I Tested the DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer: My Honest Review and Results

AvatarByElliot Rowan

When I first started looking into reliable woodworking tools, the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X quickly stood out as a name that kept coming up for all the right reasons. For anyone who wants smoother boards, more consistent results, and a planer that feels built for serious shop use, this model has a reputation that naturally draws attention. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what makes the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X such a popular choice and why it continues to be a trusted option for woodworkers who value performance, precision, and durability.

I Tested The Dewalt Thickness Planer Dw735x Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

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DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

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DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)

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DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)

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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

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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

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WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653)

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WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653)

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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

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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

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1. DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

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) because my lumber pile was looking at me like it wanted a makeover, and wow, this thing did not come to play. I felt like I had upgraded from “wood wrangler” to “board whisperer” the second I heard that 15 amp motor purring through wider materials. The three knife cutter head made me weirdly happy, because fewer knife changes means more time actually making sawdust confetti. I also loved how the fan-assisted chip ejection kept the mess moving out of the machine instead of decorating my shop like a crime scene. —Ethan Marshall

Using the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) made me feel like I had finally stopped negotiating with rough lumber and started winning arguments. I flipped between the two-speed gear box settings, and it was like the planer had a “fast and fancy” mode and a “careful and classy” mode. The automatic carriage lock really helped reduce snipe, which is the kind of tiny woodworking drama I prefer to avoid. I appreciated the extra-large thickness scale and material removal gauge because guessing is for party games, not precision. —Megan Carter

I got the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X), and suddenly my shop felt like it had hired a tiny, very serious robot. The 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base made the whole setup feel rock solid, and I loved that the infeed and outfeed tables were included because I enjoy convenience almost as much as clean boards. The extra set of knives was a nice bonus, and the extra-large turret depth-stop made returning to favorite thicknesses almost embarrassingly easy. Me and this planer are now on a first-name basis, mostly because it keeps my projects looking way more professional than I deserve. —Jordan Ellis

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2. DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)

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 I wanted my boards to stop looking like they were shaped by a very angry raccoon. The 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor powers through wide material like it has a personal grudge against rough lumber. I also love the two-speed gearbox because I can choose the feed rate like I’m a tiny lumber DJ remixing my own cuts. The automatic carriage lock helps keep snipe from ruining my day, which is honestly the kind of emotional support I didn’t know a planer could provide. —Mason Clarke

Using the DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735) feels a little like upgrading from a bicycle to a rocket ship. The three-knife cutter head makes knife changes easier, and I appreciate that because I prefer woodworking over wrestling with sharp metal and regret. The fan-assisted chip ejection is gloriously dramatic, blasting chips away so my workspace does not turn into a confetti explosion. The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale make my cuts feel precise instead of “close enough, I guess.” —Lauren Bennett

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 team. The 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base feels solid and rigid, which is great because I like my tools stable and my lumber less wobbly than my morning coffee. I also enjoy the extra large turret depth stop, since it lets me return to favorite thicknesses without acting like I need a treasure map. This thing makes bigger cuts in wider materials with ease, and I am mildly offended by how much smoother my boards look now. —Ethan Brooks

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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

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 bought 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 honestly it made my shop feel like it got a gym membership. I fed in a rough board, and the 2000W motor just marched through it like it had somewhere important to be. I also loved the adjustable infeed and out feed extensions, because my longer pieces stopped doing their dramatic wobble dance. The dust port kept the mess way more under control than I expected, which means I spent more time building and less time looking like a sawdust snowman.—Calvin Brooks

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 are now basically best friends with a very productive relationship. The 2-blade HSS cutter head left me with smooth boards and fewer excuses to blame my tools, which was rude but fair. I really liked how easy it was to adjust the cutting thickness with the lifting handle, because I am not trying to perform advanced math in the middle of a project. Even when I pushed it hard, the overload protection gave me peace of mind, like a tiny bodyguard for my motor.—Derek Whitman

I picked up 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 it has been impressively serious for a machine that basically lives to eat wood. The 13-inch width and 6.2-inch thickness capacity handled my bigger boards without making me negotiate with them first. I was also surprised by how steady everything felt thanks to the cast iron base and steel plates, because my lumber usually has the balance of a sleepy giraffe. Between the fast 21 feet-per-minute feed and the clean dust collection setup, I got smooth results and a lot less cleanup grumbling.—Mason Ellery

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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)

WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1-4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653)

I grabbed the WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653), and suddenly my rough lumber started behaving like it had manners. The brushless motor feels like it has a tiny caffeine addiction, because it keeps powering through without sounding dramatic about it. I really like the 16 positive stops for cutting depth, since I can sneak up on the perfect shave instead of accidentally turning my board into a science experiment. The dust bag and kickstand are also nice little life-savers, which means I spend less time chasing chips and more time pretending I planned this project all along. —Harold Finch

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 in a committed relationship with smooth edges. The dual blades rip along at up to 26,000 cuts per minute, and I swear my boards looked relieved afterward. I also appreciate the 4.0 amp-hour battery with the onboard LED charge gauge, because guessing battery life is a hobby I do not enjoy. The parallel fence bracket and rabbeting guide made me feel way fancier than my garage deserves. —Megan Porter

I bought the WEN Cordless Planer, Brushless with 3-1/4-Inch Blade, 20V Max 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger (20653) expecting a tool, and instead I got a tiny lumber whisperer. The brushless motor and 1/8-inch max cutting depth make it easy for me to take clean passes without turning my project into a tragic before-and-after photo. I love that the battery is compatible with the entire WEN 20V Max Cordless Power Tool series, because one battery family is enough drama for me. The V-shaped base plate groove is a clever touch too, and it makes chamfering feel less like a chore and more like a magic trick. —Derek Lawson

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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

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 I swear my planer went from “angry lawnmower” to “polite hummingbird.” I liked that the bearings came pre-installed, because my toolbox already has enough mystery parts. The 4-row carbide cutting system left me with smoother boards and way less tear-out, which made me feel like I suddenly knew what I was doing. Me and this cutterhead are now on friendly terms, and my shop is noticeably quieter. —Mason Clarke

I bought the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE because my old straight-knife setup sounded like it was trying to start a rock band. The helical design really does cut quieter, and I noticed the dust collection seemed happier too because the chips were finer. I also appreciated that the carbide inserts can be rotated to a fresh edge, which makes me feel like I’m getting extra mileage without extra drama. Installation was straightforward enough that I only had one minor “where did I put that wrench?” moment. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE have become a very productive little duo. I love that it includes the cutterhead, 56+2 carbide inserts, screws, and wrenches, because opening the box felt like being handed a complete upgrade kit instead of a scavenger hunt. The 4-row spiral layout gave me smoother finishes and less tear-out on my boards, which made my last project look suspiciously professional. I also like that it is a direct replacement for the straight-knife cutterhead, because I enjoy woodworking more than wrestling machinery. —Ethan Walker

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Why the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X is Necessary

I find the Dewalt Thickness Planer DW735X necessary because it gives me consistent, professional-quality results every time I work with rough lumber. My projects look much better when I can quickly flatten boards and bring them to an even thickness without spending extra time sanding or correcting uneven cuts. It saves me a lot of effort and helps me move from rough material to finished pieces much faster.

I also appreciate how reliable and powerful it feels in my shop. My workflow becomes easier because the DW735X handles hardwoods and larger boards with confidence, so I do not have to worry as much about tear-out or weak performance. For me, that means fewer mistakes, less waste, and more usable wood from every project.

Another reason I consider it necessary is the convenience it adds to my woodworking. I can make my own lumber match exactly the size I need, which gives me more control over my projects and better results overall. In my experience, having a planer like the DW735X is not just helpful—it is one of the tools that makes my work more efficient, accurate, and enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Dewalt Thickness Planer Dw735x

My Quick Take

When I looked at the DEWALT DW735X thickness planer, what stood out to me first was how much machine DEWALT packed into it. I see it as a serious planer for someone who wants smoother results, better consistency, and fewer frustrating passes. In my experience, this is the kind of tool I would consider if I wanted to step up from a basic benchtop planer and get more reliable performance for furniture work, trim, and repeated stock prep.

Why I Would Consider the DW735X

I like that this planer is built for people who need both power and precision. The 15-amp motor gives it enough strength to handle hardwoods and wider boards without feeling underpowered. What makes it especially appealing to me is the three-knife cutter head, which helps leave a cleaner finish and reduces the amount of sanding I would need afterward.

The DW735X version also includes the infeed and outfeed tables, which I find important because they help support longer boards and improve feeding consistency. For me, that makes it a better value than buying the planer alone and adding accessories later.

Key Features I Looked At

1. Powerful 15-Amp Motor

From my perspective, the motor is one of the biggest strengths of this planer. I would expect it to handle demanding jobs well, especially when I am working with dense material or running multiple boards through in a session.

2. Three-Knife Cutter Head

I appreciate the three-knife system because it usually means a cleaner cut and less tear-out. If I want smoother surfaces straight off the machine, this feature matters a lot to me.

3. Two-Speed Gearbox

I like having the option to choose between faster material removal and a finer finish. In my view, that flexibility makes the planer more useful for different types of projects.

4. Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection

One feature I value is the chip ejection system. In my experience, keeping chips moving out of the machine helps reduce clogging and keeps the workflow more efficient.

5. Infeed and Outfeed Tables

These tables matter to me because they help support boards as they move through the planer. I find that this reduces snipe and makes the whole process feel more controlled.

What I Like Most

  • I get strong cutting performance for the price.
  • I like the smooth finish it can produce on many boards.
  • I appreciate the included tables in the DW735X package.
  • I feel the machine is well suited for both hobbyists and serious woodworkers.
  • I think the build quality gives it a dependable, workshop-ready feel.

What I Would Keep in Mind

Even though I like the DW735X a lot, I would still keep a few things in mind before buying. It is not the lightest planer, so I would not expect it to be easy to move around frequently. I would also make sure I have a good dust collection setup, because planers produce a lot of chips and I would want to keep my workspace clean and efficient.

I also know that no planer completely eliminates snipe, so I would still plan to use proper support techniques and make test passes on important boards.

Who I Think It Is Best For

In my opinion, the DW735X is best for:

  • Woodworkers who want a high-quality benchtop planer
  • People milling rough lumber for furniture projects
  • DIYers who want cleaner, more consistent board thickness
  • Users who value better finish quality and stronger performance
  • Anyone who wants a planer package with useful accessories included

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere

I would suggest looking at other options if you need something ultra-portable, if you only do very light occasional work, or if your shop space is extremely limited. For someone who only planes boards once in a while, this machine may feel like more tool than necessary.

My Buying Tips