How old is your DW735?

[Chris Hachet]

Mine is six years old and I have repaired it about six times.

While planing cedar sometimes a knot comes loose and as the planer eats it the chip exhaust fan is damaged.

I like this planer but this is the weak point in this tool. (In my experience)

...and the strong point is its relative light weight and affordability. One would not buy a truck and expect it to run ten years without repair, why would one expect that out of a tool?

Just playing devils advocate...

[John McClanahan]

...and the strong point is its relative light weight and affordability. One would not buy a truck and expect it to run ten years without repair, why would one expect that out of a tool?

Just playing devils advocate...

I agree. I also own a DW735. Does what I need.

[Randy Heinemann]

...and the strong point is its relative light weight and affordability. One would not buy a truck and expect it to run ten years without repair, why would one expect that out of a tool?

Just playing devils advocate...

Mine has gone around 10 years without a repair. As good as the Dewalt 735 is (does just what I need as it was purchased also), I wouldn't quite put it in the same category as a truck anyway. It would probably be too expensive to repair if something went wrong. Most likely it would make more sense to buy a new one, which is why the question about whether it makes sense to upgrade to the Shelix head is even being discussed.

Just saying . . .

[Julie Moriarty]

Mine is about a month old but I didn't use it until about a week ago. I have yet to give it a serious test but already it appears the knives have been nicked. But I bought it because I knew I would one day upgrade to the Shelix. That day may be sooner than I expected.

[Randy Heinemann]

If mine was new, given the availability of the Shelix head I would probably consider it also. It would be well worth it as I expect you would get 10 years out of the planer unless the Shelix head puts a much heavier strain on the motor. However, at about 10 years, the decision isn't clearcut anymore. When I bought mine, there really weren't as many alternatives as there are now.

[Rick Potter]

Mine is maybe 8 years old, with fairly light use. Still on the original blades. Must have gotten it prior to that wave of bad blades a few years ago. If it goes bad, I will get another.

It replaced a floor model 15" Jet planer. I rarely get non dressed wood, and the Jet just wouldn't do final light cuts without leaving serrated lines on it from the rollers, so I sold it. The DeWalt is the right one for my use. I understand you can get some rubber rollers for the Jet, but I had never heard of that when I had it.