I am looking at the DeWalt 735 thickness planer and have read the many mixed reviews. Especially blade wear. I would not be doing a lot of rough lumber, just resawn stuff. Not high production. Is this a good planer or are there better deals out there for about $600.00. Space is a consideration or I would go with a 20" floor model.
I don't have one, although I would if I could afford it. I have a Delta 13" that is many years old, and it seems to be good enough, no more than I use it. It works well enough that when the stars, gift cards, and cash money aligned just right for a brief moment, I bought a Performance 10-20 thickness sander instead of replacing the Delta
If you can afford the 735 over the other benchtop planers, then it is a great machine. Mine has run trouble free and with no complaints other than it is LOUD!
That being said, for that much cash and some patience, you could probably get a good floor unit planer used.
I have never given a thickness sander much thought...Hmmmm...If I had to choose one over the other to purchase first, what would be the advantages of the sander over the planer? As I said, I would not be doing much if any rough cut lumber.
I purchased a Powermatic 15" planer at an auction for less than what the DW735 sells for. But I did wait for quite a while before I ran across that deal.
I had a DW733 before that which I was pretty happy with.
Then since you purchase boards that are already of approximate thickness and surfaced, I'd think that a good sized drum sander should be next on your list. You can even do mild thicknessing work with a rough grit paper (although you'll use a lot of paper that way) in a sander. Drum sanders also allow for cleaning up veneers, amongst other abilities.
I have never given a thickness sander much thought...Hmmmm...If I had to choose one over the other to purchase first, what would be the advantages of the sander over the planer? As I said, I would not be doing much if any rough cut lumber.
Depends on what you're doing. Biggest advantage is if you don't need to worry about grain direction and tearout. Your user name suggests to me that you might build musical instruments. Wood for doing that is expensive, especially the more interesting grain figures. As long as you don't make the mistake of using a sander as a planer, I think it would be the best choice, especially since you already have a jointer.
Thanks for the welcome. I should mention that I have a Powermatic 14" band saw with riser block so it is very easy for me to resaw with. I would generally be cleaning up resawn boards, 1/4"-5/8" thick.
Just as an aside: I wanted a good bandsaw so.....The LOML is into quilting. I built her the deluxe sewing machine cabinet with plans and hardware from Rockler's...White pickled oak. Well, I did need to cut some curves so.....I needed a bandsaw, right? She was so happy with the cabinet that I was building for her that she said "Whatever you want!!!" So she went with me to Woodcraft and the rest, as they say, is history!!!
Dw 735
Linear Mode
