DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer is a robust power tool designed for precision woodworking. It features a powerful 15 Amp motor and a three-knife cutter head, offering two feed speed options for optimal material removal and finishing. This package includes essential accessories like infeed and outfeed tables, and an extra set of knives, enhancing its versatility and user convenience.

Figure 1: The DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer, shown with its included infeed and outfeed tables and a set of three extra planer blades. This view highlights the complete package for immediate use.

Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when operating power tools. Read and understand all instructions before use. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

• Eye Protection: Always wear ANSI Z87.1 compliant eye protection.
• Hearing Protection: Wear hearing protection during operation due to high noise levels.
• Respiratory Protection: Use a dust mask or respirator, especially when planing wood that produces fine dust.
• Work Area: Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions. Ensure adequate space for material feeding and discharge.
• Electrical Safety: Ensure the planer is properly grounded. Do not operate in damp or wet locations.
• Material Handling: Never feed material that contains foreign objects (nails, screws, etc.). Support long workpieces with additional stands.
• Blade Safety: Blades are extremely sharp. Exercise extreme caution when handling or changing blades. Disconnect power before performing any maintenance.
• Emergency Stop: Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of the emergency stop switch.

Setup

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove the planer and all accessories from the packaging. Inspect for any shipping damage.
2. Placement: Place the planer on a stable, level workbench or stand capable of supporting its weight (102 lbs). Ensure sufficient clearance around the machine for safe operation and material handling.
3. Attaching Feed Tables:

   The DW735X includes infeed and outfeed tables to provide additional support for longer workpieces and minimize snipe. Attach these tables securely to the front and rear of the planer bed using the provided hardware. Ensure they are level with the planer bed.

   

   Figure 2: Front view of the planer, showing the main controls and the attachment points for the infeed table. The large hand crank for depth adjustment is visible on the right.
4. Dust Collection Connection:

   Connect a dust collection system or shop vacuum to the planer's dust ejection port. The planer features a fan-assisted chip ejection system that efficiently vacuums chips off the cutter head and exhausts them. This port is located at the rear of the machine.

   

   Figure 3: Rear view of the planer, clearly showing the large dust ejection port. Connecting a dust collection system here is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe workspace.

5. Power Connection: Plug the planer into a grounded 120V power outlet.

Operating Instructions

1. Adjusting Depth of Cut:

   Use the large hand crank on the right side of the planer to adjust the height of the cutter head. The depth scale, located next to the crank, provides precise measurements for your desired thickness. Each full rotation of the crank typically adjusts the depth by 1/16 inch.

   

   Figure 4: A detailed view of the planer's depth scale, indicating measurements in inches. The red indicator shows the current cutting depth, allowing for precise adjustments.

   The material removal gauge helps determine the maximum safe depth of cut for a given width of material, preventing motor overload and ensuring optimal performance.

   

   Figure 5: Close-up of the material removal gauge, which guides the user on appropriate depth of cut based on the width of the workpiece. This helps prevent overloading the motor and ensures smooth operation.

2. Selecting Feed Speed:

   The planer offers two feed speeds: 96 Cuts Per Inch (CPI) for general material removal and 179 CPI for a finer finish. Select the desired speed using the switch located on the front of the machine. Shift speed only while the machine is running.

3. Feeding Material:

   Ensure the workpiece is free of debris and foreign objects. Turn on the planer. Carefully feed the material into the infeed side of the planer, keeping it flat against the bed. The automatic carriage lock helps reduce snipe by minimizing movement during feeding.

   

   Figure 6: The thickness planer in operation, demonstrating a board being fed through the machine. Wood chips are visible, indicating the active planing process.

4. Multiple Passes: For significant material removal, make multiple shallow passes rather than one deep pass. This extends blade life and produces a smoother finish.
5. Finishing Pass: For the final pass, use the higher CPI setting (179 CPI) to achieve a very smooth surface.

Maintenance

• Blade Inspection and Replacement: Regularly inspect the three-knife cutter head for sharpness and damage. Replace dull or chipped blades promptly. The three-knife cutter head design facilitates faster and easier knife changes.
• Cleaning: After each use, disconnect the planer from power and clean off wood chips and dust, especially from the planer bed, rollers, and cutter head area. The fan-assisted chip ejection helps keep the cutter head clear during operation.
• Lubrication: Periodically lubricate moving parts as indicated in the full user manual to ensure smooth operation of the depth adjustment mechanism and feed rollers.
• Roller Maintenance: Keep the feed rollers clean to ensure proper grip on the workpiece.

Troubleshooting

• Poor Finish (Snipe, Tear-out):
  • Ensure infeed and outfeed tables are properly aligned and supporting the workpiece.
  • Take shallower cuts.
  • Inspect blades for dullness or damage and replace if necessary.
  • Ensure the automatic carriage lock is functioning correctly.
• Motor Overload:
  • Reduce the depth of cut.
  • Ensure the material removal gauge is being followed.
  • Check for proper power supply (120V, 15 Amp circuit).
• Material Not Feeding:
  • Clean the feed rollers.
  • Ensure the workpiece is not too thick for the current cutter head height.

Specifications

Warranty & Support

DEWALT offers the following warranty for the DW735X Thickness Planer:

• 3-Year Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials or workmanship.
• 1-Year Free Service: DEWALT will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use, for free, any time during the first year after purchase.
• 90-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your DEWALT Power Tool, Laser, or Nailer for any reason, you can return it within 90 days from the date of purchase for a full refund.

For further assistance or to locate authorized service centers, please visit the official DEWALT website or refer to the full user manual provided with your product.