There are very few brands that are more popular than Dewalt in the table saw market. With a wide selection of high-quality yet affordable table saws, you will be spoilt for choice when going through the company’s table saw catalog.
Instead of going through their entire catalog, though, we decided to pit two of the company’s most popular table saws against each other, Dewalt dw745 vs. dwe7480.
The two saws are evenly matched in several areas; however, based on our analysis, the dwe7480 edges out its counterpart, but only slightly.
Without further ado, let’s see how these two saws compare, shall we?
Overview Of The dw745 Table Saw
The dw745 is an affordable alternative to other pricier models. But while it is priced at a relatively affordable price tag, it does not compromise on performance. If you need more affordable options then check these best table saw under $200 selections.
It comes with a 10-inch carbide-miter blade with 24 teeth and is sufficient for cutting through thick pieces of lumber. You can angle this blade at an angle of between 0 and 45 degrees.
As for power, it is powered by a 15 amp motor. The latter churns out an impressive 1,850W of power, which translates to 3,850 RPM. With this kind of power, you can cut through wood without any snags or stalls.
Most table saws in the dw745 price tag do not come with a fence. So it is great to see that Dewalt added a rip and pinion fence on this model. There is also a 2.5-inch dust collection port that can be connected to a vacuum cleaner.
What we liked
- Weighing 45 pounds, it is lightweight enough for carrying.
- It is offered at a relatively affordable price tag.
- Comes with a rack and pinion fence that can be locked into place
- There is a blade guard for safety.
What we did not like
- It has a lower RPM compared to the dw7480, which is in the same price tag.
- Has a smaller rip capacity of 20 inches
The Alternatives Of Dewalt dwe7480 and dw745
While the dw745 and dwe7480 are both capable table saws, a new kid on the Dewalt table saw block, the dwe7485. The latter is vastly superior to its two predecessors.
It maintains the same lightweight design of its two predecessors while umping up the power. With the new model, you get an impressive 5800 RPM and a rip capacity of 24.5 inches.
The most surprising thing is that it manages to do this while maintaining a reasonable price tag and sporting an 8.5-inch blade.
Overview Of The dwe7480 Table Saw
The dwe7480 is similar to the dw745 in many ways. As such, you can expect the same 15 amp motor, 10-inch carbide blade, and lightweight construction.
However, the dwe7480 has a little something extra up its sleeves. While it has the same motor, it has a blade speed of 4800 RPM. This is significantly higher than the 3850 RPM you get from the dw745.
More importantly, it has a better rip capacity of 24.5 inches compared to its counterpart’s 20-inch rip capacity.
The dust port on this model is also similar to that of the dw745 and features a port for connecting to a vacuum cleaner.
What we liked
- Has a higher blade speed than the dw745
- It is compact and does not require a lot of storage space.
- Has a better rip capacity than its counterpart
- The table saw surface is coated for a smooth operation.
What we did not like
- It comes with a less extensive warranty.
- Is a bit costlier compared to the dw745
Dewalt dw745 vs dwe7480: Comparison
RIP capacity:
When comparing the two table saws’ rip capacity, it is clear that the dwe7480 comes out on top. It has a rip capacity of 24.5 inches, which is significantly higher than the 20-inch rip capacity of the dw745.
Miter gauge:
An area where both saws disappoint is the miter gauge. On both, the miter gauge is not up to scratch. That of the dw745, in particular, is made of plastic, and since everything is black, it is hard to read.
That of the dwe7480 is also of poor quality. So while the dwe7480 is slightly better, this is an area that needs improving for both saws.
Push stick:
These two Dewalt models feature a push stick, which, as the name suggests, you can use to push wood towards the spinning blade. This is a safety feature that ensures you can cut wood without getting your hands actively involved.
Blade guard:
Both table saws feature a blade guard, another safety feature to protect your hands from the spinning winner. In this regard, there is no clear winner as far as the blade guard is concerned.
Carbide blade:
Another component that is the same on both saws is the blade. On both saws, the blade is a 10-inch carbide blade. Thus yet again, there is no clear winner here.
Site-Pro Modular Guard:
The two also feature a site-pro modular guard system. The latter allows for tool-free adjustments of the guarding components of the two table saws.
Motor:
The same15 amp motor powers the two saws. Thus, there is no difference yet again here.
No-load speed:
Inspite of them using the same motor, the no-load speed is not the same. The dw745 manages a no-load speed of 3850 RPM. On the other hand, the dwe7480 manages an impressive 4800 RPM no-load speed. Thus it is the better of the two when it comes to no-load speed.
Blade angle:
When it comes to the blade angle, both table saws’ blades can be angled from 0 to 45 degrees.
Rear feet:
Both saws also feature rear feet. The latter comes in handy when you want to use either of the two saws on an uneven surface.
Riving knife:
There is also a riving knife on both saws. However, both sets of riving knives have their problems. For the dw745, some uses have complained of it sitting higher than the saw blade. On the dwe7480, the complaint is regarding the kerf, which can be thicker than most blades.
Metal roll cage:
Both saws ship with a metal roll cage to improve durability and toughness in job sites. The roll cage on the dw745 is made from steel and thus is tougher and more durable.
Fence rails:
One area where the two table saws excel is the fence. They both feature a rack and pinion fence. The fence comes with rails, which is rare to find in table saws at this price point.
Dado blade:
Both table saws are compatible with dado blades, and you can swap out the default carbide tipped blade for a dado blade when you want to cut other materials.
Blade size:
As expected, the two saws feature the same blade a 10-inch carbide-tipped blade.
Overload protection:
There is also overload protection in both saws. This feature is found in the motor housing in both saws.
Lightweight:
While both saws are lightweight, weighing less than 50 pounds, the dw745 is more lightweight, weighing 45pounds compared to the 48 pounds weight of the dwe7480. Thus in terms of weight, the dw745 comes out on top.
Anti-kickback mechanism:
Another feature that is found on both saws is the anti-kickback mechanism. This is a safety feature to protect your hands.
Dust port and collection:
Both saws also feature a dust port, and the best part about this dust port is that it can be connected to a vacuum cleaner.
Conclusion
The dwe7480 performs better because of its higher RPM and rip capacity. It is ideal for professionals. On the other hand, the dw745, which is cheaper, will be sufficient for most DIYers and hobbyists.
However, both saws have a replacement in the form of the dwe7485. The latter offers a higher RPM and rip capacity. Also, it is priced at an affordable price tag.