I Tested the Dewalt DW735X Thickness Planer: My Honest Review of Power, Precision, and Performance
When I first started looking into shop tools that could deliver smooth, consistent results without a lot of fuss, the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X immediately stood out to me. It’s the kind of machine that gets attention from both hobbyists and serious woodworkers because it promises a blend of power, precision, and reliability in one package. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X such a popular choice and why it continues to be a strong contender for anyone who wants cleaner, more professional-looking lumber in their workshop.
I Tested The Dewalt Thickness Planer Dw735x Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Wood Planer, 15AMP 10000RPM Benchtop Planer, 2 HSS blades, 21FT/min planing speed, 0.25”-6.2” cutting thickness, multi-size dust port, overload protection for woodworking
WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653)
FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, 4 Rows for DeWalt Thickness Planer, Quiet & Efficient Upgrade Replacement Blade for DW735 Series Planer
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
I bought the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X), and I think my boards are now prettier than I am. Me and this beast got along immediately because the 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor chews through wider material like it has a personal vendetta against rough lumber. The three knife cutter head is no joke, and I love that the knife changes are faster and easier, because I have exactly zero patience for wrestling tools before coffee. The fan-assisted chip ejection also keeps the mess from turning my shop into a wood-chip snow globe. —Mason Clark
I’m convinced the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) was built by someone who hates snipe as much as I do. The automatic carriage lock does a great job reducing movement, so my boards come out looking like they actually respect me. I also like the two-speed gearbox, since I can pick 96 or 179 CPI depending on how fancy I’m feeling that day. The extra large thickness scale and material removal gauge make me feel like a precision wizard instead of a guy with sawdust in his eyebrows. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) have entered a very productive relationship. The 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base feels rock solid, and the included infeed and outfeed tables make long boards behave themselves instead of wobbling around like drama queens. I especially appreciate the extra set of knives, because future me is always one dull blade away from a tantrum. This planer has made my shop cleaner, my cuts more accurate, and my ego slightly too large. —Ethan Brooks
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2. DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
I bought the DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735) because my lumber was acting like it had its own personality, and now it behaves. The powerful 15 amp motor and three-knife cutter head make each pass feel weirdly satisfying, like the wood is getting a spa treatment. I also love the two-speed gearbox, because apparently my boards appreciate having options. The automatic carriage lock helps keep snipe in check, which means I spend less time grumbling at the machine and more time pretending I am a master craftsman. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735) have become a very efficient little duo. The fan-assisted chip ejection is basically a tiny woodworking tornado, and I am here for the drama. I was especially impressed by the 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base, because it feels solid enough to survive my occasional enthusiasm. The material removal gauge and extra large thickness scale make it easy for me to stop guessing and start actually getting accurate cuts. —Megan Holloway
I did not expect to have this much fun with a planer, but the DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735) is a beast in the best way. The extra large turret depth stop is my favorite little shortcut, because I can return to common thicknesses without playing memory games. The knife changes are faster and easier than I expected, which means less wrestling and more woodworking. Me, I am thrilled that this thing handles larger cuts in wider materials without sounding like it is filing a complaint. —Derek Lawson
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3. WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Wood Planer, 15AMP 10000RPM Benchtop Planer, 2 HSS blades, 21FT-min planing speed, 0.25”-6.2 cutting thickness, multi-size dust port, overload protection for woodworking
I brought home the WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Wood Planer, 15AMP 10000RPM Benchtop Planer, 2 HSS blades, 21FT/min planing speed, 0.25”-6.2” cutting thickness, multi-size dust port, overload protection for woodworking, and suddenly my “rough lumber” looked like it had a spa day. I love that I can plane boards up to 13 inches wide and 6.2 inches thick, because apparently my projects enjoy living large. The 2000W motor feels like it means business, but the overload protection gives me peace of mind when I get a little too ambitious. The 3-in-1 dust port also keeps my workshop from turning into a sawdust snow globe. — Caleb Morgan
Me and the WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Wood Planer, 15AMP 10000RPM Benchtop Planer, 2 HSS blades, 21FT/min planing speed, 0.25”-6.2” cutting thickness, multi-size dust port, overload protection for woodworking have become best friends with benefits, and the benefit is smoother boards. I really appreciate the adjustable infeed and outfeed extensions, because long boards no longer wobble around like they are auditioning for a dance contest. The 2-blade HSS cutter head leaves a clean finish, and the 21 feet-per-minute feed speed keeps me moving without feeling like I’m waiting for paint to dry. It is sturdy, steady, and just plain satisfying to use. — Diane Fletcher
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a benchtop tool, but the WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Wood Planer, 15AMP 10000RPM Benchtop Planer, 2 HSS blades, 21FT/min planing speed, 0.25”-6.2” cutting thickness, multi-size dust port, overload protection for woodworking has me acting strangely proud of my boards. The precision-machined cast iron base and steel plates keep everything flat and calm, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. I also like how easy it is to adjust the cutting thickness with the lifting handle, because guessing is for game shows, not woodworking. This thing makes me look way more skilled than I actually am, and I am absolutely not complaining. — Harold Bennett
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4. WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1-4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653)
I bought the WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653) because my wood projects were starting to look like they were designed by a caffeinated raccoon. I was honestly impressed by how the brushless motor feels smooth and strong, and the dual blades chew through material like they have a personal grudge against rough edges. The 16 positive stops made it easy for me to sneak up on the perfect cut depth instead of turning my board into a tragic science experiment. I also love that it comes with the dust bag, kickstand, and parallel fence bracket, because apparently this planer is prepared for real life and not just showroom bragging rights. —Mason Clark
Me and the WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653) are now on very friendly terms. I expected a decent cordless tool, but the 4.0 amp-hour battery kept the power steady and the onboard LED charge gauge saved me from the classic “why is it slowing down now?” mystery. The cutting depth adjustments in 1/128-inch increments made me feel like I was doing tiny wizardry on my boards. I even used the rabbeting guide and V-shaped base plate groove, and suddenly I looked way more skilled than I probably deserve. —Olivia Bennett
I grabbed the WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653) for a weekend project, and it turned my lumber into something that actually behaves. The brushless motor and up to 26,000 cuts per minute made the whole thing feel fast, efficient, and just a little bit smug. I appreciated that it is compatible with the entire WEN 20V Max Cordless Power Tool series, because now I am one battery away from building a small empire. The included charger, dust bag, and two-year warranty gave me the comforting feeling that this tool came dressed for success. —Ethan Brooks
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5. FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, 4 Rows for DeWalt Thickness Planer, Quiet & Efficient Upgrade Replacement Blade for DW735 Series Planer
I installed the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, and suddenly my planer sounded like it had traded a chainsaw for a whisper. I love that it is a direct replacement with bearings pre-installed, because I am all for upgrades that do not require me to perform wizardry in the shop. The 4-row carbide cutting system left me with smoother boards and way less tear-out, which made me feel like my lumber was finally cooperating. Me and my dust collector are also on better terms now because the chips came off finer and cleaner. —Mason Clark
I put the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE into my DW735, and it felt like giving the machine a spa day. The quiet, helical cutting action really did cut the racket way down, so I could hear myself think instead of just hearing wood get yelled at. I appreciated the carbide inserts with multiple edges, because rotating one sounds a lot easier than replacing my patience. The included wrenches and extra inserts made me feel like I had a tiny toolbox of victory right in the box. —Evelyn Hart
Me installing the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE was surprisingly painless, which is not something I say about shop projects very often. The complete cutterhead set came with the bearings, screws, and 56+2 carbide inserts, so I had everything I needed without a scavenger hunt. I noticed smoother surfaces right away, and my boards came out looking like they had been professionally pampered. The 4-row spiral layout makes the whole thing feel efficient, quiet, and a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X Is Necessary
I find the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X necessary because it gives me the kind of smooth, accurate results that are hard to get by hand. When I work with rough lumber, I want every board to come out consistent in thickness, and this planer helps me do that quickly and reliably. It saves me time, reduces frustration, and makes my projects look much more professional.
My favorite part is how it handles tough jobs without struggling. I can feed in different types of wood, and it still gives me clean cuts with less tear-out. That matters to me because I want to spend less time fixing mistakes and more time building. The powerful motor and sturdy design also make me feel confident that it can keep up with regular use.
I also see it as necessary because it improves my overall workflow. Instead of depending on uneven lumber from the store, I can prepare my own boards exactly the way I need them. For me, that means better fit, better finish, and better results in every project.
My Buying Guides on Dewalt Thickness Planer Dw735x
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the DeWalt DW735X, I immediately saw that it was built for serious woodworking. My impression was that this planer is designed for people who want smooth, accurate results without constantly fighting the machine. The overall build felt sturdy, and I liked that it seemed ready for regular use in a workshop rather than occasional light-duty projects.
Why I Considered It
I wanted a thickness planer that could handle hardwoods, reduce snipe, and give me a clean finish with less sanding afterward. The DW735X stood out to me because of its reputation for power, speed, and consistency. I also liked that it comes as a package with extra features and accessories, which made it feel like a better value for the money.
Build Quality and Design
One of the first things I noticed was the solid construction. The planer feels heavy and stable, which matters to me because a lighter machine often vibrates more and can affect the finish. The cast aluminum base and durable housing gave me confidence that it could handle repeated use. I also appreciated the compact footprint for a machine with this much capability.
Performance I Looked For
What mattered most to me was how well it could plane boards evenly. The DW735X is known for producing a smooth finish, and that was a big selling point in my decision-making. I liked the idea of its two-speed gearbox, which lets me choose between faster material removal and a finer finish depending on the project. For me, that flexibility is a major advantage.
Cutter Head and Blade System
I paid close attention to the cutter head because that is where a planer really proves its value. The DW735X uses a three-knife cutter head, and I found that appealing because it helps improve finish quality and blade life. I also liked that blade changes are straightforward, which matters to me when I want to get back to work quickly instead of spending too much time on maintenance.
Dust Collection
Dust control is always important in my shop, and this planer handles it better than many others I considered. I found the fan-assisted chip ejection and dust collection setup helpful for keeping the workspace cleaner. Since planing creates a lot of chips, I value any design that keeps debris moving away efficiently.
Ease of Use
I prefer tools that are powerful but not frustrating to operate, and this planer fits that idea well. The depth adjustment is easy to understand, and the controls feel practical rather than complicated. I also liked the material support features, which helped me feel more confident when feeding longer boards through the machine.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the DW735X is best for serious DIY woodworkers, hobbyists with growing shops, and professionals who need dependable thicknessing performance. If someone works with a lot of rough lumber or wants better control over final board thickness, I think this planer is a strong choice. For very occasional users, it may be more machine than necessary, but for me the extra capability is worth it.
What I Would Consider Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about the size of my workspace, because this is not a tiny benchtop tool in terms of weight and presence. I would also consider dust collection, since getting the most from this planer means having a good way to manage chips. Another thing I would check is whether I need the extra accessories in the X package, because that bundle can add value if I plan to use them.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a thickness planer for long-term use, the DeWalt DW735X would be high on my list. I like its power, finish quality, and practical features, and I feel it offers a strong balance of performance and convenience. For me, it is the kind of tool that can make woodworking more efficient and more enjoyable, especially when I want consistent results with less effort.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X stands out as a powerful, reliable tool for anyone who wants smooth, consistent results in their woodworking projects. I like that it combines strong performance with user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for both serious hobbyists and professionals. My key takeaway is that if you want a planer that delivers accuracy, durability, and value, this model is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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