4 Upgrades For The Dewalt 735 Thickness Planer - Elephas Helical Cutter Head, Dust Port & More
In this video we upgrade the Dewalt 735 with a New Helical Cutter Head, improved dust port, cable management and a smaller handle. If you just want to see the 3d printed upgrades, jump to 13:40
Video Sponsor:
Elephas - Quality spiral cutter heads and woodworking knives
www.elephantblade.com.tw/
Elephas on Amazon - amzn.to/45naOxf
Dewalt 735 cutter head - amzn.to/3LWNQFR
3D Printer Files
Cable management by Cdelahousse - www.thingiverse.com/thing:477...
Small Handle by Q8YLAB - cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/...
Dust Port by Chriscos - www.thingiverse.com/thing:337...
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I love that your planet was just happily planing along without any tensioner spring.
lol right!?!?! I had actually just bought the machine used from another woodworker, not a surprise now he was selling it.....
I am a fellow woodworker. I always give new channels a chance (new to me). Let’s hope you provide quality. Love the set, nice job.
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I bought the Elephas cutter head a couple of months ago after I first watched this video. I finally got around to installing it in my planer today. Your step by step instructions made it an easy, stress free process. Thanks for making a such great video, Justin! I wish had could give it more than one upvote!
Oh cool hope you enjoy it! Thanks!
Once you put the cutterhead back in, I subscribed and rang the bell. Best instruction video ever. Greatest of all time.
Oh wow thanks!
I enjoyed the video, and I have a tip for those screws, they are probably of the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) type. Very close to Phillips, but just different enough to be a problem. You can buy JIS screwdrivers all over the Web for pretty cheap.
Great tip Jim! Will look into them!
I’m looking forward to the elongated bed video.
Great, already had one guy suggest a digital thickness gauge so should see that in there as well 👍
Love the install detail. Love the cord wrap even more, those made the top of the "to print" pile.
Yeah, super easy addition!
Great job w everything! Editing, sound, video production and succinct information. Really terrific work. 👍
Much appreciated!
Great tips and upgrades Justin thanks for sharing
Thanks Jim!
I love all the upgrades you have done, I added digital height readout also. Look forward to your wing upgrades!
Oh cool what digital height readout did you add hadn’t seen that!
@@BitnerBuilt Wixey digital planer readout, from, Infinity Tools
Looks very cool I’ll definitely get one!
@@BitnerBuilt had no idea they offer one, all though once I learned that gauge it's super easy to use for me...but digital would be cool....
Thanks for doing this. Its a lot of work to replace the cutter head but a big improvement in performance.
Yes, and so convenient to be able to just rotate those cutterhead whenever they get dull chipped!
My helical has been sitting on a shelf for 18 mos. Thanks for the in-depth and clear instructions! My new weekend project!
Oh no that’s not the place for it lol! Start feeding it some wood chips!
I like your instruction style. Very concise. Very informative. I just bought the DeWalt 735x for myself for Christmas. If I ever upgrade to the helical style cutter, I will definitely refer back to this video. Great job.
Thanks!
Great tutorial, thanks! When you do the next video about the replacement bed window, I'd love to have a mention of exactly how your reconfigured dust port works with your collection system, and why it works better for you. 100% agree about tools that have integrated storage for their included adjustment tools. If I never had to look for the angle grinder wrench again, I'd be a very happy DIY'er!
No problem! I use the Dust right dust collector attachment, and so that has a different diameter than a lot of dust ports do so I made sure to select one of of the files that not only angled it to the side, but also accepted my dust port. I’ll make mention of it in the next video.
handle idea is spectacular !!
Thanks! Yea the other just gets in the way so often!
Excellent video with clear instructions and steps to execute the helix upgrade. Love the upgraded dust port - Have to agree, the dust port is a pain longer in-feed, and the out-feed table does require an extension. Your cable mgmt upgrade is definitely a must.
Thanks glad you liked it! Should be building my new setup for it soon!
Very detailed! Thanks for the video!
Glad it was helpful!
Great idea on the tiny handle!
Thanks! yea the big handle is nice but just gets in the way!
Thanks, I hope you do more 3D prints for the shop since I just got one after watching your videos about it.
I’m actually partnering with AnkerMake to do a series where I build something out of wood and we design a 3-D printed version of the same thing each time let’s say like a drill holder or screwdriver holder that’ll then be available for free download free to print! There’s so many cool things you can print for the shop with the 3-D printer
Very cool on the 3-D printed added parts. I have a printer from Bambu Labs (earlier this year), and hadn’t even thought about modified parts for my woodworking shop. I only came across your video as a result of looking into upgrading the Dewalt planer cutting head.
Oh yeah, that’s what I’ve really been focusing on with my 3-D printer, I just put out the video the other day on wood versus 3-D where every month I’m making the same item out of the wooden 3-D to see which comes out better, and then giving away the files for of course, as well
Great video, an excellent teacher who goes over the installation process step-by-step. The video was very clearly shot and at the right angles. I was very leery initially about taking on this task. But after watching the video, you gave me the confidence to tackle it. And I now know where to be careful in the process. I hope it will go as smoothly as your video. Thank you so much for the time you took to shoot this video and help the rest of us weekend warriors and hobbyists. BTW you have a very nicely organized shop.
Wow thank you very much for the kind works! Good luck on your swap!
As always, a great and informative video. I’m just building up my woodworking shop and a Planer Thicknesser will be my next big purchase. All my 18v tools are DeWalt and I’ve been really happy with them so I’ll be sticking with the brand.
This is definitely one of the best desktops out there, I will say with the luxury of being able to constantly play with lots of brands from companies sending me them so I get to compare more than most people, dewalt is a “good” brand, some great stuff and some ok stuff. I have a sponsor who regularly is on my channel that sells dewalt at a huge discount, you have to register for an an account to see their pricing on DeWalt, safetysourcesupply.com it’s worth a look!
It is the best bench top out there hands down...spend the money and get it with the helical head it's totally worth it wish I would have that's my only regret....no snip or tear out..from all the people that have it...
Great ideas, especially the handle.
Thanks!
Great video with the upgrades
Thanks 👍
Love the improved dust port.
Thanks!
Nicely done. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
great tutorial on the cutter head replacement...detailed but concise. i hope to be doing that soon. makes me really want to get a 3d printer too....just haven't been able to bite the bullet on that one yet
I hated 3-D printers, and now I absolutely love them, you should watch my video on the AnkerMake M5c it’s just stupid easy and now I have it running 24/7 making great shop stuff. I’m working with them now on making a series that I make a wood drill holder for example and work with one of their designers to model a 3d version of it for a free download.
i'll definitely look into that thanks! @@BitnerBuilt
Great video. Thanks for the links to the 3D printed parts. I just finished printing the cord management parts and the angled dust port, great upgrades. I wish I could convert to a helical cutter, but I can’t justify the cost (yet).
Great! Yea I was in the same boat on the cost, I just ran about 500ft through it and it’s great, so really happy they sent that one over.
Thank you for the incredibly detailed install of the cutter head. I have saved it to my YT for Christmas, because my wife has agreed to a new cutter head for my DeWalt for Christmas. Watching your video has made me feel like a kid because "I can't wait for Christmas!!" now. Hahahaha
Hahaha that’s awesome! Definitely a good Christmas gift!
Thank you for your time and effort this is God sent for my planner. ❤️🙏🏼
You are so welcome!
Nice work, looking forward to the wing video!
Thanks! Remaking a section of the shop now to fit it when it’s built 👍
Great video, thanks for the link to the dust port...printed it and works great! would love to add a spiral head on the planer but💰💰
Awesome yea I really like the new port too.
A top for people who cant keep track of fasteners is to remove the part, then thread the fasteners back in a few threads. You'll never lose them or forget where they go.
Yep good tip!
Great video! Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Very helpful video thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Digital readout from Wixey - very precise and useful, takes you another step in the direction of these bigger models )
Yea I’m going to check that you your the second to recommend!
Great info. I will be getting a Helical Cutter Head, I wish I had a 3D printer so I could make that dust collection port
A few people sell them on Etsy pretty cheap. There are also services where if you don’t have a 3-D printer you could just download the file and then upload it to their service. They will 3-D print it for you and mail it over. You should check out my video on the AnkerMake M5c, I never was 3-D printer guy till I got that and oh man now I’m making tons of awesome stuff for my shop tools all the time! Super easy too
Awesome thanks
You bet!
Well done sir.
Thanks!
Outstanding!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Great video mate. First time viewer, now a sub. 👍. I’m 50 now and never had much to do with 3d printers or such, thinking they were gimicky and something I’d never use. Your vid sure opened my eyes to possibilities. Thank you mate 👍
Thanks! Sooooooo much you can make for the shop with one, I only recently got one and now I love it. Check out my video on the M5c. I make like 30 things with it for the shop.
@@BitnerBuilt will do mate. Cheers.
Dude this is an awesome video and yes makes me want to get into 3d printing lol
Thanks! Yea honestly since I got one it never stops printing stuff for the shop now, blast gates, flexible hose adaptors, tool holders etc
@@BitnerBuilt so many uses inside the shop and even outside the shop with other hobbies and kids’ stuff too 🤯
Excellent tutorial! Great, relevant detail. I just ordered the Elephas cutter and can't wait to get it installed! Unfortunately Amazon lost my order, but it will be here at some point. Wahoo! I'm wondering if this made your machine any quieter?
Cool! About 10db, not a ton but not nothing either!
Love to replace my cutter head and the dust port.
Yeah, very happy now that I can just directly connect my rockler dust right hose directly to my port instead of using the thick tape method
Good video
Thanks!
Cool idea: instead of adding snip boards at the ends to replace the original silver ends that tilt up, what if you sink the planer into the table so that the table is flush with the planer?
That’s a good idea however just trying to think about that in my space, unless you have a very large shop to be able to dedicate that much space for a dedicated table that could be hard.
great tutorial, wish you would have addressed cleaning the drive wheels though!
Ah true, always a good maintenance thing to do when you have the machine open!
Very informative video with great details. Thanks for sharing 😊👍 Desktop?? I think you meant bench top?
Yes lol words are hard sometimes 😜
Clever stuff......I replaced the giant crank handle years ago with a round wooden cabinet knob.....makes it much easier to crank from any position you may be standing around the unit... Wondering why you replaced the cord holders.....
Mine did not come with cord holders, I added the 3d ones because there wasn’t any on my unit
I wish i could set mine up in the driveway and blow the chips into my neighbor's yard. 😂 It makes so much sawdust. I run mine into a cyclone attached to the top of the cabinet it sits on. The cabinet is a pretty good size but nevertheless must be emptied after even a small job. I ran into Dewalt's over-tightened screws with my palm router recently. The guide plate was crooked and one screw stripped. The other three loosened but only after some David Banner-like rage.
😂😂😂 just tell him it’s free mulch! Yea those little heads just scream round me out… was not fun
Fantastic video, Justin! I am really interested in the exhaust port you changed out for the OEM. Do you have a video showing it in action with the DC hose connected? Also, can the port be rotated to exit on the height adjustment wheel? Thanks again!
Thanks! I’m actually having my modeler make me a new custom one that we will use in the next video on this, going to make a custom rolling lift stand for it with a fold out bed extension and then the new custom port that will go fully to the side of the unit, the one in this video is better but not as good as I would like it to be! Will be prob this mo or early feb for the video
Very well done video. Thanks. If I go this route, yours will be the guide. That being said, I am curious what factors led you to choose Elephas as opposed to other available options? I appreciate that is possibly a top for an entire video but any thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks! there are a lot of heads out there that are available. I have seen their products in come commercial grade equipment previously so when I was looking to upgrade my grizzly pointer I had purchased used, their name came to mind first. I did my research and there are some other names out there that came up a lot. As I talk about in the jointer video everyone has a slightly different design and of course then claims to be the best but it seems a bit "marketing" to me. For that model and size it was one of the cheaper listed ones so I reached out to them to see if the quality was up to snuff and I have been extremely happy with it. (you can see my jointer video as well) and then they reached out to me after and asked if I would like it for my planer and I had just picked up this one used so I was very happy to have it sent out. In the end all of the new designed spiral / helical heads offer so much easier service / maintenance to maintain a quality cut on the wood, with the large standard knives, you hate to replace them and so you stretch their use longer than you should, producing a lesser product. so just the convenience of being able to easily rotate one of the carbide tips in 1 min, means im more inclined to keep the machine at top quality.
@@BitnerBuilt Thanks for the extensive reply. I appreciate the effort it took. Similar to you, I switched to the Byrd Shelix on my Grizzly jointer several years ago and have never regretted it. As you suggested, one motivation was avoiding the annoyance of needing to set the knives when replacing them. That is not an issue when replacing Dewalt knives. I have not yet rotated the cutters on the Shelix. There is some suggestion out on the internet that accurately rotating the Byrd cutters can be slightly more challenging than on some others. Frankly, that and price versus quality would be factors for me if I also make the change on the Dewalt.
I was planing wood this weekend and was going to text you to see if you upgraded your Dewalt yet... welp. here is my answer ! lol
I heard you through the universe as you were thinking it!
Hi very nice presentation. I have a 13 inch dewalt thickness planer. Let’s say I have three pieces of 2X4 and each one them is 2-7/16 , 2-3/8, and 2-5/16 how do I make all three of them being 2-5/16 without manually measuring them. I appreciate your input. Thanks
Well first off make sure your planer is properly calibrated so you will be able to get to the correct eventual 2-5/16 using its measurement (that Wixey I installed would do well for this) - starting at the thickest run all pieces through removing a bit each time until all wood is down to your lowest 2-5/16, even though one of your boards is already to the thickness that you want. Make sure you’re always running all of them to make sure that you achieve even thickness in the end even if it’s a hair thinner etc
I would recommend replacing those phillips screws with allen head screws
yea that's a good idea!
@@BitnerBuilt another one is when you have a Philips head that's being stubborn. smack the end of the screwdriver with a hammer or mallet. that little bit of shock will break up the two surfaces just enough to make it easier to remove. Things you learn after being a tech for 30+ years. Great video.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I think you could make a few bucks 3-D printing and selling those pieces, I know I would buy them.. First time viewer, now a subscriber.
So there are some websites out there where you can upload a 3d print file and they will print it for you and mail it out. Think one is called xometry
WOW! This was a great video! Thank for the stl files, by change is there any way that you add another dust port that extracts on the other side too?
Thanks! There is a mod to remove the top lid and the dust collector collects from the top of the unit
@@BitnerBuilt - Hey again! I was asking if there was a way that you could make another one that does the dust collection to the right [when standing at the front] vs the left? The model is great, due to space constraints, I have my hose going off the other way than you do.
@@gamerscircle ah well I didn’t design that one just linked to a free one out there! Here’s a link to one that goes the other way. Tons of models out there www.printables.com/en/model/560419-vacuum-adapters-for-dw735-dewalt-planer-all-common
@@BitnerBuilt - Oh.. I am so sorry, I thought you had made it. :) lol!
Justin - Question? I went to the Amazon link you listed for the cutter head you installed. In the item description details it says, "The cutterhead's cutting diameter is 2mm smaller than the original, allowing for installation without removing inserts. cutterhead." I was wondering if this is new since you shot your video and if this means I don't have to remove all the carbide cutters before mounting it? Or would you still remove them to just eliminate the chance of nicking one of them when you tap it in with a mallet? Last question. When I removed the straight cutters, I noticed that the metal on the body of the planer near where the screws hold down the blade and blade cover had metal chips missing from it. The screws were tight and not hitting the metal frame behind it. So I'm wondering if the chipped metal was from the chips flying off the wood against the frame. I plane a lot of really hard and exotic woods, like bloodwood and zebra wood. And I have on a couple occasions forgotten to turn on the vacuum system, but fixed it after the first board went through. Have you ever noticed that on your planer. Any idea of what causes that?
I would still remove the heads for safety, handling them is a bad idea and it’s a harder install than a jointer (you leave the cardboard wrap on it till done) it only takes a min. On your metal knicks I haven’t seen that in any of mine, planers are a “violent” machine so it’s possible. Are you the only owner, my guess would have been someone planing something with a nail etc in the wood who didn’t realize
Shoulda got the helical head on mine it's just a shockingly expensive upgrade...and from day one I was like why is dust port straight out lol, first thing I thought was needs a 90, not sure why they did that...
Yea the dust port thing was a head scratcher. Some people 3d print a mod to put it out the top, wayyy better position
Not everyone has a 3D printer.. unless they are so cheap now, but the design software is NOT cheap.
Yes of course but there are websites you can upload 3d files to and they will print and ship it to to you. For designing in 3-D use Tinker cad, is an absolutely free program online and it’s pretty simplistic for people to be able to learn through. It’s technically made for kids to learn. Honestly, I’m new to 3-D printers in the past year, but it’s become indispensable in the shop making all sorts of tool holders, dust collection items, Measurement, tools, etc. you can pick up a cheap 3-D printer for around $150 now
Did you make a follow-up video on replacing the bed wings/reducing snipe? If so I don't see it, and if not, I would be interested in a video on reducing snipe.
I have everything for it but I haven’t done it yet sorry, should be soon! Have a pretty cool setup in mind!
@@BitnerBuilt Oh, thanks that makes sense. I'm looking forward to it, thanks!
GREAT VIDEO ...HELP... can not locate the 3D printer file link
They are listed in the description Cable management by Cdelahousse - www.thingiverse.com/thing:4771451 Small Handle by Q8YLAB - cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/dewalt-dw735-planer-short-handle Dust Port by Chriscos - www.thingiverse.com/thing:3379344
Hey question for everyone who upgrade to the helical cutters. Is it worth it? I feel like a jointer upgrade is obvious because we are using our strength against the blades so switching to helical makes it easier for us but the planer does all the work so I am on the fence about this upgrade.
Respectfully, you’re a little wrong on the jointer, a helical makes it harder to push through. With the standard blades there a millisecond gaps where there is no blade in contact with the wood but with a helical there is always a blade in contact. So a little harder to push. It does make it quieter, cleaner cut and 1000 times easier to replace / rotate the blades. I did a video replacing the joiner as well on the channel where I discussed that.
Very good job on narrating and video editing. You took the boredom out of removing & replacing 40 cutters, ugh. Only thing I would not do is put the grease on the outside of the head bearing race (8:57). The outer race should not turn, It is suppose to stay put. If it spins it could ruin the housing. Otherwise, great video. I just installed the Shelix OEM and it went about like yours. Hardest part was getting the belt back on.🤨
Thanks, my thought was more to get them back in as it’s incredibly snug and you’re sticking it with the hammer. Yea those belts can be tough!
I don't have access to a 3D printer, is there somewhere to purchase the final product? And, i installed a Helix a few years ago, its great, but when working with epoxy, the Helix tends to chip out. Do you ever switch back and forth with the regular head, and if not, what do you use instead? Or maybe you dont work with epoxy.
Yes, you could look on Etsy or there are services where you can upload 3-D print files and they will print them for you and then mail it to you. I actually do a lot of friends and work. I don’t like painting so when I make signage and different things like that, I typically will inlay it with resin. I actually haven’t had any chip out that I’ve seen. I installed this all months ago and it’s still been a plus I only just had to rotate my first, the other day
@BitnerBuilt Thank you. I'll look for those services. The chip outs I've had were manageable, but I worry about larger projects.
Great stuff. I dont have a 3d printer and I dont know anyone whom does. Do you have a source for the dust port and handle. To purchase the parts??
so there are websites where if you upload the file, they will 3d print it for you and then mail it out if you do a search for that. I know there are also some for sale on Etsy that people 3d print on demand
Wow thanks I have learned a lot today.
Hi again. Thank you for the files. I was able to find a Etsy person to print the dust port and a new handle. I am constantly slamming my thigh into the factory long handle. One thing I didn’t catch was that the new dust port points to the right. My dust collector is on the left side so I needed to drill new holes for the catch pin and alignment pin. So i could make my new port point to the left (the same side as the handle). So maybe one more improvement would be 4 holes for either a right or left direction port. But this will be a big help in my shop. Thank you
I have a Byrd cutterhead in my Ridgid planer. The cutterhead cost me more than what I paid for my planer, but it produces fantastic results. The dust port you have does not look very smooth on the inside. I can design you one if you can provide some dimensions.
Yea the Byrd looks nice too! In the video I had just taken it out of the printer to film, I’ve sanded it so it’s smooth now 😉 thanks for the offer though!
@@BitnerBuiltI didn't mean the surface finish not smooth. I think there are some steps, hard turns in it.
the unit itself it a 2in port and the printed expands it out to a 4in for the hook up., it might look a bit like a interior step but nothing that would obstruct airflow at all while its expanding out. wouldn't worry about it
Would you consider making more and selling the mods you made?
I am going to put out a new video on this soon, I’m designing a new better port for this. (The models in the video are free open source ones listed in my description. If you aren’t a 3d printer person there are websites you can upload those files to, they will print and mail you the piece
Great video! I am surprised that I am the first to say this, but please note that when you install the helical cutter head, you invalidate the warranty. This isn't a big deal for many, but it should be noted for those who care about that kind of thing.
Ah good info to note!
The De Walt 14 inch. Its on "ze list"
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Great upgrades! Anyone have trouble opening the file once it’s been downloaded? Using an IPhone to download incase that has something to do with it
Thanks! No one has mentioned. What slicer are you using if you’re having issues?
pretty sure the top handles was the cord wrap designed by dewalt
Hmm… I just went and tried since you said it, I mean hey you can wrap a cord around anything technically but it not great
What 3D printer are you using?
I have several (videos on the channel about several of them) Currently my mains are The Ankermake M5C (Best beginner 3d printer out there) and the Bambu Lab P1S which does multi color (no video on that yet) I have had 6, honestly my ankermake is still my favorite, it just works. Im not the tech "tinker" type, I like machines that I can just trust to work all the time out of the box without upgrades.
How much to have YOU upgrade it and I pick it up from you? Wishful thinking, I'm sure????
Haha once was enough 😉
Are the printed dust ports for sale?
Not something I do but you have two options there, I see a similar one on Etsy or there are 3d printing services if you google that, so if you don’t have a printer, just download the file I linked, upload it to that service and they will make and ship it to you, I haven’t used them since I have one but I heard decent things about www.xometry.com/capabilities/3d-printing-service/
Do you sell the printed parts?
I don't, but the files are free to print anywhere so if you weren't interested in a 3d printer (you can get one for $150 ish) there are online sites you can just upload the file to, they will print it and mail it to you!
That's crazy a helical head costs almost the same has the planer.
They are expensive, no doubt, but if you’ve ever had to insert new blades into a joiner, after an hour or two of frustration that cost seems pretty justified. Being able to just rotate those blades whenever there’s a neck where they become dull is so convenient.
my thinking is if you have room for a jointer just get a combo machine, the dewalt is overated, its loud as hell, and if you have to upgrade the blades you may as well go for a spiral combo, probably work out cheaper as well.
It’s an option but combos are $$$$. And just like the dvd/vhs of old, any issues and your out both.. Honestly I think with this head the dewalts the quietest planer I have had out of the 3. At 5ft it’s 82db running.
my handle knob seems to be tightened by thor himself lol i CANNOT get it off lol
lol! Mine had blue lock tight on it so perhaps grab the tool with long pliers to get some leverage
@@BitnerBuilt I thought about it but the idea of breaking something makes me cringe
Why not just buy a planer with a preinstalled helical cutter head such as the Grizzly?
You definitely can, most people usually have to build up to purchasing a much larger and more expensive machine incrementally. The 735 is the most sold planer by volume by far so lots of people interested in maxing it. I personally don’t have the floor space for a larger unit unfortunately
you are using different screwdriver, not the one designed to those bolts.
I rotated through six different size screwdrivers to see which one with grab the best
@@BitnerBuiltI meant Pozidirv vs. Phillips. They looks very similar but still not interchangable. Im doing the same mistake often.
You ordered a new screw?!?!?🧐💡🤦♂️
It’s not a normal shaped screw lol it’s a specialty shape with a fat smooth area for the idler to pivot on
First comment! 🎉
lol 50th 😉