Dewalt DW735 thicknesser - in/outfeed tables needed or not?

I've just ordered a Dewalt DW735X thicknesser to replace my old and much abused (and sworn at) Ryobi AP13. I see the Dewalt only has a smallish table with no infeed or outfeed tables included with it. However there are OEM infeed and outfeed tables available as accessories for this unit.

Anybody with the DW735X able to offer some advice as to whether it would be a good idea to purchase the additional infeed and outfeed tables. Does the unit work well enough with just the standard table or would the additional feed tables improve the operation of the machine and avoid any snipe?

I run a fair bit of hardwood, quite often up to 3 metres long as well as shortish lengths. I absolutely hate snipe, which is one of the reasons the Ryobi AP13 was sworn at so often during the past 10 years and is now being replaced.

Regards
Twosheds

G'Day Twosheds,
I have a 735 without the tables but generally only do shorter lengths.
My old thicknesser did have them and I found them helpful.
I checked about buying a set but of the 1/2 dozen stores only one replied with a price of about $90 a set, while 2/3's that price on the net in USA.
I'll be interested to see the comments of others, thank you.
Cheers, crowie..

PS - it is great machine.....

Infeed and outfeed tables aren't compulsory but they do make any job involving cutting, planing, routing timber etc easier to feed in and out depending on the length of course.
I have a couple of rollers on tripods that I can use for this and I would be lost without them.
When we do our big knock down and rebuild next year the first thing I'll do for my new workshop is fabricate or buy these for all my main machines.
The fold-down out of the way sort when not in use are the best but it does mean you have to buy a set for each machine.

Stewie

Thanks Crowie and StewieD. I think I will order the infeed and outfeed tables. Might look at getting another set of blades at the same time. What sort of lifespan have you both been getting from the Dewalt blades in your thicknessers?

Anybody else out there with the DW735X able to offer some advice.

Regards
Twosheds

Hey Twosheds,

I have the DW735, and usually thickness shorter boards, so not much need for the tables. For longer boards I use triton stands, and they help a bit. If I was to work with larger quantities, I would order the infeed and outfeed tables. They are in my wish list in one of the online stores:)

Blades last quite a bit if you work only with clean non-recycled timber, but for me it is hard to judge, I am still on the first set.

Good luck!
Ilya

Quote:

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Originally Posted by twosheds

Thanks Crowie and StewieD. I think I will order the infeed and outfeed tables. Might look at getting another set of blades at the same time. What sort of lifespan have you both been getting from the Dewalt blades in your thicknessers?

Anybody else out there with the DW735X able to offer some advice.

Regards
Twosheds

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G'Day Twosheds,
My machine came with 2 sets of blades and as I only do small runs, the originals set is still in the machine.
I won't be using the second set as I've taken the plunge and bought a Byrd Spiral Cutter head to fit in the machine; so many great reports on that combination.
Please let us know were you finally get the infeed and outfeed tables, a "pm" or email would be appreciated, thank you....
Cheers, crowie

Hi Twosheds,

i have had my 735 for a couple years now having bought it second hand. It's a very capable unit although very (read very) loud......definitely use ear muffs and not in the evening unless you want your neighbour knocking on your door!!:U

I find that the unit is very well built and professional. I also found that there is no real need to use the finishing cut position 1, the dimensioning position 96 cuts per inch) was good enough as a finishing cut!! BTW make sure you select between 1 or 2 whilst the unit is on.

i bought the side tables (indeed / outfeed) as an accessory from Dewalt. It was fiddly to setup dead flat with the main platen but well worth it to eliminate snipe. For anything more than 1.5m long I also use a roller stand on the outfeed side.

if you are cutting really dense hardwood the roller feed through the thicknesser can stall so you need to use very shallow cuts and sharp blades otherwise it's a great portable desktop thicknesser. Hey it's never going to be a 3 phase half ton cast iron unit but good enough for home workshop use.

cheers

Save your $$$$$ and put them towards a shelix head

you will need the tables to minimize snipe however you can easily make your own - that's what I did.

I have the infeed/outfeed tables on my 735 and would be lost without them.
I'm still on my first set of blades after 5 years. Definitely need earmuffs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Damienol

Save your $$$$$ and put them towards a shelix head.

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I have mine with the shelix head and would not do it again. The finish you get with three cutting blades with this machine is just as good IMHO. For the money you spend you can get a lot of new blades that are double sided that will last you years with home use.:D:D

SB

ps get the tables or make your own

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've taken your advice and ordered a set of infeed and outfeed tables. Looks like I'll have to also upgrade my earmuffs if the thicknesser is as loud as you all say.

Regards
Twosheds