DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch (DW735X): Our In-Depth Review

If you’re on the hunt for a high-performing thickness planer that can tackle a wide variety of hardwoods and softwoods, the DEWALT DW735X might just be your perfect match. In our quest to find the ideal planer for our own home workshop, we decided to test the DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) firsthand. Below, we’ll share our experiences, key features, standout benefits, and ultimately why we recommend this heavy-duty planer for seasoned woodworkers and passionate hobbyists alike.

Why We Chose the DEWALT DW735X for Our Woodworking Projects

We’ve experimented with multiple planer models over the years, but the DEWALT DW735X stood out from the crowd for a few reasons:

• Power and Capacity: The 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM motor (10,000 RPM cutterhead speed) promised a professional finish on a wide range of wood materials.
• Two-Speed Gearbox: Being able to adjust the feed rate (96 or 179 cuts per inch) promised more control and the flexibility to achieve a texturally smooth or a more aggressive cut.
• Built-In Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection: As avid DIYers, we know how quickly a workshop can become a sawdust mess. The DW735X’s chip ejection system aimed to reduce cleanup time.

After putting this planer to work, we can confidently say it met—and often exceeded—our expectations.

Firsthand Impressions on Setup and Assembly

We found setting up the DW735X to be straightforward, especially compared to other planers we’ve tested. The instructions included are direct and easy to follow. Within about 20 to 25 minutes, we had it fully assembled, carefully checked our blade alignment, and ran our first test board. The robust build quality is something you notice right away: the planer has a sturdy, well-constructed body that feels reassuringly heavy. If you’re like us and you appreciate a tool that exudes “built to last,” this DEWALT model certainly makes a solid first impression.

Key Features That Impressed Us

1. Two-Speed Gearbox for Supreme Versatility

One of the biggest advantages of the DW735X is the two-speed gearbox. While some planers offer a single speed, we’ve discovered how much of a game-changer it is to switch between a rougher, faster cut and a slower, more precise finish. For initial planing of rough boards, the faster feed rate was perfect; when we wanted a smoother final surface, we’d pop it into the slower speed. Our boards emerged consistent and practically ready for minimal sanding.

2. Superior Surface Finish

Thanks to the three-knife cutterhead turning at 10,000 RPM, we got uniform cuts with minimal surface tearing, even on hardwoods like oak, walnut, and maple. We ran several test boards through—some we’d intentionally left with minor imperfections—and were thrilled at how clean and polished they looked after just one pass.

3. Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection

A major convenience feature that quickly became one of our favorites is the fan-assisted chip ejection system. Typically, thickness planers can accumulate shavings at a fast rate—leading to clogs, or forced reliance on external dust collection systems. The built-in ejector in the DW735X effectively blows chips away from your work area. While we still recommend connecting your dust collector or shop vacuum for more thorough debris containment, the integrated chip ejection noticeably reduces clogs and helps keep the cutting area clearer throughout each pass.

Upgraded Blades and Extended Infeed/Outfeed Tables

During our review of the DW735X, we discovered it includes a set of the 13-inch knives (which are reversible for repeated use) and extended infeed and outfeed tables. These tables provide extra support when you’re working with longer boards—an absolute must for professional-level planing. Compared to other planers we’ve used, the extended tables reduce snipe on the leading and trailing ends of the board by keeping the board level from start to finish. Paired with the planer’s overall robust design, these additions gave us an incredibly smooth and frustration-free experience.

1. Reduced Snipe

Snipe is a common annoyance when dealing with planers—those unwanted deeper cuts at the start or end of a board. After thorough testing, we can confirm the DW735X’s design nearly eliminates snipe, provided you have everything calibrated properly. It’s easy to also make micro-adjustments if you want even less snipe on ultra-precision projects.

2. Longevity of the Blades

We’ve noticed that the toolbox-worthy steel blades fare well against dense woods—requiring fewer blade replacements or sharpenings than some of the other planer knives we’ve tested. Because these are reversible blades, you effectively get double the cutting life. This is a huge benefit if you’re working on big projects and don’t want to stop mid-task to swap blades.

How It Performs with Different Woods

When we personally tested the DW735X, we tried it with an assortment of wood types:

• Softwoods (Pine and Cedar): The planer handled softwoods effortlessly, resulting in exceptionally smooth surfaces on the slower feed speed.
• Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Walnut): Impressively, even dense hardwood boards came out near-perfect in a single pass. A tiny bit of sanding afterward was all we needed for finishing.
• Exotic Woods: If you experiment with exotic woods, the DW735X’s powerful motor and precision might be just the ticket for planing Ebony, Padauk, or Purpleheart.

This versatility ensures you’re covered whether you’re a professional cabinetmaker or a DIY enthusiast building custom furniture or fine cabinetry.

Build Quality and Portability

Some planers feel flimsy when you compare them side-by-side with the DW735X. You’ll notice the difference in weight (it’s around 92 lbs) and the industrial-grade materials. The base is stable, the gear system is reliable, and all of the adjustment knobs, levers, and locks feel purposeful. That extra heft can