Woodworking is a craft that marries technical skills with artistic expression. One of the essential tools in this field is the planer, and among various brands in the market, Dewalt 735 stands out. But, like any tool, its blades become dull over time. A common question arising from this is: Can you sharpen Dewalt 735 blades?
The Dewalt 735 Planer Blades
The Dewalt 735 is a well-liked planer known for its performance and durability. Its blades play a significant role in its functionality, cutting through wood to create smooth surfaces. The blades are replaceable, but their unique design raises questions about their sharpening.
These blades are double-edged, which means you can flip them over for a fresh cutting edge when one side becomes dull. They are disposable and relatively easy to replace. However, the idea of sharpening them to extend their lifespan is appealing to many users.
Can You Sharpen Dewalt 735 Blades?
Technically, yes, you can sharpen Dewalt 735 planer blades. But it’s not a straightforward process and comes with several important considerations. Sharpening these blades requires specialized tools and precise techniques. It’s not as simple as running a sharpening stone over them.
Moreover, sharpening these blades could make them narrower. This change in width could potentially affect the planer’s alignment and the quality of the cut, leading to unwanted lines or burns on your wood surfaces. Hence, while it’s possible to sharpen these blades, doing so might not be the most practical or advisable option.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations & Warnings
Dewalt, the manufacturer of the 735 planer, does not recommend sharpening its blades. In fact, in the owner’s manual and various forums, it’s clearly stated that these blades are designed to be replaced rather than sharpened. They strongly advise against sharpening due to potential alignment issues and the risk of reducing the blade’s width.
This recommendation is not without reason. The company designed these blades with user safety and tool efficiency in mind. They understand that altering the blade’s original form by sharpening could compromise its performance and, in turn, the quality of your work. Hence, they suggest replacing the blades instead.
Practical Considerations For Sharpening
Before you decide to sharpen Dewalt 735 planer blades, you need to consider a few factors. Although it’s technically possible to sharpen these blades, the process isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. The most significant consideration is the potential change in the blade’s width.
Sharpening these blades could make them narrower, which in turn, might affect the thickness planer’s alignment and the quality of the cut. This change could cause undesirable lines or burns on your wood surfaces. Hence, before you choose to sharpen the blades, it’s vital to understand these potential complications.
Tools & Techniques For Sharpening Blades
If you still decide to sharpen the blades, you’ll need specialized tools and a precise technique. A sharpening jig, like the Shopsmith Planer/Jointer knife Sharpener, might be helpful. This tool can assist you in grinding off just the right amount of metal to maintain the blade’s width and alignment.
The key here is precision. You need to remove enough material to make the blade sharp, but not so much that it becomes significantly narrower or misaligned. Remember, any alterations to the blade’s original form could affect its performance and the quality of your woodwork.
Potential Issues & Risks Of Sharpening
Sharpening Dewalt 735 blades comes with its own set of potential issues and risks. As we’ve already discussed, one of the most significant concerns is the change in the blade’s width. This could lead to alignment problems and a decrease in the quality of your cuts.
Moreover, Dewalt, the manufacturer, doesn’t endorse sharpening these blades. They have designed these blades to be replaceable rather than re-sharpenable. This is done keeping in mind user safety and tool efficiency. So, by deciding to sharpen these blades, you might be going against the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Therefore, before you consider sharpening these blades, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and issues involved. Weigh your options carefully and make an informed decision, keeping in mind the potential impact on your work and the tool’s efficiency.
Alternatives To Sharpening: Replacement Blades
If you’re considering sharpening your Dewalt 735 planer blades, it might be worth exploring the alternative – replacement blades. As mentioned, Dewalt designs these blades to be replaceable rather than re-sharpenable. This approach is not only more straightforward but also ensures that the blades maintain their optimal width and alignment, leading to consistently high-quality cuts.
Replacement blades come in handy packs, making them easy to store and ready to use when needed. They offer the advantage of a fresh, sharp cutting edge without the need for time-consuming sharpening. Plus, by using replacement blades, you adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines, which can be beneficial, especially in terms of warranty and tool efficiency.
Conclusion
So, can you sharpen Dewalt 735 blades? Yes, you can. But should you? That’s a more complex question. While sharpening these blades is technically possible, it comes with many challenges and potential issues. It’s a time-consuming process requiring precision and specialized tools. Even then, the results can vary, and there’s a risk of negatively affecting the performance of your planer.
On the other hand, using replacement blades offers simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It might seem more costly initially, but considering the time and potential issues you save, it could be a more practical and efficient solution.
Ultimately, the decision to sharpen or replace your Dewalt 735 blades depends on your specific circumstances, skills, and preferences. Whichever route you choose, remember to prioritize safety, quality, and the longevity of your tools.
