Changing speed on DW735 planer

Have you tried moving the lever to the right all the way (just a tad move over than the #2 setting), then moving it to the left? It just might be jammed from trying to switch gears and not resetting properly.

Mine moves easily. I did have a situation where the power went out while planing and it was like being stuck in neutral. I started it and flipped the speed selector left and right until it started feeding again. After removing the board.

I will give it a try tomorrow. Hopefully that helps!

I've never had an issue with mine. The switch moves freely without issue. Also, note that the lever should only be moved while the planner is running.

Wow!!!! Thanks for posting this info…I thought I read the manual, but do not recall the part about not moving the selector unless the machine is running. I have probably only ever moved it two or three times, but it has never been running when I did!! Mine moves very easily when not running….now I will have to try it running. It probably will be just as stuck as the OP's!!!

If nothing else, contact DeWalt directly. Their customer service has always been helpful and prompt responding to questions.

Wow!!!! Thanks for posting this info…I thought I read the manual, but do not recall the part about not moving the selector unless the machine is running. I have probably only ever moved it two or three times, but it has never been running when I did!! Mine moves very easily when not running….now I will have to try it running. It probably will be just as stuck as the OP s!!!

- msinc

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That's really strange to have it moving while not running. Mine is completely locked from moving when it's off. It only moves when running. Plus I only knew about moving the selector when running because it said it underneath the selector. Maybe that's a new addition to the machine.

I've never seen the need to shift out of the faster feed speed (#2). It results in a very smooth board that only requires a bit of sanding to be ready for finish.

Do others use the slower speed? I suppose I might use it for some highly figured wood prone to tearout, but I've never had a problem with speed #2 in the years I've had my planer. I don't think I've ever even shifted it.

Do others use the slower speed?

I rarely switch out of the slower speed, I get the best finish possible, the difference in time it takes is seconds.

I ve never seen the need to shift out of the faster feed speed (#2). It results in a very smooth board that only requires a bit of sanding to be ready for finish.

Do others use the slower speed? I suppose I might use it for some highly figured wood prone to tearout, but I ve never had a problem with speed #2 in the years I ve had my planer. I don t think I ve ever even shifted it.

- jonah

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Yeah, I mean, I almost never use the slow speed either. If the knives are in good shape and the wood is not exotic or highly figured I get a very smooth finish that is all I need. I have probably only used the slower speed maybe twice in the three years I've had the planer. New knives are cheap, they drop in and set up so easy and again, the finish this little planer produces exceeds my expectations to the point that I have a hard time justifying a Shelix for it. Of course, now that you guys have pointed out my stupidity it has to blow up the next time I use it anyway!!!

Do others use the slower speed?

I rarely switch out of the slower speed, I get the best finish possible, the difference in time it takes is seconds.

- bondogaposis

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I agree it is only a few seconds difference and the other thing I have thought about is that running it so it feeds slower might be a little easier on the machine and help it to last a little longer.

I agree it is only a few seconds difference and the other thing I have thought about is that running it so it feeds slower might be a little easier on the machine and help it to last a little longer.

- msinc

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The feed rate slows. The knives hit the work more often. Don't think the slower setting saves any wear on the machine.

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I agree it is only a few seconds difference and the other thing I have thought about is that running it so it feeds slower might be a little easier on the machine and help it to last a little longer.

- msinc

The feed rate slows. The knives hit the work more often. Don t think the slower setting saves any wear on the machine.

- Gene Howe

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I understand what you are saying, my thoughts are that the board being pulled thru faster requires more load on the motor and the blades hitting less often but still at a given cut depth have to now cut more with each hit…..sounds easier on the machine to run it slower to me. Less power to pull the board thru…less wood being cut per hit of the blade??? I don't know, I guess I could be wrong.

I also only use the slow speed. There's no question it puts less load on it and may increase its longevity. The slower speed also works well for the way I use it. I typically need to walk to the outfeed side to support a long board. Slower allows me to make sure it is feeding in properly, then I can calmly walk around catch the board.

Sure I could do this at the faster speed, but slower allows me to stay calmer and not mix up boards or surfaces.

Bottom line I'm not a production shop and a few moments longer per board just doesn't matter.

I also only use the slow speed. There s no question it puts less load on it and may increase its longevity. The slower speed also works well for the way I use it. I typically need to walk to the outfeed side to support a long board. Slower allows me to make sure it is feeding in properly, then I can calmly walk around catch the board.

Sure I could do this at the faster speed, but slower allows me to stay calmer and not mix up boards or surfaces.

Bottom line I m not a production shop and a few moments longer per board just doesn t matter.

- clin

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It's not a given that the slower speed puts less load or wear on the machine. That would need to be verified by measuring the current draw under load at both speeds, among other factors. I suspect they're the same. The motor is running the same speed, just with different gearing going to the feed rollers.

To use a somewhat crude analogy: your car's engine is not under more load at 2000rpm in first gear than it is at 2000rpm in second gear.

Yes it is if the same amount of throttle is applied.

What puts more load on a TS? Trying to rip 2 equal boards. One in a 7 secs or the one in 10 secs.

Horsepower is rate of work being done. To do it faster requires more. To do it slower requires less.