I’m looking to buy a benchtop planer. I read the test in Fine Woodworking and the best one is DeWalt 735X.
In Montréal, it’s very easy to buy this machine, but I saw another machine at Lee Valley, Richon 13 inch Helical.
I’d like to know if any of you have an opinion about these two machines or another one?
Thank you so much everyone.
Replies
I own the 13in Dewalt model and have owned it for almost 3 years now! Sure it’s a little more expensive the the other bench top planers out there but I love it! Just make sure you get the infeed and out feed tables for it I have been able to use them to make my planer have no snipe! That’s right no snipe!!!! I also don’t own a dust collector and was able to hook up a dust bag and duct work and it is fully self contained!
Thank you. Have a nice day
I love my Dewalt (I installed a helical cutter head). My good friend has the Rikon. He's jealous. I'm not.
I have the 735x and love it. Suits my needs perfectly (I’m not a high volume guy and don’t need a beast). It’s super reliable and gets great results. I just use the type of blades it comes with.
I cannot comment on the DW 735, but I looked at the Rikon 13” Helical at a Woodcraft store and was not impressed. It appeared cheap and lightweight and did not have a true spiral cutterhead.
I have the Richon! It's important to note that while it's advertised as helical, it's not. It does have seperate square blades (which is nice from a sharpening perspective) but it's not a true helix and doesn't offer all of the advantages of one.
Adjusting/truing it seems a bit janky but it does work.
I like mine! But I've never used another, so take it with a grain of salt.
It appears the Rikon "helical" cutter uses plain old HSS steel inserts. I don't own this planer but I assume the 2 sided inserts are no more durable than straight HSS knives. And way more expensive to replace.
Mike
The inserts are 4-sided and great because if you get a nick in one you can just turn it around, you don't have to sharpen time whole blade.
I bought the DeWalt 735 this past November on a post Thanksgiving holiday and have been happy with it the few times I've used it. I spent a fair bit of time looking at various planers. The only one that tempted me was the new Oliver "lunch box" planer. It has a "Shelix" style head in it. At the time I got it, there weren't many reviews so I passed. Since them, I've seen a few more real reviews with some comparing on YouTube to the DeWalt 735. I've also seen its price drop a bit. It's the only other one out there I'd consider. I'm happy enough with the 735 so I have no temptation to reevaluate my decision.
I have had the Dewalt 733 two bladed model for 8-10 years. It has always done exactly what I need without complaint and I have run a lot of wood through it. I'm still using the original HS blades. I just take them out and clean and hone them once and a while.
I have no experiencd with the Rikon. So, I can't compare.
I will put in another recommendation for the dw753. Part of the reason is it is a really popular machine and and parts are going to be available. You hope not to need them but nothing lasts forever. Also because it is popular there are a lot more upgrades like the helical cutter heads.
I have had mine for a few years and runs great. I just clean it out and lube it about once a year. I change blades basically when I notice a change in cut quality (usually a knick) but would like to get a shelix or lux cut for mine.