I was scouring Craigslist and came across this 733 planer for $100. I am in need of one and know the newer Dewalt's get a lot of praise. Is the 733 a good buy for $100? It seems parts are still easy enough to come by. Thanks.
I'd say for that price it's hard to go wrong. If it works you could try it, and if you don't like it then keep it while saving for a newer model, then put it back on craigslist for $100.
Ask if you can bring a board over to the seller's place and run it through before you buy it.
Many people prefer it over the newer models because the knives can be sharpened, not those disposable double sided ones. That may make knife installation take a bit longer, but it also reduces the long term cost of operation significantly. Take some wood to run through when you go look at it. For $100, if it works and you decide you don't like it, you can always sell it for what you paid and be out nothing.
I have that exact model. I bought used with a set of spare blades in1995. It's a keeper for me simply because I can sharpen the blades! Saves a lot when you look at the cost of having to use the replacement blades for the later models. I use it frequently for surface prep of rough sawn lumber. Very reliable and once set up properly, has little to no snipe on board ends. Be sure the blade setting gage blocks are still on it.
The Kentucky Toolsmith!
I had the 733 for over 20 years and never adjusted or sharpened the blades.
I did not use it all that much, so it lived in a corner for most of the time I had it.
you never know about a power machine unless you actually know the original owner.
I sold it for $50 in the local classifieds a long time ago, knowing it needed a good tuneup
and new belt.
I now have the 734 I bought new a few years ago and it too has had very little use.
so it behooves you to find out as much info as possible about the history prior to purchase.
it is always "Buyer Beware" on used machinery.
Just the fact that you found anything worthwhile on Craigslist that wasn't priced at or above original retail is amazing!
I've been looking for a planer myself and assuming this thing checks out that would be a real score! This gives me some hope to keep checking craigslist, lol.
I d say for that price it s hard to go wrong. If it works you could try it, and if you don t like it then keep it while saving for a newer model, then put it back on craigslist for $100.
Ask if you can bring a board over to the seller s place and run it through before you buy it.
your local FaceBook Marketplace is also a good place to look.
I have been looking on C/L for a long time for a specific 14" vintage Delta bandsaw
with no luck. my first visit to FB/MP I found exactly what I was looking for.
and - below my target price and close by.
and another +1 for testing ANY machine prior to purchase could save you
from the old Buyers Remorse syndrome.
I had a 733 for about 2 years. Unlike some, I ran thousands of feet of wood through it. I sold it after I bought my 735 a couple of years ago for $225, with a Wixey digital readout and two sets of spare knives.
It's a decent planer, but at that age you might run into some issues. The feed rollers will get worn and start to slip. They cost about $60 each if they need replacement. Also, the two-knife configuration has an issue with tear out. Figured woods are the worst.
Finally, be sure you know how to use it. I had a local woodworker ask me to come over because his 734 (same planer with upgraded cutter head) wouldn't plane the boards level. After checking it over I ran one of his pieces through it to see for myself. As I was working he asked what I was doing with that handle (the head lock lever). I told him that was what locked the head to the posts. He said he'd never used it. As you can imagine, the poor guy was very embarrassed.
Mine is well over 20 years old. Runnin' strong.
Only thing I've changed is the belt that I messed up. Bought a spare set of knives to keep a sharp set on hand.
That price is really good if all other parts just need a cleaning and waxing of the bed.
I'd take a good look at it for that price.
I had a 733 for about 2 years. Unlike some, I ran thousands of feet of wood through it. I sold it after I bought my 735 a couple of years ago for $225, with a Wixey digital readout and two sets of spare knives.
It s a decent planer, but at that age you might run into some issues. The feed rollers will get worn and start to slip. They cost about $60 each if they need replacement. Also, the two-knife configuration has an issue with tear out. Figured woods are the worst.
Finally, be sure you know how to use it. I had a local woodworker ask me to come over because his 734 (same planer with upgraded cutter head) wouldn t plane the boards level. After checking it over I ran one of his pieces through it to see for myself. As I was working he asked what I was doing with that handle (the head lock lever). I told him that was what locked the head to the posts. He said he d never used it. As you can imagine, the poor guy was very embarrassed.
I'm very happy with it now that I added the Shelix cutter head. As others have said, the knives that they went to with the 734 and 735 are pathetic. I got my 735X back when there were regular deals on eBay (maybe there still are) for just over $400, new in the box. The X came with two sets of blades. They lasted me about 5 months (I work a lot with mesquite, which is hard and tends to have embedded grit due to its environment here in AZ) and by then I was keeping an eye out for a Shelix deal. When a 15% coupon came along, I nabbed the OEM size version for just over $350. Needless to say, I lucked into some great bargains.
It's been a worthwhile upgrade. Tear out is a thing of the past, as are nicks in the blades. Even the time I ran into some small rocks that were embedded in some mesquite, all I had to do was rotate about a dozen cutters. I wasn't so lucky with the $150 Laguna Resaw King that was ruined doing the resaw on that board. I didn't realize how bad it all was until the next time I tried to use the blade for a resaw.
If you work mostly with everyday hardwoods like walnut or cherry, the blades will last pretty long, and aren't expensive to replace.
Thanks everyone for your help. Unfortunately, though I messaged the person only a few minutes after he posted it, he'd already received over a dozen offers. I will keep my eyes open and keep the knowledge you have all shared in mind with my search.
I m very happy with it now that I added the Shelix cutter head. As others have said, the knives that they went to with the 734 and 735 are pathetic. I got my 735X back when there were regular deals on eBay (maybe there still are) for just over $400, new in the box. The X came with two sets of blades. They lasted me about 5 months (I work a lot with mesquite, which is hard and tends to have embedded grit due to its environment here in AZ) and by then I was keeping an eye out for a Shelix deal. When a 15% coupon came along, I nabbed the OEM size version for just over $350. Needless to say, I lucked into some great bargains.
It s been a worthwhile upgrade. Tear out is a thing of the past, as are nicks in the blades. Even the time I ran into some small rocks that were embedded in some mesquite, all I had to do was rotate about a dozen cutters. I wasn t so lucky with the $150 Laguna Resaw King that was ruined doing the resaw on that board. I didn t realize how bad it all was until the next time I tried to use the blade for a resaw.
If you work mostly with everyday hardwoods like walnut or cherry, the blades will last pretty long, and aren t expensive to replace.
This is great info, thank you! I do mostly work with everyday hardwoods with hickory probably being the hardest wood I regularly work with. I love the look of mesquite but don't feel I have the skill set or knowledge to go that hard quite yet.
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