I'm a hobbyist in the market for my first planer and I've noticed that most recommendations point towards DeWalt models. I'm particularly interested in understanding the practical differences between the DW734 and DW735 planers. I've read that the 735 is significantly more powerful and operates at twice the RPM of the 734. Ideally, I'd love to get the 735, but the price is a concern. I've seen 735 models listed for around $400-$600, while the 734 is priced between $200-$400. While I could stretch my budget for the 735, I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost. Since I plan to use the planer a few times a month, I'm wondering if the power difference is really that significant. What do you all think? Thanks!
4 Answers
If you can hold off till Black Friday or check Amazon, you might snag a 735 for around $599. It’s often on sale! Though I haven’t used the 734, I found the 735 to be a fantastic investment, especially with the infeed/outfeed wings. Just be sure to check for those special deals if you're leaning that way!
If you're going to be using it a few times a month, I’d say go for the 735 without hesitation. While the 734 is decent for hobbyists, it has a tendency to produce more snipe due to its closer roller distance. The 735 offers better stability with its four-post height adjustment and has two feed speeds, which makes it more versatile depending on your material. In my experience, for regular use, the extra cost of the 735 is totally worth it!
Honestly, the power difference might not hit you as hard as you think, unless you're looking for a flawless finish from the get-go. But what really stands out with the 735 is its ability to manage heavier boards without wobbling much, which helps reduce snipe significantly. Plus, it offers better dust collection—something you'll appreciate if you want to keep your workspace clean! Trust me, investing in it pays off in the long run for that kind of quality. I went through a similar dilemma, and I don't regret choosing the 735 one bit!
Yeah, I totally agree. I grabbed my 735 on a deal and haven't looked back since. The smooth pulling and minimal snipe make it a joy to work with.
I used a DW734 for years. It did the job well and surprisingly had less snipe than my friend's 735 during tests. Ultimately, it depends on how often you plan to use it. If it's just a few times a year, the 734 could suffice. But for more regular projects or if you potentially want to upgrade later, the 735 is definitely the way to go. Just my two cents!
Home Depot often has daily specials too, so keep an eye out for those! You might get lucky.