Bench Planer - which is best?

Michael253

I want to buy a bench planer and want ideas for the best one to get. I was pretty much set on the Delta 13" DW735 until I read lots of user reviews saying the disposable blades aren't worth a damn, the feed often doesn't and there is a weak sprocket wheel that breaks if you sneeze on it. Other users claim to love it. Any ideas about the 735 or alternatives?

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curiousgeorge

I have the Dewalt DW735. I've had it for over a year now and have no complaints. Of course I don't use it every day. Maybe the guys with complaints are pro's and use the machine constantly. If you have a sharpening jig, those blades can be resharpened. I think that no matter how good an article is there will be some who will find fault with it. It's just human nature.

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dutchman 46

Hello ? I have the 1 speed model 743, i believe. I like mine very well. I have planed a lot of ash, and it does a beautiful job. The blades are through a way, but they last a long time. Mine came with an extra set of knives and i need to put them on. I do think that Delta, Rigid,ect all are good planers.

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xplorx4

As some of the guys know I picked up a Wilton from Rockler first of the year for 100.00 new with stand. I can see deficiency's, but it is a staring point. Next one will be multi speed and three blades. I think it would make a difference on oak and some of the hardwoods. Would I not buy it? Man at that price I'd be nuts not to even if for only for a back up! If I had the money for the DeWalt I'd go for it in a heart beat!! That one or one better.

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Trimax

i have the dw735 and used it for a few yrs now. and i would would get anoter with out question
1. it has 3 blades
2. it has 2 speeds
3. doesnt require locking down after each adjustment
4 has a blower to assist chip removal
5. handles 13 inch

my personal opinion the blades last longer then they did in a previous planer
thats my 2cents worth

westend

I've used the Dewalt 735 and now own a Delta 22-560. The Dewalt is a superior tool. Yes, the blades are high-speed steel instead of carbide and wear out faster than carbides.
The Delta is about half the price, initially, and the two-blade replacement knives are about half, as well. The Delta does a good job for my needs, better than I thought it would. I do a fair bit of recycling used lumber. If I sand the used lumber to remove dirt, finish, top layer, etc. before planing, knife longevity increases a lot. If you use the planer, you will be replacing blades.

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AxlMyk

The blades are going to dull on any planer. I use a card scraper after planing.
The feed always works on mine, just make sure to keep the sawdust off the stock.
No sprockets have broken.

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Mike

Michael, which thickness planer you buy should be based on your needs. The DeWalt has been top rated in magazine testing, but it also comes with a top rated price. Ask yourself how much lumber are you going to re size? Most home woodworkers will own a 6 or 8" jointer, so even a 12" thickness planer should cover your needs. To give you a reference point I own a Delta TP-305 which is a 12-1/2" model. HarrySin owns a similar model with a different number in Australia. We have both been pleased with the results. I paid $200 for mine and got a $25 gift card from Rockler, so it is fair to say I spent $175 for it. The last I checked this is about $300 less than the DeWalt. The Delta does not come with a dust collection chute, that was $25 extra and extremely important. When you run either a jointer or a thickness planer you need dust collection to keep the machines from clogging, not to mention the amount of clean up time you will save. I suggest using one of the cyclone lids on a 30 gallon trash can to separate the bulk of the dust and provide protection for your vacuum in case any solids get sucked up. 4 hours of running a jointer or thickness planer will fill the 30 gallon can. Now you have a bit more information to help with your decision.

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3efingers

I have the Delta 12 1/2 tp305, does ok but I would rather have the DeWalt.......

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Mike Wingate

Not having a great amount of space. I bought a Ryobi 10 1/2" portable thickness planer 15 years or so ago. No cast iron on it but it is a great little machine. I have used it for guitar bodies, finger boards, hundreds of feet of longbow material, and it still works really well. It is noisy though. But I can take it to the job.