Blog Post 3: Top Spiral Cutterhead Upgrades for the DeWalt DW735 and 735X
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Looking to enhance your DeWalt DW735 or DW735X planer? A spiral cutterhead upgrade can dramatically improve performance. Here are the top considerations and upgrade options.
Why Upgrade?
Better finish quality
Quieter planing
Reduced blade changes
Long-term value
Stock planer blades wear out fast and tend to tear fibers, especially on hardwoods. Upgrading to a spiral cutterhead delivers a cleaner cut while also reducing the overall volume of your workshop. It's an investment in both quality and comfort.
Key Features to Look For
When evaluating cutterhead upgrades, focus on features that improve performance, reduce maintenance, and ensure compatibility:
Solid carbide inserts: Last significantly longer than steel blades and can be rotated to a fresh edge.
OEM compatibility: Ensure the cutterhead matches the bolt pattern, shaft dimensions, and mounting points of your DW735 or DW735X.
Precision balancing: A well-balanced cutterhead reduces vibration and noise, and improves surface finish.
Easy installation design: Look for models that don’t require major modifications to bearings or gears.
Differences Between DW735 and DW735X
The DW735 and DW735X are identical in terms of internal mechanics. The "X" simply includes extra consumables like blades and infeed/outfeed tables. Any cutterhead that fits the DW735 will also fit the DW735X.
Maintenance Tips
A spiral cutterhead is lower maintenance than traditional blades, but a little care goes a long way:
Rotate inserts by 90° to extend their life.
Clean resin buildup regularly with a soft brush or solvent.
Keep extra inserts on hand to avoid downtime during projects.
Tighten screws properly when rotating or replacing inserts to avoid vibration.
Customer Reviews
"The difference in sound and finish quality is night and day. Should’ve done it years ago. The install was straightforward, and now I actually enjoy using the planer."
"After switching to a spiral cutterhead, I noticed way less tear-out, especially on maple and walnut. Highly recommend it for serious hobbyists."
Conclusion
Investing in a quality spiral cutterhead for your DeWalt planer means fewer headaches and better results. You’ll save time sanding, spend less on blade replacements, and enjoy a quieter, more precise woodworking experience. If you’re serious about woodworking, it’s a smart next step.
