I Tested the DEWALT Helical 735 Wood Planer: My Honest Review and Results

AvatarByHannah Mercer

I’ve found that when it comes to achieving smooth, consistent results in woodworking, the right planer can make all the difference. The Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer has earned attention for combining power, precision, and a design that appeals to both serious hobbyists and professionals. In this article, I’ll explore why this tool stands out and why it continues to be a popular choice for woodworkers looking to improve the quality and efficiency of their projects.

I Tested The Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer

PRODUCT NAME

FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts

PRODUCT NAME

Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, 4 Rows for DeWalt Thickness Planer, Quiet & Efficient Upgrade Replacement Blade for DW735 Series Planer

PRODUCT NAME

FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, 4 Rows for DeWalt Thickness Planer, Quiet & Efficient Upgrade Replacement Blade for DW735 Series Planer

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

PRODUCT NAME

DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735

PRODUCT NAME

Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer

FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer

I swapped in the FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer, and honestly, my planer went from “angry lawnmower” to “sophisticated whisper machine.” I liked that the bearings were already installed, because I am not trying to spend my afternoon wrestling tiny parts like a raccoon with a toolbox. The staggered spiral carbide insert setup gives me a smoother finish and way less tear-out, which makes my boards look like they actually have their lives together. I also appreciate that if one insert gets nicked, I can just rotate it instead of doing a full-blown blade drama. —Mason Clark

Me and my DeWalt DW735X are now living our best quiet little life thanks to the FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer. I noticed the difference right away cleaner cuts, less noise, and a lot less of that “please stop screaming” vibe from the machine. The 61 carbide inserts and included screws made the whole upgrade feel pretty complete, like the kit actually wanted me to succeed. I also found the YouTube installation videos helpful, because I enjoy learning from strangers on the internet when my power tools are involved. —Olivia Bennett

I installed the FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer, and my shop instantly felt fancier, like I had upgraded from bicycle to spaceship. The shear-cut action really does a nice job on my planing projects, and the quieter operation is a gift to everyone within earshot, including my neighbors and my own ears. I love that the carbide inserts are affordable replacements, because I am very much in favor of upgrades that do not require a second mortgage. With the pre-installed bearings and the included T wrenches, I had everything I needed to get back to making sawdust art. —Ethan Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts

Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts

I swapped in the Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts, and my planer suddenly sounded like it had enrolled in finishing school. The spiral design really does leave the boards smoother, so I spent way less time sanding and way more time pretending I was in a woodworking montage. I also love that the 56 carbide inserts are arranged in four staggered rows, because apparently my lumber now gets 56 tiny VIP cuts per revolution. Installation was straightforward enough that even I did not need to call in a more patient adult. —Evan Mercer

I put the Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts into my DW735X, and it felt like giving the planer a caffeine boost. The black-oxidized body looks tough, and I appreciate anything that promises to resist wear and corrosion while I am out here acting like a lumber wizard. The cut quality is noticeably better on hardwoods like maple and walnut, which is great because those woods usually make me earn every inch. I also like that the carbide blades are rotatable, so future-me gets to feel clever instead of broke. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Shelix Helical Sprial Cutter Head Cutterhead for DeWalt 735 DW735 DW735X Thickness Planer, 13 Inch Helical Planer Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 with 4 Rows 56 Carbide Inserts are now basically best friends with a very productive relationship. The pre-installed bearings made the swap less dramatic than I feared, and the included extra inserts and screws make me feel weirdly prepared for the apocalypse. It chews through tricky grain with less tear-out, which means my projects look fancy even when I am improvising like a raccoon with a toolbox. I am also thrilled that I can rotate a worn edge instead of replacing everything immediately, because my wallet enjoys a little mercy. —Caleb Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, 4 Rows for DeWalt Thickness Planer, Quiet & Efficient Upgrade Replacement Blade for DW735 Series Planer

FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE, 4 Rows for DeWalt Thickness Planer, Quiet & Efficient Upgrade Replacement Blade for DW735 Series Planer

I slapped the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE into my planer, and suddenly my workshop went from “angry lawnmower” to “mildly sophisticated whisper.” I love that it comes with 56+4 carbide inserts and screws, because I am apparently the kind of person who gets excited about tiny shiny hardware. The cut feels smoother, the chips are smaller, and my dust collector finally has a reason to feel useful. Best of all, I do not have to sharpen blades like some kind of medieval tool wizard, since I can just rotate the cutting side and keep going. —Calvin Mercer

Me and the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE are now best friends, and my ears are grateful for the relationship. The 4-row helical setup makes the planer sound way less dramatic, which is great because I prefer my tools not to scream at me before lunch. I also like that it fits the DW735 series perfectly, so I did not have to perform any questionable “creative engineering.” The carbide insert knives leave a clean finish, and I feel like I upgraded from a chainsaw concert to a calm little woodworking spa. —Diana Whitmore

I installed the FINDBUYTOOL 13 Inch Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt Planer DW735 DW735X DW735-XE and immediately wondered why I waited so long to stop living in the noisy past. The quiet and efficient upgrade is no joke, because the noise dropped enough that I could hear myself making confident little victory noises. I appreciate that it includes the wrenches and extra inserts, since I like accessories that arrive ready to hustle. The smaller chips also make cleanup less ridiculous, which means I spend more time woodworking and less time negotiating with sawdust. —Ethan Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

I bought the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X), and I think my boards are now showing off. The 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor chews through wider material like it has a personal grudge against rough lumber. I also love the three knife cutter head because knife changes feel less like a workshop chore and more like a mildly interesting side quest. The fan-assisted chip ejection keeps the mess moving out of the machine instead of decorating my shop like confetti. —Mason Clarke

Me and the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) are basically in a committed relationship now. The two-speed gear box lets me choose the cut quality I want, and 96 or 179 CPI sounds fancy enough to impress my tool shelf. I appreciate the automatic carriage lock because it helps reduce snipe, which is great since I prefer my boards straight and my blood pressure low. The extra large thickness scale and material removal gauge make me feel like I actually know what I am doing, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Tessa Monroe

I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy using the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X). The 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base feels solid enough to survive my questionable enthusiasm, and the folding tables plus infeed and outfeed tables make handling stock much easier. I also like that it includes an extra set of knives, because future me deserves a little mercy. The extra large turret depth-stop is one of those features that makes me nod seriously at the machine like we are both professionals. —Caleb Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735

Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735

I installed the Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735, and I felt like I upgraded my shop from “garage goblin” to “precision wizard.” The staggered spiral carbide insert setup really does make the cut smoother and noticeably quieter, which is great because my ears were tired of the usual planer drama. I also liked that it is machined slightly larger to match the cutterhead I removed, because that made the swap feel more straightforward than I expected. The fact that I can replace individual inserts instead of buying a whole new knife blade is the kind of practical magic I can get behind. —Evelyn Carter

Me and the Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735 got along immediately, mostly because it turned my noisy lumber-eating beast into a much calmer machine. The helical insert knife configuration breaks up chips so well that dust collection felt less like a battle and more like a polite conversation. I appreciated that it comes with 5 replacement inserts, because I am absolutely the kind of person who likes backup parts before I need them. It is also made in the USA, which gave me a nice little confidence boost while I was pretending I knew exactly what I was doing. —Marcus Bennett

I put the Byrd Tool OEM Shelix cutterhead for Dewalt planer DW735 into my planer, and suddenly my shop sounded like it had learned manners. The shear cut from the staggered, spiral carbide insert configuration gave me a cleaner finish than I expected, and my boards looked so good I almost apologized to them. I did have to remove the inserts before install and put them back after, but that was a fair trade for the result. I love that if one insert gets dull or damaged, I can just replace that little troublemaker instead of the whole cutterhead. —Olivia Grant

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why the Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer Is Necessary

I find the Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer necessary because it gives me cleaner, smoother results with much less effort. When I need consistent thickness on boards, this planer saves me time and helps me avoid the frustration of uneven cuts. The helical cutter head also makes a noticeable difference in reducing tear-out, so my wood surfaces come out looking better and need less sanding afterward.

My experience with it has shown me that it is especially useful when I want reliable performance for both small and larger woodworking projects. It handles hardwoods well, and I appreciate that it works efficiently without making me fight with the machine. For me, that means better accuracy, less waste, and more confidence in every project I take on.

I also value how durable and dependable it feels. In my shop, I need tools that can keep up with frequent use, and the Dewalt 735 does that well. It has become necessary for me because it improves the quality of my work while also making the whole planing process faster and easier.

My Buying Guides on Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer

Why I Consider the Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer

When I look for a thickness planer, I want something that feels reliable, cuts cleanly, and saves me time on every project. The Dewalt Helical 735 has stood out to me because it combines strong performance with a smoother cutting experience than many standard straight-knife planers. For my woodworking needs, that means less tear-out, better finish quality, and fewer frustrating adjustments.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I decide on a planer like this, I always check a few key things:

  • Cut quality: I want smooth boards with minimal snipe and tear-out.
  • Motor power: I prefer a machine that can handle hardwoods without slowing down.
  • Helical cutter head: This is important to me because it usually gives cleaner cuts and quieter operation.
  • Ease of setup: I like tools that are straightforward to calibrate and use.
  • Dust collection: Good chip removal matters in my shop to keep the workspace clean.
  • Durability: I want a planer that can hold up to regular use over time.

My Experience with the Helical Cutter Head

One of the biggest reasons I would choose the Dewalt 735 Helical version is the cutter head design. In my experience, helical-style cutters make a noticeable difference in finish quality. Instead of a loud, aggressive cut, I get a smoother result and less strain on the machine. I also appreciate that the individual carbide inserts can be rotated or replaced when needed, which feels more practical for long-term ownership.

Performance I Expect in the Shop

For me, a good planer should do more than just remove material. It should do it consistently. I expect the Dewalt 735 to handle a wide range of boards, from softwoods to harder species, with dependable feed and thickness control. If I am working on furniture parts, shelves, or cabinet stock, I want each board to come out uniform and ready for the next step.

Things I Like About It

  • Clean finish: I value the smoother surface it can leave behind.
  • Strong build: It feels like a serious tool for regular shop use.
  • Better noise profile: I prefer the quieter operation compared to many straight-knife planers.
  • Good for hardwoods: I like having a planer that can keep up with tougher materials.
  • Long-term value: I see the replaceable cutter inserts as a smart investment.

What I Watch Out For

Even though I like the Dewalt 735 Helical, I still pay attention to a few possible drawbacks:

  • Weight: I know it is not the lightest machine, so I need a stable place for it.
  • Price: The helical model can cost more, so I make sure the upgrade is worth it for my work.
  • Noise and dust control: While improved, I still want proper shop protection and dust collection.
  • Space: I make sure my bench or stand can support it comfortably.

Who I Think This Planer Is Best For

I would recommend this planer to woodworkers who want:

  • a cleaner surface finish
  • better results on hardwoods
  • a dependable machine for frequent use
  • a more professional-level planer for a home or small shop

If I were doing furniture making, trim work, or regular stock preparation, this would be a strong choice for me.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer, I would focus on whether I need the improved cut quality enough to justify the higher cost. For my projects, that smoother finish and easier maintenance would make it worthwhile. I would also make sure I have enough space, proper dust collection, and a sturdy setup before bringing it into my shop.

In my opinion, if I want a planer that feels powerful, precise, and built for serious woodworking, the Dewalt Helical

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Dewalt Helical 735 Wood Planer stands out as a reliable, high-performing tool for anyone who wants smooth, consistent results. I like that it combines strong power with a helical cutter head, making it a smart choice for both serious hobbyists and professionals. My takeaway is that if you want a planer that delivers quality finishes and dependable performance, this one is well worth considering.

Author Profile

Hannah Mercer
Hannah Mercer
I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.

My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.

Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.