Changing planer blades correctly is essential for cleaner cuts, smoother finishes, and keeping your DeWalt planer performing at its best.
If you’re wondering how to change DeWalt planer blades, this step-by-step guide walks you through the process safely, from removing the old blades and cleaning the cutter head to installing and aligning the new ones. Follow these simple instructions to achieve professional results and extend the life of your planer.
Key Takeaways
- Always unplug the planer and wait briefly before starting blade removal to ensure safety and prevent electrical hazards.
- Remove the planer hood carefully by loosening screws and checking for clips, keeping all hardware organized.
- Use a magnet to lift old blades safely and clean the cutter head and blades with mineral spirits before installation.
- Align new blades over dowels on the cutter head, tighten screws with the T-handle, and rotate the head to access all blades.
- Reassemble the hood by aligning marks, tightening bolts evenly, and perform final checks for proper blade seating and planer cleanliness.
How to Change DeWalt Planer Blades Safely. Unplug and Prepare Your DeWalt Planer
Before you start changing the blades on your DeWalt planer, make sure you unplug it from the power outlet to prevent any accidental startups. Safety comes first, so unplugging your planer is essential before doing any maintenance. After unplugging, wait a few moments to ensure no residual power remains.
This extra step helps you prepare properly for the task ahead. When you’re ready to loosen screws with the built-in T-handle, double-check that the planer is still unplugged to avoid injury. Keep all removed bolts and screws in a designated tray to prevent loss and make reassembly easier later. Taking these safety and preparation steps seriously guarantees a smooth, secure blade replacement process without risking accidental harm or damage.
Remove the Hood to Access Internal Planer Parts
Once you’ve confirmed your planer is unplugged, locate the screws securing the hood and use the built-in T-handle or a suitable tool to remove them. Next time you work on your DeWalt planer, you’ll appreciate how straightforward this step is. Carefully check for any clips or latches holding the hood in place before lifting or sliding it away from the housing. Be gentle to avoid damaging internal parts.
Once the hood is off, you’ll have clear access to the internal components, letting you inspect for clogs or damage. If you’re like me, I’m going to make sure everything looks good before moving forward. Remember, you’ll need to use the right tools and handle the hood carefully to keep your planer in top shape.
Use Magnets to Remove Old Blades and Clean Surfaces
You’ll want to use a strong magnetic tool to lift the old blades safely from the cutter head without dropping them. After removing the blades, use the magnet to clear away any metal debris or shavings on the surface, including around the chip breaker. This helps guarantee a clean, precise fit when you install the new blades.
Magnet Tool Usage
Although handling sharp planer blades can be risky, using a strong magnet tool lets you safely lift and remove old blades from the cutter head without direct contact. Make sure your magnet is powerful enough to securely hold the blades during removal. You can also place magnets on your tool to easily attract and hold small metal chips and debris while cleaning.
Use the magnet to pull out the chip breaker and other small metal parts from inside the planer for a thorough clean. Beyond the planer, magnets help you pick up tiny metal shavings scattered around your workspace, enhancing safety and cleanliness. This simple tool keeps your hands protected and your work area free of hazardous metal fragments throughout the blade-changing process.
Cleaning Blade Surfaces
How exactly do you guarantee your planer blades sit perfectly and last longer? Start by using magnets to carefully lift and remove the old blades from the cutter head. Make certain the magnets hold the blades securely to prevent any accidental drops or injuries. Once removed, clean the blade contact surfaces thoroughly with mineral spirits to get rid of residual debris and oil.
Don’t forget to wipe down the entire cutter head and surrounding areas to clear away dust, wood shavings, and buildup. This proper cleaning ensures precise blade seating, which not only improves cutting performance but also extends the lifespan of your planer blades. Taking these steps will keep your DeWalt planer running smoothly and your blades in top shape.
Removing Chip Breaker
After cleaning the blade surfaces and ensuring the cutter head is free of debris, the next step is removing the chip breaker. First, loosen any screws or fasteners holding it in place. Use strong magnets attached to your tool to lift out the old blades easily and securely. Clean the cutter head and surrounding areas with mineral spirits to remove any residue. Inspect the chip breaker for wear or damage, and replace it if necessary before installing new blades.
| Step | Tool Required | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Loosen fasteners | Screwdriver | Keep screws safe for reassembly |
| Lift blades | Strong magnets | Ensure magnets hold blades securely |
| Remove chip breaker | Hands | Handle carefully to avoid damage |
| Clean surfaces | Mineral spirits | Use a cloth for thorough cleaning |
| Inspect chip breaker | Visual check | Replace if chipped or worn out |
Install New Blades on Your DeWalt Planer Properly
Before installing new blades, make sure you clean the contact surfaces to remove any oil and handle the blades carefully to avoid damage.
Drop the blades onto the cutter head, aligning them properly over the dowels with the correct side facing in. Finally, use the built-in T-handle to tighten the screws securely, ensuring the blades stay firmly in place during operation.
Preparing Blades Correctly
To guarantee your new DeWalt planer blades perform at their best, start by cleaning them with mineral spirits to remove any packing oil. Next, peel off any protective film or packaging to prevent debris interference. When you’re ready to install, drop the clean blades into the cutter head over the dowels, aligning them with internal tabs for proper seating. Confirm that each blade sits securely and correctly before reassembling your planer—this ensures safe, efficient operation.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clean blades with mineral spirits |
| 2 | Remove protective film/packaging |
| 3 | Place blades on cutter head dowels |
| 4 | Align blades with internal tabs |
Proper Blade Placement
When you install new blades on your DeWalt planer, make certain they’re clean and free of packing oil to guarantee peak cutting performance. Drop each blade carefully onto the dowels and cutter head without using jigs, aligning them precisely over the designated slots. Check that every blade sits evenly and is flush with the cutter head surface. Use the alignment marks on both the hood and cutter head to guide proper positioning.
Confirm that the blades are correctly oriented before moving forward. Taking these steps assures the blades contact the wood evenly, preventing uneven cuts and potential damage. Proper placement is key to maintaining your planer’s efficiency and extending the lifespan of your blades.
Securing Blades Firmly
After placing the blades carefully and ensuring they’re perfectly aligned with the dowels and cutter head, you need to secure them firmly to prevent any movement during operation. Use the provided magnets to hold the blades securely while you work, avoiding accidental drops.
Make sure each blade is fully seated against the cutter head—any gaps can cause damage or poor cutting performance. Tighten the screws evenly, applying the recommended torque to maintain stability and prevent vibrations. Don’t skip double-checking; confirm every blade is securely installed and properly aligned before reassembling the planer.
Taking these steps guarantees safer operation and ideal cutting results, letting you get the most out of your DeWalt planer without risking blade movement or uneven cuts.
Rotate the Cutter Head to Replace All Blades
Although it might seem tricky at first, rotating the cutter head to replace all the blades is straightforward once you press down on the internal tab to shift the head to the next blade position. Carefully rotate the cutter head by hand to bring each blade into view. Use the alignment marks to guarantee the hood is correctly positioned over each blade as you rotate.
You’ll need to repeat this blade rotation process three times to access and replace all four blades. Make sure each blade is properly seated before moving on. Taking these steps assures every blade is correctly positioned and ready for use, setting you up perfectly for the next step in the reassembly process.
Reassemble the Hood and Tighten All Screws
Start by aligning the blower and housing marks to guarantee the hood fits correctly before you begin reassembling. This ensures proper positioning and prevents operational issues. Next, follow these steps carefully:
- Insert and tighten the center red bolt first to secure the hood firmly in place.
- Tighten the outer bolts evenly to apply balanced pressure and avoid misalignment.
- Reattach the lid and secure all four screws tightly to prevent any loose parts during use.
- Verify the hood is flush with the planer body and perform a visual inspection to confirm everything is aligned and seated properly.
Taking these steps guarantees your DeWalt planer is reassembled correctly, minimizing vibrations and ready for safe operation.
Maintain Your Planer After Blade Replacement for Smooth Operation
To keep your DeWalt planer running smoothly after replacing the blades, you’ll want to maintain key components regularly. Wipe down the feed rollers with mineral spirits to prevent build-up and guarantee smooth wood feeding. Clean the planer bed thoroughly to remove debris, which helps keep cuts accurate and extends blade life. Apply a thin layer of paste wax to the bed and buff it to reduce friction and ease material movement.
After blade replacement, check and re-tighten all bolts and components to maintain proper alignment and safety. Before each use, perform a visual inspection of the blades and internal parts to catch potential issues early. Regular maintenance like this keeps your planer performing at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Dewalt Planer Blades Reversible?
Most Dewalt planer blades aren’t reversible, so you’ll typically need to replace them once they get dull. However, some models might have reversible blades, but you’ll want to check your user manual to be sure.
If your blades are reversible, you can use both edges to extend their life. Always confirm the blade type and orientation before installing to keep your planer running smoothly and safely.
2. Which Way Do Planer Blades Go?
Planer blades go with the beveled edge facing downward toward the cutter head. You’ll want to align any arrows or marks on the blade to match the rotation direction, so the sharp edge cuts properly.
Installing them backward can cause poor cuts or kickbacks. Always double-check the blade orientation against your DeWalt manual to make sure you’re setting them up right and safely.
3. Can Dewalt 735 Planer Blades Be Sharpened?
You shouldn’t sharpen Dewalt 735 planer blades because doing so can mess up their angles and reduce safety. Instead, replace them when they get dull or damaged to keep your planer cutting smoothly and accurately.
Using the manufacturer’s replacement blades guarantees perfect fit and maintains your warranty. So, whenever you notice performance drop, swap out the blades rather than trying to sharpen them yourself. This keeps your work consistent and safe.
4. What Is the Dial on the Side of a Dewalt Planer For?
The dial on the side of your DeWalt planer lets you adjust the depth of cut. When you turn it clockwise, you increase how much material the blades remove, making deeper cuts.
Turning it counterclockwise reduces the depth, perfect for finer, smoother passes. This helps you control the planing process precisely, ensuring your project gets the exact finish and thickness you want without guesswork.
Conclusion
Changing your DeWalt planer blades correctly keeps your tool running smoothly and safely. Did you know that dull blades can reduce your planer’s efficiency by up to 50%?
By following these simple steps: unplugging, removing the hood, using magnets to handle blades, and properly installing new ones, you’ll prolong your planer’s life and get cleaner cuts.
Regular maintenance after replacement ensures your planer stays in top shape for every project.