I’m looking into getting a new planer. I was thinking of the Dewalt DW735. While looking at it on Amazon there were quite a few reviews that mentioned that the blades didn’t last very long. Is this true? If so are there after market blades that are better?
I was also considering the Makita 2012. If anyone has experience with both of these I would appreciate some input as to which one you consider best.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Joe Hartford
Replies
Joe
I've got the DW735 and the blades don't last very long, especially if you are plaing really hard woods. Infinity sells replacement HSS knives which are supposed to be better as well as single-edged carbide knives. The carbides are not cheap, but hopefully they'll last a long time (I installed a pair last month).
I can't personally speak for the blades on the DW except I have seen that posted many... many times about them not being up to snuff but... I can comment on the Makita planer. I have used one before I got a 20" floor and have seen them in many shops and on commercial sites in my travels around Atlanta. An excellent planer with a time tested track record. If I had to go back to a lunch-box it would be the Makita...
I personally think the DW is over-priced and especially after you have to purchase the extension tables.. etc. For not a lot more you coud purchase a 15" stationary and for the same amount used on CL if you find one there. Just my personal thoughts...
Good luck...
Contrary to the other replies I have a five year old 735 that is just ready for it's first blade replacement. So, this weekend I'm going to take the original blades out, turn them over and re-install them. I'm not renewing because they are dull, but because one has a chip.
I don't use the machine every day, or even everey weekend. But I work mostly in white oak and cherry, so when used it doesn't get babied.
I use multiple passes with cuts around 1/16", use the dimensioning setting till I get close and only do a pass or two on the finish setting.
Perhaps the blades don't last as long with heavier cuts and more finishing, but I'm happy and completely satisfied with my 735. By the way, you'll want optional in-feed and out-feed tables.
Interesting that you and Sarge recomend the outfeed tables. I don't have them and have never felt the need for them. Then again, I put one board through at a time, feeding it in carefully and receiving it at the other side.
Yes , unfortunately it's true that the blades on the 735 don't seem to hold up very well in harder woods. Mine dulled as soon as I hit my first knot. Since then I have been very careful to be sure and only take very small cuts of 1/32" or less, which has helped greatly to extend the blade life. I haven't yet tried the upgraded blades mentioned so I can't speak for them. If you check on the Amazon reviews you will find that ,as Sarge mentioned, the Makita has held up well over many years and seems to be prefered in the field by contractors. The next planer I purchase will probably be a 3 HP,15" stand alone, as mentioned by Sarge.
I've had one for about 5 years now... I replaced the blades for the first time about 4 months ago. I planed lots of hard maple, cherry, walnt and red oak.
I can not help but wonder, perhaps some of these quick dulling blades are being pushed to their max. The maximum depth of cut is 1/8", I've never made the deep of a pass. I believe one revolution is 1/16"... which is about max for me. If a cut is beging made very deep, in very hard wood... I'd expect the blades to dull quickly.
Anyway, I have the outfeed tables, and I suggest them.
ust curious Chris.. have you ever run any 6'-8' stock through your 735? I have about 32" of support table on both in-feed and out-feed on my 20" floor and when things go over 6'.. wish I had more. Over 8' I set up Ridgid flip top stands on "both ends" as things can go pooey in a flash without proper support.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled