When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference in the world. And if you’re in the market for a thickness planer, Dewalt is a brand that often comes to mind. Two of their popular models, the Dewalt 733 and the Dewalt 734, have been making waves in the woodworking community. But which one should you choose?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between these two planers and help you decide which one is better suited for your needs.
Motor Power
Dewalt 733: This planer is equipped with a 15-amp motor that delivers a respectable 20,000 RPM. It’s no slouch when it comes to power and can handle most planing tasks with ease.
Dewalt 734: The 734, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful 15-amp motor that can reach up to 30,000 RPM. This extra power means it can tackle even tougher and denser woods without breaking a sweat.
Winner: Dewalt 734 takes the lead in motor power, making it the better choice for heavy-duty tasks and hardwoods.
Cutting Depth
Dewalt 733: This planer offers a maximum cutting depth of 1/8-inch per pass. While it’s suitable for most woodworking projects, it might not be the quickest option for thicker stock.
Dewalt 734: The 734 shines in this department, allowing you to remove up to 1/4-inch of material in a single pass. This can save you a significant amount of time when working with thicker boards.
Winner: Dewalt 734 again prevails, offering greater cutting depth and efficiency.
Knife Replacement
Dewalt 733: Changing the knives on the 733 can be a bit of a chore. It requires removing the entire cutter head assembly, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Dewalt 734: Dewalt improved the design with the 734, making knife replacement much easier. The quick-change knife system allows you to replace the knives without removing the cutter head, saving you valuable time and effort.
Winner: Dewalt 734 simplifies knife replacement, making it a more user-friendly option.
Price
Dewalt 733: Generally, the 733 tends to be more budget-friendly. If you’re just starting with woodworking or have limited funds, this could be an attractive option.
Dewalt 734: The 734 is priced slightly higher due to its enhanced features and performance. It’s an investment, but if you value efficiency and ease of use, it’s worth considering.
Winner: Dewalt 733 is the winner in the price category, making it a good choice for those on a tight budget.
Maintenance and Durability
Dewalt 733: While the 733 is a reliable machine, it may require more maintenance due to its older design. Regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly and to extend its lifespan.
Dewalt 734: The 734, with its newer design and improved features, tends to be more durable and requires less frequent maintenance. This means less downtime and more time spent on your woodworking projects.
Winner: Dewalt 734 takes the lead in terms of longevity and maintenance.
Dust Collection
Dewalt 733: The 733 comes with a decent dust collection system, but it may not capture all the shavings and dust effectively. You might need to supplement it with an external dust collector for optimal results.
Dewalt 734: Dewalt made significant improvements to the dust collection system in the 734. It’s more efficient at capturing debris, keeping your workspace cleaner and reducing cleanup time.
Winner: Dewalt 734 offers superior dust collection, providing a cleaner and healthier work environment.
Portability
Dewalt 733: This planer weighs around 80 pounds, which can make it a bit cumbersome to move around, especially if you need to transport it to different job sites frequently.
Dewalt 734: The 734 is slightly lighter, weighing in at around 62 pounds. While it’s not featherlight, it’s more manageable for those who need to transport it regularly.
Winner: Dewalt 734 wins in terms of portability, making it a better choice for those on the move.
Noise Level
Dewalt 733: The 733 can be quite noisy, which might be a concern if you’re working in a shared space or need to keep noise to a minimum.
Dewalt 734: Dewalt has taken steps to reduce noise levels in the 734, making it quieter and more pleasant to work with.
Winner: Dewalt 734 offers a quieter working experience, which can be a significant advantage.
Additional Features
Dewalt 733: While the 733 is a solid planer, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the 734, such as depth stops for repetitive cuts and material removal gauge for improved accuracy.
Dewalt 734: The 734 comes with these additional features, which can enhance precision and save you time on repetitive tasks.
Winner: Dewalt 734 wins in terms of extra features, offering more versatility and convenience.
