If there is a brand I trust without any doubt when it comes to power tools, it is Dewalt. Naturally, I was inclined to go through their range of table saws when I was looking to buy a new one. So, I went for Dewalt DWE7485 table saw, and here are the things that I found after buying it.
The powerful motor of DWE7485 offered quick and easy cuts through different materials, rack and pinion system was easy to use, improving the versatility of this saw. The one feature that stood out was the dual dust collection system that worked very efficiently to collect chips.
| Speed | 5800RPM |
| Weight | 54 Pounds |
| Table Dimensions (HxLxW) | 12.8 x 22.7 x 14.8 inches |
| Blade Size | 8.25 inches |
| Rip Capacity | 24.5-inches |
| Bevel Capacity (Degrees) | 45 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
The Dewalt DWE7485 instantly had my attention, and after some research, I ended up purchasing this one. So what made the DWE7485 stand out compared to other models? Read this Dewalt DWE7485 review which will give you all the answers!
I spent hours doing my research about the various features offered by this product, to make sure I had no regrets whatsoever while making this purchase. If you are in the same position as me, being unsure whether this product is the right one for you, do stick with me!
My detailed DWE7485 review will help you understand the various aspects of this table saw, giving you all the details you need to confirm if this product is perfect for you!
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links.
Table of Contents
Dewalt DWE7485 Review
A table saw is one of the most vital tools for a woodworker. It consists of a centrally aligned blade surrounded by a work table. The primary purpose of this type of saw is to give users the facility to cut across the length of plywood boards, commonly known as a rip cut.
Dewalt has pioneered innovation in the power tools industry since its establishment. The Dewalt DWE7485 helped make this saw even more compact and portable, making it the perfect choice for those looking to carry a table saw to different job sites.
This saw has plenty of features that attracted me to purchase it. Do read on as I list out these features and explain to you in detail to give you a better understanding of the product.
Apart from this, I will let you know what features attracted me and the few aspects of this product that let me down. If you’re not sure who this product was designed for, I will let you know the people for whom this saw is a perfect verdict.
I will end this review with my verdict about this product, which should convince you if this saw is the best one for you!
Features
- Power source and motor: The motor is rated at 15 amps and 110V, making it compatible with all wall-mounted power supply sockets. The motor is corded and spins the blade to a maximum no-load speed of 5800 RPM.
The first time I switched on this motor, I was amazed by its power and smoothness. It took absolutely no time to reach its no-load speed, proving to me just how efficient the design of the motor was.
Despite having a smaller blade, the motor helped me make quick and easy cuts without too much effort. At the same time, there was no compromise on the quality of the cut, as it was smooth and precise.
- Blade dimensions: This table saw is compatible with an 8-¼” blade that is provided by the manufacturer. It has a maximum cutting depth of 2-9/16” at 90° while having a maximum blade tilt of 45°. The maximum rip cut capacity of the blade is 24.5” on both sides.
I was initially hesitant about the smaller blade because of its reduced availability and options compared to the 10” blades. However, the blade surprised me with the ease with which it cut through materials, even the harder ones.
I liked the tilt angle facility that the blade provided me initially. However, the stability and accuracy of the cut that I got were less than satisfactory. This was mainly due to the subpar performance of the onboard miter gauge, which affected its cutting performance at angles.
The cutting depth and rip cut capacity were perfect for me. I knew exactly what I was signing up for when I bought this model, and the saw performed just as advertised in terms of its cutting dimensions.
- Fence and material support: The table of this saw is made of hard plastic. The rack and pinion telescoping fence give users the option to increase the default table dimensions. It has an inbuilt measurement system that gives the dimensions for both left and right-handed cuts.
While the table is made of plastic was reasonable, considering the weight reduction it offers, I noticed the scratches over-usage quite quickly. This made my saw appear worn out and used more than it actually was.
The telescoping fence was a truly amazing feature to use. The system was smooth and easy to use, allowing me to expand the usage of my table saw. The inbuilt measurement tape was accurate and well thought out.
The yellow and white tape markings clearly indicated the left and right-handed cuts to avoid confusion.
Once I gained a little experience with adjusting and reading the measurements of the fence system, I found no use of my measurement tape in the cutting process.
That was how accurate the inbuilt markings were, which was so much more convenient.
- Safety features: The Dewalt DWE7485 comes with a power loss reset feature to prevent accidental blade restarts when the power resumes. It also comes with anti-kickback pawls, a riving knife, and a modular guard system. On purchase of a new product, the user is also provided with a push stick.
I am someone who does not take chances when it comes to safety while operating such dangerous power tools. While doing my research, I was attracted to the plethora of safety features integrated into the product.
The power loss reset switch is very important, especially if the power supply is erratic at the job site. It can help prevent accidental blade restarts that can cause grievous injury to the operator.
The anti-kickback pawls prevent the piece from kicking back if the blade reverses direction while cutting. It combines well with the riving knife, which ensures the cut piece moves away from the blade, making the cutting motion unidirectional for additional safety. The push stick was a nice touch, even though I already had one in my workshop.
The best part of the modular guarding system was the ease of using and adjusting it. Making changes to the height of the guard was a seamless process that did not need any tools, which was very helpful in situations where I had workpieces of varying heights that had to be cut quickly.
- Dust extraction: This table saw has two dust extraction ports. Ports are located above the blade as well as below the table to collect the chips produced during cutting.
I loved how user-friendly Dewalt was trying to make this product. The upper port worked decently, but it was the port at the bottom that really stole the show. It worked efficiently and helped me connect most of the chips when connected to my shop vac.
One disadvantage of the upper port was that it was connected to the blade guard assembly. As a result, the upper hose had to be loose and tension-free. I had the unfortunate encounter when the tension on the hose led to the riving knife being moved, which ruined the accuracy of my cut.
- Accessories and other features: This product is compatible with a number of Dewalt stand designed to increase stability and portability. It also comes with an onboard storage facility that allows you to store all accessories and tools of the table saw in one place.
The manufacturer also includes blade-changing wrenches in the contents of the package. I cannot stress how much more convenient it was to use this table saw thanks to the onboard storage facility.
I have a tendency to leave my tools scattered all over, which results in me searching for them frequently. Having all of them in one place saved me this trouble while giving me the option to keep them secure when taking it out of my workshop.
The blade-changing wrenches provided by Dewalt made life easier when I wanted to swap blades for different cutting applications. It was perfectly designed for this saw, making blade changes a hassle-free process.
My only issue is that this saw didn’t come with a default stand. I sure had a list of compatible stands provided by Dewalt but was not the happiest when I realized I had to spend more money to get one of them.
- Warranty: This product has a 3-year warranty and 90-day money back guarantee if the customer is not happy with the performance of this product. Customers can also avail of free service from the manufacturer for a year.
Things I Liked
- Compact and lightweight design
The design of this table saw was so efficient. It maximized the usage of space well, which increased its portability. The addition of a roll cage and handle for carrying made it the perfect saw to carry around when required.
This was further helped by the fact that the tool weighs just 54 lbs. It was hard to believe that a table saw could weigh so less initially. Trust me though, the DWE7485 is actually this light and portable, even with your tools and accessories safely stowed away in the onboard storage.
- Great motor and blade combination
The motor was powerful and more than capable of spinning the blades to really high speeds. As a result, it made long rip cuts easy and effortless. I loved how this saw tackled almost all the materials I threw at it, without compromising on the quality and finish of the end product.
- Safety features
The safety features on this product are commendable. Dewalt decided to take no chance and give them a product so safe that customers would trust it irrespective of their experience around power tools.
The most commendable features were the easy-to-adjust pro-modular guard and the power reset switch to prevent accidental blade restarts.
As a customer, I felt so much more confident and safe operating this particular table saw. What I really enjoyed was that these safety features were provided while ensuring they did not come in the way of the true purpose of the DWE7485, which is cutting through materials.
- A dual dust collection system
This feature was very helpful in maintaining the cleanliness of my workspace, especially over long hours. I had two options to collect the chips produced while cutting.
While the upper port had its minor issues, I was amazed by how well the bottom port collected chips when connected to my shop vac.
It saved me a bunch of time as I did not have to clean up the working area too extensively after finishing my cutting jobs.
- Easy to use and accurate fence
The telescoping fence was a dream to use. Its rack and pinion adjustment mechanism combined well with the knob adjustments to give me accurate settings upto 1/16 of an inch. Its thoughtful design allowed me to make left and right-handed cuts with ease.
It is very rare that a measuring aid from the manufacturer is so good that it makes specialized tools redundant. The accuracy of the system was so good that it eliminated the need for a measuring tape altogether.
- Endurance to harsh weather conditions
How I came across this feature is a funny story. I left my saw on the flatbed of my truck over the holidays and completely forgot about it. Over this period, we encountered a snowstorm and some extreme weather conditions. When I finally realized what had happened, I thought I had wrecked my saw.
However, it was unfazed by the weather! I just had to blow dry it for a bit and it started with no issues whatsoever. The rugged construction is also water-resistant, preventing any damage to the sensitive electrical components within the saw.
- Value for money
After all the features I have listed out, you might think I spent a fortune buying this saw. However, I myself was surprised at the bargain I got while buying it. This table saw is very competitively priced, considering the great facilities and features offered to the customer.
On top of that, being a product from the Dewalt line-up means you get a long-lasting product that will serve you well over the long run. You can buy the Dewalt DWE7485 from Amazon, HomeDepot, and Lowe’s or from their official website. (Click here to check the latest price of the Dewalt DWE7485 from Amazon)
Things I Did Not Like
- Not compatible with dado blades
I found the lack of dado blade compatibility its biggest drawback. This restricted the usage of my saw when it came to cutting slots. Cabinet makers will especially have trouble with this, because of the frequency with which they will have the requirement of cutting slots through workpieces.
- Does not come with a stand
For the price I paid and the number of accessories the manufacturer had provided, I felt they could have included a stand too. I was not happy to be spending a significant amount to buy a stand to use this product, even though I had a number of options to choose from depending on my requirement.
- Inaccurate blade tilt adjustment
The miter gauge provided with the blade was not the most ideal. While it was nice to have the blade tilt facility, more often than not, my angles were off by a considerable angle. The blade also wasn’t too stable, as the miter gauge did not lock the blade too firmly at angles.
While you can use this feature if you are learning your way around the table saw and its features, I would recommend against it if you are looking for precision in your work.
- Extensive plastic construction
Replacing metal with plastic makes a lot of sense considering this product was designed to be lightweight and portable. However, it made the product feel a lot less premium. However, the place where I felt the plastic worked most against the product was the work table.
The scratches formed really quickly, as a result of which the table eventually lost its smoothness and shine. I could feel the increased friction rather soon, which had an effect on the cutting process.
- Reduced blade compatibility
The reduced blade size meant I had a reduced number of options when it came to choosing blades. The smaller blade size made the product more compatible, but also limited my cutting options more than I would have liked.
For what kind of people is it for?
If you are someone who requires a table saw that can be carried around easily, then this saw is ideal for you. This includes contractors moving across multiple job sites in a day.
The saw is also perfect for those looking for a compact saw that has an extendable range when required. It works in situations where you do not have too much space to set up a permanent table saw in your workshop.
However, if you are looking for something with more features that cabinet makers and professional woodworkers may need, then you may have to look elsewhere.
This model might not be the best choice for those looking to work with larger pieces, as the fence extension on this model is limited to medium-length workpieces.
If you don’t like this table saw then you can also check out some of the best entry-level table saw, we have made a detailed list of some great products.
Things to Keep in Mind while Buying a Table Saw
- Types of Table Saws
Table saws are broadly classified into portable and stationary saws.
Portable table saws are designed to be lightweight and compact. They do not have too many features but can be carried easily, making it convenient for those requiring a table saw on the go. It is further classified into benchtop, compact, and Jobsite models, with differences in the power, size, and cost of the saws.
Stationary saws on the other hand are permanent installations. They are heavy and cannot be moved around. They offer a number of features and their usage can be expanded by adding accessories for different applications.
These saws are expensive and use up a lot of space. They are further classified into contractor, hybrid, and cabinet models depending on their size, tool compatibility, and output power
- Motor and Drive Systems
The drive system connects the motor to the blade of the table saw, providing a mechanism for spinning the blade.
Direct drive systems do not have a belt. In such a system, the blade is connected directly to the motor, resulting in efficient transmission. However, the speed of the blade is limited as a result and are much louder
Belt drive systems on the other hand use a belt to transmit power from the motor to the blade. While efficiency is reduced, it allows for increased speeds of the blade and can operate much quieter than the direct-drive systems. It can also be quickly offset to get rid of dust and debris trapped within the mechanism.
- Safety features
Table saws are dangerous power tools. The most basic safety features that one must ensure on these products are a blade guard as well as anti-kickback pawls This prevents the blade from coming in contact with the operator due to unforeseen circumstances.
Other safety features that manufacturers provide include push sticks, riving knife and power reset feature. While users can make do without these, they make the operation of cutting using a table saw much more user-friendly.
- Blade features
The material of the blade will help you decide exactly what materials you plan to cut using your table saw. Another important aspect is the maximum speed of the blade, to ensure its compatibility with the motor of the table saw you are planning to use it with.
Other aspects of the table saw you must check with respect to the blade include the dimensions of the blade as well as the arbor a table saw can accommodate. Dado blade compatibility is a useful feature that some table saws offer for cabinet and furniture makers.
- Compatible accessories and other features
The basic features that most table saws offer include storage facilities for tools as well as dust chutes and ports that assist in chip collection while cutting through materials.
It is important to identify the reasons for purchasing a table saw. If you have plans of expanding the usage of these products, then you must check features like table extensions, crosscut sleds, and stands that can accommodate your growing needs.
Verdict
I absolutely love the Dewalt DWE7485 table saw for a number of reasons. It is lightweight, compact, and portable, giving me the flexibility of carrying it around when needed while having a rugged design for rough use.
It is one of the easiest table saws to use with a powerful motor and blade combination allowing you to make rip cuts without any hassles whatsoever. The emphasis on safety and value for money offered truly enhanced my experience, making me one happy customer at the end of the day.
It does have its faults though. Not having a stand and the lack of compatibility with dado blades serve as its biggest drawbacks.
The loss of accuracy in angled cuts and largely plastic construction reduce the premium feel usually offered by Dewalt.
After knowing the pros and cons, would I recommend this product? Yes, this product is absolutely worth the money you spend while purchasing it. (Click here to check the latest price of the Dewalt DWE7485 from Amazon)
If you have ventured into the world of woodworking or are looking for plenty of features without paying a hefty sum of money, this product is perfect for you!
It is also a great product for those who move around regularly from one job site to another, giving them a portable option that offers good performance.
However, if you are someone looking for extreme precision and accuracy, or aim to work on larger pieces, this may not be what you are looking for. The same goes for users looking to expand the functionality of this table saw at a later stage.
— Also read: What can a Miter Saw do that a Table Saw Can’t?