DeWALT has been manufacturing hand and power tools for construction, manufacturing, and woodworking trades since 1923. The company has built a solid reputation for durable tools that provide plenty of power. Does DeWALT live up to its reputation with its line of table saws?
In this DeWALT DWE7491RS review, we’ll take a deeper look at the promises DeWALT makes with this product to help you decide if this is the right table saw for you.
Is Having a Table Saw Necessary?
A table saw is a very useful tool. Not everyone who works with wood needs to have one, though. Carpenters who require speed over accuracy (framers come to mind) may find a good circular saw more beneficial to their work. Amateur woodworkers who work on smaller projects may find that having a miter saw is enough.
With that said, those looking for accuracy in their woodworking will find table saws indispensable. A table saw can produce straight cuts that are critical in cabinetry and home projects. Those cuts are also easily repeated with the use of its rip fence or miter gauge.
The table saw can also be used to make a variety of joinery cuts. Dadoes, rabbets, and grooves are made with multiple passes of the blade or with the use of a dado set. Jigs assist woodworkers with a variety of other cuts, like splines for miter joints.
Professional cabinet makers will find this compact tool indispensable. Amateur hobbyists needing accurate cuts or joinery will also appreciate what the table saw can offer.
Introducing DeWALT DWE7491RS
- 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
DeWALT has designed this 10-inch job site table saw for larger projects. A max rip capacity to the right of the blade comes out to 32.5 inches. The 15 amp electric motor can make cuts of 3 1/8 inch at 90 degrees or 2 1/4 inch at 45 degrees.
Users looking to do cabinetry, including dadoes, are the target audience for this product. Small project makers might consider an alternative. Your purchase will include the table saw, 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, miter gauge, rip fence, blade guard assembly, push stick, and two blade wrenches.
PROS
- Large rip capacity
- Sturdy frame construction
- Great depth of cut
- The wheeled stand is stable
CONS
- Quite expensive
- Heavy
- Limited onboard storage
In comparison, DeWALT’s DW745 is also a 10-inch table saw, but it has a smaller rip capacity. It weighs less, but it does not come with a saw stand.
Another alternative you may consider from DeWALT is the DWE7485 table saw. This table saw uses an 8.25-inch blade that cannot cut as deeply. It is compact, which means that table support and rip capacity are limited.
DeWALT DWE7491RS Features And Benefits
1. It starts with the blade
This table saw is compact, with dimensions of 26.65 x 14.08 x 27.15 inches. You should be able to store this in spaces that other table saws cannot. The only downside to this is that you sacrifice some table size when compared to other products in this category.
This design is also lightweight. It weighs only 46 pounds. That makes it easier for one person to carry, but it also means that some features and materials were left off the design.
2. Fence and rip capacity
The next feature that adds tremendous value to this portable saw is its rip capacity. It has a maximum rip capacity of 32 1/2 inches to the right of the blade. You can also cut up to 22 inches to the left of the blade.
That offers a lot of room for larger panel glue-ups or plywood sheets. A larger left-side rip capacity can be important for left-handed users who like to control the wood with their dominant hand. In either case, it represents more rip capacity than a lot of other compact table saws can offer.
The capacity is a result of the rack and pinion telescoping fence system and the 21 7/8 x 26-inch tabletop. It also provides solid support to your workpiece during the cut.
Measuring lines are easy to read. The controls are smooth, allowing you to make macro or micro adjustments with speed. This fence locks solidly into place, so it should not move on you.
DeWALT’s patented rip fence design can be used to make thin rip cuts safely by flipping it over.
3. This table saw stands with you
DeWALT has supplied a rolling saw stand for this model. This is a must, as the saw would be difficult to carry at 90 pounds. A rolling stand allows you to wheel the saw from location to location, something small shop owners and professional carpenters alike will appreciate.
It uses four legs that extend from the frame and are set up quickly. The handle, support brackets, and wheels should not interfere with operations when using the stand. Most importantly, it provides stability as you cut.
Note that this stand is not the DeWALT DWE74911 Rolling Table Saw Stand, which can be purchased separately.
4. High torque electric motor
This table saw is equipped with a 15-amp electric motor. It is capable of higher torque applications. That allows it to drive a dado blade set, as well as cut through harder materials without bogging down.
Its motor generates up to 4,800 RPMs under no load. Many motors this size create a similar speed when using a 10-inch blade.
5. Safety elements throughout
This table saw uses a blade guard assembly that provides adjustability without having to remove all components. A clear blade cover allows you to see the contact point between the blade and the wood. The no-through cut riving knives will aid in preventing kickback.
A large red safety button cover will turn the saw off when pushed. This cover also prevents the table saw from accidentally turning on by keeping the on button covered. Its 2 1/2 inch dust port can manage sawdust issues for control and safety.
6. Great customer support
DeWALT offers you a 90-day money-back guarantee. The company also provides one year of free service. A three-year limited warranty will also provide consumer confidence over time.
The company maintains a strong online presence with a website and multiple social media platforms. Customers can find online warranty registration and PDF versions of important paperwork, like owner’s manuals. DeWALT maintains a service and dealership system across North America as well.
Buyer Reviews
During my research on the DeWALT DWE 7491RS, I came across plenty of online reviews that had a positive take on its performance.
Reddit’s r/woodworking community members write about its durable construction and the fence system.
Amazon users also have an overall positive opinion of this table saw. Some customers have left detailed reviews about assembly along with updates on how well it cuts.
Professional opinions are also positive concerning the power and performance of the DWE7491RS.
Are There Alternatives?
Yes, there are.
If the Dewalt DWE7491RS does not fit your needs, perhaps one of these products will be a better fit for you:
Bosch 4100XC-10 Job Site Table Saw
- Powerful table saw – has 15-Amp saw with 4. 0 max HP and 3, 650 rpm, for rip-cutting and cross-cutting of fine and rough materials
- Dimensions: 32.5" D x 27" L x 13" H | Product Weight: 94 lb
- Saves space: Large cast aluminum top provides increased work space and material support with a 25 inch. Ripping capacity to cover all typical job site rip cutting widths
The Bosch 4100XC-10 table saw has a similar price point to that of the DeWALT DWE7491RS table saw and offers very similar performance. That said, there are important features in which Bosch excels, making it a better choice for professional carpenters.
PROS
- Bevel capacity ranges from -2 to 47 degrees
- Blade brake stops the blade instantly
- The soft start feature will save motor life
CONS
- Rip capacity at 30 inches
- DWE7491RS has a better rip fence
Detailed Comparison: Bosch vs DEWALT Table Saw
SKILSAW SPT99 Series Worm Drive Table Saw
- Legendary worm drive gearing with 3-5/8 inch depth of cut and 30-1/2 inch rip capacity
- Precision rack and pinion fence system makes fence adjustments quickly and smoothly for accurate cuts
- Rugged rolling stand with 16 inch Wheels and easy-load handles delivers unsurpassed mobility
OVERVIEW
SKILSAW uses a worm drive for the gears in this product. That provides more torque transfer between the motor and the blade. This saw will bog down less during the cut, even in harder woods.
PROS
- Provides more torque
- Larger wheels on the base
- Longer money-back guarantee
CONS
- Has a higher price point
- Maximum rip capacity is smaller
If you need the extra torque, make sure to look more closely at the SPT99-11 from SKILSAW.
Head To Head Comparison: SKILSAW SPT99 Table Saw vs DEWALT DWE7491RS
Metabo C10RJS HPT Jobsite Table Saw
- BEST IN CLASS RIP CAPACITY: 3" to the right x 22" to the left .Table Material : Aluminum
- OVERSIZED TABLE: 28 3/4" x 22" for easy and safer material support
- PRO LEVEL MOTOR: Cooper wound, soft start, electric brake, overload protection, 15 amp, 4,500 RPM
OVERVIEW
Metabo upgraded its build to create the UL-compliant C10RJS table saw. It provides a maximum rip capacity of 35 inches to the right of the blade. This product compares similarly to the DeWALT at both weight and price.
PROS
- An oversized power switch and cover
- Larger rip capacity
- Soft start electric motor
CONS
- Stand legs less sturdy
- Not as good at absorbing vibration
If you are looking for more rip capacity, check out the Metabo C10RJS HPT.
Milwaukee 2736-21HD Cordless Table Saw
- Product is manufactured in China
- This product meets customer requirement
- 5 year warranty on material and workmanship
OVERVIEW
Today’s battery packs are capable of generating the power required by a table saw. This product uses a brushless electric motor. That design element will extend the lifespan of this product while it produces up to 6,800 RPMs under no load.
PROS
- Five-year product warranty
- Operates without an electrical outlet
- Higher RPMs possible
CONS
- Higher price point
- Power output drops during use
- Does not include a stand
If you need a table saw with cordless power, research the Milwaukee 2736-21HD more.
Cutting It Down To Size
This DeWALT DWE7491RS review covered the benefits that extra capacity and durability can offer you as a user. Overall, this table saw is the best table saw to buy for most applications. Good cutting depth, solid material support, accurate fence, and all the basic safety features make it a table saw that beginning and experienced woodworkers alike will appreciate.
- 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