Dewalt DW745 Review | Best Portable Table Saw for the Money

The Dewalt DW745 is a well-engineered portable jobsite table saw that will cater to a wide range of projects. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur this fantastic 10″ compact saw has been thoughtfully designed for the end user. This shouldn’t come as a surprise if you’ve used Dewalt tools in the past because designing heavy-duty power tools is what Dewalt is known for and thankfully, the Dewalt DW745 is no different.

Besides the Dewalt DW745, we also discuss two comparable compact saw models: DeWalt DWE7491RS and the Bosch 4100-09.

Affordability + Durability| DeWalt DW745

No one can dispute that DeWalt is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to table saws. For close on a century, they’ve been making woodworking products that have become the benchmark for an entire industry.

The DeWalt DW745 is not their top-of-range job site table saw, but it’s a great competitor among 10” portable table saws. The incredibly reasonable price makes it an attractive option for both woodworking hobbyists and professional carpenters alike. If you find a 10” job site saw any cheaper, take a serious look at whether you’re getting the same quality.

That being said, it is a very basic model. It has great features and is built to the outstanding quality standards of any DeWalt product. Though it doesn’t have all the features that you’ll get on more expensive products from DeWalt or other reputable brands. When I say more expensive, I’m talking about a couple of hundred dollars. So for that reason alone, many of you will take the DeWalt745 over any other.

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DeWalt DW745 | 10″ Table Saw

Features:

• Site-Pro Modular Guarding System allows for tool free adjustments of the guarding components appropriate for each application
• 20″ of rip easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• Rack and pinion fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate
• Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
• On-board storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro guarding components and push stick when not in use
• Metal roll cage base offers greater durability than plastic bases
• Shoe bevels 0° to 45° for beveled cuts
• Weighing only 45 lbs, the DW745 can easily be moved on and off the job
• Adjustable rear feet designed to level the saw on uneven work surfaces
• Dust port allows for 2-1/2″ vacuum hook up and minimizes clean up
• 24T carbide blade enhances cut quality and prolongs blade life
• Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting

Includes: Miter Gauge, Push stick, 10″ 24T Carbide Blade, Blade Guard

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DeWalt DW745.

Overview | DeWalt DW745

Like I said earlier, you’re going to get legendary DeWalt quality and with this, some of their well-known traits are a given. So you get their trademark Site-pro guarding system, which means that you can make adjustments to the guarding system without using any tools – this makes working much quicker and hassle-free. You also get rack and pinion fence rail adjustments for the best accuracy and easy adjustments, plus all the components are easily stowed away, thanks to a handy onboard storage compartment.

The DeWalt DW745 (10″ compact table saw) is quite versatile — with shoe bevels from 0° to 45°, with a cutting depth of 2¼” at 45°. The 10” 24 tooth carbide blade rotates at 3850 rpm – which is not the best in its class, but still very reasonable and better than many others.

The maximum rip to the right of the blade is 20” and 12” to the left, which is also very reasonable for a machine in this price range. You don’t get a stand and this obviously means no wheels either, so you’ll have to carry it around. Though it’s really not a heavy tool to move, weighing only 45lbs and this is despite the fact that is an incredibly durable piece of machinery with a metal roll cage. Adding to its compact portability, it has telescopic fence rails.

If you’re familiar with DeWalt table saws, you’ll know that their low-friction table coating makes for smooth and easy working and this is what you’ll find on the DeWalt DW745. You also get a 2°’ vacuum port, so it’s easy to work clean and dust free.

When you buy the DeWalt DW745 a miter gauge, push stick, 24 tooth carbide blade and blade guard come standard with the saw. If you look at all that you’re getting for the price, it is an incredibly attractive offering. You’re backed by the quality standards of a highly respected brand and it comes with the standard 3-year warranty and a 90-day money back guarantee, that you get with all DeWalt products.

Tech Specs (DeWalt DW745) :

• Amps : 15.0 Amps
• Arbor Size :  5/8 in
• Blade Diameter : 10″
• Depth of Cut at 45° : 2-1/4 in
• Depth of Cut at 90° :  3-1/8 in
• Dust Port Diameter :  2-1/2 in
• Max Rip To Left Of Blade :  12 in
• Max Rip To Right Of Blade : 20 in
• No Load Speed : 3,850 rpm
• Power Tool Type:  Corded
• Tool Weight : 45 lbs

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DeWalt DWE7491RS | 10″ Portable Table Saw

Features:

• Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
• Patented material support, can be used for narrow rip cuts.
• 32-1/2″ rip capacity easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• Onboard storage system provides easy access to the Blade Guard Assembly, fence, riving knife, miter gauge, wrenches, push stick, and cord wrap when not in use.
• Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
• Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
• Flip over ripping fence allows for narrow rip cuts
• 15 amp Motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease
• 2-1/2″ Dust Collection Port easily connects to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction
• 3-1/8″ depth-of-cut at 90 and 2-1/4″ at 45
• 21-7/8″ X 26 – 3/8″ table provides superior material support

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DeWalt DWE7491RS.

Overview | DeWalt DWE7491RS

If you’re looking for a 10” job site saw that offers you more and you’re also prepared to pay quite a bit extra, you may be interested in taking a look at the DeWalt DWE749RS.

You’re going to get everything that you’ll find on the DeWalt DW745 and a whole lot more. For starters, you get much better rip capabilities – 32½” to the right of the blade and 22” to the left, thanks to the bigger table size (21⅞” X 26⅜”). It uses the same 10” 24 tooth carbide blade, but on the DeWalt DWE7491RS, the speed has been increased to an impressive 4 800rpm.

Video | How to Setup the DeWalt DWE7491RS

The good news is that this model comes with a stand and wheels (rolling stand). This will come in pretty handy, particularly because the weight is almost double that of the DeWalt DW745 (90lbs).

Apart from the same standard kit that you get with the DeWalt DW745, you’ll also get a rolling stand and 2 blade wrenches. You have the option of also getting a 13/16” dado rail and saw blade combo pack for a few dollars more. For most people who want an affordable good quality table saw to use around the home for DIY and hobby projects, the DeWalt DW745 is an unbeatable option. However, the more serious hobby or professional carpenter will probably have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets and go for the DeWalt DWE7491RS.

Tech Specs (DWE7491RS):

• Amps : 15.0 Amps
• Arbor Size:  5/8 in
• Blade Diameter : 10″
• Depth of Cut at 45° : 2-1/4 in
• Depth of Cut at 90° : 3-1/8 in
• Dust Port Diameter : 2-1/2 in
• Max Rip To Left Of Blade : 22 in
• Max Rip To Right Of Blade : 32-1/2 in
• Max Width of Dado : 13/16 in
• No Load Speed : 4800 rpm
• Power Tool Type : Corded
• Tool Weight : 90 lbs

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Bosch 4100-09 | 10″ Worksite Table Saw

with Gravity Rise Wheeled Stand

Features:

• Portability – works seamlessly with the included Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand for easy jobsite mobility, with single-action setup and take down
• Smart Guard System – riving knife and anti-kickback pawls provide protection when a kickback occurs, while the barrier guard assembly provides a barrier helping to deter blade contact while allowing an unobstructed view of the point the blade meets the workpiece
• Powerful 15 Amp 4.0 HP Max motor – delivers 3,650 RPM and the power required for ripping in fine and rough carpentry materials, including standard 10 In. blade and dado applications
• SquareLock rip fence – engineered for enhanced clamping and trueness
• Large cast aluminum top – provides increased work space and material support with a 25 In. ripping capacity
• Soft-start circuitry – manages the intensity of motor start-up and minimizes the likelihood of tripping a circuit breaker
• Constant response circuitry – maintains speed under load
• Onboard storage – allows for access to all included components
• Arbor lock – permits easy blade changes, with arbor lock and blade wrench located onboard

Includes: 10″-24-Tooth Carbide Blade, Rolling Stand, Push Stick, Miter Gauge, Rip Fence, 2x Blade Wrenches, Blade Guard Assembly.

Overview | Bosch 4100-09

Bosch first made a name for themselves as a manufacturer of electrical components for top German cars and many other vehicle manufacturers. In this department, they are probably the premier name in auto electrical parts. Over the last 25 years or so, they’ve earned a reputation for making good quality durable power tools.

Over the years I’ve bought quite a number of Bosch power tools, including an 8¼” hand-held circular saw. This is despite my loyalty to more established brands like DeWalt and Festool. I must say, though, the Bosch does lack some of the precision and smooth easy usability of the more established brands. I mean no disrespect to Bosch here, my trusty Bosch circular saw has served me faithfully for more than 15 years and is still going strong. The main thing that makes Bosh tools so irresistible is their price. They are often a good deal cheaper than other major brands, offering the same basic features and seem to be quite indestructible. Though they may lack some of the finesse of the more expensive tools.

Because Bosch offers such great value for money, it seems like a good idea to review it here as a middle ground between the cheaper DeWalt DW745 and the more expensive DeWalt DWE7491RS. While it costs pretty much the same as the DWE7491RS, it has some features that many may prefer.

Bosch is very proud of their Gravity-Rise Wheeled stand. This is for good reason, the stand is very user-friendly and makes transporting the saw an absolute pleasure. This model also comes standard with a 40 tooth carbide blade, so you’re going to get a much cleaner cut.

The rip capabilities lie between the two DeWalt models that we’ve reviewed at 25”. The speed is a bit less than either of the other two at 3,650rpm. It has a bevel of between 2° and 47° (2½” cutting depth at 45°), which is about the same as the others.

It has a very impressive table size for a portable saw (29” X 21½”) with an extended width of 40.5”. It also has a very easy tool-free operation for adjusting the guard system and apart from a regular riving knife, the Bosch also has anti-kickback pawls for even safer use. The Smart-Guard safety system seems to be one of the best that you’ll find on a table saw, which is something many users will appreciate. You’ll also have the benefit of onboard storage.

The Bosch 4100-09 has some outstanding features, some of which are an improvement on the DeWalt. The only areas where it falls short of the DeWalt DWE7491RS is that it doesn’t have as high RPM and the rip capabilities aren’t as good either. The Bosch warranty of one year doesn’t quite match up to the DeWalt 3-year warranty. When all is said and done, it will really be a matter of personal choice, which one you prefer.

Includes:

• (1) Gravity Rise Table Stand – TS2100
• (1) 10 In. 40-Tooth Carbide-Tipped Saw Blade – 2 610 996 872
• (1) Standard Throat Plate Table Insert – 2 610 950 090
• (1) Smart Guard System – 2 610 950 092
• (1) Rip Fence – 2 610 950 148
• (1) Miter Gauge – 2 610 950 149
• (1) Push Stick – 2 610 950 112
• (1) Blade Wrench – 2 610 996 880
• (1) Hex Adjustment Wrench – 2 610 998 551

Tech Specs (Bosch 4100-09):

• Amperage : 15.0
• Arbor : 5/8″
• Arbor Size : 5/8″
• Bevel Angle Range : -2° to 47°
• Blade Diameter : 10.0
• Description : 10″ Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand
• Dimensions : 39.13″ x 30″ x 20.9″
• Length : 26.5″
• Max. Bevel Capacity : 47.0°
• Max. Depth of Cut at 45 Deg. : 2-1/2″
• Max. Depth of Cut at 90 Deg. : 3-1/8″
• No Load RPM : 3,650
• Voltage : 120V
• Weight  : 60.0 lbs
• Width :  30.0″
• Working Length  : 29 In. x 21-1/2 In. square tabletop

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How to use a Table Saw —

For many people who use a table saw for the first time, it can be quite scary. Working so close to a fast moving blade requires concentration and if you follow these steps, you will be able to keep all your fingers intact – which I’m sure is what we all prefer.

Ironically, it’s the more experienced carpenters that are more likely to get injured whilst using a table saw. Research has shown that most injuries are reported by carpenters with more than 18 years of experience. The reason for this is complacency, people tend to become more relaxed over the years. So it’s important to maintain a healthy respect for the machine that you’re working with and never forget the possible danger that you face, no matter how proficient you become.

Video | Tips & Advice on Using a Table Saw

Safety Guard, Splitter, Riving Knife and Anti-kickback Pawls.

Before we get into the standard safety devices that come with a table saw, use your common sense and never work with your fingers too close to the blade.

All table saws come standard with safety mechanisms that are essential if you want to avoid some very hazardous situations. Many people don’t regard the blade safety guard as too important, well it is and you should make sure that you install it properly.

There are some procedures, like cutting dados where you will be required to remove the safety guard. What happens too often, is that people neglect to put the safety guard back again. The time it takes to remove and replace the safety guard can become a bother, but living for the rest of your life, missing a finger or two is much worse. Back to that phrase that I mentioned earlier: don’t become complacent and always follow the rules.

Kickback is probably more dangerous than cutting yourself with the blade because it can happen so easily and without notice. Kickback happens when the wood becomes jammed and is forced back toward you. This is not a nice experience and often results in pretty serious injuries. Table saws are fitted with a riving knife and often an anti-kickback pawl, make sure these are fitted correctly.

Push Devices —

In many cases, you will be cutting strips that make it impossible to work safely and your fingers will be dangerously close to the blade. This is why you should always have a push device at hand.

A simple push stick comes standard with most saws. If you don’t have a push stick, it’s easy to improvise one by cutting a strip of plywood with a notch cut into one end that will enable you to press the wood down as you feed it through with the stick. While push sticks are very common, they are not the best tool for the job. This is because they don’t give you much directional control. You can ask any experienced carpenter and they’ll tell you that a push handle is far superior. A push handle allows you to press down on the wood that you’re cutting with the force of your hand, giving you much better control.

GRR-RIPPER 3D Push-Block | Must Have Safety Assistant

Blade Height —

Blade manufacturers recommend setting the blade so that the blade gullets just clear the top surface of the wood when at their highest point. This will help the blade clear away dust and allow air to circulate into the cut and cool it down.

If you’re making a stop cut, you’ll want to set the blade higher to reduce the angle of the cut. When the blade is fully extended, you’ll be cutting with a greater radius, which will give the cut a flatter edge.

Feed Rate —

There is no exact science to calculate the correct speed at which to feed the wood through the saw, it’s a matter of getting a feel for what you’re doing. The best way to gain a good feel for feeding the wood through the saw blade is to allow the blade to do most of the work and you simply follow it through with a slight pushing motion.

If you push the wood through too fast, you’re going to cause unnecessary chipping along the cut. You may also feel that the wood wants to follow the blade in an upward motion. Pushing too hard can cause the saw to become strained and it will labor as a result of the excessive force.

If you move the wood too slowly, it begins to burn from prolonged exposure to the friction of the blade. With time, you’ll find a happy medium regarding feed rate.

Feather boards —

A feather board is simply a piece of wood with slats cut into the end to resemble a feathered edge. A verticle feather board can be clamped at the correct height so that it presses down on the board that you’re cutting as it enters the blade. This is great for preventing kickbacks and for maintaining a constant depth whilst cutting dados and grooves. Remember that a feather board is not going to prevent a kickback due to bad working procedures or neglecting to use the safety equipment properly. It is merely an additional safety mechanism.

Making Rip Cuts —

The fence guide is there is to ensure that you accurately size the piece of wood that you’re cutting. The saw will cut an edge directly parallel to the fence rail.

Rip cuts are a simple procedure and there’s little chance of an accident happening if you work safely. This means always use the blade guard and splitter. Whenever necessary, make use of a pushing tool. Forming a habit of working safely is the key to avoiding accidents when using a table saw.

Take the size of the piece of wood that you’re cutting into account. Smaller pieces of wood are difficult to move through the saw blade. The saw’s instruction manual should provide you with the minimum length that is safe to work with. As a rule of thumb, avoid cutting pieces of wood that are less than 12” in length.

If the piece of wood that you’re cutting does not have a straight edge to run along the fence guide, you won’t get an accurate cut. An uneven edge will move back and forth against the fence guide. A good way to create a straight edge to work with is to fasten the piece that you’re cutting to a piece of plywood that has a straight edge. Using screws or nails, you can attach the uneven wood to the straight piece, so that the straight edge runs along the guide rail. Make sure that the straight-edged wood is narrower than the width of your intended cut so that you only cut the piece that is intended to be cut.

Long pieces and whole boards can pose a problem because they will tend to drop off the end of the table. This will cause the feed end to lift. When this happens, you will be applying extra force to keep the wood held down. The way to avoid this from happening is to create a surface on the outfeed side of the saw that is at the same height as the saw’s table. Adjustable trestles are ideal for this purpose. You may have to use pieces of wood as spacers to get the exact height to ensure that the wood feeds through evenly.

Making Cross Cuts and Miter —

It’s best to use the correct saw blade for cross cuts. A ripping blade will cause excessive chipping along the cut. A smaller tooth saw blade is recommended for cross cuts.

The main problem with cross and miter cuts is an incorrect miter adjustment, so make sure that you check this. It is often a good idea to make a test cut on a discarded piece of wood first. Working against the miter edge can be tricky because it doesn’t have a very long edge, so the wood can slip about. You can correct this by extending the edge with a straight strip of wood. Attaching a piece of sandpaper to the edge of this wood will help to increase grip.

Video | Beginner Guide to Using A Table Saw

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Practice Makes Perfect When Using a Portable Table Saw

These are some basic tips to help the beginner get started. After practicing and perfecting these techniques, you’ll be able to move on to more advanced saw techniques like making bevel cuts, dado and rabbets.

If you’re new to using a table saw it’s advisable to work with a person who’s had enough experience to help you along. There are also many video tutorials that you can find on YouTube to help you get a clear picture of how to work properly.

If you always remember the importance of working safely, you’ll have many years of enjoyment from your table saw and get keep all your fingers as an added bonus.