I owned a Delta 22-540 for many years, but had become frustrated with the results on cherry and other chip-out prone woods. After much research and debate, I purchased the DW735. Survival from shipping set my fears of the broken base stories at ease. The performace is flawless too, leaving a glass-like finish on the most problematic woods with the slow feed rate. The depth stops are right on the money and absolutely no snipe leaves give you more usable wood. The only issue I have noted is that the knives seem to leave ridges after minimal use, especially compared to other planers I have used. They all sand out easily though and this planer is definitely worth it.