Makita 2012NB vs DeWalt DW735X: the Makita costs $440 more, weighs about 40 pounds less and runs at 83 dB. The DeWalt is wider, has three knives and two feed speeds. Here is which planer to buy.
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Makita 2012NB vs DeWalt DW735X is the matchup most serious benchtop planer shoppers end up weighing. Both are 15 amp portable thickness planers aimed at woodworkers who mill their own lumber, but they sit at very different prices. The DeWalt DW735X lists at the current retailer price on Amazon as of October 6, 2026, with a 13 inch width and a three knife cutterhead. The Makita 2012NB lists at the current retailer price with a 12 inch width, two knives and an advertised 83 dB noise level. That is a $440 gap. Based on our research into both manufacturers' published specifications, retailer listings and owner ratings, here is how they compare and who should spend which amount.
Comparison Table
Power and Cut Quality
On paper the two machines are close. Both use a 15 amp motor and both remove up to 1/8 inch of material per pass. The difference is how that power reaches the wood. DeWalt runs a three knife cutterhead at 10,000 rpm, which puts more cuts into every inch of travel, and it adds a two speed gearbox. At 179 cuts per inch you get a finish pass that needs less sanding, and at 96 cuts per inch you can hog off material faster on rough stock.
The Makita runs two double edge knives at 8,500 rpm with a single feed speed. That is a simpler machine, and spec analysis shows it will leave a good surface, but it does not give you the same finish versus speed choice. If you plan to plane figured or difficult hardwoods, the extra cuts per inch on the DeWalt are a real advantage.
Capacity and Snipe Control
The DW735X takes boards up to 13 inches wide, one inch more than the Makita. That matters when you are milling glued up panels, wide shelving or tabletop stock. Both planers handle roughly 6 inches of thickness. For snipe, the DeWalt adds an automatic carriage lock that holds the head steady as a board enters and exits, and its folding tables and cast aluminum base are built to keep long boards supported. The Makita counters with a four post design, diagonal cross supports and large table extensions. Neither machine removes snipe entirely, so plan on infeed and outfeed support and a little extra board length in both cases.
Weight, Noise and Portability
This is where the Makita earns its price. Makita lists a net weight of 61.9 pounds, while retailer listings for the DeWalt show roughly 100 pounds. If you set the planer on a bench, mount it on a stand, or haul it between a garage and a job site, that 40 pound gap is the first thing your back notices. Makita also advertises an operating noise level of 83 dB, which is low for a planer. DeWalt does not headline a noise figure. Planers with high speed universal motors are loud in general, so wear hearing protection and a dust mask with either one.
Dust and Chip Collection
The DW735X includes fan assisted chip ejection that clears chips from the cutterhead and blows them out the port, which keeps the cut clean and works with a basic dust collector or shop vac and a collection bag. The Makita uses a dust port and does not list a built in fan on its Amazon page, so you will want a dust collector or a capable shop vacuum hooked up for any real volume of planing. Either machine will create a lot of chips, so budget for collection.
Price and Value
The value question is simple. The DeWalt costs $659.00 and the Makita costs $1,099.00, a difference of $440. For that money the DeWalt gives you extra width, a third knife, two feed speeds and a three year limited warranty. The Makita gives you about 40 pounds of weight savings and a quieter machine. Unless you place a high value on those two points, the DeWalt is the better buy by a wide margin. Replacement knives are another small cost to consider: DeWalt sells its three knife set as model DW7351, and you should confirm Makita's current knife pricing before you buy.
Stock matters here too. Amazon showed only one Makita 2012NB left on October 6, so availability can change quickly. For wider context on how both fit among the other options, see our best benchtop planers guide.
Setup, Knives and Shop Requirements
Both planers need more shop support than their size suggests. Plan on a sturdy bench or a dedicated stand, a dedicated 15 amp circuit so the motor is not starved by other tools, and infeed and outfeed support for boards longer than the tables. Knives dull with use, and a dull knife tears out grain and leaves a rough surface no matter which planer you own, so buy a spare set and learn how to change them. DeWalt says the three knife cutterhead makes knife changes faster and easier, and Makita says the 2012NB is engineered for faster, easier blade changes, so neither brand should make routine maintenance a chore. Whichever you choose, unplug the machine before you touch the cutterhead, take light passes on wide boards, and feed stock with the grain direction in mind.
Warranty and Support
DeWalt backs the DW735X with a three year limited warranty, plus its standard free service and satisfaction guarantee terms. Makita's standard tool warranty is shorter, and you should check Makita's current terms on its site before you buy. Both brands have wide service networks in the United States, and the DeWalt's large owner base means replacement parts and knives are easy to find.
Who Should Buy the DeWalt DW735X
Most home woodworkers. If you mill rough lumber, build furniture, make cutting boards or run a garage shop, the DW735X gives you the widest capacity, the most flexible feed speeds and the lowest price. It is also the safer choice if you want to read thousands of owner reviews before you buy. Our DW735X vs DW734 comparison covers how it stacks up against its cheaper sibling.
Who Should Buy the Makita 2012NB
Woodworkers who move their planer regularly, store it on a shelf between uses, or share a space with family or neighbors and want a quieter machine. If you are a contractor or tradesperson who carries a planer to job sites, the lower weight can justify the premium. If none of that describes you, the extra cost buys very little.
Final Verdict
The DeWalt DW735X is the better planer for the money and the one we recommend to most readers. It is wider, has more cutting edges and two feed speeds, and costs $440 less. The Makita 2012NB is a good machine for people who value weight and noise above price. Neither choice is wrong, but only one of them is a bargain. For a wider look at the category, see our best planers 2026 roundup.
FAQ
Is the Makita 2012NB better than the DeWalt DW735X?
Not for most people. The Makita is lighter at 61.9 pounds and advertises 83 dB operation, but it costs $440 more, is one inch narrower and has two knives and one feed speed. The DeWalt has a three knife cutterhead, two speeds and a three year warranty.
How wide a board can each planer handle?
The DeWalt DW735X handles boards up to 13 inches wide. The Makita 2012NB handles up to 12 inches. Both remove up to 1/8 inch per pass.
Which planer is quieter?
Makita advertises 83 dB for the 2012NB. DeWalt does not headline a noise figure for the DW735X. Planers are loud in general, so wear hearing protection with either one.
Does the DeWalt DW735X reduce snipe?
It includes an automatic carriage lock that reduces head movement, which helps with snipe. No benchtop planer removes it completely, so support long boards and leave extra length to trim.
Do I need a dust collector for a benchtop planer?
Yes, or at least a capable shop vacuum. Both planers throw a large volume of chips. The DeWalt has fan assisted ejection, which helps, but a dust collector is the best way to keep the shop clean.
