If you are an enthusiast or a professional, you must be familiar with the DeWalt DW735 Planer. This tool is a true workhorse, enabling you to achieve precise thickness and smooth finishes on all types of wood. Crafted with an array of features, it’s a gem in the woodworking industry.
The DeWalt DW735 Planer is a powerful machine that allows woodworkers to achieve perfection in their projects. But one of its most crucial features is the depth gauge. So, what is it, and why is it so important? Let’s learn with me in this guide.
The Depth Gauge On DeWalt Dw735
The depth gauge on the DeWalt DW735 is an incredible feature that enables you to determine the thickness of wood you intend to cut. This is essential for precision, and it ensures you get a uniform thickness across the entire piece of wood.
It’s quite simple to understand. The depth gauge is a device that measures the distance from the planer’s cutter head to the tabletop. This distance equals the thickness of the material after it has been planed. The beauty of the DeWalt DW735 is that it gives you control over this depth, allowing you to make precise adjustments as needed.
Components Of The Depth Gauge System
The depth gauge system of the DeWalt DW735 Planer consists of several components. The main ones are the depth adjustment wheel, the material removal gauge, and the turret depth stop.
The depth adjustment wheel is located on the right side of the thickness planer. It’s this wheel that you turn to adjust the depth of cut. A single full rotation corresponds to a change of 1/16″” in the cutting depth. This wheel is infinitely adjustable, giving you precise control over the thickness of your workpiece.
Next is the material removal gauge, located at the upper front center of the machine. This gauge tells you how much material will be removed in a single pass. It’s a useful feature when you want to plan your cuts and avoid removing too much material at once.
Finally, we have the turret depth stop. This feature is found on the left side of the planer. It allows you to set the finished thickness for commonly used thicknesses ranging from 1/8″” to 1-1/4″”. If your desired thickness doesn’t fall within these presets, you’ll need to use the depth adjustment wheel and material removal gauge to achieve the desired thickness.
Using The Depth Adjustment Wheel
If you’ve ever glanced at the right side of your DeWalt DW735 Planer, you may have noticed the depth adjustment wheel. This little wheel plays a significant role in your woodworking projects. The depth adjustment wheel is infinitely adjustable, and it’s your primary tool for setting the depth of your cut.
It’s important to note that one full rotation of this wheel corresponds to a 1/16″” change in the cutting depth. Let’s say you’re working on a delicate project that requires a very specific thickness. With the depth adjustment wheel, you can tweak the depth of cut to your liking, ensuring you get the perfect thickness.
Interpreting The Material Removal Gauge
Next on our list of important features is the material removal gauge. You’ll find this at the upper front center of the machine. The function of this gauge is to indicate how much material will be removed in a single pass.
This can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to avoid removing too much material at once. By reading this gauge before you start your cut, you can set the desired depth of cut and ensure you don’t take off more than you intend to.
Setting The Desired Depth Of Cut
Now that we’ve covered the depth adjustment wheel and material removal gauge, let’s talk about the process of setting the depth of cut. First, turn off your machine and insert your stock about 3 inches into the planer. Then, using the depth adjustment wheel, lower the cutter head until the material removal gauge shows the desired depth of cut. That’s it! You’ve now set the depth of cut. This process is simple, but it’s crucial for ensuring you get the thickness you want, whether you’re making a thin veneer or a chunky tabletop.
Setting the correct depth of cut is not a guessing game with the DeWalt DW735. The depth adjustment wheel and material removal gauge work together to give you precise control over your cuts. Whether you’re a weekend warrior tackling a DIY project or a professional woodworker crafting fine furniture, these features are there to help you achieve perfection in your work.
So the next time you’re planing a piece of wood, remember to take advantage of these handy features. They will make your job easier and your results more precise.
Utilizing The Turret Depth Stop For Common Thicknesses
Now, let’s shed some light on another significant component of the DeWalt DW735 Planer – the turret depth stop. This tool resides on the left side of the planer and is instrumental in setting the finished thickness for commonly used thicknesses.
The turret depth stop offers preset thicknesses, ranging from 1/8″” to 1-1/4″”. When your desired thickness matches one of these presets, the turret depth stop is an invaluable tool, saving you time and ensuring consistency. However, if your target thickness falls outside these presets, fret not. You can still achieve your desired thickness by using the depth adjustment wheel and the material removal gauge.
Example Setup For Accurate Depth Reading
Let’s consider a practical example to illustrate how you can accurately read the depth gauge on your DeWalt DW735 Planer. Suppose you are aiming to plane a piece of 5/4″” stock to a finished thickness of 7/8″”. Here’s what you need to do:
First, use the depth adjustment wheel to lower the cutter head until the material removal gauge displays your desired cut depth – let’s say 1/16″” or 1/32″”. Once you’ve set this, remove the stock, switch on the machine, and make the first pass.
The process doesn’t stop here. You need to repeat the steps, adjusting the depth using the wheel, until the ruler on the right shows the final desired thickness of 7/8”. By following this process, you will be able to get the exact thickness you aim for.
Tips For Achieving Precise Planing Results
Accurate planing with the DeWalt DW735 Planer comes down to understanding the planer’s depth gauge system and how to utilize it effectively. Here are a few tips to help you achieve precise planing results:
- Always remember to turn off your machine before setting the depth of cut. Safety first!
- Use the depth adjustment wheel and material removal gauge in conjunction to set your desired depth.
- Be patient and make multiple passes. This is especially important when working with harder woods or when you need to remove a significant amount of material.
By adhering to these tips and practicing regularly, you can master the art of planing with the DeWalt DW735. Remember, precision in woodworking comes with time and practice, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it perfect the first time.