Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 08, 2007 04:21am | #1

   Dear Bruce,
   Two totally different machines. I personally don't have a high opinion of DeWalt, but there are many woodworkers, more talented than I, who praise them quite often. My experience, moving from a 12" Makita planer to a 15" Delta has shown me that there is a place for both in my shop. The Delta will hog off material but is not great at "fine tuning" a piece. While the Makita I can dial in quite accurately and take just the barest amount off, if I wish and leaves a great finish. If I had to choose Makita or Powermatic, I would choose the Makita. DeWalt to Powermatic......... I think the Powermatic.

   Best,

   John

2. 
   fussy | Dec 08, 2007 08:17am | #2

   Bruce,

   I'll take the other side.  Don't know much about the Powermatic and nothing about the Makita, but the 735 I know well as I've had one awhile.  Clean the wood first, wax the table sometimes, clean the feed rollers with mineral spirits occasionally, and take light cuts and you'll be a happy camper.  Smooth, easy to use, repeatable diminsioning--it's all there. 

   Steve

    

   There are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.

   1.  Let her think she's having her own way.

   2.  Let her have her own way. President  Lyndon Baines Johnson

3. 
   nazard | Dec 08, 2007 08:53am | #3

   Faced with the same decision, I would go Powermatic.  Since you did not mention space or 240V I assume those are not issues.

   Have fun!

1. 
   twincoach | Dec 08, 2007 11:41pm | #4

   the pc is only 12" wide ? I suspect the pm100 is not a universal motor so it will make less noise then the dw 735 but the dc735 does make some nice cuts

1. 
   Syma | Dec 09, 2007 02:11am | #5

   I had a Powermatic 100 12" planer. It is old school TN made, a real battle ship. The only plus side comparing it to the DeWalt 735 is noise. The Powermatic will be a quieter planer. It snipes bad, knife changes are difficult to get in sync with the pressure bar and infeed roller. Cut quality is average.
   Now you can install a Terminus cutter head in it for about $800 and make one last and final adjustmet, just depends if you mind spending another $800+.After my Powermatic I thought I would give the Canadian made General #130-1 Planer a try. Not enough RAM on your PC for my complaints list...The DeWalt is a noisy disposable plastic bench machine but I understand the cut quality is decent. Knives are pricey and from what I've read don't last long.I would look for a nice Felder, Hammer, Mini Max, Panhans, Griggio, SAC, and at the extreme end of it all maybe a Martin....the most spectacular woodworking machines manufactured ever.