For years, I wrestled with rough-cut lumber, spending countless hours sanding to achieve a smooth finish. The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer would have saved me so much time and frustration. The uneven surfaces were a constant battle, impacting the quality and time spent on my woodworking projects. The need for a solution was paramount to avoid wasted materials and frustrating delays.
A benchtop planer addresses the frustrating problem of uneven lumber, transforming rough-cut wood into smooth, usable boards for projects ranging from simple shelves to intricate furniture. The ideal customer is a woodworker, hobbyist, or professional who values precision and efficiency in their work. Those primarily working with softwoods or with limited budget might find less expensive options more suitable. Before purchasing any planer, consider your budget, the type and volume of wood you’ll be processing, the available workspace, and the level of precision needed for your projects. Additionally, factor in the noise level—planers can be quite loud—and the dust collection system you’ll need for a clean workspace.
- Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor handles larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods.
- Three-knife cutter head with 10,000 rpm cutter-head speed provides 96 cuts per inch, one of the finest finishes of any portable planer
- Disposable, reversible knives deliver 30% more knife life and make knife change fast and easy.
Introducing the DEWALT DW734: A Workhorse in Your Workshop
The DEWALT DW734 15-Amp Benchtop Planer promises smooth, precise planing with its powerful motor and three-knife cutter head. This model boasts a 12-1/2-inch cutting width, capable of handling a wide range of lumber. Compared to its predecessors, the DW734 offers improved dust collection, enhanced accuracy, and extended knife life. This planer is ideal for serious hobbyists and professionals who frequently work with hardwoods. It’s less suited for infrequent users or those with smaller projects who might find a less powerful model sufficient.
- Pros: Powerful motor, precise cuts, easy knife changes, excellent dust collection with the right setup, durable construction.
- Cons: Can be noisy, relatively heavy, the outfeed table doesn’t fold up with the dust port attachment.
- Spiral cutterhead utilizes 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades for a clean, smooth finish
- High-quality 13" Widened Worktable: Plane boards up to 6" thick and 13" wide. Easily adjusted tables and extensions for coplanar with table pull-out extensions, supplying 35" of total length for...
- Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor handles larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods.
Deep Dive into the DEWALT DW734’s Features and Benefits
The Powerful 15-Amp Motor: A Game Changer
The DW734’s 15-amp motor is the heart of this machine, providing the power needed to effortlessly plane even the toughest hardwoods. Its 20,000 RPM speed ensures smooth, consistent cuts, significantly reducing the time spent on each project. This power is crucial for tackling thicker boards and achieving the desired finish without excessive effort or multiple passes. I’ve used it to plane everything from cherry to oak, and it’s never faltered.
Three-Knife Cutter Head: Precision and Efficiency
The three-knife cutter head, spinning at 10,000 RPM, produces a remarkably smooth finish. The 96 cuts per inch create a surface that requires minimal sanding, saving both time and effort. This high-precision cutting is particularly advantageous when working with fine wood or creating projects requiring a very smooth surface for finishing. The disposable, reversible knives extend the life of the cutter head substantially, reducing replacement costs over time.
Four-Column Carriage Lock: Minimizing Snipe
Snipe, that frustrating chipping at the beginning and end of a board, is a common planer problem. The DW734’s four-column carriage lock significantly reduces this issue by minimizing the movement of the carriage during planing. This feature is a game-changer for achieving consistently smooth cuts from edge to edge, eliminating a significant source of rework and frustration.
Easy Knife Changes: Minimizing Downtime
Changing knives on some planers can be a tedious task, but DEWALT has simplified this process on the DW734. The design allows for quick and easy knife replacement, minimizing downtime and keeping you working. The ease of knife changes also makes routine maintenance simpler and faster, allowing for more efficient use of the planer overall.
Extensive Material Support: Stable and Secure Planing
The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide ample support for your lumber, ensuring smooth and consistent planing. The 33-1/2″ of support prevents warping and ensures the entire board is planed evenly, improving the overall quality and reducing the risk of damage.
Accurate Depth Adjustment: Precise Control
The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale allow for incredibly precise depth adjustments, giving you complete control over the planing process. This feature is invaluable for fine woodworking and creating pieces requiring specific thicknesses, eliminating guesswork and ensuring consistent results.
Turret Depth Stop: Efficiency and Repeatability
The turret depth stop allows you to quickly return to your most frequently used depths. This feature is a huge time-saver for projects involving repetitive cuts, streamlining the workflow and increasing efficiency.
Real-World Experiences: What Users Are Saying
Online reviews consistently praise the DEWALT DW734 for its power, precision, and ease of use. Many users highlight the smooth finish it produces and the ease of knife changes. While some mention the noise level, most agree that the benefits far outweigh this minor drawback, especially for serious woodworking enthusiasts.
Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment
The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer effectively solves the problem of uneven lumber, transforming rough-cut boards into smooth, precise surfaces. Its powerful motor, precise cutter head, and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for any woodworker serious about their craft. The time and effort saved through the smooth finishes and efficient operation far outweigh the initial cost. Click here to check out the DEWALT DW734 and transform your woodworking projects today!
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API