Why does everyone think the DeWALT planer is better?

Not sponsored 13" benchtop planer review and comparison between the DeWALT 735x 3 blade planer and the WEN PL1326 spiral planer. This video explores features, capabilities and quality of cut from multiple perspectives, and discuss and summarize pros and cons of each planer.

I bought the WEN planer over a year ago, use it all the time, and really like it. My good friend and fellow woodworker really likes his DeWALT 735x, and so I borrowed his to do a head-to-head comparison.

Links to tools used or referenced in this video. *affiliate
NOTE: since this video was published, WEN has come out with a 2-speed planer, which makes it more competitive with the features of DeWALT. The 2-speed version can be found here...

After market Carbide cutters for WEN - NOTE: some of these are sometimes out of stock, so here are a few options, all are the same exact specs...

Intro - 0:00
Features - 0:16
Cutter configuration - 3:04
Cut quality - 4:28
Comparison summary - 7:43

*affiliate - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

[MrPESensation]

The DEWALT is a BEAST of a machine! WHY? My local Community College has a woodworking program and Dewalt wanted some equipment tested for FREE to use and get beat up by the students. Class schedule had the Dewalt planer exposed to 6 days a week 8AM til 10PM at night for 6 months. NO problems nor any damage was ever shown during this testing process.

[ridgerunner]

I have had the Bauer planer from harbor freight for three years. I love it!!

[GregNickoloff]

I've had the Wen for 3-4 years and completely happy with it.

[rla]

Good review. I've owned both models. I purchased the DeWalt several years ago with no specific projects in mind, just to have as an addition to my shop tool repertoire. As such, I used it minimally, and after a year of non-use (other priorities in life), I sold it. It performed excellently so no complaints there. Very robust machine and it did what it was supposed to. I will say it screamed - the loudest shop tool I ever owned, and without ear protection, it was actually painful.

About six months ago I purchased the Wen with specific purposes in mind. I have used it extensively to re-thickness a lot 5/4 poplar stock, and to refinish 13-inch wide surfaces after gluing and jointing. Most of this went into an extensive built-in bookcase. I also make much of the molding I use in remodeling my house and it has been a valuable addition to doing so in conjunction with my table saw and router. I've also run a dozen or so pine 2x4s through it. It has paid for itself several times over as I no longer need to pay a mill for that. I'm sure if I had done this same work with the DeWalt I could say the same.

As pointed out in the video, both machines have essentially the same controls, just fabricated differently. Both were easy to use, and both produced excellent output. I always touch sand any output anyway so if there were quality differences they were non-issues. To me, the only differences are price and noise level. Oh, and I would add dust collection. My Wen accommodates a standard 2-1/2 shop hose, as I recall, the DeWalt required duct tape, a bit of a pain. At the time, I paid $396 for the single-speed Wen. They also have a two-speed available.

[FisherCatProductions]

Thanks for not deciding which one was "better". Excellent, unbiased comparison.

[Gamersbstfrind]

This is one of the most down to earth woodworking video I've seen. I feel like as a hobbyist you looked at these two with the exact kind of considerations I would have when picking tools. Really appreciate the honest take, and realistic expectations

[jakeb]

A good friend has had the Dewalt for over 20 years (very regular and heavy use for everything from furniture and cabinet making to building canoes). It recently burned out the motor, so I did a full tear down and rebuild for him. I was very impressed at how well made and easy to service it was. With the replacement motor, and a few other inexpensive “maintenance” parts, I fully expect he will get another 20 years out of that planer. I’m considering buying one so I don’t have to use his all the time ;).

[MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I bought the Dewalt 735X several years ago and thought it did a pretty good job. Then I dropped a substantial amount on a Lux Sprial Carbide head and installed it myself. Now my 735 is a beast! Well worth the investment.

[craigmoscarell]

Within about 4 months of getting the Dewalt I invested in the Shelix replacement head. Expensive, but very well worth it. It's been 7 years and I still have the initial set of cutters.

[texdentist]

I've been looking seriously for a decent low-mid priced planer, and have no real experience with them. So, I have been watching lots of Youtube videos of various reviews. This is the first I have seen where the possibility of using aftermarket carbide blades for the Wen was mentioned. That really makes me take notice of the Wen - especially since it has a significant price advantage. Thanks for taking the time to compare these two planers!

[bobhamulak]

I have the exact same Dewalt planer shown in this video, and I am very happy with it! I doubt that I could have made a better choice, and I'm saying this as a retired carpenter and woodworker with over 45 years experience.

[JohnD-JohnD]

I own that DeWalt with a Shelix blade upgrade. It's a beast, and I wouldn't trade it for any other bench top planer that I've seen on the market.
Couple notes on mine.
The stock blades for DeWalt are great.... Until they aren't. To keep that nice cut, you need to change the blades quite a bit. They are HSS and dull/chip easily. Upgrading to the Shelix saved me money in the long run because the blades last a lot longer.
Your Wen seems to be shooting more chips out the front than through the dust collector.
The DeWalt shoots the chips out the exhaust with such force you actually don't need a vacuum on it. I've used it many times by just putting a dust collection bag on a hose and running the hose straight off the planer. It works fine that way.
The DeWalt also has the tool to take it apart built right into the lid, and it's VERY easy to maintain.
My vote is for the DeWalt. It's an awesome machine and in my opinion, the best bench top planer you can get and even better with the Shelix (Get the diameter matching version)

[nostrilnick]

I've had the same Wen planer for about a year. I've run ash, red and white oak, cherry, cedar, and pine through it and was really impressed with the finish I got out of it. I have no experience with any other planer as I've just recently gotten into woodworking. The Dewalt was the other planer I looked at but couldn't justify the extra $200. No complaints with the Wen at this point, and it's good to know that there really are carbide inserts for it.

[richardbaynes]

I have two of the DeWalt planers - I bought the DW735 from the estate of a carpenter - great shape for $250 with stand! I then replaced the 3 blade cutter head with a Byrd Shelix cutter head (less than $400 when I bought it)...the cut quality is outstanding and as you mentioned, the individual cutters are easily changed...my sons use the DW 734 on jobsites.

[theacousticpoet]

My dad and I both had the same Wen planer. The bearing on the drive shaft wore out on both in about the same amount of time. I think like 3 or 4 years. And not overly heavy use... I now have the Dewalt and have loved it ever since. I plan to eventually get the helical head for it.

[scorpianspirit]

I have the Wen planer and have been very satisfied with the machine. Cost was a consideration for me and I feel like I got my monies worth with the Wen. I have to say that the customer service at Wen, at least for me has been outstanding and am really impressed with that aspect. Well done comparison. Cheers

[copperheadh]

Couple months ago I bought the 735. Works good now that I have the infeed/outfeed doors figured out and also made a couple simple melamine sleds for pieces that have to be shimmed. I like the high speed chip ejector fan it has. Since I have no dust collection, I roll it outside, point it downwind and blast away.

[robertmceuen]

Had the Dewalt for many years. Solid machine, great finish on lumber, and no complaints. Great video. Thanks.

[cheeseheadfiddle]

I really appreciate your matter of fact delivery here. No ego or grandstanding. Subscribed.

[darkstar]

First time viewer, and I like your speaking tone and presentation. I have a Porter Cable (Delta) planer, and I've been happy with it. When I look for a tool for any job, I don't want to pay more for it than what is needed. If I pay more, I should be getting more. Simple, right? The P-C does fine for me, and it cost one third of the price of Dewalt. I could buy a spherical cutter head for it and it would cut like the Dewalt, but then I've spent $200 dollars more. I'll keep what I've got.