dewalt 735 w the shelix head

[jorp_porp]

Hi all. new here, I'm coming to y'all with a conundrum.I have an oppurtunity to buy a used Dewalt 735 w/ a factory installed shelix cutter head for 450 - including extensions, stand. Invoice has a purchase date of 2017, and I think the specs on said invoice indicate that It'd be the OEM size head.

I'm struggling with the decision for a few reasons. 450 is a lot of money, good deal or no. I more comfortable spending ~250 on a Wen. I've heard they're loud AF, and I have a single car (tiny) unattached garage. Also, my garage is on a 15a circuit, which I've heard can struggle to provide enough amperage to this tool. I will not live here forever. But I'm questioning how much I really need this, or if I'll regret in the long run not picking it up.

Send help.

 

[whateg01]

I'm not the right person to give advice here, because I've been known to buy stuff because it was a deal. But, any planer is going to make some noise. The DeWalt, costing more, is almost certainly more machine and will probably last longer. But if the wen does the job you need it to do and you can live with the drawbacks, that might be better than owning a great machine you can't use. I've learned that another deal will come along. And when it does, maybe tech improves so the 735 is no longer the dream come true it might be today.

 

[dscheidt]

You should have no problem selling it for more than that. So, if you buy it, decide you don’t need it, you will only be out the time value of the money.

The regular 735 is a good lunchbox planer (I’ve had one for 8 years). The helix upgrade is even better (used one a fair bit).

 

[JonTucker]

If the machine is in good condition, that's a great price. The 735 is loud, and even with decent dust collection it's a little messy, but I think that's going to be the case with any planer. Sometimes I just pull it out into the yard when I need to use it so I don't have to deal with the mess in my shop. I would recommend adding an outlet on a 20 amp breaker with 12 gauge wire to accommodate the planer. I assume you'd trip the 15 amp circuit pretty often.

For what it's worth, I paid full price for the 735 with the stock cutter head and I love it. I think if you do much woodworking, the 735 is worth buying.

 

[Shiftless]

I too own a Dewalt 735. It makes a lot of noise and creates lots of shavings too. But it is a great machine. I built a rolling platform stand for mine and bolted it down. That way I can wheel it out to the concrete pad behind my garage which gives me way more room and makes clean up very easy with just my leaf blower. I used locking castors.

For 450 with the upgraded cutter head, I say go for it. It’s a popular tool and as said earlier, you could probably get your money back later if you need it gone. But realize one thing… Garage Journal is NOT the place to log on and ask if It’s a good idea or not a good idea to buy nice tools.

 

[carlaisle]

The head alone is worth the purchase price, so you're basically getting a planer for free. I find a planer indispensable, but it is rarely used. I've passed on multiple bigger, badder planers because I just don't use it enough to justify the additional floor space for as often as I would use it. The question you need to answer is if you'll use it enough to justify tying up the funds and the space.

 

[loganb]

The 735x is a beast in the portable-ish category and that's a solid price

It also has a built in chip fan that other lunchbox planer often don't have so you can use it without a dust collector. A dust collector will be helpful though

If you have the budget and the desire or need for a robust, capable semi portable(it weighs 90+ lbs) planer this is a great machine.

If you need a planer a couple times a year for a few pieces at a time....this is overkill but still a seems like a great price assuming good condition

 

[jorp_porp]

Looks like I asked the correct people, haha.

I have a tablesaw (jobsite, but workable), drill press, router, and potentially an old 30's delta jointer coming my way shortly. I feel like a planer is definitely the next step.. that said, my only dust collection is a rigid shopvac with a cyclone separator. And a leaf blower lol. I suppose the blower fan on this dewalt is a benefit.

What i'm struggling with is the fact that this would tie up a good chunk of my fun money, and I probably wouldnt be getting any good use out of it until my garage warms up, Its probably 5F out there right now.

The 15a circuit is definitely a problem, though. I rent my home, so I have no option to install a 20a. And I'll probably be here for a few more years. I do have a quiet 5000w inverter generator with 20a sockets on it. Could wheel this guy out by the woods any time I use it haha.

I'll probably end up kicking myself eith either decision.

 

[jorp_porp]

I think I was too slow

 

[csp]

While you were debating 42 other people were vying for it.