Infinity Tools Claims its carbide-tipped replacement knives for the DeWalt 735 planer will last significantly longer than high-speed-steel (HSS) knives. We have this planer in our shop, and it sees a ton of use (and some abuse), a great testing ground for the durability of the knives. They don’t disappoint, lasting an impressive 21 months (the HSS knives supplied with the planer typically last between three and six months). I planed some test boards when I first installed the knives, and ran the same boards through (planing the opposite face) before changing them out when I was told that the boards were noticeably harder to feed. The only difference was in areas of difficult grain, where the surface was slightly rougher on the later passes. Notably, there were no nicks in the blades, a common occurrence in HSS knives.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in