still requires support to prevent (who am I kidding....reduce) snipe. A cheap roller stand provides enough support to reduce snipe.
DeWalt Planer Dust and Chip Extraction
The DW735 has its own built-in chip extraction blower fan. This thing rocks! There is no need to hook up a vacuum to remove dust and chips. The blower is so powerful that it is actually recommended by the manufacturer to not hook it up to a shop vacuum.
The drawback with the older DW734 model is chip extraction. Due to the absence of a built-in blower fan, this model needs to be connected to a dust collection machine or shop vacuum for effective operation.
Regardless of the model, a proper setup for collecting chips is essential to keep dust, wood debris, and fine particles out of the air in your workshop.
Price Difference Between DW734 and DW735
DeWalt runs deals often, so the price is always fluctuating. However, the DW735 is typically about $100 more than the DW734.
Does the DW735 Cut Better than DW734
Indeed! Users of DW735 can choose between two feed speeds, allowing them to cut at either 96 cuts per inch (CPI) or increase the speed to 179 CPI. In contrast, the less expensive DW734 model operates at a fixed speed of 96 CPI.
Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer
Enhancing the cut quality of both the DW735 and DW734 planers can be achieved by using a helical cutterhead.
Smoother finish: and less tear-out even on highly figured hardwoods.
Sound Reduction: The DW735 and DW734 are quite noisy with the factory flat blades. Up to 50% of that noise is removed when equipped with a helical cutterhead.
Improved life-span: carbide inserts can be rotated to reveal a fresh, sharp edge. If you hit a nail or staple, simply rotate the few impacted inserts and you are good to go. With the straight knife setup, all three blades now have a knick that will produce a "bump" on the surface of your work piece.
On the downside, helical heads are quite expensive - often as expensive as the machine itself. However, there are affordable options, though typically come with fewer carbide inserts in the head.
Top of the Line: Shelix by Byrd (Amazon)
Low-cost option: JTEX for DW735 (Amazon)
Difference Between DeWalt 735 and 735x Planer
The DW735 is the same wood planer as the DW735X. The DW735X comes with infeed/outfeed tables and an extra set of blades. That's it!
DeWalt and Amazon frequently offer discounts on these machines. Make sure to compare the prices of the DW735X and DW735 before making a purchase. Surprisingly, sometimes the DW735X with the infeed/outfeed tables is less expensive than the version without them!
In other cases, you can buy the DW735 and buy the infeed/outfeed tables and an extra set of blades for cheaper than the 735X.
DeWalt Thickness Planer Comparison
Though all three models are great machines, there are distinct differences between them.
Depending on your budget and your capacity requirements, you can find the right planer for your shop.
DeWalt Planer Stand
DeWalt makes a high quality, compact stand (Amazon) to fit all three of their planer models.
It comes with casters to easily tuck it away when not in use. A single foot pedal locks it in place for storage or while in use.
Get the combo on Amazon
DW735
Infeed and Outfeed Tables
3 Extra Reversible Knives
Rolling Planer Stand
Investing in a quality thickness planer is crucial for enhancing your woodworking skills. The DeWalt DW734 and DW735 are both great choices, each with its own set of features to meet your requirements. While the DW735 boasts more power and additional functionalities, the DW734 is a dependable and efficient option for less demanding tasks. Therefore, it's important to assess your woodworking needs and budget before making a decision. Don't forget to explore potential discounts and promotions on these models from DeWalt and Amazon. Have you had the opportunity to utilize either of these planers? Feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.