When it comes to woodworking, the tools you choose play a crucial role in the quality of your projects. Among these tools, the thickness planer stands out as an indispensable piece of equipment for achieving a smooth, uniform finish on your lumber. The DeWALT 735 planer is particularly popular among both amateur woodworkers and seasoned professionals, thanks to its robust features and reliability. However, many users often wonder, how thin of a board can the DeWALT 735 plane?
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the capabilities of the DeWALT 735 thickness planer, explore its specifications, and provide valuable tips on maximizing its efficiency for boards of various thicknesses. So, let’s get started!
Understanding the DeWALT 735 Thickness Planer
The DeWALT 735 is a three-knife, portable thickness planer designed for woodworkers who require durability and precision. With a powerful motor and excellent cutting capacity, the machine is capable of handling various wood types while ensuring a perfectly smooth finish.
Key Features of the DeWALT 735 Planer
Before diving into how thin of a board the DeWALT 735 can handle, it’s essential to grasp its vital features:
- Powerful Motor: Equipped with a 15 AMP motor, the 735 delivers a maximum speed of 20,000 RPM, making it effective for tackling various materials.
- Three-Knife System: The three-knife cutter head provides a smoother finish and reduced snipe, making it ideal for finishing tasks.
- Steel Blades: The high-quality steel blades offer longevity and excellent performance, suitable for prolonged use.
- Fan-assisted Chip Ejection: This feature helps keep your workspace clean by effectively blowing away chips and sawdust.
- Easy-to-Adjust Depth Control: Users can easily set the thickness they desire with the precision depth adjustment system.
These attributes ensure that the DeWALT 735 is not just a robust machine but also an efficient planner tailored for various woodworking tasks.
What Thickness Can the DeWALT 735 Handle?
One of the most common inquiries among woodworkers revolves around the thickness capacity of the DeWALT 735 planer. According to DeWALT’s specifications, the machine can effectively handle boards ranging from 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness.
Minimum Thickness: 1/8 Inch
The minimum threshold of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) is particularly crucial for woodworkers who frequently deal with delicate materials. The ability to plane such thin boards opens the door to a myriad of creative woodworking projects, such as:
- Laminating Thin Woods: Creating layers of material for artistic woodworking.
- Creating Veneers: Ideal for fine finishes on furniture or cabinetry.
However, when working with boards as thin as 1/8 inch, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Best Practices for Planing Thin Boards
- Proper Support: Ensure that the ends of the thin board are adequately supported while feeding it through the planer. This support prevents excess bending or breakage, producing a more uniform finish.
- Multiple Passes: It may be necessary to take smaller cuts over multiple passes to achieve the desired thickness and smoothness while avoiding the risk of tear-out.
Maximum Thickness: 6 Inches
On the flip side, the DeWALT 735 also accommodates boards up to 6 inches (152 mm) thick. This impressive capacity makes it a versatile tool for various woodworking applications, including:
- Planing Beams: Ideal for shaping hefty lumber for construction projects.
- Furniture Making: Perfect for thicknessing components of larger pieces of furniture.
When working with thicker boards, consider the following tips:
Efficient Techniques for Thick Boards
- Set the Right Feed Rate: Adjusting the feed rate can make all the difference. An optimal feed speed keeps the blades engaged for longer, ensuring a cleaner cut with less stress on the motor.
- Monitor for Overheating: The DeWALT 735 is powerful, but it’s also essential to give it breaks during prolonged use with thicker materials to avoid overheating.
Other Factors to Consider
While the thickness capacity is a critical factor, several other considerations influence the successful operation of the DeWALT 735:
Type of Wood
The type of wood you’re working with can significantly affect the planing process. Softer woods like pine will plane more easily, whereas denser woods like oak may require extra consideration when attempting to plane thinner sections. Some woods can also dull blades more quickly, so pay attention to your blades’ condition.
Blade Condition
Regularly checking and maintaining the condition of your steel blades is essential for optimal performance. Dull blades can lead to tear-out, excessive snipe, or even project failure, especially when working with thin boards.
Feeding Technique
How you feed the wood into the planer affects the final outcome. Be consistent in your feeding speed and pressure to avoid uneven cutting and ensure a smooth finish. This consistency is particularly vital when dealing with thin woods that might be more prone to splintering.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the DeWALT 735 is designed for efficiency, users may encounter common issues. Here are some potential problems when planing thin boards along with their solutions:
Snipe
Snipe refers to the slight dip at the beginning or end of the board, often caused by uneven feeding or poor setup. To minimize snipe:
- Adjust Outfeed Tables: Ensure they are level with the planer to provide support for the board.
- Feed Slowly: A slower feeding speed can help maintain the board’s alignment.
Teardown or Splintering
When planing thin boards, tear-out can be an issue. To address this:
- Use Backing Boards: Placing a sacrificial piece of wood behind the thin board can help prevent tear-out.
- Consider Grain Direction: Always check the grain direction before feeding the wood into the planer.
Conclusion
The DeWALT 735 thickness planer is an incredibly versatile tool capable of handling a wide range of board thicknesses, from 1/8 inch to 6 inches. Whether you’re working with delicate veneering projects or hefty furniture pieces, the 735 provides quality and performance that woodworkers appreciate.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of your tools is crucial to ensure high-quality results in woodworking. By following best practices, maintaining your equipment, and accommodating the unique properties of different woods, you’ll find that the DeWALT 735 can significantly enhance your woodworking experience. Happy planing!
How thin of a board can the DeWALT 735 plane handle?
The DeWALT 735 planer is designed to handle boards as thin as 1/8 inch. However, the standard recommendation is to avoid planing below 1/4 inch for best results. Planing too thin can lead to decreased effectiveness of the machine and possible damage to the board. It’s essential to ensure symmetry and evenness in the material to achieve a smooth finish.
For very thin boards, it’s crucial to consider the integrity of the wood. When planing thinner materials, there’s a risk of splintering or chipping. Using a sacrificial board or backing can help stabilize thin pieces and achieve a cleaner cut without compromising the quality of the surface.
Can the DeWALT 735 plane handle tricky grains, such as curly or figured wood?
Yes, the DeWALT 735 planer can handle tricky grains, including curly or figured wood, but it requires some consideration. The challenge with tricky grains lies in the tendency of the wood to tear out when planed. It’s advisable to make light passes and adjust the depth of cut to accommodate the difficult grain.
Using a sharp blade also plays a critical role in achieving a smooth finish on tricky-grain woods. A well-maintained blade will produce cleaner cuts and minimize the risk of tear-out. Additionally, in some cases, it may be beneficial to consider the grain direction for planing to reduce the impact of the grain’s complexity.
What is the maximum width of boards that the DeWALT 735 can handle?
The DeWALT 735 planer has a maximum width capacity of 12 inches. This allows for versatility in handling standard lumber widths for various projects. The ability to plane boards up to this width makes it a suitable choice for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers.
When working with wider boards, it’s essential to ensure that the material is flat and free of warps or twists. Warped boards may create an uneven surface finish, and it may require additional steps, such as jointing, before using the planer. Ensuring the board’s surface is even will lead to better results and prolong the life of your planer.
What is the depth of cut the DeWALT 735 planer can achieve?
The DeWALT 735 planer allows for a maximum depth of cut up to 1/8 inch per pass under optimal conditions. However, most users find that taking lighter cuts, typically around 1/16 inch, yields better surface finishes and prolongs the life of the blades and machine. Adjusting the cutting depth based on the hardness of the wood is a crucial aspect of getting a satisfactory finish.
Setting the depth of cut too deep can cause the machine to strain, leading to potential overheating or premature wear. Moreover, taking lighter cuts minimizes tear-out and improves the overall quality of the finish. Therefore, it is advisable to experiment with cutting depths to find the most effective settings for your particular wood type and project.
Is the DeWALT 735 considered a portable planer?
While the DeWALT 735 planer is not the most lightweight option on the market, it is designed with portability in mind. Weighing approximately 80 pounds, it can be moved around a workshop with relative ease, and it also features handle grips for easier transport. Its robust design allows it to be used in various settings, from a stationary workshop to on-site locations.
If carrying it between sites is necessary, consider equipping it with a mobile base or a dedicated cart. This will allow easier maneuverability without straining your back or arms. Many users appreciate the balance of portability and performance, making it a valuable tool for both job site and home woodshop applications.
How does the DeWALT 735 compare to other planers in its class?
The DeWALT 735 is often praised for its powerful performance and advanced features, such as a two-speed feed rate and a robust motor. Compared to its competitors, the DeWALT 735 tends to come out on top for its ability to handle various wood types and sizes effectively. Users appreciate its depth of cut adjustments and efficient chip removal.
Moreover, while similar models may not offer the same level of refinement and user-friendliness, the DeWALT 735’s build quality and ease of use make it a popular choice. Additionally, the availability of readily accessible replacement blades allows for maintenance without hassle, ensuring the machine continues to function optimally over time. Ultimately, its combination of performance, durability, and user-centric features solidifies its status in the market.