Sorry for yelling, but today I am SO EXCITED to share my review of the DeWalt 7480 10″ Compact Job Site Table Saw (Model # DWE7480). DeWalt sent us their DWE7480 to review, and I have been happily putting it to work over the last couple of months. I had been looking for a new table saw for a while but kept debating over going with a less expensive “beginner” table saw, or just biting the yellow bullet and getting this big boy. Since I don’t have a ton of space to work with in the garage, this “big boy” is an excellent compromise: plenty of power but wrapped up this this awesomely compact package.
I am literally more excited than when I brought my babies home from the hospital. All the joy of a new baby with NO diapers.
DeWalt Compact Table Saw – Spec’s and Features
• Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
• 24″ of rip capacity, easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• Site-Pro Modular Guarding System allows for tool free adjustments of the guarding components appropriate for each application
• 15 amp 4800 rpm motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease
• Onboard storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding components and push stick when not in use
• Metal roll cage base offers greater durability than plastic bases
• Blade can be adjusted 0 – 45 degrees for bevel applications
• Weighing only 48 lbs., the DWE7480 can easily be moved on and off the job
• Adjustable rear feet designed to level the saw on uneven work surfaces
• Dust port allows for 2-1/2″ vacuum hook up and minimizes clean up
• 24T carbide blade enhances cut quality and prolongs blade life
• Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting
Basically, the DWE7480 is a well-built, compact workhorse for your workshop or jobsite. This table saw is lightweight so it travels well. (Rolling table saw stand is Model #DW7440RS, sold separately.)
After the unboxing, I returned the bargain stand I had initially planned on using with the saw. In fact, that’s become my new metaphor for cutting corners. “That’s like putting a DeWalt table saw on a cheap stand! PSSSHH!”
Some of my favorite features on this beautiful brute include:
Anti-kickback & Blade guard
These are important safety features for anybody. When not in use, the anti-kickback assembly and blade guard both have onboard storage slots. My onboard storage sits empty, as I have kept these safety features on at all times! However there are times when users will need to remove select safety features for specialized cuts.
Rip capacity
There are two placements for the fence – the second one allowing you to rip up to 24”. This is tremendous for me as … *I work alone* (dramatic Batman voice). Now I just need one cut at the home improvement store to get it to fit into my mom-SUV, then I can make the more precise cuts at home.
Fence and Rip scale
The rack-and-pinion fence adjustment makes for smooth, precise cuts. Mine was dead-on accurate right out of the box. The fence lock is a simple up-down push lever.
This fence has an awesome design for better functionality. You can flip the back of it over for board support on larger rips, OR you can use it as a narrow rip fence for small trim cuts.
Seriously great design functionality here. Very versatile and expertly thought-out.
The fence has two positions, one for narrow cuts, and the other for wider rips.
Dust Collection
I don’t have a fancy dust collection station setup (YET!), but sawdust spray is hardly an issue with the DW7480. The dust collection port is fully enclosed and includes an internal dust shroud to keep sawdust where it belongs. It doesn’t leave a huge mess everywhere, even without a vacuum hooked up.
10″ Blade
The 10” 24T carbide blade cuts like butter through plywood and stock lumber. For more delicate trim boards, you will likely want to step up to a higher tooth count.
The throat plate is easy to remove with 1/4 turn of the cam lock knob.
The saw blade adjusts quickly and smoothly with the blade height adjustment wheel.
Bevel Cuts
The DWE7480 has a cut capacity of 2 1/4″ at a 45-degree bevel. The lever makes for smooth bevel adjustments.
Onboard Storage
The push stick is stored right on the fence, which makes it very handy when you need it. And when you’re not using the anti-kickback and blade guard, it can be stored on the right side in its own area. There is no miter gauge slot, so I tend to throw it in the riving knife storage hole.
The two drawbacks I did see were that it doesn’t accept a dado blade, and the included miter gauge is a little flimsy. But I’m just splitting hairs here, as this is truly an excellent compact table saw.
I had initially planned on just ripping down a few boards that I was planning to use for custom drawers. But once I saw (heh) what this baby was capable of, I ended up starting my long-awaited DIY closet organizer project (coming soon to Home Fixated). I was able to rip full 3/4″ plywood sheets down to size with no problems. I also ripped down a spare 1×10 I had on hand for the trim. I used to pay $1 per linear foot for this stuff!
The end result is a DIY closet organizer – cut, assembled and trimmed in an afternoon. Fellas, show your woman this picture, promise to give her a DIY closet makeover, and you will get no arguments from her over “another saw?!” #freerelationshipadvice
Bottom line, if you’re looking for an awesome table saw, look no further than the DeWalt Compact Table Saw – DWE7480. It will be your new go-to workshop power tool. So you can get started on those closet organizers!
You can pick up the DeWalt Compact Table Saw for a very reasonable $359, or $499 with stand:
I have the same saw and have been looking at the same stand for mine. Can you tell me how high it is from the ground to the table? Can’t tell how tall the saw sits after installation. Some pics make it look pretty short!