DeWalt - DW735 Heavy-Duty 13" Three Knife, Two Speed Thickness Planer (Rating: 5)
This is my first planer, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it works great. All of the controls are easy to use, two speeds (different # of CPI for dimensioning or finishing). I like the fact that the cutter head is connected to the base with 4 risers instead of two like the DW734 and DW733 as well as the Ridgid and Ryobi planers they carry at Lowes and Home Depot. The depth adjustment is extremely easy to use and once I set it, it hasn't moved once.
The top is easy to remove using the included wrench that stores in a recess located on the top of the machine. I haven't had to change the blades yet, but it doesn't appear to be difficult.
The machine is heavy - it is still portable, but it's not something that I'd want to move every day. When I'm not using mine, I store it on a shelf below my workbench and I usually have someone help me lift it to the table top if there's someone nearby.
This thing generates a TON of wood chips, probably the most of any tool in my shop. I made the mistake of running it without any dust collection right after I got it to try it out, and spent the next half hour sweeping my entire shop.
I use mine with a 4" flex hose directly connected to my DC and it catches 100% of the chips and about 90% of the dust. I haven't tried using it with a shopvac, but I doubt it could keep up with the volume of chips this thing spits out.
The quality of the cut is very good, but I do end up with snipe on the end of boards. DeWalt makes an accessory kit that has extended in/outfeed tables, and I'd highly recommend them. I'd almost say that they should be included in the box.
This is my first planer, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it works great. All of the controls are easy to use, two speeds (different # of CPI for dimensioning or finishing). I like the fact that the cutter head is connected to the base with 4 risers instead of two like the DW734 and DW733 as well as the Ridgid and Ryobi planers they carry at Lowes and Home Depot. The depth adjustment is extremely easy to use and once I set it, it hasn't moved once.
The top is easy to remove using the included wrench that stores in a recess located on the top of the machine. I haven't had to change the blades yet, but it doesn't appear to be difficult.
The machine is heavy - it is still portable, but it's not something that I'd want to move every day. When I'm not using mine, I store it on a shelf below my workbench and I usually have someone help me lift it to the table top if there's someone nearby.
This thing generates a TON of wood chips, probably the most of any tool in my shop. I made the mistake of running it without any dust collection right after I got it to try it out, and spent the next half hour sweeping my entire shop.
I use mine with a 4" flex hose directly connected to my DC and it catches 100% of the chips and about 90% of the dust. I haven't tried using it with a shopvac, but I doubt it could keep up with the volume of chips this thing spits out.
The quality of the cut is very good, but I do end up with snipe on the end of boards. DeWalt makes an accessory kit that has extended in/outfeed tables, and I'd highly recommend them. I'd almost say that they should be included in the box.