DeWalt DW735 vs DW735X: Which Thickness Planer Should You Buy?

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For most buyers, the DW735X is the better package if you need the planer’s tables and spare knives; choose the DW735 when the lower purchase price matters more or you already have compatible support and replacement blades. The machines themselves are essentially the same 13-inch, two-speed thickness planers, so the real DeWalt 735 vs 735X decision is about included accessories and total ownership cost—not cutterhead power.

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#1 Pick

DEWALT Thickness Planer (DW735X)

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#2 Pick

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

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#3 Pick

DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)

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DeWalt DW735 vs DW735X at a glance

Package contents can vary slightly by market and production period, so confirm the box contents before ordering. The key distinction remains consistent: the DW735X adds the folding material-support tables and a spare set of knives to the DW735 planer.

Cutterhead performance: no meaningful difference

There is no practical cutterhead advantage in the DW735X vs 735 comparison. Both use the same three-knife cutterhead, 15-amp motor, two feed speeds, and fan-assisted chip ejection. At the slower feed rate, the planer makes more cuts per inch and normally leaves a smoother surface. The faster setting is useful when removing material quickly, particularly during rough sizing.

The planer’s 1/8-inch maximum cut is a limit, not a target for every pass. Taking lighter cuts—often 1/32 to 1/16 inch—reduces motor strain, limits tear-out, and produces a more consistent finish. Hard, figured, or highly irregular boards deserve especially conservative passes. Neither package changes that advice.

The knives are reversible and disposable rather than designed for repeated sharpening. Once both edges are dull or damaged, replacement knives become an operating expense. An extra set in the DW735X box is convenient, but it does not make the cutterhead last longer.

What the DW735X accessories are worth

The DW735X’s tables address a practical problem: a 92-pound benchtop planer needs substantial support on both sides. The included folding tables help long boards enter and leave the machine without dropping abruptly. That reduces snipe risk and makes the planer easier to use without building a dedicated extension table.

The tables are not a substitute for a well-aligned stand or long stock support. A board that is much longer than the table still benefits from roller stands or a level outfeed surface. However, buying equivalent support separately can narrow or eliminate the price difference between the two packages.

The spare knife set is also useful for a production shop. If a hidden nail, screw, or embedded grit damages an edge, the DW735X owner can resume work immediately. A hobbyist who uses the planer only a few times a year may prefer to buy the DW735 and purchase knives later, when needed.

Dust collection and workshop space

Both models use a fan-assisted ejection system that actively moves chips toward the dust hood. This is more effective than relying only on a passive opening, but it does not eliminate the need for dust collection. A high-capacity shop vacuum may work for light intermittent planing, while a dedicated dust collector is generally better for continuous work and large amounts of chips.

Use the correct hose and adapter for your collector, keep the hood clear, and avoid allowing chips to pile up around the machine. Restricted airflow can cause clogging and leave chips on the bed or in the work area. Planing without dust collection is possible outdoors or in controlled circumstances, but it creates a substantial cleanup burden and airborne dust hazard.

Allow roughly 24 inches of machine depth and about 23 inches of width before adding space for stock, the crank, hose routing, and folding-table clearance. In practice, a usable station needs considerably more room than the planer’s body alone. Because the machine weighs about 92 pounds, place it on a rigid stand at a comfortable working height rather than moving it repeatedly from a low floor position.

Total ownership cost: when the cheaper DW735 is not cheaper

Typical 2026 street pricing often places the DW735 in the general range of $550–$700 and the DW735X around $650–$800, although promotions and regional availability can change those ranges. The package difference should be compared with the replacement cost of tables, knives, and support materials—not just the checkout price.

For example, assume a $100 premium for the DW735X. If a comparable pair of support tables would cost approximately $70–$120 and an extra knife set approximately $50–$80, the X package can be less expensive than assembling the same setup separately. If you already have a stable outfeed table and spare knives, the DW735 may save that entire premium.

A simple usage estimate also helps. Suppose a hobbyist planes stock on 12 weekends per year and a knife set lasts two years. At an example replacement cost of $60, knives contribute about $30 per year, or $2.50 per use. A cabinet shop running several hundred board feet each month will consume knives faster and benefit more from keeping a spare set on hand. These are planning figures rather than guaranteed service intervals; abrasive species, hidden debris, and cutting depth have a major effect on knife life.

Which planer fits your situation?

Durability, maintenance, and common mistakes

The parts most likely to require attention are the disposable knives, drive components, dust path, and height-adjustment mechanism. Before each work session, inspect boards for nails, staples, screws, stones, and loose knots. Foreign metal can nick all three knives in one pass and may damage the cutterhead.

• Wax the planer bed periodically with a suitable non-silicone paste wax to reduce friction and improve feeding.
• Clean accumulated chips from the cutterhead area, dust hood, and feed rollers with the machine unplugged.
• Replace or reverse knives as a complete matched set so the cutterhead remains balanced.
• Use light passes on wide or difficult stock instead of repeatedly forcing the maximum cut.
• Support long boards at the same height as the bed and tables to reduce lifting and snipe.
• Do not treat the planer as a jointer: one face should already be flat enough for stable feeding.

Snipe at the beginning or end of a board is usually related to stock support, feeding technique, or pressure on the board—not a special performance difference between these two models. Planing boards slightly long and trimming the ends afterward is often the simplest solution for visible furniture parts.

Final verdict

Choose the DeWalt DW735 if you want the same core planing performance at the lowest package cost and already own a sturdy support system. Choose the DW735X if you are starting from scratch, plane frequently, or value immediate access to folding tables and spare knives. In the dewalt 735 vs 735x head-to-head, the DW735X is the better all-in-one buy, while the DW735 is the better value when its omitted accessories would otherwise sit unused.