What's the difference between the DW734 and DW735?
Benchtop thickness planers, such as the DeWalt 734 and 735, are essential tools for woodworking. They allow for precise thickness adjustments and help achieve smooth, perfectly flat boards. This is especially critical if you’re working with rough cut lumber. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, thickness planers enhance efficiency and ensure high-quality and high-precision results. But there are many factors to consider when deciding which planer is right for you.
When we talk about individual features and specifications, the DW734 and DW735 are very similar. They are both corded, have a 3-blade straight cutterhead, and have similar max cut depths. The DW735 does have some small improvements, though, over the DW7354, that may make it worth the upgrade. Keep reading as we break down the similarities, differences, and key features of each.
Want details on other benchtop thickness planers? Or maybe you’re a fan of Wen or Craftsman products? Then click here to view our full benchtop thickness planers comparison article where we compare specifications across over 15 other popular thickness planers.
Our Decision
DeWalt - DW734
Better Price
Image provided by: www.dewalt.com
The DW734 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize cost without compromising on essential features. This machine can handle almost any job the DW735 can, while saving you over $100! You may sacrifice a little cut width, and the feed rate and blade speed is a touch slower, but make no mistake, the DW734 will definitely get the job done.
DeWalt - DW735
Upgraded Features
Image provided by: www.dewalt.com
This thickness planer is perfect for professionals or any user who wants all the latest features. The DW735 offers all the features of the DW734, but you get a little more bang for your buck. This planer has 1/2″ wider board width capacity, higher feed rate, and a much higher cutterhead speed.
Full DW734 vs DW735 Comparison Table
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What is the Difference Between Straight, Spiral, and Helical Cutterheads?
Consider Cost, Finish Quality, Usage & Maintenance
When comparing different thickness planers, a big difference to keep in mind is the cutterhead style. The cutterhead style is essentially how the blades are arranged on the drum, altering how the planer cuts into your workpiece. How these blades are arranged, and the number of blades there are, may play a huge role in the quality and cost of any thickness planer.
Here’s a brief overview of each style:
- Straight Cutterheads consist of a row of straight blades aligned parallel to the axis of rotation. These blades shear the wood fibers across the whole work piece, resulting in a straightforward cut. The pros of straight cutterheads include simplicity and affordability. However, they may cause more tear-out on disfigured or challenging wood grains. They also tend to be a bit noisier during operation compared to the other styles.
- Spiral Cutterheads feature row(s) of short carbide inserts spiraling around a central cylinder. The spiral arrangement ensures a smoother, more consistent, cut than traditional straight blades. They require less maintenance and many varieties have blades that come with multiple sharpened sides, allowing you to rotate each blade instead of needing to completely replace it when it becomes dull. On the downside, they may lack finesse for intricate grain patterns, and are not ideal for hardwoods. While usually quieter than straight blade systems, these thickness planers can still generate quite a bit of noise.
- Helical Cutterheads are similar to spiral in that they have a cylindrical core (ignoring V-shaped style cutterheads for now). But the carbide inserts are slightly angled to the feed direction. This helical design results in a superior finish with less noise and vibration than the other two styles. Helical cutterheads are excellent for hardwoods, and are great for minimizing tear-out. However, planers with helical style cutterheads often come with a much higher initial cost, and may consume slightly more power. You may get a smoother finish, but you will likely have to pay for it.
If you want to see details on more thickness planers, some which have the spiral or helical style cutterhead, then click here to view a comparison table of all the most popular benchtop thickness planers of 2023.
DeWalt DW735 Thickness Planer Overview
Main Details
- Power Type: Corded
- Amperage: 15 A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Cutterhead: Straight (3-Blade)
- Max Speed: 20,000 RPM
- Feed Rate: 14 FPM, 26 FPM
- Max Board Thickness: 6″
- Max Board Width: 13″
Pros
- Powerful, 2-Speed Motor
- Dust port available
- Wider 13″ max board width
- Higher blade speed improves finish quality
Cons
- More expensive
- Slightly heavier compared to the DW734
DeWalt DW734 Thickness Planer Overview
Main Details
- Power Type: Corded
- Amperage: 15 A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Cutterhead: Straight (3-Blade)
- Max Speed: 10,000 RPM
- Feed Rate: 24 FPM
- Max Board Thickness: 6″
- Max Board Width: 12-1/2″
Pros
- Wide 12-1/2″ max board width
- Lower cost compared to the DW735
Cons
- Single feed rate of 24 FPM
- Lower blade speed
- Dust port attachment sold separately
Should I Choose the DW734 or the DW735?
Both the DeWalt DW734 and the DW735 are great thickness planers. Neither cost will break the bank, and both provide excellent quality finishes. Choose the Dewalt DW734 if cost is a big priority and you don’t require the best finish possible. On the other hand, choose the DW735 if you value the additional features and superior performance, and you don’t mind paying a little extra. Whether you’re a DIY weekend warrior, or a professional woodworker, both of these planers are great choices and will help you succeed in your projects!
If you want to see a full comparison table of more benchtop thickness planers from other manufacturers, check out our All Benchtop Thickness Planers Comparison Table article.