The Dewalt DWE7485 jobsite table saw looks to be one of the most popular holiday deals this year, and for good reasons – it has a fantastic fence system, it’s a great size, its safety accessories are easy to use, and it’s still affordable.
As an aside, I always wonder if anyone really buys a table saw as a holiday gift for other people, or if they’re buying it for themselves.
I have used both of this saw’s predecessors, as well as the similarly designed cordless model, and also Dewalt’s larger table saw that is bundled with a rolling stand.
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If I were looking for a compact jobsite saw or a first-ever table saw as a DIYer or woodworker, this is the model I would choose.
Its size and shape also makes it adaptable, with many woodworkers and hobbyists building workstands and larger table systems around it.
Sure, you could spend less and go with a homeowner type of table saw, but I wouldn’t. With the Dewalt, the saw has a sturdy frame, comfortable and convenient controls and adjustments that can be recalibrated if necessary, and a top-notch rack and pinion adjustable fence that’s a pleasure to use.
With cheaper table saws, nearly every aspect is compromised, and you’re left with a cheap quality machine.
With the Dewalt DWE7485, it’s a high quality table saw but there are 2 compromises. First, it is a smaller size than table saws bundled with rolling stands, and so it runs a 8-1/4″ blade instead of a 10″ blade. Second, it cannot be used with a dado stack.
If I were buying my first table saw today, this is the model I would buy, as it’s not worth the headaches to go with cheaper alternatives. I would choose something else if I needed a rolling stand – the Dewalt DWE7491RS.
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There are two purchase options – the saw by itself, and the saw with a folding stand. If you think you might want the folding stand, it’s a good idea to purchase it with the saw, but you can always buy it later.
Would you recommend anything different to someone in the market for a portable table saw?
Dewalt DWE7485 Portable Table Saw – $299
Dewalt DWE7485 Portable Table Saw with Stand – $329
This bundle gives you the Dewalt DWE7485 table saw with its compatible folding stand, which typically retailers for ~$70. So, if you want the stand, you can get it for $30 more than just the saw by itself.
Note: DeWALT is a ToolGuyd sponsor.
Dewalt DWE7485 Specifications
- 8-1/4″ blade diameter
- 2-9/16″ max depth of cut at 90°
- 1-3/4″ max depth of cut at 45°
- 24.5″ max rip cut right of blade, 12″ left of blade
- 5800 RPM (no-load)
- Weighs 46 lbs
- Blade brake
- Power-loss reset (prevents accidental restart following loss of power)
The saw comes with a fence, riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, miter gauge, and push stick, as well as on-board storage for everything.
Big Richard
I wish they would’ve put two miter slots on the 60v FlexVolt version’s table. I’ve debated buying one just to see if I can swap the tables. DeWalt wants around $300 for just a replacement table.
Big Richard
Turns out it is the 10″ 7480 model’s table that is over $300, this 8 1/4″ 7485 model’s table is only $134. Probably because the 7480 is discontinued.
Adam
You comment about gifting a table saw was exactly what I thought when I read the title. I see that as a gift among family members, but otherwise you are just making sure you get what you want.
Charles_A
Agree 100%. I have one of the older DW74xx models with the 10″ blade, but that rack and pinion fence they have is amazing. No idea why other companies haven’t copied that.
Also, while not as easy to find as a 7 1/4″ blade, the smaller blade (8 1/4″) is a better option than a 10″.
I do wish, wish, wish for dado capability but other than that it’s a fine saw.
Charles_A
Correction on the rack and pinion comment – the SKILSAW SPT99T-01 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw has a similar fence drive as the DeWalt.
Big Richard
As does Milwaukee’s M18 saw.
Nathan
and the newer hitachi – or whatever they call there’s.
a few companies have started to use it now.
Big Richard
Yes, the Metabo HPT MultiVolt. That is also the only 10″ cordless saw, as far as I know. Throw in hybrid ability to run on 110v AC, it has definitely been on my want list for a while.
Mark L Shelton
I own this saw. It replaces a Hitachi job site saw. This is THE SAW to own in this segment. The quality is excellent,. There is plenty of power. I use mine to rip hard maple 1x in my mobile cabinet shop. It runs through birch plywood like it’s not even there. The fit and finish is amazing. Everything works and all the attachments have a storage place built in. All my other wood cutting tools are Festool and the only way to distinguish the DeWalt saw from the Festool equipment is the color of the plastic.
Matt the Hoople
So I have an older Ridgid saw with the integral folding rolling stand. It has been a good saw for general construction use. It definitely is not the preferred choice for lots of precision work. I have been working on getting a shop set up so that I can start refining my fine woodworking skills as I am gonna need a hobby to keep me occupied once I retire (hopefully some day). This little Dewalt seems like an ideal replacement for the ol’ Ridgid. Shame it won’t accept a dado but I suppose that’s another excuse for having to get the router table I’ve been putting off.
Plain grainy
Not sure about a gift. But a Sawstop job site saw would be my preference.
Koko The Talking Ape
I agree. Of course, the cheapest SawStop is about $1,500, plus tax and shipping. 5x as much.
On the other hand, I do like my fingers!
fred
Before I’d gift a first tablesaw to anyone I’d like to give them training first. To the point that some saws can’t take a dado stack – some might argue that it makes them safer – particularly in the hands of the inexperienced. I have a Bosch 4100 that accepts a dado stack – but other than to try it out with one – I never use it. If I need to cut dados – I’ll bring the work down to my Unisaw. BTW – dado stacks are verboten in the EU as they are deemed unsafe. Running a 10 inch full stack (assuming the arbor is long enough) on a 10 inch jobsite saw) might really be pushing it to the limits and invite kickback or motor strain. Often dados don’t need to be that deep – so a 6 inch stack might be a better choice for an under-powered saw. Here’s one example:
https://www.infinitytools.com/dadonator-stacked-dado-blade-set-with-5-8-bore
Of course, with the DWE7485 – you can still cut dados – but it
fred
but it requires multiple cuts – using a flat-bottom or rip blade – nibbling away – while resetting the fence multiple times until the desired width is achieved
MM
In my opinion even a 6 inch dado is pushing it for a saw of this size.
Matt the Hoople
That’s a good point about these smaller saws lacking the power as they are little more than a big circular saw motor.
Plain grainy
I used my craftsman radial arm saw for in shop dados. I hope to have it back online shortly. Of course the dado length is too short for a lot of applications. I like my radial arm saw.
MM
I like radial arm saws as well. For basic construction work like cutting molding and trim I think the sliding miter saw wins, but as a general shop tool I love the RAS, mainly for two reasons:
1) height adjustment
2) more flexibility for using a vise or clamps to hold small or oddly shaped workpieces
fred
Radial Arm Saws were once the hot item for the shop. Back in the 1960’s and ’70’s – Sears sold many different models – many made by Emerson Electric. They were touted as a do-all tool. But they really were much better for crosscutting and could be dangerous for ripping. In the 1960’s a then top-of-the-line Craftsman RAS was my first shop saw. When I realized its limitations – I bought a Unisaw.
I think that the main issue with RAS’s as a class was that the ways on some were not sturdy enough for long-term use – and resulted in slop. If you were to compare an old Dewalt RAS to some of what Sears sold – that and the price difference was apparent.
In any event – with the advent of the chop saw – then the sliding miter saw the RAS sort of fell out of favor. Dewalt (who once was synonymous with RAS) no longer makes them – and B&D sold off that part of the business to The Original Saw Company.
I still have my Craftsman tucked away in a corner of my shop hardly used – and we had (also hardly used anymore) an old 16inch Dewalt in commercial shop when I last visited.
Ecotek
The 8.25″ blade is a BIG turn off for me. That puts you into a blade size with WAY less selection and even a higher price than you might pay for a 10″ blade that you will often find on sale. Plus the reduced depth of cut, which admittedly isn’t a huge deal for me. Plus with a 10″ blade you are more likely to maybe share that blade size with your miter saw. I still have my 7480 and I hope it lasts forever.
MM
One thing to be careful of is that it’s not always safe to interchange chop saw and table saw blades. They often have very different hook angles on the teeth. I must admit I do this myself from time to time–right now I have a Diablo combination chop saw blade on my table saw because I had to cut some material that I didn’t want to risk my expensive Forrest Woodworker II blade on and nobody local had any appropriate 12″ table saw blades while 12″ chop blades were easily found, but that is a practice I try and avoid.
Plain grainy
These saws have a universal motor. They are typically noisy, and have brushes. They can run on AC or DC I think. They are used on portable equipment because of the light motor weight. They don’t supply very efficient power. That’s what I read anyway.
Plain grainy
I should mention that although these motors are AC or DC capable. This saw is setup for 110v AC only. Also these universal motors don’t tolerate balance problems very well. Balance problems are magnified in these motors with noisey feedback. One reviewer plugged his in with loud noise problems. He was sure it was his home wiring causing it. So he plugged it in at a neighbors, same results. You can tell how well yours is balanced, just by the noise generated. Might be an item I’d purchase at a local tool supplier. Have them run it before I take it home.
Plain grainy
I’m no expert on these motors, just what I read. Do your own research. I have never owned one of these saws, but I have many Dewalt tools that are fantastic( probably with the same motor).
Todd
These are great saws when your tight on space . Ultra compact and reliable, powerful , best fence in the business and great price. Would love to see a battery/ corded version. Buy the stand.
GML
Completely agree that the stand is a “must have” for this saw. Use mine all the time, the weight and size make it perfect for quick jobs.
Popgun42
I have this saw and I like it. A great saw.
Bobby
Kicking myself for not getting the 7480 before it went away. Will I notice a big difference in usability on the 7485? Not sure about the smaller blade size.
Big Richard
You go from a max depth of cut of 3 1/8″ with the 10″ 7480, down to 2 9/16″ with the 8 1/4″ 7485. Not a huge difference, especially since most materials cut on a portable jobsite saw like this are sheet goods <1", but it can be a big deal to some.
The bigger issue may be finding optional blade choices. 8 1/4" blades are not the most common and can actually cost more than a 10" blade.
Mike
“As an aside, I always wonder if anyone really buys a table saw as a holiday gift for other people, or if they’re buying it for themselves.”
Few years ago, my wife bought me the DeWalt DW745 with stand for Christmas. She’s a keeper (my wife and the saw)
Plain grainy
I always thought the table saw & jointer were the most dangerous. I personally wouldn’t consider gifting either one. Just from a concern over them being injured.
Pete
Great gift idea but I just can’t find someone to give me one as a Holiday gift.