When my old planer crapped out I was in the middle of projects (well, that's sort of a given at any time).  I ordered the DeWalt 735x (came with infeed and outfeed wings and an extra set of blades).   It seemed to be the most highly recommended machine in its class.  I've been using it for over a month and have been very happy with it.  Chip ejection is good, has two feed speeds for rough and final planing passes, and seems to do a good, smooth job.  It has stops at common thicknesses, 1/4", 1/2", 3/4",...  I did miss the Rockler sale that would come with the stand, but my wife got me it for Xmas present, though I was ready to do my own before then.  Now I need to get that 350 lb dead monster out of my basement shop.

 

Love mine! I did add the depth gauge from Wixey-

 

 

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/wixey-wr510-planer-digital-readout?gclid=CjwKCAiAioifBhAXEiwApzCztgQ6l_zS0IOl-Dh-fQBozXlGLbSFIIP7AJE6puMVKxgWPj4nGwTjGhoCeekQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Glad the new ones work with AAA batteries and not the button cells

The 735 set a new standard in it's class when it was introduced. It's easy to understand why you're happy with it. But man has the price on it ever crept up, guess it's been quite a while since it was introduced.

Got one and love it.  Lewis correct in that the Wixey gauge is a nice addition.  Here’s my advice.  Save up your shekels and put an OEM spiral head on it.  I did so two years ago and have saved a ton on money in blade costs.  I believe the Shelix head was a shade over $400 and I rotate the carbide during my down time after each Christmas.  Cleaner cuts also.  I did just have to make my first repair on it.  I blew the back out of the fan shroud and had to replace it.  For some reason the head didn’t want to crank up or down then it it packed full of shavings.

This came across my feed yesterday.  Seems like WOOD Magazine really liked them too.  https://www.woodmagazine.com/tool-reviews/shop-test-benchtop-planers