DeWalt Dwe7485 is a big deal in the power tool sector and has been this way since its inception in 1923. It has a great reputation and is well-embraced by most people.
One of its many reputable innovations is the DeWalt DWE7485 table saw, the successor to the amazing and highly efficient DW745 table saw. With this review of the DWE7485 unit, I hope to help you better understand the hype behind it and DeWalt power tools in general.
Specifications of Dewalt Dwe7485
Dimensions: 22.75 by 22.85 by 13 Inches
Weight: 54 lbs.
Amperage: 15
Voltage: 110
No. of teeth: 24
Max speed: 5800 RPM
Blade Size: 8.25 Inches
Arbor Size: 5/8 Inches
Bevel Range: 0 to 45 Degrees
Cut Depth at 450: 1 ¾ inches
Cut Depth at 900: 2 9/16 inches
Max rip to the right: 24.5 inches
Max rip to the left: 12 inches
What I like
This is a lightweight & portable table saw
The rack & pinion system is easy to adjust
It is extremely user-friendly
Its compact build facilitates easy storage and transportation
The powerful 15-amp motor delivers speeds of up to 5800 RPM
The accurate controls contribute to precise cuts.
The power loss prevention feature is much appreciated
It has several safety features
The modular guarding system is impressive
It comes with roomy onboard storage
Excellent customer care and generous warranty
What I Don’t Like
The smaller 8.5-inch blade reduces the rip capacity
It is not compatible with a dado stack and dado blades
It doesn’t have a wheeled stand.
Key Features
Weight and Size
To kick us off is the size and weight of this fantastic table saw. Its dimensions stand at 22.75 by 22.85 by 13 Inches, placing it among the compact table saws on the market. This makes it easy for me to store it; besides, it fits in spaces other larger industrial-grade table saws wouldn’t fit.
However, it doesn’t have a table as large as other units within its category.
The build is also relatively lightweight, as the table saw only weighs 54 pounds, making it easy to transport it from one place to another.
Table & Rails
This table saw features a rack & pinion system, making it more user-friendly and offering additional support past the table surface. This also allows you to work with larger workpieces, though you have to position them in a balanced position to avoid tipping over the table saw.
The DWE7485 is built from lighter metals, which is why the overall weight is 54 pounds. Also, it provides you with a stable working platform as you do what you love.
You’ll have 24.5, and 12 inches rip capacity on the right and left. This is sufficient for cutting 4 by 8 plywood sheets. The 12-inch capacity on the left is quite good since not many units on the market offer this.
Power Supply & Motor
The DWE7485 table saw uses the typical 120-volt circuit. However, you must ensure it is the only gadget on the power outlet to avoid shorting the circuit breakers.
It also delivers 5800 RPM when under no load. While some argue that the no-load figures aren't a big deal, they determine the material you can cut. So, make sure to check the RPM when purchasing a table saw. The manufacturer recommends cutting wood and even metal using this power tool.
You also get the power-loss reset feature with this unit. This means that if the lights go out and then come back, the machine won’t automatically start up again. It keeps the machine turned off even after the lights come back on, which, if you ask me, is an immensely valuable safety feature.
Cutting Capacity
This table saw utilizes an 8.25-inch blade instead of the standard 10-inch blade for job site power tools. Many serious DIYers and professionals feel this blade is better since it decreases kickbacks. It also requires reduced energy to revolve and lessen waste, thanks to the smaller kerf.
On the other hand, having a smaller blade limits the rip capacity. The DWE7485 saw, at 900, delivers a maximum cut depth of 2 9/16 and 1 ¾ inches at 450. This range will still facilitate the effortless making of bevel cuts on a 2 by 4 wood.
As seen, you can easily adjust the blade's angle at 900, and the blade adjustments will let you make minor adjustments to the height of the blade with ease. When it comes to the arbor, it is 5/8 inches, which is a popular size among power tools.
Dust Collection
The DWE7485 table sports a 2.5-inch dust port to keep your workstation clean. This is compatible with many vacuums; if yours doesn't fit, it will be easy to find a conversion kit. Watch out for the hose, since it might obstruct the riving knives it over-stretched.
You’ll also find a secondary port on the bottom side. This has a bigger opening which is engineered to fit shop-sized dust removal hoses. I had less interference using this port than the one atop the machine.
Safety Features
A table saw's safety starts with the blade guard. The blade guard in this table saw is clear, allowing you to view the contact between your workpiece and the blade. However, you have to clean it frequently for a clear line of sight.
Next are the anti-kickback pawls, which assist in keeping the workpiece firm as you make different cuts. This is handy in reducing the number of pieces that fly back as you do your work. Also, the non-though riving knives help with reducing kickback.
You’ll also love the Modular Guard System, also called the MGS. It lets you detach pieces without needing to take out the whole system. Additionally, it facilitates tool-free modifications.
The blade brake is also an appreciated bonus, while the power-loss reset prevents the table saw from switching on if the power goes out and then comes back.
Lastly, the power button features a guard that's helpful in preventing starting by mistake, while the push stick keeps your fingers far from the blade as you feed the wood for cutting.
Accessories
The DeWalt DWE7485 table saw comes with the following accessories:
One modular guard system
Two wrenches for switching blades
One non-through riving knife
One 8.25-inch 24-tooth blade
One push stick
One anti-kickback pawl
One fence
One miter gauge
Cost & Comparison
This workhorse costs $300 to $400, which is a fair price considering it comes as a package. Regarding the able alternatives, the SKIL TS6307 saw $300 to $400, keeping it within the same price range as the DWE7485 unit.
Moreover, the DeWalt DCS7485B table saw costs $400 to $500, making it the most expensive option.
Alternatives
SKIL TS6307-00 Table Saw
This 10-inch portable saw is not necessarily in the same range as the DWE7485. However, in some aspects, they are similar. This unit's table is relatively larger, at 25 X 24 inches, and features a stand.
Also, its cutting capacity is 14 inches on the left and 25.5 inches on the right. The biggest difference is that the SKIL TS6307-00 table saw can hold a 5/8 inch dado stack.
DeWalt DCS7485B Table Saw
The DCS7485B table saw is a cordless version of the DWE7485 saw. It provides almost similar features as the DWE7485 unit and uses 8.25-inch saw blades. On the other hand, it utilizes 60V Max batteries as opposed to a power cord. This is an excellent option if you are always working in areas without power access. Also, if you don't want to deal with cords, the DCS7485B is the way to go.
Why You Should Choose the DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw
Generally, the DWe7485 unit has plenty to offer for such a compact package. It’s an excellent choice for a contractor or DIYer requiring a portable table saw with contemporary features. For a professional woodworker, you might want to pick an option compatible with dado blades. And while the market is still flooding with 8.25-inch compact table saws, the DWE7485 is still a strong contender.