Does DeWALT DW745 accept dado blades?

Does Dewalt DW745 accept dado blades

The DeWALT’s DW745 is quite affordable, quite tough in its design, easy to move around and it packs plenty of power to handle most woodworking tasks. That’s why so many beginner and intermediate woodworkers decide to equip their small workshops with this little beast.

However, just like any other tool, the DeWALT DW745 has its limitations. One of those limitations is the inability to host a Dado blade stack.

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Discontinued
DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw, 20-Inch Rip...
Motor
15 Amp, 110 V
Rip Capacity
20"
Warranty
90 Day Money Back Guarantee, 1 Year Free Service Contract, 3 Year Limited Warranty
Client Rating
-
Learn More
Discontinued
Thumbnail
DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw, 20-Inch Rip...
Motor
15 Amp, 110 V
Rip Capacity
20"
Warranty
90 Day Money Back Guarantee, 1 Year Free Service Contract, 3 Year Limited Warranty
Client Rating
-
Learn More

The DeWalt DW745 Dado Blade Dilemma

Unfortunately, the DeWALT DW745 is not compatible with a stacking Dado blade set or with a wobbling Dado blade. As you can see in DeWALT’s FAQ section for the model itself, they state that “No similar to our other compact table saws (DWE7485 and DW745), the unit does not accept DADO stacks.” This is also addressed in the Instruction Manual supplied with the table saw, on page 15 under “Saw Blades,” adding that personal injury may occur if a dado blade is used.

One issue is the arbor length, which will not provide enough space for a dado stack as well as the tightening nut to thread completely onto the arbor. Also, DeWALT has not designed a throat plate for this model that will accommodate dado blades.

Fortunately, DeWALT does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee in case you’ve already purchased this saw, and its inability to host Dado blade sets is a deal-breaker for you. That may be something that you can take advantage of so that you can return this model and find a table saw that will allow you to use Dado blades.

Which DeWALT Table Saws Accept Dado Sets?

DeWALT DWE7491X Table Saw

DEWALT Table Saw, 10 Inch, 15 Amp, 32 ½-Inch Rip...
  • Rack & pinion telescoping fence system make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
  • 32-1/2 In. Rip capacity easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
  • Two position flip-over rip fence allows for narrow rip cuts and material support

OVERVIEW

On-board storage and a rack-and-pinion fence make this saw easy to use. What’s most important in this case is that DWE7491X accepts dado blade sets.

PROS

  • Accepts dado blades.
  • This saw has a smaller profile in depth, height, and width when compared to the other DeWALT products.
  • A 2.5-inch dust collection port is good for attaching to a shop vac to remove debris.
  • A two-position flip-over rip fence allows for a variety of support options.

CONS

  • This model costs more than the DWE7491RS.
  • The scissor stand included here is not as good as the other DeWALT stand with wheels.

DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw

On Sale
DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch...
  • Your purchase includes one Dewalt table saw, 10inch 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter gauge, rip fence, 2x blade wrenches, blade guard assembly manual
  • Other Specs: Max rip to left of blade – 22inch | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2inch | Max width of Dado – 13/16inch | Arbor size – 5/8inch | Amps – 15 | Depth of cut at 45inch –...
  • Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability

Full Review: DEWALT DWE7491RS Review

OVERVIEW

The manufacturer offers a throat plate, sold separately, that is designed for this model. The wheeled base makes this a good choice if your shop is somewhere that requires you to move power tools when not in use.

PROS

  • Accepts dado blades
  • A wheeled base makes this table saw easy to move
  • It can make 32 1/2-inch rip cuts
  • It costs less than the DWE7491X

CONS

  • The wheels on the base can get in the way as you cut
  • It lacks the better fence found on the DWE7491X

Popular Alternatives That Accept Dado Blades

Makita 2705 Contractor Table Saw

Makita 2705 10' Table Saw
  • Powerful 15 AMP motor delivers 4,800 RPM for improved performance
  • Large cutting capacity (3-9/16" at 90° and 2-1/2" at 45°) can rip 4x material in one pass; can use up to a 13/16" dado blade
  • Right extension table allows for greater cutting capacity with the capability to rip 4x8 sheets of plywood

OVERVIEW

This table saw weighs only 67 pounds, a weight that is much easier to move by yourself when compared to other table saws.

PROS

  • It is designed to hold up to 13/16-inch of dado blades
  • Its knife/spreader height can be adjusted for dado, through, and non-through cuts
  • Includes two independent kickback pawls

CONS

  • This table saw does not come with a stand, unlike the DeWALT products
  • Makita only offers a one-year warranty on this item

Bosch Jobsite Table Saw GTS1031

Bosch 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw GTS1031...
  • Portable: Ultimate portability and mobility thanks to balanced one handed carry handle and compact design allowing you to bring this table saw along no matter the jobsite
  • Tough: Durable and unique all steel base allows this portable table saw to take on the hardest job site abuse; The all steel base is built to withstand heavy impact and provide long lasting...
  • Precision: Square lock rip fence self aligning design for accurate performance and cutting consistency as you glide along the saw rails with ease; Also features smart guard with anti kickback pawls...

OVERVIEW

For those who may not need to cut through thicker materials, this compact design still provides 15 amps of power and 5,000 no-load RPMs.

PROS

  • This compact design could be ideal for those making only small projects
  • It provides a bevel angle from -2 through 47 degrees
  • It is light enough that you can use the single handle to carry it

CONS

  • This provides only 18 inches of rip capacity
  • You will only be able to go 2 1/4 inches deep with a 90-degree cut

SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Portable Worm Drive Table Saw

SKIL SPT99T-01 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive...
  • Legendary worm drive gearing offers maximum torque for ripping applications
  • Precision rack and pinion system makes fence adjustments quickly and smoothly for accurate cuts
  • Light weight and compact footprint make it easy to move around the jobsite

OVERVIEW

This table saw from Skill is only 8.5 inches, but it can still cut to a depth of 2 5/8 inches at 90 degrees.

PROS

  • Worm gear designs have fewer parts that can break
  • This table saw will provide extra torque to chew through cuts
  • A telescoping fence provides stability and support on longer boards

CONS

  • Worm gear products provide lower RPMs due to their design
  • It has a smaller table surface for supporting wood projects

How To Use A Dado Blade Set?

First off, you need to make sure that the arbor on your table saw can hold the dado blade set. Do not skimp out on spacers or other components in the set trying to squeeze the blades and chippers mounted.

Next, make sure that your table saw has the power to use dado blades. The blade set should provide minimal RPM ratings or other power indicators. Follow these guidelines so that the blades won’t bog down and cause kickbacks as you cut.

Finally, make sure you have a miter fence and attach a sacrificial board to it for proper guidance and to avoid blowout on the back of the cut.

Precautions When Using Dado Blades

I have learned that stacking the chippers in an offset pattern helps make a smoother cut through the wood and will leave a cleaner dado.

Use a sled whenever possible. This will help keep the work aligned as you move into the dado cut, and it keeps your hands and fingers away from the wider cutting area.

If you find your Jobsite/tabletop saw bogging down going into a dado cut, stop the cut. It will be safer (and easier) to simply take multiple passes with a normal blade to get a dado.

Make Dado Cuts Fast

While the DeWALT DW745 will not work with a Dado blade, DeWALT does have Jobsite table saws that do. Also, you can find other reliable jobsite table saws from respected manufacturers that will also accommodate your cutting needs. Find a product that fits your budget and needs so you can get those dado joints made quickly and cleanly.

About the author

Arthur Kudriavcev

Arthur Kudriavcev

I was introduced to woodworking by my grandfather when I was 11 years old. I spend most of my free time working on woodworking projects and writing for this blog. Apart from that, I also enjoy weightlifting and chess.

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