Helix Head For Dewalt 735

The DeWalt 735 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and high-performing portable planers on the market. Known for its powerful motor, precise depth adjustments, and sturdy build, the DeWalt 735 is a staple in many woodworking shops, delivering smooth results on a variety of wood types. However, despite its robust performance, many woodworkers have found that upgrading the standard straight knife cutterhead to a helix head can elevate the tool's capabilities even further. The addition of a helix head to the DeWalt 735 is a game-changing upgrade that enhances not only the planer's performance but also its longevity and ease of use.

The key difference between a helix head and a traditional straight knife cutterhead lies in the cutting action and design. Traditional cutterheads use long, straight knives that run the full width of the planer and shear off wood in a more aggressive fashion. While these knives can work well for basic planing, they often struggle with difficult grain patterns, figured woods, and dense hardwoods. Tear-out, the splintering of wood fibers, is a common issue, especially when dealing with more complex grain structures. A helix head, on the other hand, is composed of small, individual carbide inserts arranged in a spiral or helical pattern around the cutterhead. These inserts engage with the wood in a slicing motion, producing a much finer, cleaner cut. The result is a smoother finish with less tear-out, even on challenging woods.

One of the most significant advantages of upgrading the DeWalt 735 to a helix head is the improved surface finish. For woodworkers who frequently work with figured woods like curly maple, birdseye maple, or knotty pine, a straight knife cutterhead can leave behind a rough surface that requires extensive sanding or scraping to smooth out. The helix head's shearing action dramatically reduces this issue, creating a smooth, even surface straight out of the planer. This not only saves time on sanding but also preserves the natural beauty of the wood grain, making it an ideal choice for projects that demand high precision and fine finishes, such as furniture making or cabinetry.

The durability and longevity of the carbide inserts used in a helix head are another key benefit. The high-speed steel (HSS) blades used in the standard DeWalt 735 cutterhead are sharp and efficient, but they tend to dull relatively quickly, especially when working with hardwoods. Dull blades not only produce a poor surface finish but also increase the strain on the machine's motor, leading to reduced efficiency. Carbide, however, is much harder and more wear-resistant than HSS, allowing the inserts in a helix head to stay sharp for much longer. This means fewer blade changes, less downtime, and lower long-term maintenance costs.

In addition to lasting longer, the individual carbide inserts in a helix head are also much easier to maintain than traditional straight knives. In the DeWalt 735's original configuration, when a blade becomes dull or damaged, the entire knife needs to be removed, resharpened, or replaced. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially if you are frequently planing tough materials. In contrast, if one of the carbide inserts in a helix head becomes chipped or dull, you simply rotate the insert to a fresh cutting edge. Most inserts have four sharp edges, allowing for multiple rotations before any replacements are necessary. This modular system significantly reduces the hassle and expense associated with blade maintenance, as individual inserts are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.

Another notable benefit of upgrading to a helix head for the DeWalt 735 is the reduction in noise. Planers equipped with traditional straight knives can be notoriously loud, as the long blades impact the wood with a direct, aggressive force. This can create a harsh, jarring noise that quickly becomes fatiguing in the workshop. The helix head's cutting action, which involves smaller, angled inserts making continuous slicing cuts, results in a much quieter operation. While it doesn't eliminate the sound entirely, the reduction in noise is noticeable and makes for a more pleasant working environment, especially for those who spend long hours in the shop or work in shared spaces where noise control is important.

The improved efficiency of the helix head also translates into better performance and reduced wear and tear on the DeWalt 735's motor. Since the helix head takes smaller, incremental cuts with each carbide insert, the planer experiences less strain than when using straight knives, which tend to remove more material in a single pass. This reduction in stress not only makes the machine run more smoothly but also prolongs the life of the motor, helping to ensure that the DeWalt 735 remains a reliable and powerful tool for years to come.

For woodworkers who frequently tackle large or demanding projects, the helix head upgrade can significantly enhance productivity. The superior surface finish means fewer passes are needed to achieve the desired result, and the extended lifespan of the carbide inserts means less downtime for maintenance. Whether you are preparing rough-sawn lumber for fine woodworking or creating dimensionally accurate boards for construction projects, the improved performance of the helix head allows for more efficient and precise results.

While the initial investment in a helix head for the DeWalt 735 might seem steep compared to the cost of replacement straight knives, the long-term savings in blade replacements, maintenance, and time make it a highly cost-effective upgrade. Additionally, the enhanced finish quality and increased machine efficiency can improve the overall quality of your work, which is especially valuable for those whose woodworking projects require impeccable detail and smoothness.

In conclusion, upgrading the DeWalt 735 with a helix head offers a range of benefits that go beyond the capabilities of the standard straight knife cutterhead. From the superior surface finish to the extended durability of the carbide inserts, the helix head transforms the DeWalt 735 into a more efficient, quieter, and easier-to-maintain planer. For woodworkers looking to elevate their craft, reduce tear-out, and achieve professional-grade results, this upgrade is a smart investment that enhances both the performance and longevity of an already exceptional tool. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an avid hobbyist, the helix head will help you get the most out of your DeWalt 735, allowing you to focus more on your projects and less on tool maintenance.