Works Like a Pro
Written: Oct 15 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use, virtually "snipeless," works out of the box,
Cons: Dust chute/shavings, cuts deeper than 1/16" may be a problem
The Bottom Line: For my shop, the DeWalt DW733 was an excellent purchase and a welcome addition. I am very pleased with its performance. I think you will be, too.
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| hamiltonardie's Full Review: DeWalt Heavy-Duty 12 1/2" Portable Thickness Plane... |
MY REQUIREMENTS
I build hammered dulcimers out of walnut, rock maple, and other hard woods. Sometimes I buy 5/4" boards that I need to plane to 7/8 or 3/4". Maximum board length is 48". The finished board needs to be silky smooth. Occasionally I need to plane the edge of the boards. I could use my jointer, but it's hard and takes too long to adjust.
MY RESEARCH
I used the Internet, and my feet, to research portable planers and had settled on the Ridgid 13" planer and the DeWalt 12 1/2". The reviews for both tended to be enthusiastic for the most part, but after visiting my local Home Depot and looking over the Ridgid, I couldn't bring myself to spend $399.00 on the product. On the other hand, Amazon had the DeWalt for $359.00. The DeWalt name and the price were compelling, so I bought the DeWalt 12 1/2".
MY RESULTS
I've had the planer for a little over a month now, and have run about 30 board feet of hard maple and walnut through it. Frankly, except for the dust collection, I couldn't be happier. Since taking it out of the box I have made no adjustments to the support tables or the blades. The support tables are level with the cutting table, and the blades cut true. Best of all, I have not detected any appreciable snipe at the end of the boards.
The planer is very easy to use with a handy depth of cut gauge on the cutting table, an easy to turn cutting depth adjustment handle, a satisfactory depth of cut ruler, and a simple but effective adjustable dial on the handle for quickly cutting 1/64, 1/48, 1/32, and 1/16.
Occasionally I'll set a board on edge and run it through to true up the edge or reduce the overall width. This has worked quite well with no fraying or chipping of the ends of the boards (mainly walnut).
The planer is built solidly. I've mounted it on a base of 3/4" particle board, and it runs without undue vibration when set on the floor or a workbench.
The documentation is adequate and well written. For an experienced planer, the booklet is good for a quick orientation of the how the planer works. For the novice, it is not helpful on learning how to plane wood.
CONS
As just about everyone else has noted, the dust collection capability is poor. After a board or two, the dust hood clogs and much of the shavings is left on the table or the floor. Unclogging the dust hood every few seconds is unthinkable, so I vacuum the left over shavings after each run and brush the feed table before inserting each board. It's a small inconvenience compared to the other benefits of the planer.
In addition, the dust hood came with no installation instructions.
I've also noticed that if I cut more than 1/16" inch, the planer leaves two very, very fine ridges down the length of the board. An annoyance that can be sanded out quickly, but I now avoid it altogether by not taking more than a 1/16" at a time or by making sure my last cut is no more than a 1/16".
WHO SHOULD USE IT?
Whoever needs a solid performing portable planer and who wants to spend less than $400. Take care of it and it will take care of you. My advice: don't treat it as if you spent $1,000 on a contractor-grade machine -- and don't expect it to perform like one. It is great for the money and for small- to mid-sized jobs.
WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
Yes. Without hesitation. A wonderful machine for the money.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at HamiltonArdie@Hotmail.com or at www.hamiltonardie.com.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hamiltonardie
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Location: Arlington, Texas
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
ardie's handcrafted dulcimers creates beautiful sounding hammered dulcimers. For the pleasure of music.
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