DEWALT DW734 Review: Is It Really the Best Wood Planer Under $500?

When it comes to woodworking, having the right planer can make all the difference between an amateur project and a professional-grade masterpiece. Among the countless options on the market, the DEWALT DW734 has remained a favorite for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers for years. While newer models and higher-priced competitors often dominate discussions, this benchtop planer continues to earn respect thanks to its durability, consistent performance, and affordability.

But the question remains: is the DEWALT DW734 truly the best wood planer in its category, or are there better options worth considering? In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the DW734 — from features and specifications to performance, pros and cons, and how it compares to other popular planers on the market.

What Makes a Planer the Best Wood Planer?

Before diving deep into the specifics of the DW734, it’s worth considering what qualities define the best wood planer:

Cutting Capacity – A planer must handle a wide range of wood thicknesses and widths.
Cut Quality – Smooth finishes with minimal tear-out or snipe are key indicators of a top planer.
Motor Power – A powerful motor ensures consistent performance, even with hardwoods.
Ease of Use – Intuitive adjustments, simple blade changes, and user-friendly design all matter.
Durability and Maintenance – The best planers hold up under heavy use and offer easy maintenance.
Value for Money – Price-to-performance ratio plays a huge role in choosing the right planer.

The DEWALT DW734 has built its reputation on ticking most of these boxes, which explains why it is often mentioned in discussions about the best wood planer under $500.

DEWALT DW734: Key Specifications

Motor: 15-amp, 20,000 RPM (no-load)
Cutterhead Speed: 10,000 RPM
Cutterhead Knives: 3 disposable, double-edged knives
Cutting Capacity:
- Width: Up to 12.5 inches
- Depth: Up to 6 inches
- Maximum Cut per Pass: 1/8 inch
Feed Rate: 96 cuts per inch (CPI)
Weight: 80 lbs (heavy, but stable)
Dust Collection: Built-in dust hood with vacuum port

These specs make the DW734 one of the most powerful benchtop planers in its price range.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the DEWALT DW734 looks and feels robust. Its solid construction and stable base reduce vibrations during operation, which directly contributes to smoother finishes. The weight (around 80 lbs) may make it less portable than some competitors, but that bulk ensures a stable working surface.

The three-knife cutterhead system is designed for precision, producing 96 cuts per inch, which results in a finer finish compared to many two-knife planers. For anyone seeking professional-level results without spending thousands, this is one of the main reasons why users call it the best wood planer in its class.

Performance in Real-World Use

Power and Efficiency

The 15-amp motor is more than capable of handling both softwoods like pine and harder species such as oak or maple. Even when tackling boards at the maximum width, the DW734 rarely bogs down.

Smoothness of Cut

Thanks to its three-knife cutterhead, the DW734 provides a smooth finish with minimal tear-out. While no planer completely eliminates snipe (the slight dip at the beginning or end of a board), the DW734 performs surprisingly well in this regard when boards are supported correctly.

Blade Changes

One standout feature is the easy knife change system. The disposable, double-sided blades can be flipped and replaced quickly, saving time and frustration.

Dust Collection

Woodworking can be messy, but DEWALT equips this planer with a built-in dust hood and vacuum port, making it easy to connect a shop vac. This significantly reduces airborne particles and cleanup time.

Pros of the DEWALT DW734

Affordable Price Point – Among planers under $500, this is arguably the best value.
Excellent Finish – 96 cuts per inch give it an edge over most competitors in this price bracket.
Durable Build – Rugged construction ensures it lasts for years.
Powerful Motor – Handles both softwoods and hardwoods without struggle.
Ease of Maintenance – Quick blade changes and reliable dust collection system.

Cons of the DEWALT DW734

Weight – At 80 lbs, it’s not the most portable option.
No Infeed/Outfeed Tables Included – Snipe can be reduced with proper support, but the lack of extended tables means extra setup.
Disposable Knives – While convenient, they can get expensive to replace compared to sharpenable blades.

How the DEWALT DW734 Compares to Other Planers

vs. DEWALT DW735

The DW735 is the DW734’s bigger brother. It offers a two-speed gearbox and slightly wider capacity (13 inches). However, it usually costs about $200–$250 more. For hobbyists and budget-conscious woodworkers, the DW734 often wins as the best wood planer for under $500.

vs. WEN 6552T

The WEN 6552T is a budget-friendly option with similar features, but many users find it less durable and prone to snipe. The DEWALT simply outshines it in consistency and longevity.

vs. Makita 2012NB

The Makita is quieter and slightly more compact but typically costs over $600. Unless noise is your primary concern, the DW734 offers better value.

Who Should Buy the DEWALT DW734?

The DW734 is perfect for:

DIY Woodworkers – If you’re building furniture, cabinets, or home projects, this planer delivers professional finishes without breaking the bank.
Small Shops – For small woodworking businesses, the DW734 provides reliable performance in a compact form factor.
Budget-Conscious Professionals – Even pros with high-end tools often keep a DW734 in their shop as a backup or secondary planer.

Maintenance and Longevity

One of the reasons the DW734 is considered the best wood planer for its price is its proven longevity. Many woodworkers report using it for over a decade with minimal issues. Proper maintenance — such as cleaning the dust hood, checking the rollers, and replacing blades when needed — ensures that this tool remains a reliable workhorse.

Value for Money

At under $500, the DW734 punches far above its weight class. Competing planers with similar performance often cost $100–$200 more. For beginners and intermediate woodworkers especially, this balance of affordability and professional-quality results makes it a standout choice.

Is the DEWALT DW734 the Best Wood Planer?

When factoring in performance, durability, ease of use, and price, the DEWALT DW734 remains one of the best wood planers available under $500. While it’s not perfect — the weight and blade costs may be drawbacks for some — it consistently outperforms most competitors in the same category.

If you’re looking for the best wood planer for small shops, DIY projects, or even light professional use, the DEWALT DW734 is an outstanding choice that continues to stand the test of time.

JET JWP-15B Review: Best Wood Planer for Serious Woodworkers.

Introduction: The Search for the Best Wood Planer

When it comes to woodworking, precision is everything. Whether you’re crafting custom furniture, trimming rough lumber, or preparing boards for a large-scale project, a planer is one of the most valuable tools in your shop. But not all planers are built the same. While portable planers serve hobbyists well, professional and semi-professional woodworkers often demand more power, durability, and consistency. That’s where stationary benchtop and floor-standing planers shine.

In the highly competitive market of woodworking machinery, JET has built a reputation for manufacturing tools that combine industrial-level power with workshop-friendly designs. The JET JWP-15B is one of their flagship benchtop planers, designed for woodworkers who need both strength and precision. Many professionals and enthusiasts alike consider it a contender for the best wood planer in its class.

In this in-depth review, we’ll cover every aspect of the JET JWP-15B—from its design and cutting capacity to its unique features, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the competition. By the end, you’ll know if this machine deserves a place in your workshop.

Quick Overview of the JET JWP-15B

Before diving deep, let’s take a quick look at what the JWP-15B offers on paper:

Motor Power: 3 HP, single-phase, 230V
Cutting Width: Up to 15 inches
Cutting Depth: Maximum 1/8 inch per pass
Cutterhead: 3-knife, high-speed steel (HSS) knives
Feed Rate: Two-speed gearbox (16 and 20 FPM)
Table Size: Cast iron, precision-ground
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs
Special Feature: Precision Air Strut System (PASS) to minimize snipe

These specifications alone put the JWP-15B in the “serious woodworker” category. This isn’t a portable planer you carry around—it’s a heavy-duty stationary tool built for performance and longevity.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice about the JET JWP-15B is its rock-solid build. Weighing in at around 500 pounds, it’s designed to stay put in your workshop and provide maximum stability during operation. Unlike lighter planers that vibrate and shift under load, the JWP-15B feels like a machine you could rely on for decades.

The cast iron table is precision-ground, ensuring smooth and even support for the workpiece. Combined with heavy-duty steel columns and a robust cutterhead assembly, the JWP-15B minimizes flexing and wobbling. For woodworkers who demand absolute accuracy, this stability makes a huge difference.

Another standout in the design is the PASS (Precision Air Strut System). This system helps keep the cutterhead balanced during operation, effectively reducing snipe—one of the most common frustrations with planers. While no planer is completely immune to snipe, the JWP-15B does an excellent job of minimizing it compared to other machines in the same price range.

Power and Performance

With a 3-horsepower motor, the JET JWP-15B is a powerhouse. It easily handles hardwoods such as oak, maple, and walnut, as well as softer woods like pine and cedar. The 15-inch width capacity gives you the flexibility to work with larger boards, which is particularly useful for furniture makers and cabinet shops.

The two-speed gearbox offers feed rates of 16 and 20 feet per minute. This means you can adjust the machine depending on whether you want a faster stock removal or a finer finish. At the lower speed, the planer delivers silky smooth surfaces that require little sanding afterward, while the higher speed is perfect for quickly dimensioning rough lumber.

The three-knife cutterhead is another strong point. With high-speed steel blades, it produces clean cuts and consistent results. While carbide inserts are becoming more common in high-end planers, HSS knives remain sharp enough for most tasks and are easier to resharpen or replace.

Unique Features of the JWP-15B

One of the reasons many woodworkers rank this model as the best wood planer in its class is its collection of thoughtful features:

PASS (Precision Air Strut System): Reduces snipe and improves cut consistency.
Dual Feed Rates: Switch between finish quality and material removal speed.
Heavy-Duty Construction: Cast iron and steel components built to last.
Large, Precision-Ground Table: Supports long and wide boards with ease.
Chip Ejection System: Efficient dust collection that keeps your workspace clean.
User-Friendly Controls: Intuitive adjustments for depth of cut and feed speed.

These features collectively give the JWP-15B a professional edge over lighter, portable planers.

User Experience and Workshop Integration

Operating the JET JWP-15B feels different from using portable models like the DEWALT DW734 or DW735X. Everything about this planer screams industrial-grade. The controls are easy to reach and operate, and the machine runs surprisingly quietly for its size.

The chip ejection system works well with a dust collector, ensuring that chips don’t clog the cutterhead. Without a proper dust collection setup, though, you’ll quickly find yourself buried in wood shavings—this planer removes a lot of material in very little time.

Because of its size and weight, moving the JWP-15B is not easy. Most woodworkers set it in one place and build their workflow around it. Once installed, though, it becomes a reliable workhorse that integrates seamlessly into your shop.

Comparison with Competitors

No review would be complete without comparing the JET JWP-15B to some of its closest competitors:

DEWALT DW735X: A fantastic portable planer, but with only a 13-inch width capacity and significantly less power. Great for hobbyists, but it can’t compete with the JWP-15B’s industrial design.
Grizzly G0815: Another 15-inch planer in a similar price range. While Grizzly offers strong performance, many users find that the JET’s PASS system gives it an advantage in reducing snipe.
Powermatic 15HH: A premium helical-head planer that’s often considered the gold standard. However, it comes at a much higher price point—making the JET JWP-15B a better value for those under the $2,000 mark.

In this context, the JWP-15B strikes a balance between affordability and pro-level performance. It may not have the absolute top-tier helical cutterhead, but for most woodworkers, its combination of features makes it the best wood planer for the money.

Pros and Cons of the JET JWP-15B

Pros:

Powerful 3 HP motor handles hardwoods with ease
15-inch cutting capacity suitable for large boards
PASS system significantly reduces snipe
Dual feed rates for flexibility
Heavy-duty cast iron and steel construction
Excellent dust collection compatibility

Cons:

At around 500 lbs, it’s not portable
Requires a dedicated 230V electrical connection
Lacks a helical cutterhead (only HSS knives)
Higher price point compared to portable models

Maintenance and Longevity

A planer like the JWP-15B isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment. With proper care, this machine can last decades. The knives are straightforward to replace or resharpen, and routine maintenance like lubricating moving parts and cleaning the table ensures smooth operation.

The sturdy construction means less wear and tear over time, and JET’s customer service reputation is generally positive, offering solid warranty support. For woodworkers looking for a long-term tool, this planer represents both durability and reliability.

Why the JET JWP-15B is Considered the Best Wood Planer

So why do so many woodworkers regard the JWP-15B as the best wood planer in its price class? The answer lies in its balance. It provides professional-grade performance without costing as much as ultra-premium models. Its PASS system addresses one of the biggest planer issues—snipe—while its powerful motor and wide cutting capacity allow it to handle a wide variety of tasks.

For serious woodworkers who want more than a portable planer but aren’t ready to invest in a $3,000+ machine, the JWP-15B hits the sweet spot.

Is the JWP-15B Right for You?

If you’re a hobbyist who occasionally planes small boards, this machine might be overkill. But if you’re a dedicated woodworker, cabinet maker, or small business owner who processes large volumes of lumber, the JET JWP-15B could be the upgrade your workshop needs.

Its robust construction, thoughtful design, and consistent performance make it one of the strongest contenders for the title of best wood planer under $2,000. While it’s not perfect—it’s heavy, expensive, and requires 230V power—the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks.

In the world of woodworking, investing in the right tools makes all the difference. The JWP-15B is more than just a planer—it’s a long-term partner in craftsmanship.