DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw Review: A Comprehensive Assessment
In the realm of power tools, DEWALT has long been recognized as a hallmark of quality, reliability, and innovation. The DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw epitomizes these qualities, delivering a robust performance suitable for both contractors and woodworking enthusiasts alike. This review delves into various aspects of the DWE7491RS, examining its features, performance, and usability to determine whether it truly lives up to the DEWALT name.
Key Features and Specifications
- Brand: DEWALT
- Color: Yellow/Black/Silver
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Special Feature: Integrated Brake
- Included Components: Rolling Stand, Push Stick, Miter Gauge, Rip Fence, Blade Wrenches, Blade Guard Assembly, 10″ 24-Tooth Carbide Blade
- Dimensions: 31″L x 24″W x 28.52″H
- Weight: 110 Pounds
- Speed: 4800 RPM
- Rip Capacity: 32-1/2 Inches
- Depth of Cut: 3-1/8″ at 90 degrees, 2-1/4″ at 45 degrees
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty
Design and Assembly
Upon unboxing the DWE7491RS, one is immediately struck by the sturdy construction and thoughtful design. The saw arrives largely assembled, requiring minimal setup, which is a huge advantage for those who dread lengthy assembly processes. The fence mechanism is ingeniously stored upside down on the rails, making it easy to access. The rolling stand is also noteworthy; while it may require some individual leg adjustments, it provides an excellent foundation for stability during operation.
Users have remarked on the heavy yet manageable weight of the saw. At 110 pounds, it’s substantial but not unwieldy, allowing for easy transport between job sites. The telescoping fence rails retract to form a compact package, which is a significant plus for storage.
Performance and Usability
The DWE7491RS features a powerful 15 amp motor that effortlessly rips through hardwoods, making it suitable for a variety of cutting tasks. The 32-1/2 inch rip capacity allows users to tackle larger materials with ease, such as plywood and trim boards, while the depth of cut at both 90 and 45 degrees offers versatility in project applications.
One standout feature is the rack and pinion telescoping fence system, which allows for smooth and accurate adjustments. Users have praised this feature, as it eliminates the need for constant measuring and squaring for each cut. Additionally, the onboard storage system for accessories, including the push stick and miter gauge, keeps everything organized and easily accessible, enhancing the overall user experience.
However, some users have noted that the miter gauge could be improved. While it serves its purpose, it may not fit as snugly in the groove as some would prefer, and there’s no clear indicator for the 90-degree mark. Nonetheless, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise stellar design.
Dust Collection and Safety Features
Dust collection can often be an afterthought in table saw design, but DEWALT has integrated a 2-1/2 inch dust collection port that connects effortlessly to a vacuum system. This feature minimizes cleanup time and helps maintain a clean workspace, which is especially important in professional settings.
Safety is paramount when working with powerful machinery, and the DWE7491RS does not disappoint. Its integrated brake feature ensures that the blade stops quickly, enhancing user safety. Additionally, the design prevents the saw from restarting after a power outage, further safeguarding against accidents.
Portability and Storage
One of the standout features of the DWE7491RS is its portability. The rolling stand allows for quick setup and breakdown, making it convenient for job site use. While some users have expressed minor concerns regarding the stand’s individual leg adjustments, the overall stability it provides is commendable.
Moreover, the saw’s design allows it to fold up neatly for easy storage. Users have found that it occupies minimal space, making it a practical choice for those with limited workshop area.
Conclusion
Overall, the DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw is a versatile and powerful tool that meets the needs of both professionals and hobbyists. Its combination of innovative features, robust performance, and thoughtful design makes it a standout in its category. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as the miter gauge fit, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
In conclusion, whether you’re constructing furniture, cabinetry, or tackling larger projects, the DEWALT DWE7491RS is a worthy investment that will serve you reliably for years to come.
KEs –
I bought this saw to replace my old Skil table saw, and it couldn’t have come at a better time with the pandemic going on. I’m preparing to build an Ark in case the world faces another 40 days and nights of chaos.
Assembly:
The saw arrived in a hefty box that was quite a workout to lift. Everything was packed securely, and I found no damage—other than to my back. The saw was mostly assembled, requiring only the fence to be attached, which was straightforward. It’s stored upside down on the rails, so you’ll need one hand to support it while unlatching the levers on both sides. Gently lower it onto your hand, avoiding the floor, and you’ll see notches on both ends that fit onto pegs on the rails. There are three positions: one on the left and two on the right. The first position on the right, closest to the blade, allows for a maximum rip of 24 inches, while the second allows for 32 inches.
Most of your assembly time will be spent on the stand. A nice detail is that the nuts and bolts come separated and labeled in plastic bags. Take your time and follow the diagram, which is accurate and easy to understand. Just a tip: pay attention to the washers, as they might be slipped onto the bolts and secured by the nuts, giving the impression that all three are needed for a specific part. In reality, only the nut and bolt are needed, while the washer goes elsewhere. Again, follow the manual closely—thankfully, it wasn’t written by an angry five-year-old.
Once the stand is complete, carefully place the table saw upside down on a soft surface, avoiding your wife’s expensive rug—trust me, that’s a potential marriage wrecker. Next, position the stand upside down on the saw, ensuring the DeWalt logo on the stand and the saw are on the same side; otherwise, well, let’s just say the universe may not be happy. Tighten the four nuts that connect the stand to the saw, and then find a safe way to flip this impressive setup right side up.
Adjustments:
The blade came perfectly set at 90 degrees, so no need for adjustment there. However, the 45-degree stop was slightly off—about 44.359 degrees. It seemed overly tightened, possibly by a machine or a prankster employee. I’ll apply some lubricant to the bolt later to tackle that. The other adjustments I made included aligning the fence parallel to the blade and correcting the measurement marker just above the power button. To adjust the fence, raise the blade to its highest point and slide the fence until it contacts the blade. If it needs adjustment, back it off a bit, lock the rail, and loosen the peg on the side the fence is attached to. Slide the rail gently until the fence touches the blade, then tighten the peg. Repeat this for the opposite side to ensure even contact.
Check that the measurement marker is at zero; if not, loosen the screws and adjust it accordingly. Remember, the fence can sit in three positions, so make sure it’s parallel in all of them. Personally, I don’t think I’ll be using the left side or the furthest position on the right, so I skipped checking those.
Accuracy:
I set the fence at 20 inches from the blade and ripped a sheet of 3/4″ OSB plywood. When finished, every measurement along the length was spot on at 20 inches, which is fantastic! Most of my cuts will be at 90 degrees, so I’m pleased for now.
Power:
So far, I’ve ripped through 3/4 inch plywood and crosscut a few 2x4s, and it cut through them effortlessly. Speaking of cutting, does anyone actually use a hot knife to slice butter? How do you heat it up? Seems like a lot of hassle.
Observations and notes:
The stand feels sturdy and didn’t wobble even under a thick sheet of plywood. The levers for folding the legs are a great feature! I replaced the default blade with a 60-tooth Diablo blade, and the cuts are incredibly smooth. The included push stick is handy and stores neatly on the back of the fence. The pull-down support on the fence is another nice addition for wide cuts.
Now, the miter gauge is the only drawback. It wobbles a bit on the track, which seems to be a common cost-cutting issue on saws today. However, it should suffice for my needs. It might also serve as a last resort weapon against unwelcome interruptions from family or neighbors.
Lastly, while changing blades, I noticed a raised indentation on the spindle where the blade attaches—possibly a manufacturing defect. I carefully sanded it down with 200-grit sandpaper to prevent any wobble.
Overall, this saw is amazing and a significant upgrade from my old Skil model.
Pete –
I was quite impressed. While the assembly instructions could have been clearer, they were definitely adequate for putting the saw together. Once assembled, I was amazed to find that everything had its own storage space—it felt like they thought of everything. I’m really happy with this purchase. Great job, Dewalt!
Pablo –
The saw took a bit longer to arrive than expected, but everything was in order. I had to adjust the blade parallel to the guide and set the 90 and 45-degree angles. After that, it worked perfectly, delivering really nice cuts. It’s very easy to operate, and the pinion and rack adjustments make it straightforward. It is a bit noisy, but you can’t expect a machine of this power to be silent. It performed exceptionally well, cutting through 19mm plywood and pine wood so smoothly that you hardly notice. I highly recommend it.
Dan H. –
I’ve been using this table saw for over two years, and it has performed exceptionally well for a variety of projects. It comes with many useful features that enhance the overall user experience. Dewalt has done a fantastic job of incorporating storage for the saw’s accessories. For example, the push stick conveniently stores on the back of the fence, making it easy to access and put away. There’s also an accessible spot on the back for the miter gauge. I especially appreciate how Dewalt stores the guide fence below the table, keeping it out of the way when not in use.
The only drawback is the stand that comes with the saw. It has four legs that must be individually extended, which requires the saw to be pulled upright. While it does provide a stable base, this design significantly hampers the saw’s portability. To transport it between job sites, you first have to convert it to its storage configuration, move it, and then set it up again. While Dewalt offers a collapsible stand for their miter saws that facilitates easy movement, unfortunately, there isn’t a similar option for their table saws.
Markley S. Roderick –
DeWalt has truly hit the mark with this saw, offering an exceptional portable option packed with smart features that delivers precise and beautiful cuts—all at an affordable price.
It’s more than sufficient for contractors, easy to adjust, and highly portable. Surprisingly, it also meets the needs of most, if not all, woodworkers. While a $5,000 half-ton saw has its advantages, I believe the portability and cost-effectiveness of this model far outweigh them.
The cuts from this saw are impressive. Sure, a $5,000 model might provide a slightly better cut, but ultimately, you’ll be taking your wood to the jointer anyway. For those like me, a few thousandths of an inch shaved off with a jointer hand plane produces a finish that no table saw can match.
The fence is both accurate and adjustable, allowing for perfect alignment with the miter slots. While a larger, pricier saw may make breaking down sheet goods easier, that’s where circular saws and track saws come into play.
The longer in-feed and out-feed surfaces on a big saw are beneficial, but they can easily be constructed for your shop or managed with portable rollers temporarily.
This saw has plenty of power. While a larger saw might handle certain jobs better, that’s true across the board.
It’s worth noting that this saw lacks the SawStop safety feature. As someone who has used table saws for years, I consider SawStop somewhat of a gimmick. It does work to prevent serious injuries, but kickback remains the biggest danger with table saws. This saw comes equipped with an excellent riving knife, and I’ve added an aftermarket Grr-Ripper for extra safety.
When new woodworkers ask, “Which table saw should I buy?” I believe DeWalt has transformed that conversation with this impressive model, making it a fantastic choice not just for beginners.
bryce –
After purchasing a fixer-upper house and wanting to dive back into basic cabinet and furniture making, I realized I needed a table saw. Space and budget constraints ruled out a full-size cabinet saw, so I was looking for something foldable that I could easily store in my basement and bring outside when needed.
After thorough research, I chose this saw, and I’m glad I did. It’s evident that it was designed by people who understand saws and have put a lot of thought into its features. From the convenient push stick storage to the efficient fence mechanism and the straightforward setup and tuning instructions, everything is well-considered.
The construction is solid yet lightweight, allowing one person to easily maneuver it. The stand is sturdy and folds up neatly when not in use. The fence shows no flex when locked in place, and the table feels robust as well.
The dust collection is satisfactory; however, the additional dust port on the blade guard requires a different hose size, which I don’t use. If that port were utilized, it would likely achieve nearly 100% dust collection. With a shop vac attached, it captures over 95% of the dust, leaving no fine particles in the air—great for indoor use.
After about six months of regular use, I’ve identified only a couple of minor issues, neither of which would deter me from purchasing this saw again. My main concerns are:
1) I wish the saw came with a hose to connect the guard dust collection port to the main under-table port.
2) I would love for DeWalt to offer a table extension. While I appreciate the fence mechanism, it complicates creating a custom table for it. However, this isn’t a significant setback, as there are alternative solutions.
dfx –
This is an excellent saw, exactly what I was expecting. It’s solid, a good size (compared to the DW745), and offers very good precision once you make the necessary adjustments. The speed and versatility are impressive overall.
Pros:
Cons:
Rory Arsenault –
I purchased this saw after using a used Mastercraft 10″ tablesaw, and the difference is incredible. This unit feels robust, and all the features are extremely user-friendly. The design that integrates all its components is fantastic. The rack and pinion rip fence is a game changer for me—no more measuring and squaring for each cut. My only minor complaint is with the miter gauge; it doesn’t fit snugly in the groove, and there’s no indicator for finding the 90-degree mark. Otherwise, this is a beautifully designed saw with a solid frame.