DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer Review

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If you’re looking for a benchtop planer that feels like a real upgrade instead of just a basic entry-level machine, I think the DEWALT DW735X is one of the strongest options out there.

What I like about this planer is that it feels built for people who actually care about finish quality, adjustability, and getting better results out of a benchtop setup. This is not one of those tools that feels stripped down just to hit a lower price point. It feels more like a serious woodworking tool that still fits into a smaller shop.

The features that stand out most to me are the 15 amp motor, 3-knife cutter head, 2-speed gearbox, and the fact that it comes with infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of knives. That combination makes it a lot more appealing than a lot of cheaper planers.

First Impressions

My first impression is that this planer looks like it was designed for performance.

A lot of benchtop planers are really just about being compact and affordable. This one still fits that smaller format, but it feels like DEWALT put a lot more focus into the features that actually matter when you’re trying to get cleaner, more consistent results.

What stands out to me right away:

• 13-inch capacity

• 15 amp motor

• 20,000 RPM motor

• 3-knife cutter head

• 2-speed gearbox

• infeed and outfeed tables

• extra set of knives

That’s a strong feature set for anyone who wants better finish quality and more flexibility without jumping all the way to a large stationary planer.

What Comes in the Package

One thing I like is that this setup feels more complete than just buying a bare planer by itself.

You’re getting:

• the DW735 planer

• infeed and outfeed tables

• an extra set of knives

That matters because those extras add real value.

The feed tables help support longer boards and can help reduce snipe, which is one of the most annoying things about benchtop planers. The extra knives are also a great bonus because planer knives are a wear item, and having another set ready to go is always nice.

The 2-Speed Gearbox Is a Big Selling Point

This is one of the features I like most.

The 2-speed gearbox gives you two cut-per-inch settings:

• Finishing: 179 cuts per inch

• Dimensioning: 96 cuts per inch

That gives this planer a lot more flexibility.

If I’m trying to remove material faster and size boards down, the lower cut-per-inch setting makes sense. If I want a smoother finish, the finishing setting is the better choice. That kind of adjustability is a big plus because it means the planer is not stuck doing everything the same way.

The 3-Knife Cutter Head Looks Like a Real Advantage

I like that this planer uses a 3-knife cutter head.

That usually means more cuts per pass and a smoother surface than simpler setups. For anyone who cares about finish quality, that is a big deal.

This is one of the features that makes the DW735X feel more serious than a lot of lower-cost benchtop planers.

The Motor Looks Strong for a Benchtop Planer

The 15 amp motor and 20,000 RPM rating are another big plus to me.

Planers are one of those tools where weak performance gets frustrating fast. If the machine bogs down too easily or struggles with normal work, it stops being enjoyable to use.

This one looks like it has the power to feel capable instead of underbuilt, which is exactly what I’d want in a planer.

What I Like Most

1. It feels like a more serious benchtop planer

This doesn’t feel like a bargain-bin planer. It feels like a machine for someone who actually plans to use it regularly.

2. The included extras are useful

The infeed/outfeed tables and extra knives are not throwaway add-ons. They actually make the package better.

3. The 2-speed gearbox adds flexibility

This is one of the biggest reasons the planer stands out to me.

4. The 3-knife cutter head should help finish quality

That’s a major plus for woodworking projects where surface quality matters.

5. It looks like a good fit for serious DIYers and woodworkers

This feels like the kind of planer that makes sense for someone who wants something better than entry-level without needing a huge shop machine.

Where I Think It Fits Best

From my perspective, this planer seems like a great fit for:

• serious DIYers

• hobby woodworkers

• furniture builders

• trim and finish work

• shop projects

• people upgrading from a cheaper planer

• anyone who wants a stronger benchtop planer with better finish potential

I think it especially makes sense for someone who knows they’re going to use a planer often enough to appreciate the better features.

A Few Things I’d Keep in Mind

Even though I like a lot about it, there are still a few things I’d think about.

It costs more than basic benchtop planers

This is clearly not the cheapest option. It looks like a planer for someone willing to pay more for better features and better performance.

It’s still a benchtop planer

Even though it looks like a really good one, it’s still in that category. So I’d still expect noise, chip collection needs, and the usual planer mess that comes with these machines.

It makes the most sense if you’ll actually use the features

If someone only needs a planer once in a while, this may be more machine than they really need. But if someone cares about finish quality and wants the flexibility of the 2-speed setup, then it makes a lot more sense.

My Overall Take

Overall, I think the DEWALT DW735X looks like one of the better benchtop thickness planers for someone who wants stronger performance and better features without moving up to a full-size stationary planer.

The biggest strengths to me are:

• the 2-speed gearbox

• the 3-knife cutter head

• the included feed tables

• the extra knives

• the overall feeling that this is a more capable planer than basic entry-level models

If I were looking for a benchtop planer that felt like a real upgrade and gave me more control over both stock removal and finish quality, this is absolutely one I’d be paying attention to.

Final Verdict

My opinion is that the DEWALT DW735X looks like a really strong option for anyone who wants a higher-quality benchtop planer with features that actually matter.

It looks like a smart buy for someone who wants:

• better finish quality

• more control over feed rate

• a stronger benchtop planer

• useful included accessories

• a more complete planer package right out of the box

If I were shopping for a benchtop planer and wanted something that felt like a genuine step up, this would definitely be near the top of my list.