DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw Review
DEWALT 10″ Job Site Table Saw with Roller Stand DWE7491RS
DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw
Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DWE7491RS
Price: $579
Power source: 120V
Motor size: 15 Amp
Weight: 90 lbsDEWALT DWE7491RS Features
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
- On Board Storage System provides easy access to the Blade Guard Assembly, fence, riving knife, miter gage, wrenches, push stick, and cord wrap when not in use.
- Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
- Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
- Flip over ripping fence Allows for narrow rip cuts
- 15 Amp Motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease
- 2-1/2″ Dust Collection Port easily connects to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction
- 3-1/8″ depth of cut at 90 and 2-1/4″ at 45
- 21-7/8″ X 26 – 3/8″ table provides superior material support
Powerful, Portable & Innovative Features
The DEWALT DWE7491RS is a very good job site table saw. I’d even go so far as to say I think it’s the best overall job site + mobile stand option out there. This is a pretty bold statement considering I’ve been a huge fan of the Bosch saws for years. My assessment is based on the combination of power, quality build, cut capacity, and an effective mobile solution.
- Power -The new DEWALT 10″ job site table saws feature a powerful 15 amp motor with an increased speed (over the previous models) of 4,800 RPM. The higher blade speed seems to have improved ripping quality slightly. Overall this saw has plenty of power for all the applications I tested (cutting 3/4″ plywood, 2x framing material, and 1x Maple).
- Performance – The DWE7491RS performs very well. The rack and pinion fence rails are the key to this saws accuracy and overall performance. The fence is easy to adjust and stays parallel to the blade. The unique fence design rides on rails at both the front and back of the saw, eliminating the possibility of fence drift. This saw also comes with a miter gauge for cross-cutting. The miter gauge isn’t all that great but it gets the job done.
- Mobile Stand – This is one of the better mobile stands that I’ve ever used. It’s easy to set up, very strong, and I love that it stores in the vertical position in a compact configuration. This stand is worth the extra $100 over the DWE7490X which has a scissor stand.
- Features – The DWE7491RS is packed with features that are often seen on more expensive shop table saws.
- On/Off Switch – This saw features a very nice on/off switch with a safety lever/cover. The safety cover has to be lifted up prior to turning on the saw. To shut off the saw it has a bump pad making it easy to shut off.
- Flip Over Fence – This is a very cool feature as it provides two useful benefits. When ripping narrow pieces, the flip over fence allows the user to make the cut without interfering with the blade guard. Without this feature the guard would have to be removed. When ripping wide boards, the flip over fence can be locked into a lower position to support the work piece.
- Accessory Storage – DEWALT clearly made an effort to make it easy and convenient to store the accessories including the blade guard. One of my pet peeves on the job site is asking the crew where they put the guard. Typically it gets removed for some cross cutting or dado’s and then never makes it back on the saw. Having a dedicated storage location for the guard makes that much less likely to happen. There’s a place to store the wrench, guard, riving knife, miter gauge, and the anti-kickback knives.
Dust Collection
The DWE7491RS has two dust ports for dust collection. One port is located below the table and one is located above the blade guard.
At the rear of the saw is a 2-1/2″ dust port that connects to the area just below the blade (typical location on a table saw). Attached to a job site vacuum it’s very effective and collects about 80% of the dust depending on the material you’re cutting.
The saw also has a smaller 1-1/4″ dust port on the top of the blade guard to allow any dust above the table top to be collected. At first I was very excited about this idea but soon discovered it seems more of a hassle than a cool new feature.
The first problem I had was trying to outfit some sort of “Y” and hose to tee off my main dust port and attach to the upper one (2-1/2″ to 1-1/4″ “Y’s” are not that common). Then, if the smaller hose on top doesn’t fall to the side, it interferes with the wood you’re trying to cut. After talking to the product manager it sounds like this detail evolved in Europe and found it’s way here. I’ve basically abandoned the upper port and just use the lower one. Cool idea, but it needs some serious redesign and/or an accessory to help make it easier to hook up.
Cut (Ripping) Capacity DWE7491RS
The DEWALT DWE7491RS leads the industry for cut capacity on a job site table saw. This saw offers an impressive 32-1/2″ rip capacity to the right of the blade. The increased rip capacity is sure to put pressure on other manufacturers to increase their capacity.
The unique rack and pinion fence system includes a flip over fence attachment that serves two function. One of those functions is it creates a support for wide materials when the saw is set up to rip material wider than the saw’s table top. The flip fence allows you to cut wider material yet the saw remains very compact when it’s stored.
DWE7491RS Mobile Roller Stand
The roller stand that comes with the DWE7491RS is extremely effective and easy to use. One of my biggest concerns when buying a job site table saw is mobility and ease of set-up for one person. Weighing 90 lbs, saws like these can be a serious lifting hazard for one person. So having a mobile solution that allows a single worker to set this saw up is a hugely important issue for me and many other users.
This stand is one of the easier stands to set up that I’ve used. To fold the stand up you simply stand the saw up on it’s end. Then the 4 legs fold down by releasing easy to use levers. It takes less than a minute to set the saw up and there are no tools required. The large wheels and comfortable height handle make rolling the saw and stand super easy.
Overall Impression | DEWALT DWE7491RS
The DEWALT DWE7491RS is the best job site table saw I’ve ever used. I say that in large part because the saw has great power, largest rip capacity on the market, and the best mobile stand that I’ve used. The DWE7491RS is also extremely accurate and very well built.
I only have two minor concerns with this saw but they are so small that this saw still gets a 5 star rating. DEWALT could step up the game on the dust collection if they offer users an effective way of using the dust port on the blade guard. Maybe they offer an accessory splitter and hose package. My other concern is the plastic parts on the fence where it connects to the table. I suspect those parts could break when they are cold if you remove the fence and toss it in the trailer or back of your truck. Again, these are minor in comparison to the rest of the saw (food for thought on the next design).
If you’re in the market for a new job site table saw this in my opinion is the one to own!
About the author
Todd Fratzel
Todd Fratzel is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz, and the President of Front Steps Media, LLC, a web based media company focused on the Home Improvement and Construction Industry.He is also the Principal Engineer for United Construction Corp., located in Newport, NH. In his capacity at United he oversees the Residential and Commercial Building Division along with all Design-Build projects.He is also the editor of Home Construction & Improvement.
46 Comments
Leave a comment
Disclosure
Product reviews on this site contain our opinion of a product or service. We will always strive for objectivity and transparency in our reviews. Our goal is to provide readers with honest, objective information based on our own experiences. We never have and never will accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the products that we review are provided to us for free by a manufacturer or retailer. In some cases, we also have advertising or affiliate relationships with manufacturers and retailers of products and services we review. For additional information please visit our additional disclosure policies.
They could also include a much better miter gauge, the included one is complete garbage!
Mark – No arguments with the quality of the miter gauge, but the reality is so few people use a miter gauge on a work site saw that it’s a mute point.
I just got my 7491rs set up, should I apply anything to the table top?
Dennis – Not really required as this isn’t a polished cast top like a cabinet saw. It’s got a durable finish on the top.
It could also benefit with an out-feed support extension accessory & dado plate. I just got off the phone with Dewalt & they do not have these items available. I may just buy the Bosch 4100 due to the lack of these items.
I agree.
I’m torn between the 4100 and this dewalt, but was leaning towards the DeWalt.
The Bosch has an available side and rear support, which is making it difficult to decide which I want more.
I also like the stand on the 4100 better which is easier to move when setup vs. the DeWalt being difficult after the fact.
Maybe I’ll wait it out a bit to see what comes up nest.
Hi Todd
Great review.
Within a few months, I’m definitely getting this table saw.
Do you happen to know what the height is of the table part of the saw when the stand and table are open and ready for use? I am making a small rolling workbench and want to use it as an outfeed table too. So I would like the workbench to be the same height.
Much appreciated.
Andrew
It’s between 36″ and 38″…the specs say 37″. I hope that helps. It’s a really nice saw.
I recently bought one of these and sent it right back. The table was not even remotely flat, sagging obviously into the middle and with several visible depressions in the surface. I don’t know why they combine some great features with such a junk table (and some poor quality hardware on the stand).
I agree. Just bought one and it is going back.
Dunno how it works as a saw. I do know the table top arrived bowed – approx. 1/16th” at one side and ~1/32nd” at the other. The machine is thus completely useless except as an expensive boat anchor. The point of buying a $600 table saw was to get a better cut than my $99 version – this is nowhere near as good as my cheap saw.
Now I am supposed to box it up (an enormously difficult task in itself because how tightly it is packed), somehow pick up a 110lb 4′ x 3′ x 3′ box (with weak cardboard that tears if you use the included handles) on my own to put it into my vehicle, drive to the nearest store (an hour round trip), somehow get a 110lb 4′ x 3′ x 3′ box out of the vehicle, lug it into the store, wait in line to return it, then presumably wait while another one is shipped to me (the local store has none of these in stock).
‘Assembled in America’ apparently means ‘Make parts in the same poor quality Chinese sweatshop as the machines that are Made in China, ship to the USA, do no QC on said parts, assemble in the US, ship out with no QC on finished product’.
I have three other Dewalt tools. There won’t be a fourth after buying this extremely expensive boat anchor.
Going back to my far, far superior $99 table saw.
Got mine yesterday. Set it up. Cuts very fast. My concern is when I put a straight edge against the fence vertically, it only touches the fence at the top and bottom. There’s about a 0.025″ gap in the middle. Is this a concern for accuracy? I guess I could add a thin piece of hardwood to the face of the fence to make it more flat and perpendicular. I also don’t find an adjustment for the perpendicularity of the fence face to the table. Any thoughts?
Ed,
I wouldn’t worry about the middle of the fence as the material should be hitting the bottom edge. Let me look into the adjustment on the fence…great question…ours was spot on out of the box.
You wouldn’t worry about the middle of the fence? are you serious? Younworknfor who?
Anyone bitching about it has too much time on their hands. Anyone wanting a table saw for building furniture sure as Hell isn’t going to buy one of these table saws.
Thanks….refreshing to hear 🙂
Thanks for the response. I went to Lowes and checked several fences on Dewalts and they are all bowed about the same. But I measured the bow using feeler gages and it’s only about .008 inch, so not really a big deal. Interestingly, the Bosch jobsite saw was perfect for that particular feature. Like you said, stock will hit at the bottom of the fence and for very fine work, I’d probably be using the fence extension which is flat. I just made a picture frame today which requires accurate cuts and along with my Incra miter gage, the saw did a beautiful job. I do love how easy the fence is to move and adjust. I used my dado stack which worked fine. I also made a zero clearance throat plate. What a great tool, all in all.
Hey all. I just got this saw upgrading from few previous model. I thought this is the best potable table saw. I assembled all and I began adjusting blade squareness. I squared on the left side of blade and thought it’s good but guess what, when I put a square on the other side of the blade it was way out!! I said myself NO WAY! Checked few more times but same result! So I put my 4foot level across the table. OMG! It was a cup towards its middle by almost 1/16″!! WTF!! I just could not believe my eyes!! I am a pro carpenter and long time Dewalt lover but now I am sooooo disappointed what I just saw. I’m gonna write Dewalt and see what they say about it.
I wonder now how’s everybody else’s?
just unpacked and set mine up. top is bowed in the middle just left of the throat resulting in a 1/16″ gap (low) in the back. Can actually push down on the bow and watch it flex down. Not very rigid and definitely not flat
What is the maximum size of dado blade that this saw will accept?
According to the manual the maximum dado width is 13/16″ and a maximum blade diameter of 8″. They also offer a dado throat plate. Hope this helps.
Thanks Todd.
What is the table top made out of? Is it aluminum, a coated cast iron or what?
It’s painted diecast aluminum (Sorry for the delay…i was waiting to hear from DEWALT)
Thanks. My table top scratches so easily. I am building a crosscut sled for it now and the rubbing of the sled it putting scratches all over the table top. Disappointing.
Chad – It’s a tough design balance for sure. Trying to develop a saw light enough to be portable from job to job but durable enough for all the abuse. At least it’s aluminum so corrosion won’t be an issue.
Haters gatta hate. Ive had this saw for 2 years now, i abuse it
daily. Bounce it and down stairs, i take this thing to the max without issues, the fence system
Its a contractor saw and i still use it at home to make furniture. I agree that the fence gauge is crap BUT seriously, i use a measuring tape for everycut on every saw/tooll. Dust collection is great too.
This thing is great, im even seeing powermatic copy a few of its features.
Have there been any changes to the Dewalt DWE7491 RS lately to fix some of the problems mentioned. Such as the table top and the squareness of everything?
No updates that we’re aware of.
Not that I know of but I’ve had this saw for over a year now and it works great. The fence system is amazing. I would buy it again in a heartbeat if it works for your situation.
I’ve set the stand up and come to bolt the saw to it and the holes aren’t big enough in the saw frame to take the bolts should I be drilling these bigger
Carl – I can’t imagine why that would be the case…got the right bolts?
doers anyone have a good idea for a portable outfeed for this model saw? It’s on order and I would like to make or even buy a decent outfeed.
Hello Todd,
I have read dozens of reviews for Dewalt,Bosch,Baileigh,Grizzly and others and from my perspective (regarding Dewalt at least), Black&dDecker/Stanley have turned the product line , for the most part into junk. I have read reviews that indicate outright, that the table is not level, the fence is warped and if you want accurate cuts, then possibly you should look elsewhere.
when I look at products, I start with the 1 and 2 star reviews because they are the indicators of product quality, shipping and customer service.
I seemingly can’t find a table was under 1K that gets 5 star reviews.
Thanks
Art
apparently, Dewalt has not addresses the many failures of their (in general ) table saws. The tables are warped, the fence is not accurate, the blade on many wobbles because of the housing. And, if you check the many reviews on Dewalt table saws going back 3 – 4 years, the same complaints are very apparent.
It is about time that reviews were based on the item shipped as it shipped and not supplied by the corporation after an extensive QC is performed. Still looking for a quality (portable) table saw however, I may be forced to purchase a stationary model if my search is unsuccessful.
There’s not doubt that many are finding issues with these saws. However, a bit of perspective is likely in order. These are not stationary saws, never will be as no one wants to move around a 500lb beast from job to job. There are thousands and thousands of these on job sites and guys are making a living with them. If we need really precise cuts in the field we either use a track saw or we bring the piece back to the shop. I’m with you…it would be great to have precision in the field…but it’s all a trade off…money and weight. We’ve had great luck from these saws and we use them daily.
I found an excellent solution for dust collection. Obviously the standard vacuum connection on the lower housing. But for the upper port on the blade guard I connect the bag that came with my Dewalt compound miter saw it is the exact same size and slides
Right over the port. This allows the dust from the blade guard to be captured into the dust bag on top and it does not interfere with the material you are cutting. I ordered a spare bag from Dewalt to save time of switching it back and forth each time.
Great idea John! Thanks for sharing!
Can someone tell me which model of dewalt table saw is the replacement for 7491rs in Europe? I tried to find the model with similiar power (2200w) on 220 V, but i couldn`t. The only one i found is DW745 but on 1800 W.
Todd, whats a nice surprise in finding a well written site on tools! Another nice surprise that it is written by a childhood friend!
I am split between the DEWALT DWE7491RS and the SPT99-12 Skilsaw. It doesn’t need to travel much.
Thanks again and take care!
Wilson! Great to hear from you! I appreciate the compliment. What sort of work will you mostly be using the saw for? You may also want to check this out: https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/head-to-head/best-portable-jobsite-table-saw-head-to-head/ Let me know what you’re working on and I can give you my thoughts. Happy New Year!
Hey Todd, Hope your Holidays were good! I use my tablesaw for a lot of ripping and 2×4 type of work, nothing that detailed usually. Because of your article, and others on-line, I decided to go with the SPT99-13 Skilsaw..found a good price locally and think it will outshine my old (pretty underpowered) Craftsman by a mile. Looking forward to reading more of your reviews, take care and Happy New Year!
Excellent choice! It’s a great saw. Wishing you a wonderful 2019! Stay in touch!
Which Dado Throat Plate fits the DWE7491rs? The DWE7402di or DWE7444? similar in looks but not the same.
I’ve had this table saw about a year and have had very good results making precision cuts with the rip fence. Ease of use has been great. Get it out set up and get to making cuts fast. I am not making a daily living with it so I may not notice some short comings that daily users would. Maybe like with hand tools, someone won’t notice the difference between Snap-on or Craftsman wrenches until you make a living with them.
And yes, the miter gauge is really not on par with the rest of the unit and not nearly as nice on the competing Bausch saw, but a regional box store had a sale on this table saw that couldn’t be ignored and a crappy miter gauge be damned. I bought it and have never regretted it!
According to their webpage, the DWE7402di fits this saw.
Hi Todd,
I just brought this 7491 XE last week. The worry i have is that the motor spark when running and spark even more when I stop of the machine. Ask around and many says is the motor brush and its normal. Went back to the shop and they open a new one just to see if the new one is sparking. And sure enough the new one from their shop sparks too. The bigger spark when you press the stop button is because of the “brake”. Is this normal and acceptable? I send an email to Dewalt but havent heard anything back yet. Any advise? Thank you Rudi
Where are you seeing sparks? I can’t say I’ve ever seen it. Brushes can certainly spark a little…but I’ve never noticed it on a table saw.