#1 Table Saw Feature! (How I Chose My Replacement For My Old Table Saw)
#1 Table Saw Feature! (How I Chose My Replacement For My Old Table Saw)
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AFFILIATE TOOL LINKS:
Dewalt 10″ Table Saw (w/ Rolling Stand):
https://amzn.to/48gWusC
Dewalt 8-1/4″ Jobsite Table Saw:
https://amzn.to/45KttDM
Skil 10″ Table Saw (w/ Rolling Stand):
https://amzn.to/44KLeS8
Bosch 10″ Jobsite Table Saw (w/ Rolling Stand):
https://amzn.to/3RkX9TQ
Ryobi 8-1/4″ Table Saw:
https://amzn.to/487uOGt
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#1 Table Saw Feature! (How I Chose My Replacement For My Old Table Saw)
I finally got around to replacing my old Dewalt 744 table saw. I had been meaning to for several months, once I’d finally grasped that the blade alignment issue (particularly while bevel cutting) wasn’t going to resolve itself.
I scoured the market for a new 10″ table saw–and found that table saws are really expensive these days!
I particularly wanted a JOBSITE TABLE SAW, because they’re so much more affordable and portable.
But, any saw I look at absoultely has to have a +24″ RIP CAPACITY! That is, the ability to rip a sheet of plywood in half lengthwise. And preferably, I like MORE than 24″ rip capacity, because it makes handling the plywood sheets so much easier.
In the end, I went with the DEWALT DWE7491RS…essentially the updated version of my older saw.
Dewalt still just has the jobsite table saw market figured out. Their model is light, portable, has very smooth bevel rips, and an excellent rack and pinion fence system. Also, it has an amazing +32″ rip capacity!
I filmed all of POWER TOOLS EXPLAINED on this model!
Thanks for watching this week!
The Honest Carpenter
Hard to decide on any table saw after reading the reviews.
I have used different Delta job site saws over several years and I have to agree that they are outstanding. They ride around in the van, get banged up, get used as work benches and even ladders, get used by amateurs and still perform well and no tape needed accurate. The fence is always bang on. I wouldn’t even consider another job site saw.
Bro I was listening to you go through your process and the whole time I was just like, "I’d just get the updated version of the same saw" lol
Thanks for the video! Would you mind sharing which types of blades you use for the saw? I saw *_* that it accepts only 250mm blades.
I want dewalt to release a 12 inch table saw, powered by two flexvolt batteries.
I have 48” rip capacity on my Craftsman 1970’s cast iron tables saw. I built a cabinet and added Fox fence to get that rip width.
The only problem is it takes a ton of space in my 1 car garage. Cabinet is on rolling casters that lock, so I can tetris my tools around.
I bought the same saw a few months ago and as you mentioned the fence is very accurate and easy to use.
Isn’t sheet goods the purpose of a track saw?
do you have a track saw? rip capacity isn’t that important for me, as I use a track saw for breaking down sheet goods. Table saw still comes in handy for ripping narrow/smaller boards, and repeat cuts. I can’t say the track saw replaces the table saw, but no more wrestling with sheets with a job site size saw. I chose the Dewalt with the 8 1/4 for my latest table saw, nice and light for work on site, and love the rack and pinion fence. The only downside to the 8 1/4 saw is it won’t take a dado stack, but that isn’t something I do often, and my router will work fine for that.
I also had rip capacity as my number 1 priority when shopping for a saw two years ago and settled on the Rigid R4550, which has a rip capacity of 32 5/8" (actual, measured) At that time, DeWalt’s comparable table simply didn’t offer that same capacity or I probably would have bought that since I have a lot of other DeWalt products. I have not regretted the Rigid at all though – it has been an excellent saw and is the heart of my workshop while am doing a full old house redo. The huge rip capacity has been so helpful again and again and I’m so glad I made that my top priority. Every angle on this RIGID is perfectly square and has remained so through two years of steady usage. With one exception: The mitre gauge it came with is not square and is trash. But that’s unfortunately true of the mitre gauge that comes with almost all table saws under $1000. So when you buy one of these saws, remember to budget for buying a quality mitre gauge – but at least you can usually keep and use that with the next saw down the road.
Good video and completely agree. Just bought this same saw
Get the DeWalt for the FENCE! Not the rip capacity 🤦🏻♂️ lol, in all seriousness, that rip capacity is nice, but that can be accomplished relatively easily other ways. Getting an accurate cut with a good fence is priceless! I would trade rip capacity for fence accuracy 10/10 times. I do custom built-ins so I don’t need a cabinet saw (I have one at the shop with 52” rip capacity and am thinking of cutting it down. It’s wasted space). The DeWalt is more than accurate enough for the DIYer and the custom builder on-site. There are many others that will make you pull your hair out because the cuts are off. The rip capacity is a nice bonus and that is why if your willing to get anything other than the cheapest, the DeWalt has got to be your saw! Thanks for the time and effort in you video!
Brilliant! Wish it wasn’t the ‘obvious’ choice however if that’s the best bet what can one do?
Thanks
Bob
England
I love my Dewalt saw but I have a TS55 and track for big wood. //ji
Thanks. Subscribed because you exude forthright good will. Oh and you know things that I don’t. <wink><wink> Somebody told me that what I don’t know is more important than what I do know. Thanks again. God bless.
Hey, thnx for the info. DeWalt should pay you for it 🙂
I’ve used at least 2-3 crappy models. Each time I tried to pushed some plywood (not even whole sheet), the saw would tip over. I bought the same model 7491 couple years ago. The DeWalt base is like a tank. It will not budge when you push the full size 3/4" sheet pass that. Unless you have an out feed table, you stand may or may not be as sturdy as the stand. I made a cross cut sled with 80/20 as fence, OMG accuracy is .003" over 12". Tested multiple times with 5 cut method. Granted I spent way over 25 hours just squaring the blade. Another 15 hours or so making and remaking and adjusting the sled fence and repeating 5-cut umteen times. I can’t say enough good thing about this saw. There is one slight problem tho. The blade came loose few times ruining one of my sleds. Also the bevel came loose as well, you need to tune it (tightening the nut just right). Just pay attention when using and check the blade before each use to ensure it is not loose. It’s a known problem but fixable.
Adding a cross cut sled bring the accuracy to a whole new level. Working speed and cut quality can probably compare with more expansive saws. Essentially the table saw (with the sled) stole a lot of business from my miter saw. LOL
Why would anyone use a table saw to cut sheets these days? Just imagine this scenario: A contractor needs to take an important call on the job site while ripping a 4×8 sheet. Table saw: The motor is running at full speed, the power switch is out of reach under the sheet. There is no good way to pause and restart the cut without impact on cut quality and safety. And let’s not even talk about in-feed and out-feed space. Track saw: Let go of the trigger, take your call without noise from the saw, then move the saw back a bit and complete the cut – accurately and safely. AND you can do this on top of a stack of plywood as it was delivered to the job site. I like your videos, but having used both stationary, corded and cordless woodworking tools since the 1970s, suggesting that a novice could use a table saw for sheet good is, in my opinion, irresponsible. BTW: How about cutting a 4×8 into two 48" pieces for staggered plywood roofing? Starting a cut while standing 4 or 8 ft away from where the cut is happening or the alternative of needing 10-12 ft of perfectly smooth and level surfaces aligned with the table saw are two choices that show why track saws basically pay for themselves within a couple of dozen cuts or rips. Your viewers are smart enough to find track saw setups that fit their budget.
I have 15 years experience in carpenter, could you suponser me ?
I wonder is DeWalt will allow us intermittent users of the older job site table saw to upgrade the fence capacity… probably not but you know what I still love my DeWalt table saw for what I use it for and getting ride of the guard what the best thing I did. Adjusting the fence is so easy, even suggested in the manual. I bought the trolley stand as it meant moving it into the garden was easier the fact the tyres have a deliberate hole in them means they never go down and string up is just so easy.
https://youtu.be/1ZhFlTxvGS8?t=166 for the actual answer/content (2:41). Saw chosen at 4:46
I debated between this Dewalt saw (and I am very much a Dewalt fanboy – I have so many black and yellow tools I have trouble picking out what I’m looking for when they’re all scattered on a bench) and the Skilsaw SPT99. I chose the Skil for two main reasons:
1) The maximum blade height is 3-5/8 vs. the Dewalt at 3-7/16. I can rip a 4×4 in one cut.
2) Those giant 15” wheels are awesome for rolling the saw out of the garage or shed and into the driveway where I do much of my work. I get that it’s not that important to you, but it really mattered to me.
Other than that and the extra two inches of rip capacity the Dewalt give you the saws are very similar.
One nice thing about the Skil is the stand extends the support to the left side of the table an extra foot or so.
Reckon that new saw would be okay with full kerf blades?
*Learn Power Tools in 1 day! Check Out POWER TOOLS EXPLAINED!* Just $97!
https://www.thehonestcarpenter.com/
*Check Out Our FREE GUIDE: 25 Must-Have Carpentry Tools…Under $25 Each!*
https://www.thehonestcarpenter.com/optin-page
AFFILIATE TOOL LINKS:
Dewalt 10" Table Saw (w/ Rolling Stand):
https://amzn.to/48gWusC
Dewalt 8-1/4" Jobsite Table Saw:
https://amzn.to/45KttDM
Skil 10" Table Saw (w/ Rolling Stand):
https://amzn.to/44KLeS8
Bosch 10" Jobsite Table Saw (w/ Rolling Stand):
https://amzn.to/3RkX9TQ
Ryobi 8-1/4" Table Saw:
https://amzn.to/487uOGt
(Please Note: These are AMAZON affiliate links. When you shop through these links, we receive a small commission at NO EXTRA CHARGE TO YOU. We greatly appreciate your support!)
I use Kreg track saw and adaptive cutting system table to break down big sheets or cut odd angles. My 1970’s craftsman is used for repeated rips, sled crosscuts, thin rips and some times bevel cuts. Home maintenance and projects.
Excellent video Ethan!!!
My biggest issue is I started with all second hand tools and refurbishing old school 60s-70s solid metal tools because I thought they looked cool. It very hard to get perfectly straight cuts
My dad taught me early on about rip capacity. This was my number one feature. Next he taught me about quality of rip fence movement. He had a 1950’s era Craftsman cabinet saw, wish I had that one, it was awesome, but never had the room. So, I have the same dewalt. It suits my needs perfectly and the price was good too.
It’s the best job site saw. I’ve had mine for a couple years now. The rip capacity is exactly what drew me to this saw. The other feature is that this model accepts a dado stack. I know you even mentioned it, finished carpenters will say they’re not accurate. Just take you’re time and go slow. I was able to build my cabinets with the help of others. It’s a great saw.
I make the same disclaimers in my few youtube videos about tools. I don’t sponsor Dewalt but they make a damn nice tool I like to talk about.
A table saw is the wrong tool for breaking down full sheets of plywood: https://youtu.be/9rr1zf6dAQI?si=T8O0lBvUTzLLyWiM
Great as always. Thank you.
Bonjour tu parles trop bonne journée
Hey Ethan! I got the same table saw for nearly the same reasons! Mine was the rip capacity and the fact that it could take a dado stack! Had it for over a year and has not let me down yet!
No one ever breaks down sheet goods on table saw. Get a plunge one.
I got the EU version, 7492, for DIY and it’s superb. The fence is super accurate and reliable. I just go by the tape measure on the saw, it’s that accurate when you set it up correctly. It’s very convenient for me since I’ve got limited space. Even the included miter gauge is usable for cross cuts if you have an engineer’s square and pad the rail with some tape so it doesn’t rattle in the track. Only thing I did was to Install a soft start module for longevity – it’s ridiculous Dewalt haven’t included this €5 module themselves.
table saws are expensive but impossible to sell used. I’ve been using a craftsman model 100 from 1960 for 3 years now and no one on facebook, craigslist, and all the other apps will buy it for even $100…
I used a Dremel mini saw attachment to dissect a 4′ x 8′ whole sheet of birch plywood, into many artist painting panels, with perfect cuts, ranging from 24" x 18", down to about 4" x 6" for a whole display of paintings. I just used some bricks on the floor of my living room, & clamping t-squares, etc. ha ha. It was thrilling to achieve because I had never done such a thing before & saved massive $$ on expensive art panels. The problem is that you are limited 1/4" thickness, & it definitely took some time & care, so yeah, not for everyone.
I currently have the Metabo jobsite table saw on one of my woodworking forums ( 731 woodworking) people were posting that Lowes was selling the Dewalt 725T2 contractor table saw for 349 regular price 699 I was not really looking for an replacement but I also had a 50 dollar gift card that plus the 5% off with tax it came to 311 dollars so I figured why not.
A rack n pinion fence that’s the most important
Dear Ethan James, thank you for this video. I’m currently considering the purchase of the DeWalt 8-1/4" job site saw, DWE7485. ¿Is this not a good choice? I’m not concerned with rip capacity, nor a 10" blade. But the angle needs to work well. I plan to use it mainly on 2×4’s for a home bathroom addition. (I’m not a pro, nor contractor, but a homeowner). Any comments/recommendations you have regarding this saw would help me much. Thank you again. God[Bible] Bless.
Appreciated the reasons for your choice.
I purchased this same saw a little over a year ago. I’m a hobbyist woodworker. The only issue I’ve had is the fence face is not 90 degrees to the top. It has worked very well for the type of projects I do. For the price I don’t think you can beat it.
Great Video; spot on. I did one thing different than you did.. I started with a cheap table saw ($100 USD used).. but went and bought one of the best aftermarket Biesmeyer T-Square rip fences, and added it to the cheapo saw. THEN after doing a few dozen jobs (much more quickly.. AND with much better accuracy, I might add).. I had enough income to go buy a much heavier duty shop saw. When I got it, first I threw out the rip fence it came with and put the t-square fence on.. That was 30 years ago.. and that saw refuses to quit.. and STILL accurate.. not to mention the heavier duty trunnions keep the blade extremely vibration free – smoother cuts.
I agree that the cost of a decent table saw is jaw dropping.. especially when you figure my investment back then was ~$1K.. a LOT back then.. Thanks for the Video!
I recently bought a new table saw. I am not a professional woodworker or carpenter. I’m just a hobby diy guy. I’ve had an old Skilsaw portable for years. I’m retired and have the resources to buy whatever I want. But I still couldn’t JUSTIFY spending ridiculous money. So I bought new DeWalt 7485 8 1/4” table saw. Perfect for me.
The DeWalt contractor saw with rolling stand is by far my favorite tool. Since I don’t have a shop I need to do my saw work outside. It is just so easy to move, setup and tear back down. It is simply an outstanding design. Wish I could say that about DeWalt’s miter saw stand.
I heard theres a dewalt 744 table saw recall. Does anyone know anything about this?
Thanks. I was debating for months but will get it now. Can you use dado blade in this one?
I’ve had the Dewalt saw for about 4 months. It has been great. Agree on the rolling stand. It’s really sturdy, but for my use case it’s not necessary. I only use the saw in my shop, which is really a garage where we still park our cars. I the saw on a mobile cart that I built with flip-up, locking “wings” on either side and a flip-up outfeed shelf. I like that the 10” version accepts a dado stack, too. That was crucial for me.
I got the Sawstop CTS, but I won’t even use the 24.5" rip capacity. Breaking down plywood is best done with a track saw using parallel guides which is even more accurate than a standard cabinet saw. Plus you have the added security you’re not likely to lose digits.