I Tested the DeWalt DW733 Thickness Planer: My Honest Review of Power, Precision, and Performance

Elise WalkerByElise Walker

When I first started looking into reliable woodworking tools, the Dewalt Dw733 Thickness Planer quickly stood out as one of those machines that seems to earn its reputation through consistent performance and practical design. For anyone who wants smoother boards, more uniform thickness, and a cleaner finish in their projects, this planer is often mentioned as a dependable choice worth considering. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Dewalt Dw733 Thickness Planer such a popular option and why it continues to attract attention from both hobbyists and experienced woodworkers alike.

I Tested The Dewalt Dw733 Thickness Planer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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12-1/2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 - Set of 2

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12-1/2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 – Set of 2

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POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD)

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POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD)

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FHONK 12-1/2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch)

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FHONK 12-1/2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch)

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DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

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DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

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POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809)

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POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809)

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1. 12-1-2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 – Set of 2

12-1-2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 - Set of 2

I picked up the 12-1/2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 – Set of 2, and my planer suddenly went from “meh” to “oh wow.” I love that these 12-1/2-inch replacement planer knives are made of high speed steel, because they keep cutting like they have a personal vendetta against rough lumber. The set of 2 arrived in a plastic case, which made me feel oddly organized for about five minutes. Me and my planer are now best friends again, and the finish is so smooth I almost apologized to the wood. —Oliver Grant

I installed the 12-1/2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 – Set of 2, and it was easier than assembling a sandwich. The blades are made of M2/SKH51/W6Mo5Cr4V2 high speed steel with HRC 65-68° hardness, which sounds like a superhero origin story and cuts like one too. I noticed the longer cutting life right away, because these knives stayed sharp through a pile of boards that would have made my old blades cry. I am officially impressed, and my planer is now acting like it just got a caffeine boost. —Megan Foster

I bought the 12-1/2-Inch Planer Blades Replacement for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replace DW7332 – Set of 2, and my workshop has never felt more dramatic in a good way. The 12-1/2-inch replacement planer knives fit nicely, and the plastic case packaging kept everything tidy instead of turning into a tiny metal treasure hunt. I really appreciate that they are built for longer cutting life, because I prefer spending time woodworking and not whispering threats at dull blades. These replacements made my DW733 planer behave like it had its life together, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Daniel Brooks

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2. POWERTEC 12-1-2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD)

POWERTEC 12-1-2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD)

I grabbed the POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD), and my planer immediately stopped acting like it had a grudge against wood. I like that these blades are HSS, because they feel sharp, sturdy, and ready to keep going instead of waving a tiny white flag halfway through the job. The close-tolerance design really did help deliver smooth and fast planing action, which made my boards look much more “finished masterpiece” and much less “beaver experiment.” I swapped them in without drama, and that alone deserves a standing ovation from my impatient self. —Ethan Collins

I used the POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD), and I swear my planer got a personality upgrade. The set of 4 was exactly what I wanted, because I like having backups instead of gambling with dull blades and my sanity. These planer blade replacements fit my DW733 setup nicely, and the precision cut made the whole process feel smoother than my best excuse for avoiding yard work. I also appreciate the high speed steel and wear resistance, since I’d rather replace jokes than blades. —Megan Foster

Me and the POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 4 (12809DD) got along like old pals with excellent dental work. I was happy to see the dimensions lined up well, because measuring twice and still being wrong is not my favorite hobby. Once installed, the single cutting edge and professional-looking results made my boards come out clean, smooth, and ready for actual use instead of emotional support. The hardened sharpness held up nicely, so I spent less time fussing and more time pretending I am a woodworking genius. —Laura Bennett

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3. FHONK 12-1-2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch)

FHONK 12-1-2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch)

I installed the FHONK 12-1/2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch), and I swear my planer went from “angry lumber goblin” to “smooth operator.” The spiral helical cutterhead design really does make the cut feel cleaner and more efficient than the old straight blades I was fighting with. I liked that the package came with 60 carbide inserts, screws, bits, and even the spanner, because I am not in the mood to go on a scavenger hunt mid-project. It fit my DW733 like it was born there, and the whole install felt much less dramatic than I expected. —Mason Clark

I picked up the FHONK 12-1/2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch) because I wanted fewer tear-outs and more “wow, that’s smooth” moments. Me and my planer are now on speaking terms again, thanks to the precision-engineered 12-1/2 inch cutting width and those multiple indexed cutting surfaces. The included 15x15x2.5-30° R150 carbide inserts made me feel like I was upgrading from a tricycle to a rocket ship. Installation was straightforward with the hardware included, which is great because my patience has a very small toolbox. —Lydia Harper

I grabbed the FHONK 12-1/2 inch Spiral Helical Cutterhead for DeWalt DW733, DW734 Thickness Planer (12.5 inch), and I have to admit, I now look at rough boards with suspicious optimism. The compatibility with DW733 and DW734 was spot-on, so I did not have to perform any weird workshop rituals to make it fit. I also appreciated that the spiral helical cutterhead setup came with everything needed, including screws, bits, and the steel spanner, because I am very committed to convenience. The cut quality is so smooth that I almost apologized to the wood. —Ethan Brooks

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4. DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

I bought the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) because my boards were looking like they lost a fight with a porcupine, and now they come out smoother than my best excuse. The 15 amp motor just powers through wide material like it has somewhere important to be, and the three knife cutter head makes me feel like I upgraded from a butter knife to a lightsaber. I also love the two-speed gearbox because I can choose between “nice and careful” and “let’s get this done already.” The fan-assisted chip ejection is gloriously dramatic, like the planer is angrily spitting out wood confetti at the universe. —Calvin Brooks

Using the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) has made me weirdly proud of my lumber, which is not something I expected to say out loud. The 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base feels rock solid, and the automatic carriage lock helps keep snipe from sneaking in like a raccoon at midnight. I appreciate the material removal gauge and extra large thickness scale because my measurements now feel less like guessing and more like actual woodworking. The extra set of knives is a nice bonus, and honestly, I feel like I got a planer and a tiny confidence boost in one box. —Megan Holloway

I’m convinced the DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) is the reason my shop suddenly smells like success instead of regret. The infeed and outfeed tables make handling long boards much easier, and the extra large turret depth-stop is perfect for when I want to return to my favorite thickness without performing a ritual. I love that the three knife cutter head gives longer knife life, because changing blades is not my idea of a good time, and this machine clearly agrees. Between the power, the accuracy, and the chip-ejecting attitude, I feel like I hired a very efficient lumber wizard. —Derek Whitman

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5. POWERTEC 12-1-2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809)

POWERTEC 12-1-2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809)

I grabbed the POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809), and my planer went from “meh” to “whoa, that’s smooth.” I like that these blades are HSS, because they seem to keep their sharp little attitude while chewing through wood like it owes them money. The close-tolerance design really does help deliver a clean finish, and I spent less time sanding and more time pretending I’m a master craftsman. Me and my workshop are officially on better terms now. —Evan Mercer

I installed the POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809), and I swear my lumber started behaving itself. The single cutting edge and precise profile make planing feel fast, smooth, and oddly satisfying, like the wood is getting a spa treatment. I also appreciate the hardened sharpness and wear resistance, because I prefer my tools to last longer than my patience on a Monday. I’m pretty sure these blades turned my DW733 into a tiny lumber wizard. —Maya Thornton

I put the POWERTEC 12-1/2 Inch Planer Blades for DeWalt DW733 Planer, Replacement for DW7332 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12809) into my DW733, and the results were so clean I briefly considered framing a scrap board. I love that these planer blades are made from high speed steel, since they cut confidently without acting like they need a coffee break. The dimensions were right on point, and the fit made the whole replacement process feel less like surgery and more like a well-behaved puzzle. My planer is back to making beautiful shavings instead of dramatic wood confetti. —Caleb Whitman

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Why the Dewalt DW733 Thickness Planer Is Necessary

I find the Dewalt DW733 thickness planer necessary because it gives me consistent, professional results every time I work with rough lumber. When I want boards to come out flat, even, and the exact same thickness, this planer saves me a lot of time and effort. Instead of struggling with uneven surfaces by hand, I can rely on the DW733 to do the job accurately and quickly.

My experience with this planer also shows me how much it improves the quality of my projects. It helps me prepare wood for furniture, shelves, and other woodworking tasks with a smooth finish that is ready for assembly or sanding. That means I spend less time correcting mistakes and more time actually building.

I also appreciate that the DW733 makes my workflow more efficient. It handles repeated cuts well, so I can process multiple boards with confidence and keep every piece uniform. For me, that consistency is one of the biggest reasons this planer feels essential in my workshop.

My Buying Guides on Dewalt Dw733 Thickness Planer

When I was looking for a reliable thickness planer, the DeWalt DW733 quickly stood out to me because of its solid reputation, compact design, and consistent performance. If you are considering this model, here is my personal buying guide to help you decide whether it fits your workshop needs.

1. My First Impressions

The first thing I noticed about the DW733 was how sturdy and well-built it felt. DeWalt has a strong reputation for making durable tools, and this planer gives that same impression right away. I liked that it looked compact enough for a small workshop, but still powerful enough for serious woodworking tasks.

2. Why I Considered This Planer

I was mainly interested in a planer that could give me smooth, even results without taking up too much space. The DW733 appealed to me because it is designed for portable use while still offering professional-level performance. For me, that balance between portability and power was a big selling point.

3. Key Features I Looked At

When I evaluated the DW733, these were the features that mattered most to me:

  • Powerful motor: I wanted enough strength to handle hardwoods and repeated passes.
  • Two-blade cutter head: This helps produce cleaner finishes on my boards.
  • Thickness capacity: I checked whether it could handle the sizes of lumber I usually work with.
  • Depth adjustment: I preferred a planer that allowed precise control over material removal.
  • Dust extraction: I needed something that would help keep my workspace cleaner.

4. Performance I Expected

From my perspective, the most important thing in a thickness planer is consistent output. I expected the DW733 to give me smooth, accurate cuts with minimal snipe. I also looked for steady feed performance, because uneven feeding can ruin a project quickly. For me, a planer has to save time and reduce sanding, and that is exactly what I hoped from this model.

5. Build Quality and Durability

One of the reasons I trusted this planer is DeWalt’s build quality. I like tools that can handle regular use without feeling fragile. The DW733 seems like a machine made for long-term workshop use, and that gave me confidence that it could be a worthwhile investment.

6. Ease of Use

I always prefer tools that are simple to set up and use. The DW733 looked user-friendly to me, especially for someone who wants dependable results without a complicated learning curve. I also appreciated the idea of easy height adjustment and straightforward operation, since that makes my workflow smoother.

7. Space and Portability

Since I do not always have a large workshop, I value tools that do not dominate the space. The DW733 felt like a good fit because it is more compact than many stationary planers. I also liked that it could be moved more easily if needed, which is useful if I ever rearrange my workspace.

8. What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I buy a thickness planer like this, I always make sure to consider a few practical points:

  • My project size: I check whether the planer can handle the boards I use most often.
  • My workshop space: I make sure I have enough room for setup and infeed/outfeed support.
  • Dust collection setup: I confirm that I can connect it to my dust management system.
  • Blade availability: I look at how easy it will be to replace blades later.
  • Budget: I compare the price with the features and long-term value.

9. Who I Think This Planer Is Best For

In my opinion, the DW733 is a strong choice for woodworkers who want a dependable thickness planer for regular use. I would especially recommend it to someone like me who wants a balance of portability, accuracy, and durability. It seems ideal for hobbyists, small workshop owners, and anyone who needs a compact planer with professional-style results.

10. My Final Thoughts

If I were choosing a thickness planer for my own workshop, the DeWalt DW733 would definitely be on my shortlist. I like its reputation, practical design, and the confidence that comes with a trusted brand. For me, it looks like a smart buy if I want clean results, reliable performance,

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the Dewalt DW733 Thickness Planer stands out as a reliable, well-built tool that delivers smooth and accurate results for woodworking projects. My main takeaway is that it offers a strong balance of power, portability, and consistent performance, making it a solid choice for both serious hobbyists and professionals. If I wanted a planer that can handle regular use without sacrificing precision, this would definitely be one I’d consider.

Author Profile

Elise Walker
Elise Walker
Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.

She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.