I've had a Wixey on my DW735 and like it, haven't given it heavy use but seems reliable. One of the nice things about it is that even when off it remembers where it is, you can even crank the planer up/down with the Wixey off and it will correctly track it.

I didn't follow the mounting instructions, I stripped it down and tucked it in, I should posts photos of it. You can find how other people have mounted it on the 735 online.

 

I have one on my SuperMax 19-38 drum sander for the very reasons you mention and it has worked great, fwiw.

David

 

You learn something new every day, that's a nice gauge. Who'da thunk?

 

I've had the Wixey on my 735 for several years and it has held up nicely. 2 things I don't like, the battery life stinks, and there is no back light. I think the newer ones have switched to AAA batteries which should solve the battery life issue. There is at least one other company that makes a similar gauge that is rechargeable and has a back light. Here is one I am thinking about to replace the Wixey. Igaging

 

Be interested in seeing your gauge setup on the 19-38 David. I've been thinking about that on mine........more $$

 

It's an option from SuperMax, Steve. Amazon and Rockler have these, as well. The image below is from Rockler but mine looks like that.

David

 

Interesting. Grizzly has the EZ planer DRO for $50 dollars. I wonder if it is as good or better than the Wixley at $62 dollars.

 

Check the model numbers and the battery type. That's about the only real difference.

 

Thanks David. I'll check and see if I would need to drill the holes. My 19-38 is about 3-4 years old.

 

Ours is about 4 years old and I don't recall having to drill or tap holes.

David

 

My SuperMax 16-32 came with a Wixey and it has been everything David describes. I put one on my 735 about a month ago and although the use has been limited since, it has worked as advertised. Very happy.
I also use their angle gauge to set the blade on the TS, chop saw, band saw and make sure the table on my DP is true to the bit.
All in all a good range of products.

 

Have the newer model with the AAA batteries on my 735. Works like a champ. Read and follow the mounting instructions. Here's a video.

 

Finally getting back to this. Got my unit and mounted it a few days ago. So far it works well and does what I needed. Small issue with getting the calibration correct as far as absolute value but that is on me.

I need to match an new piece of wood to an existing piece and it lets me dial that in quite easily.

Thanks all of you for your help.