Thickness planers like the Dewalt DW 735 are a favorite of many woodworkers. It has a powerful 15-amp motor, a built-in dust ejection system, and a 2-speed gearbox. Overall, Dewalt markets this tool for both personal and professional use. But despite all the positive things about this tool, many workers still encounter a few Dewalt thickness planer DW735 problems.
In this post, I will discuss these common problems, together with my own experience. Take note that just because it happens to some woodworkers doesn’t mean it’s going to be a problem with your tool right away.
A quick look at the Dewalt DW 735 Thickness Planer
The Dewalt DW735 is a semi-professional thickness planer that comes in a reasonable price tag. I started seeing this tool on shelves around 2010. Since then, many woodworkers have trusted this as one of their shop staples.
Moreover, the DW735 is a 13-inch planer with a three-knife cutter head for faster planing. Dewalt also prides itself in the built-in ejection vacuum of this equipment.
With this 15-amp power, the Dewalt DW735 thickness planer packs up to 20,000 RPM. This can put up with almost all types of hardwood.
This has a flat head and functions through a corded electrical source. Overall, this planer can cut at a maximum depth of 1/8-inch. It also has a jet capacity of 6 inches for fast cutting.
Unlike other thickness planers, the Dewalt DW735 is slightly heavier at 92 lbs. It’s best used in a stationary area to avoid accidents and damage to the equipment.
Common problems of Dewalt DW735 thickness planer
Overall, the Dewalt DW735 thickness planer is a well-built tool. I’ve personally tried this before, but if you’re planning to buy one, it’s important to be aware of the following problems:
Chip buildup
One of the main problems I encountered with the DW735 was the chip buildup. It would build up so badly that it would be impossible for me to turn the handle. If you force the handle under this condition, you’ll likely break it off.
I discovered that one of the rollers got jammed with the chips. Since it’s stuck in that position, it became impossible for the rollers to turn and reset.
To prevent this from happening, you have to adjust the dust collection system manually. You also have to look closely since chip buildup can go unnoticed until it has already jammed the equipment. I’ve talked to a few woodworkers, and they echo the same issue with the Dewalt DW735.
Also, you should never let your dust collector overflow. When it does, the chip will back up and block the spot between the hose and cutter head.
Worn out fan housings
This is somewhat related to the chip buildup I mentioned earlier. As the chip builds up in a high-speed flow, it will start to damage the plastic of the fan housing. Over time, this will create a hole enough for the chips to leak.
Unfortunately, since this occurs in a span of time, it can be hard to spot right away. My solution was to remove the fan out and just let the dust collection system do the job. It worked well, but I wish I wouldn’t have to remove specific parts.
If you don’t want the hassle, you can raise a warranty claim or bring it to a repair shop for a faster solution.
Shutting off unintentionally
While I didn’t personally experience this, other users of Dewalt DW735 reported their equipment shutting off all of a sudden.
There are many possible explanations here. The first of which is that you have a faulty power source. However, this is rarely the case.
Some users complain about tripping reset buttons. What happens is they can plane for a few minutes, then the planer will shut off all of a sudden. Such tripping can be due to overheating or that the user is forcing the equipment to plane a wood piece bigger than its rated capacity.
Aside from that, it’s also possible that some bearings or bushings need lubrication and tightening.
If you experience this, my suggestion is to run the planer unloaded for a few minutes. If it heats up fast without any load, you’re likely dealing with a motor or bearing issue.
Also, you should make it a habit to check the planer rollers. It requires cleaning and waxing from time to time.
Lastly, you should consider putting an amp meter on your equipment. This will let you assess the load and no-load amps.
Does Dewalt offer a warranty on their thickness planer?
All Dewalt tools are covered by the brand’s general warranty. It includes a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty. However, you should know that Dewalt will not cover damages due to mishandling or poor maintenance.
Also, make sure that you keep the original receipt of your DW735. Your warranty claim would be much faster and easier if you could show valid proof of purchase.
How do you clean the rollers of a Dewalt DW735?
Before you even start cleaning your Dewalt planer, make sure that it’s unplugged. Also, you should let it cool down if you’ve recently used the equipment.
Next, you should lift the upper part, so you can access where the rollers are installed. You need to wipe the rollers with a clean cloth soaked in mineral spirits. This will remove any stubborn debris or gunk that built up on the surface.
If you’re worried that the chemical will ruin your rollers, you can use a cloth. This should be enough if the rollers aren’t that filthy. Just note that mineral spirits will help restore the tackiness of the roller rubber so that it will bite on the wood better.
Additional maintenance advice for your thickness planer
Upkeep plays a big role in keeping a Dewalt thickness planer functional. It will also help avoid the problems I discussed above.
To help you out, here are a few pieces of advice I recommend to woodworkers, especially for beginners:
- Keep your blades sharp. Another reason why planers jam and trip is a dull blade. Make sure that all the knives in your DW735 are sharpened before you start a heavy woodworking job.
- Don’t push its limits. Planers are often rated with maximum load limits. It’s best to follow such limits to avoid damaging your equipment. Even if it seems to work now, the damage will decrease the lifespan of the unit.
- Lubricate it regularly. Wood planers can easily overheat when used for long periods. It’s important to keep the parts lubricated so they won’t shut off in the middle of a busy workday at the shop.
- Clean it up. After using your wood planer, you must clean any wood chip or dust left. This will prevent the debris from accumulating and clogging the rollers.
- Check the planer’s flatness. Using a ruler, you should check if the planer surface has low spots. This is rare, but it can happen due to manufacturing flaws or lack of proper maintenance.
Conclusion
Any woodworking tool has its share of problems. The Dewalt thickness planer DW735 problems I discussed here are just some of them. With proper maintenance, you can avoid most of these issues in your workshop. The good thing is that Dewalt also offers generous warranty coverage if the problem is due to a manufacturing defect.
