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Planer recommendations

1K views 20 replies 13 participants last post by  controlfreak 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Okay, I am getting into cutting the parts of my benchtop Moxon vise & table. I decided on using red oak for the jaws and the best kiln dried wood for the table. I selected 2×10x8 to glue up for table. I ripped the 2×10's and then fired up the used jointer I bought for $150 8 months ago….it worked great…except. I realized in order to mate all these parts to glue up the time has come for a planer. I told my wife I have got to get a planer and she didn't say no, to be fair she didn't say yes either.

Anyway I have been searching for a deal on a used planer but when you factor in that the blades will likely need to be replaced after purchase there is just not enough discount. So new it is, it looks like Dewalt has some units in the $500 range that do okay but now that I have put a budget number out there what do you all do think?
 
#2 ·
The Dewalt 735 seems to be the "go to" these days. I'll just say that I have had the 734 for several years and it has served me well. I would have trouble justifying the extra $100 or so for the 735 over the 734. I think the main differences are two speeds and 3 blades for the 735. The 734 does such a good job, I can't see how the extra speed and blade could make much difference, I'm sure some one will disagree.
 
#6 ·
Sometimes its like buying scotch. I can get something okay for $30. But something better is $35. and Johnny Walker is $45 and that's only $10 more. I guess I am saying I can afford a decent planer but too much $$ well possibly make life difficult for a day or two. Looks like in my range the dewalt is the go to.
 
#10 ·
I think this far in I an looking at the 735x. I figure the table extentions may help lesson snipe.

- controlfreak
The 734 has very little issue with snipe. I think, according to my reading, the same goes for the 735. This is true for shorter boards. For longer boards that over come the support of the infeed/outfeed tables, you will need to provide some auxiliary support.
 
#11 ·
I've had the Dewalt 735x for about three years now and love it. The infeed and outfeed tables are a very nice add-on, IMHO. I also bought the mobile base off of Craigslist a while back and really appreciate it, too. I very much recommend the combination.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've had the 735 for 10 years, and upgraded to carbide blades, changed the rollers for better rubber, etc. I like having two speeds because if you've got a lot of lumber to plane, it just goes faster. Once all the boards are within a 1/64th or so, a final pass on the slow speed does leave an amazing finish. Not always necessary, sometimes the fast speed is all that's needed, depending on wood, grain, etc…
 
#13 ·
Nothing wrong with the dewalt 734, or ridgid etc. They're 3 blade models and have locking mechanisms. Do NOT waste money in the HF, wen etc 2-blade models with no lock, they're horrible!
Dewalt 735 is king in that category (lunchbox planers they're called)
At that price point especially if you don't mind a little elbow grease you can probably get a used 4-post 15" planer. Lots of discussions on here, most of them share parts and are great. If you have space for a dedicated planer you won't be sorry!
 
#14 ·
The DW735X right now is the same price as the DW735 $549.00 but includes the table extensions and an extra set of blades. With the DW734 at $399.00 and subtracting for the blades it looks like for $100 more I will get a better lock and two speeds. If I ever get a bigger shop with a larger fixed planer I shouldn't have any trouble selling the DW735 but I may never need to.

On a positive note I fired up my Craftsman 6" jointer for the first time this weekend and it worked fantastic. I bought it for $150. I did some cleaning and derusting of the bed, replaced a broken switch and added some wheels to get it around my tiny shop.
 
#15 ·
I have the Delta TP400LS 12 1/2" planer. I'm happy with it. If your able to go with a 15" planer, you'll appreciate it in the long run. The three blade option is nice to have. The way to go is the best you can afford, or save up for it. Like most of us, we over think what we'd like to get.
 
#16 ·
I've got a barely used DeWalt 735 (used for less than 10 bd.ft to demonstrate to a potential buyer) with the tables on it, and new knives. I'm pretty sure an extra pair of knives for it too. $450.00. The rub is you need to come over, and go see a Cincinnati Reds game, or some other reason to drive over, cause I'm not a shipper kinda guy.
 
#17 ·
One factor you should include in your evaluation is the sound level.

I do not know about the dewalt unit, but my old «lunchbox» plainer was insainly load, wheras my new one is just a fraction of that one.
Makes quite a difference in the usage experience - even when not consider the difference in the delivered surface.
 
#18 ·
Mine is the 735X with the Shelix head. Yeah, I got some bucks invested but, what a difference. Much quieter and beautiful surfaces. Plus, the cost of the shelix will be recouped by not buying straight blades monthly. In six months, hundreds of BF of mesquite has gone through and not one nicked cutter.
 
#21 ·
I am all in on the DW735X and ordered today but I have a feeling when they call when it comes in her cell listed on the lowes account the sh1t will hit the fan. In all fairness she said go ahead with an eye roll and I never asked again. The DW735X is the same price as the DW735 but has extra blades and table extentions, about a $100 add on. Every time they keyed it in it was item not found so they did something and said $650 I said that's not going to work your site says $549. The clerk did an override and swiped my corporate card and I asked where is my 5% discount? She I can't because of the override. I said I am just to beat down to deal with this now. When I can see the planer and touch it I am going to ask to void it an re-enter it with discount. Thirty bucks is thirty bucks!

Anyway even compared with the DW734 the 735 is a beast since I compared the two on display, I can't wait.
 
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