Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt vs Makita Head-to-Head Review
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
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FOXBC 13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer
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13 Inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW735 DW735X Planer, Helical Cutter Head 4 Rows 60 Carbide Inserts for DW735/DW735X/DW735-XE Thickness Planer
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Table of Contents
Quick Verdict
Choose Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt if…
- You prioritize the qualities this option is known for
- Your budget and use case align with this category
- You want the most popular choice in this space
Choose Makita Head-to-Head Review if…
- You need the specific advantages this alternative offers
- Your situation calls for a different approach
- You want to explore a less conventional option
| Factor | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt | Makita Head-to-Head Review |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt if… | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. | Makita Head-to-Head Review is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. |
| Choose Makita Head-to-Head Review if… | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. | Makita Head-to-Head Review is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. |
| Factors to Consider | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. | Makita Head-to-Head Review is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. |
| Design and Build Quality — stability vs serviceability | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. | Makita Head-to-Head Review is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. |
| Blade and cutterhead considerations — cuts per minute and replacement strategy | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. | Makita Head-to-Head Review is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. |
| Feed rate, finish quality and material throughput | Best Planer for Flatness: DeWalt is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. | Makita Head-to-Head Review is evaluated using the article's buyer-fit guidance. |
Factors to Consider
Design and Build Quality — stability vs serviceability
Look first at how the machine sits in the shop: a heavier, more stationary machine resists vibration and delivers flatter, more repeatable cuts. The DeWalt DW735 weighs 42 kg and is noted for a sturdier, stationary-planer–like design that reduces chatter in thick, wide stock; the Makita 2012NB is lighter at 27 kg and trades some mass for mobility (Machine Atlas). Consider whether you need a toolbox-movable machine or a long-term bench appliance — heavier machines require a secure mounting surface but give you better real‑shop durability.
Blade and cutterhead considerations — cuts per minute and replacement strategy
Assess cutterhead configuration and consumable costs: the DW735 uses three knives across a 330 mm (13") width and produces about 30,000 cuts per minute, while the Makita 2012NB uses two knives across a 304 mm (12") width producing roughly 17,000 cuts per minute. More cutting edges and higher cuts/min generally give a finer raw finish at a given feed speed, but knife hardness, grind style, and ease of replacement matter equally — check that knives index or replace simply and that replacements are standard steel hardness for easy sharpening in your shop.
Feed rate, finish quality and material throughput
Feed rate and cuts-per-inch determine surface finish and production speed. The DW735 runs at 14 feet per minute with a higher cuts/min figure, which favors a fine finish at moderate throughput; the Makita runs at 28 feet per minute, giving faster stock removal but pairing with fewer cuts/min so you must watch for tearout or scalloping on difficult grain. For batch work pick the higher feed rate (Makita) if you can tolerate slightly rougher raw finishes or have a sanding step; for fine furniture faces, the DW735’s cutterhead density tends to be kinder to the eye.
Flatness, table fit and vibration — accuracy in the finished part
Flat, tight tables and low vibration give you repeatable thickness and squareness — check castings and mating surfaces for gaps and witness marks. A machine that vibrates transfers energy into the wood and generates inconsistent pass-to-pass thickness; the DW735’s heavier frame helps here, while the Makita’s all‑metal build is praised for excellent fit and finish but with less inertial mass. For joinery work insist on machines that hold repeatable thickness to within a few thousandths across several passes and verify infeed/outfeed table coplanarity before buying.
Noise, snipe and shop ergonomics
Noise, ease of dust collection, and how the machine handles end snipe will determine daily workflow: users report the DW735 runs louder than the Makita, which may matter in a shared shop or residential setting (Woodworking Talk). Both models have a history of leaving snipe, so plan for sacrificial infeed/outfeed strips and use roller/stand setups to support long boards. Evaluate dust port size, belt tension access, and whether controls are reachable from the work position — small ergonomic differences become big time-savers in production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which planer gives a smoother finish out of the machine?
All else equal the DeWalt DW735 tends to give a smoother raw finish because it has three knives across its 330 mm (13") cutterhead and a higher 30,000 cuts-per-minute rating, which produces denser cutting action at moderate feed speeds. The Makita's faster 28 ft/min feed and two-knife cutterhead (17,000 cuts/min) favors throughput over the very finest raw face, so expect to do more sanding or cross‑planing on figured grain.
Which is better for a small shop that needs portability?
The Makita 2012NB is the better choice for portability — at 27 kg it is substantially lighter than the DW735’s 42 kg and easier to move or put on a wheeled stand. If you need to frequently reposition your machine for classes, jobsite work, or a crowded shop the Makita’s weight and compact footprint are advantages.
Which planer holds up better under heavy, repeated use?
For heavier, repeatable production the DeWalt’s heavier, station-like design tends to resist vibration and produce flatter results over time, which is why many shops favor it for sustained use (Machine Atlas). The Makita has excellent build quality and more metal components, but the extra mass of the DW735 helps in high‑duty environments.
How do I avoid snipe with either model?
Both the DW735 and Makita 2012NB are reported to leave significant snipe, so the safest approach is the same: use sacrificial infeed/outfeed pieces, support long work with rollers or stands, and make a light final pass with minimal removal. Also ensure the infeed/outfeed tables are coplanar and use consistent feed pressure — small setup changes reduce snipe more than changing blades alone.
Is the DeWalt noticeably louder than the Makita?
Yes; user reports indicate the DeWalt DW735 runs louder than the Makita 2012NB, which is an important shop consideration if noise is a concern (Woodworking Talk). If you work in a shared space or teach classes, factor the difference into hearing protection and room acoustic plans.
Which model is the better value for a hobbyist on a budget?
The DeWalt DW735 is typically the better budget value at around $600 versus the Makita’s approximately $700 (The Best Home Tools). You gain a wider 13" cutting capacity, a three‑knife cutterhead, and a sturdier frame at a lower price, making it a strong starter-to-intermediate shop workhorse.
How do blade life and maintenance compare between the two?
Expect different maintenance rhythms: three knives on the DW735 mean smaller individual knife changes and a slightly higher consumable count, while the Makita’s two knives are fewer parts to set. In either case check the ease of removing and indexing knives, and have a plan for sharpening or stocking replacements — steel hardness and edge geometry determine how often you’ll resurface knives in real shop conditions.
Conclusion
For a furniture maker focused on flatness, low vibration and the finest raw finish on 13" stock, the DeWalt DW735 is the pragmatic shop choice — heavier, more stable, and better value at about $600. If you need a quieter, lighter machine with excellent metal fit and faster throughput and can tolerate a modest price premium (~$700), the Makita 2012NB is a strong alternative; either way plan for snipe mitigation and a regular blade‑maintenance routine.
