Can I cut metal or other non-wood materials with this planer?
Although planers will physically cut a variety of materials, they are designed only to cut natural wood.
Using the machine to cut anything else may:
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Cause serious injury to the operator or bystanders
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Reduce the lifespan of the machine
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Void the warranty
Can I still use my planer without connecting it to a dust collector?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it. Without a dust collector:
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Dust accumulates quickly around and inside the machine
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Cleanup time increases significantly
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Fine dust can pose a serious respiratory hazard
We recommend connecting your planer to a properly designed dust collection system that meets or exceeds the minimum CFM rating for your machine’s dust port.
How do I know what size motor I’ll need for my planer?
Motor size depends on:
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Average stock width
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Wood type
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Expected cutting frequency
Things to consider:
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All planers can cut to their full width with a slow enough feed rate
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Too slow a feed rate can cause ripples or chipping
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Too fast a feed rate can bog down the motor, leading to overheating and failure
A larger motor runs cooler under load and handles demanding cuts more effectively.
General guideline:
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1.5 HP motor: Handles 6" wide hardwoods at an aggressive feed rate
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3 HP motor: Handles approximately double the stock width under the same conditions
Select a motor that aligns with your regular workload, not just occasional heavy jobs.
I see some machines advertised for 110V, some for 115V, and some for 120V. Aren’t these all the same?
Yes and no.
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All three operate on the same nominal power supply in most homes
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The label variation is due to regional voltage standards:
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USA: 120V
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Taiwan: 110V
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China: 115V
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Manufacturers must design motors to operate within a ±10% voltage range, and utilities supply within ±5% of the nominal voltage.
We list the exact voltage shown on the motor’s nameplate to avoid confusion when the machine arrives.
What’s the difference between the DW734 and DW735X planers?
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DW734:
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12-1/2" cutting width
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Single-speed feed rate
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DW735X:
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13" cutting width
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Two-speed feed rate
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Spiral cutterhead conversion available
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