DeWalt DW735 Owners Manual: A Comprehensive Guide

This manual details the DeWalt DW735 planer, offering setup, operation, safety, and troubleshooting guidance for optimal performance and longevity of your tool.

The DeWalt DW735 is a robust, 12-1/2 inch heavy-duty portable thickness planer, engineered for both woodworking enthusiasts and professionals demanding precision. This tool excels at efficiently smoothing and flattening wood stock to consistent thicknesses. Its powerful motor effortlessly handles diverse wood types, from softwoods to hardwoods, making it a versatile addition to any workshop.

This planer’s portability allows for convenient use on job sites or in workshops with limited space. Understanding its features and proper operation, as detailed in this manual, is crucial for achieving optimal results and ensuring safe operation. The DW735 delivers reliable performance and durability, making it a long-lasting investment.

Understanding the Manual’s Importance

This DeWalt DW735 owner’s manual serves as your primary resource for maximizing the tool’s capabilities while prioritizing safety. Thoroughly reading and understanding its contents before operation is paramount to prevent potential injury and ensure the longevity of your planer. It provides detailed instructions on assembly, setup, and operation, covering everything from blade installation to troubleshooting common issues.

Ignoring the guidelines within this manual could lead to improper use, damage to the tool, or, more seriously, personal harm. Familiarizing yourself with the safety warnings and operational procedures will unlock the full potential of the DW735 and guarantee efficient, precise planing results.

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Always read all safety warnings and instructions before operating the DeWalt DW735 planer to minimize the risk of injury and ensure safe operation.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Prioritize your safety by meticulously reviewing all provided safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications accompanying this power tool. Maintaining a clean and well-lit workspace is crucial for preventing accidents. Avoid operating power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as near flammable liquids or gases.

Electrical safety is paramount; ensure proper grounding and avoid contact with grounded surfaces. Personal protective equipment, including eye protection, dust masks, and hearing protection, is essential. Disconnect the power source before making adjustments, changing accessories, or performing maintenance.

Never force a tool beyond its capacity, and always use the correct tool for the job. Regularly inspect power cords for damage and have them repaired by authorized personnel. Keep bystanders at a safe distance from the work area. Awareness and adherence to these guidelines will significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Specific Safety Instructions for the DW735

Always read the instruction manual thoroughly before operating the DW735 planer to understand its unique safety requirements. Ensure the planer is securely mounted or supported before use. Never reach over or across the moving blades. Maintain firm footing and balance while operating the tool.

Inspect wood for foreign objects like nails or screws before planing, as these can cause dangerous kickback. Avoid planing small pieces of wood that are difficult to control. Use a dust collection system to minimize exposure to harmful wood dust.

Never operate the planer with damaged or missing parts. Regularly check blade sharpness and replace dull blades promptly. Disconnect the power supply during blade changes and maintenance. Following these specific instructions will enhance safety during operation.

Avoiding Kickback and Injury

Kickback occurs when the wood is fed too quickly or unevenly, causing it to bind and violently eject back towards the operator; maintain a firm grip and controlled feed rate. Always use a push stick when planing shorter pieces to keep your hands safely away from the blades. Inspect wood for knots, loose grain, or foreign objects that can contribute to kickback.

Never attempt to plane warped or twisted wood, as this significantly increases the risk. Ensure blades are sharp, as dull blades require more force and increase kickback potential. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and dust protection, to minimize injury.

Understand the planer’s operation and heed all warnings to prevent accidents and ensure safe woodworking.

Unboxing and Component Identification

Carefully inspect all components upon unboxing, verifying against the parts list; familiarize yourself with each part’s function for proper assembly and operation.

What’s Included in the Box

Upon opening your DeWalt DW735 package, ensure all listed items are present. You should find the 12-1/2 inch Heavy-Duty Portable Thickness Planer itself, along with a dust collection bag designed to capture wood shavings during operation, keeping your workspace cleaner. A set of installed blades is included, pre-mounted for immediate use, though sharpening or replacement may be needed over time.

Additionally, the box contains a blade wrench specifically designed for safe and efficient blade changes. You’ll also receive an operator’s manual – this crucial document provides detailed instructions on setup, operation, safety precautions, and maintenance procedures. Finally, check for any included accessories or documentation regarding warranty information and DeWalt support contact details. Carefully review the contents against the packing list to confirm everything is accounted for.

Key Parts and Their Functions

The DeWalt DW735 features several key components. The powerful motor drives the cutterhead, containing the blades responsible for planing wood to the desired thickness. The infeed and outfeed tables support the wood as it passes through, ensuring smooth and consistent results. The depth adjustment knob allows precise control over the amount of material removed with each pass.

A crucial element is the dust collection port, compatible with shop vacuums for efficient chip removal. The blade locking mechanism secures the cutterhead for safe blade changes. The feed rate control adjusts the speed at which wood is drawn through the planer. Finally, the on/off switch provides simple operation, and the handle facilitates portability.

Understanding the Planer’s Features

The DeWalt DW735 boasts a robust 15-amp motor delivering power for handling various wood species and thicknesses. Its 13-inch width capacity accommodates larger boards, enhancing project versatility. The two-speed feed rate selector allows adaptation to different wood densities and desired finish quality. A four-post planer design ensures stability and minimizes vibration during operation, contributing to precise results.

Furthermore, the DW735 includes a convenient fold-out extension table, providing additional support for longer workpieces. The digital depth readout offers accurate depth-of-cut adjustments; Its portability is enhanced by the relatively lightweight design, making it suitable for jobsite use. These features combine to make it a valuable tool.

Setting Up Your DW735

Proper assembly, blade installation, and depth stop adjustment are crucial for safe and accurate operation of your DeWalt DW735 thickness planer.

Initial Inspection and Assembly

Upon unboxing your DeWalt DW735, carefully inspect for any damage incurred during shipping; report any issues immediately to the retailer. Before initial use, ensure all components listed in the “What’s Included” section are present.

The DW735 requires minimal assembly. Typically, this involves attaching the dust collection port and potentially the infeed/outfeed rollers, if not pre-installed. Securely fasten these components using the provided hardware, ensuring they are tightened appropriately but not over-tightened.

Verify the blades are properly seated within the cutterhead. A loose or improperly installed blade can lead to dangerous operation and subpar planing results. Refer to the “Installing the Blades Correctly” section for detailed instructions. Always disconnect the power cord before performing any inspection or assembly tasks.

Installing the Blades Correctly

Blade installation on the DeWalt DW735 is crucial for safe and effective operation. Always disconnect the power cord before beginning. Carefully remove the cutterhead cover, then loosen the blade retaining bolts. Insert the blades with the cutting edge facing the direction of wood feed, ensuring they seat fully into the pockets.

Tighten the blade retaining bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure and prevent warping. Use the correct torque specifications as outlined in the manual to avoid over-tightening or loosening.

Inspect blade sharpness before each use; dull blades cause tear-out and strain the motor. Replace blades in sets for balanced operation. Reinstall the cutterhead cover securely before powering on the planer.

Adjusting the Depth Stop

The depth stop on the DeWalt DW735 controls the amount of material removed with each pass. Loosen the depth adjustment knob located on the front of the planer. Use the depth adjustment scale to precisely set the desired cutting depth; smaller increments are recommended for hardwoods or delicate work;

For initial cuts, start with a very shallow depth to avoid bogging down the motor. Tighten the depth adjustment knob securely after setting. Multiple shallow passes are preferable to a single deep cut, resulting in a smoother finish and reduced strain on the planer.

Regularly check the depth setting to maintain consistent results.

Operating the DW735 Planer

Proper operation involves powering on, safely feeding wood, and adjusting the feed rate based on wood type for optimal planing results.

Powering On and Off

Before powering on the DW735, ensure the blades are correctly installed and the work surface is clear of obstructions. Connect the planer to a grounded power outlet, verifying the voltage matches the tool’s specifications. To start, depress the power switch located on the front of the planer; a green indicator light will illuminate.

Always allow the blades to reach full speed before engaging the wood. To stop the planer, release the power switch. The blades will coast to a halt. Never attempt to force the switch or disconnect the power cord while the blades are rotating. Ensure the planer has completely stopped before making any adjustments or leaving it unattended. Regular checks of the power cord for damage are crucial for safe operation.

Feeding Wood into the Planer

Proper wood feeding is vital for achieving smooth, consistent planing results with the DW735. Ensure the wood is flat and free of debris before feeding. Gently present the wood to the infeed table, maintaining consistent pressure and a firm grip. Avoid forcing the wood; let the planer’s rollers draw it through.

Support longer pieces with rollers or stands to prevent sagging and uneven planing. Never attempt to plane wood that is too short to safely pass through the machine. Be mindful of knots and grain direction, as they can affect the feed rate. Always feed wood straight; angling can cause kickback or uneven surfaces.

Adjusting Feed Rate for Different Woods

The DW735’s feed rate directly impacts planing quality; adjust it based on wood hardness. Softer woods like pine require a slower feed rate to prevent tear-out and achieve a smooth finish. Hardwoods, such as oak or maple, can tolerate a faster feed rate for increased efficiency.

Start with a slower setting and gradually increase it until you find the optimal balance between speed and surface quality. Listen to the motor; straining indicates the feed rate is too high. Observe the chips – thin, consistent chips suggest a correct setting. Experimentation is key to mastering feed rate adjustment for various wood types and thicknesses.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance—blade sharpening, cleaning, and lubrication—ensures the DW735 planer’s longevity and optimal performance, preventing issues and maximizing its lifespan.

Blade Sharpening and Replacement

Maintaining sharp blades is crucial for achieving clean, precise cuts with your DeWalt DW735. Dull blades cause tear-out and require more power, straining the motor. Regularly inspect blades for damage – nicks, cracks, or excessive wear. Sharpening can be done with specialized blade sharpening systems, or you can opt for professional sharpening services.

When blades are beyond repair, replacement is necessary. Always use genuine DeWalt replacement blades to ensure compatibility and performance. Before installing new blades, disconnect the planer from the power source. Follow the detailed instructions in the owner’s manual for safe blade removal and installation, paying close attention to the correct orientation and securing mechanisms. Proper installation is vital for safe operation.

Cleaning and Lubrication

Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining the DeWalt DW735’s performance and extending its lifespan. After each use, disconnect the power and thoroughly remove wood chips and dust from the infeed and outfeed tables, as well as the internal components; A vacuum cleaner or compressed air can be used for this purpose.

Periodically lubricate moving parts, such as the feed rollers and carriage, with a high-quality lubricant recommended by DeWalt. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific lubrication points and recommended lubricants. Avoid over-lubrication, as this can attract dust and debris. Proper cleaning and lubrication ensure smooth operation, reduce friction, and prevent premature wear and tear on your planer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your DeWalt DW735 experiences problems, consult this section. A planer that won’t start may indicate a power supply issue, tripped breaker, or a faulty switch – check these first. Uneven planing often results from dull or improperly installed blades, or an incorrectly adjusted depth stop. Ensure blades are sharp and securely fastened.

Excessive vibration can stem from loose components, worn bearings, or an unbalanced cutterhead. Inspect and tighten all bolts and screws. If vibration persists, professional servicing may be required. Always disconnect the power before inspecting or attempting repairs. Refer to the full manual for detailed diagnostics and safety precautions.

Detailed Specifications

The DW735 boasts a robust motor, specific dimensions, and a defined weight, all crucial for understanding its capabilities and portability for various projects.

Technical Data Sheet

The DeWalt DW735 presents a powerful 15 Amp motor, delivering 10,000 maximum RPM for efficient material removal. Its planing width capacity reaches 13 inches (325 mm), accommodating substantial workpieces. Maximum depth of cut in a single pass is 1/8 inch (3.2 mm), while the maximum cutting depth totals 5/32 inch (4 mm).

Feed rate varies depending on the wood species and desired finish, offering versatile control. The planer features a two-blade cutterhead system, ensuring smooth and consistent planing results. Dust collection port diameter is 1 inch, facilitating effective chip removal and a cleaner work environment. This data sheet provides essential performance metrics for informed operation and project planning.

Dimensions and Weight

The DeWalt DW735 boasts a compact and portable design, measuring approximately 36-1/2 inches (92.7 cm) in length, 13 inches (33 cm) in width, and 12-1/2 inches (31.8 cm) in height. These dimensions facilitate easy transport and storage within a workshop or on job sites.

Despite its robust construction and powerful motor, the planer weighs in at approximately 80 pounds (36.3 kg). This weight provides stability during operation while remaining manageable for most users. Careful consideration of these dimensions and weight is crucial for safe handling, setup, and transportation of the tool, ensuring optimal usability and preventing strain.

Motor Specifications

The DeWalt DW735 is powered by a robust 15 Amp motor, delivering a powerful performance capable of handling various wood types and thicknesses with ease. This motor generates a no-load speed of 8,500 RPM, ensuring efficient and consistent planing results.

The motor’s design prioritizes durability and longevity, allowing for extended use in demanding woodworking applications. It operates on a standard 120V power supply. This powerful motor, combined with the planer’s overall construction, makes it a reliable tool for both hobbyists and professionals seeking precision and efficiency in their woodworking projects.

Troubleshooting Guide

This section addresses common issues like the planer not starting, uneven planing, or excessive vibration, offering solutions for optimal performance and repair.

Planer Not Starting

If your DeWalt DW735 fails to power on, begin by verifying the power cord connection to a functioning outlet. Ensure the outlet is delivering power by testing it with another device. Next, inspect the power cord itself for any visible damage, such as cuts or fraying; a damaged cord requires immediate replacement by an authorized service center.

Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to confirm the circuit hasn’t tripped or blown. Also, examine the planer’s on/off switch for proper operation – it might be faulty. If these checks don’t resolve the issue, a potential internal motor problem may exist, necessitating professional repair. Always disconnect the power cord before any inspection or maintenance.

Uneven Planing Results

Experiencing uneven planing with your DeWalt DW735 often indicates dull or improperly installed blades. Ensure blades are sharp, correctly oriented, and securely fastened. A loose blade will cause inconsistent cuts. Also, verify the depth stop is set appropriately for the desired material thickness and is not interfering with the blade’s rotation.

Uneven feed rates can also contribute to this issue; maintain a consistent speed while feeding wood. Check the flatness of the planer’s bed – any irregularities will transfer to the wood. Finally, consider the wood itself; warped or twisted lumber requires additional preparation before planing for optimal results.

Excessive Vibration

Noticing excessive vibration during operation of your DeWalt DW735 suggests several potential issues. First, confirm all components, particularly the blades and blade drum, are securely tightened. Loose parts are a primary cause of vibration. Inspect the blades for damage – chipped or unbalanced blades will induce shaking. Ensure the planer is placed on a stable, level surface; an uneven base exacerbates vibration.

Also, check for debris buildup within the planer housing, as this can create imbalance. If the vibration persists, examine the motor mounts for wear or damage. Continued operation with excessive vibration can lead to further damage, so address the issue promptly.

Warranty Information

DeWalt provides warranty coverage on the DW735, protecting against manufacturing defects. Review the detailed terms for duration and claim procedures for service.

DeWalt Warranty Coverage

DeWalt stands behind its products, including the DW735 planer, with a comprehensive warranty designed to provide peace of mind. Typically, DeWalt offers a one-year free service warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. This warranty includes coverage for repair or replacement of defective parts, at DeWalt’s discretion.

However, the warranty does not cover parts that have been subjected to abuse, misuse, or altered in any way. Normal wear and tear is also excluded. It’s crucial to register your tool promptly after purchase to ensure seamless warranty service. Proof of purchase, such as a receipt, is essential when making a claim. Always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the official DeWalt warranty statement for complete details.

How to Claim Warranty Service

To initiate a warranty claim for your DeWalt DW735 planer, first contact DeWalt support via their toll-free number (1-800-4-DeWALT) or through their official website. Be prepared to provide your tool’s model number, serial number, and date of purchase, along with a detailed description of the defect. You’ll likely need to submit proof of purchase, such as a receipt or invoice.

DeWalt will then guide you through the process, which may involve returning the tool to an authorized service center for inspection and repair. They may also request photos or videos documenting the issue. Ensure the tool is securely packaged to prevent further damage during transit. Warranty service does not include shipping costs.

Contacting DeWalt Support

For any questions, concerns, or assistance regarding your DeWalt DW735 planer, DeWalt provides multiple avenues for support. The quickest method is to call their toll-free helpline at 1-800-4-DeWALT (1-800-433-9258). Alternatively, you can visit the official DeWalt website and navigate to their support section. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive FAQ, downloadable manuals, and a contact form for submitting inquiries.

DeWalt also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, offering another channel for reaching out. When contacting support, have your tool’s model and serial number readily available to expedite the process and ensure accurate assistance.