@thudchkr Thanks for your post.
Funny, but just this morning I found posts on the net noting that their 735 were tripping their breakers. IMHO, that's relative to whether they have 16A or 20A breakers in the circuit in question. Regardless, there is a lot of chat about this occurring with the 735 and the Byrd cutter-heads.
With all due respect - you did what I am trying to avoid: You upgraded your 735 with the byrd cutter then purchased the A3-31. I'm sitting on the fence contemplating all of these choices.
My 735 has served me extremly well. I have zero complaints with the way it performs using the standard HSS knives. My DJ-20 has also served me well, but it has a bowed fence that I have to check daily which is not that big of a deal, but changing knives IS another story.
I have dissasembled/assembled my DJ-20 twice which by some counts makes me an expert of sorts with this machine, but changing knives is not something I look forward to doing. And, if the truth be known, changing knives does not happen as often as it should even with carbide cutters. They need changing now, but since I'm parked on the fence that has not happened.
That said, replacing both my 735 and the DJ-20 with a single (space saving) combination jointer/planer makes perfect sense in a small 20'x24' work shop (glorified garage, really). I'm not fond of the short jointer beds of the A3-31, but I know Hammer offers table entensions.
I have a K3 on the way (this will be a space hog I think) and I need to purchase a large bandsaw (the minimax mm16 is my choice). Adding the A3-31 would be the perfect companion to these power tools. The mm16 is a priority because I have a large collection of logs that need to be quarter-sawn and stored away from the weather. So, in a manner of speaking, the mm16 and the A3-31 are both high priority
Once the K3 is assembled and running I will probably take the plunge and order both.
I appreciate your comments.