Woodworking is not just a hobby—it’s a craft, a passion, and for many, a way to relax and create something tangible.
For DIYers, hobbyists, and small contractors, having a reliable table saw is non-negotiable. A good table saw ensures clean, accurate cuts, saves time, and helps you tackle projects you might have avoided with a circular saw or jigsaw.
In this DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw Review, we’ll explore why this compact 8-¼-inch saw has become one of the most trusted options for small workshops in 2025. The DWE7485 combines DeWalt’s hallmark precision, portability, and power—all in a smaller footprint that’s perfect for tight workspaces or mobile job sites.
Best For: DIYers, hobbyists, and contractors needing a portable yet precise table saw for daily woodworking tasks.
Unboxing the DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw
Inside the box, everything comes neatly packed and well-protected for safe transport:
- DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw
- 8-¼-inch 24-½ tooth carbide-tipped blade (pre-installed)
- Push stick
- Miter gauge
- Blade guard assembly
- Anti-kickback pawls
- Rip fence
- Riving knife
- Blade wrenches
- User manual
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the DWE7485 feels solid and well-engineered. The table surface is smooth and perfectly leveled, and all parts come individually wrapped to prevent scratches.
The signature yellow-and-black DeWalt finish gives it a professional look, and the controls feel sturdy and responsive. Even before turning it on, you get the sense that it’s built for serious work despite its compact size.
Assembly Process
Setting up the DeWalt DWE7485 is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start by attaching the riving knife and blade guard using the tool-free latch, which ensures safety without needing extra tools.
Next, slide and align the rack-and-pinion fence along the rail, locking it securely for precise, repeatable cuts. Insert the miter gauge into its slot and check for proper squareness to guarantee accurate angled cuts.
Finally, connect a 2.5-inch shop vacuum hose to the dust port to keep your workspace cleaner and safer during cuts. The entire assembly is intuitive and usually takes about 15–20 minutes, making this saw ready for immediate use even for first-time users.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Motor | 15 Amp, 2.0 HP |
| Blade Size | 8-¼ inch |
| Rip Capacity | 24-½ inches |
| No-Load Speed | 5,800 RPM |
| Weight | 46–53 lbs (varies by region) |
| Dust Collection | 2.5-inch dust port |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited |
| Brand | DeWalt |
| Stand | IRoll-cage base (foldable) |
Table of Contents
Highlights of the DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw
Powerful Motor and Reliable Cutting
The DeWalt DWE7485 features a 15-amp motor with 5,800 RPM, delivering impressive cutting speed and torque for a compact saw. This allows smooth, clean cuts through plywood, softwoods, and even harder woods like oak or maple. Unlike smaller or budget saws that bog down under pressure, the DWE7485 maintains consistent power, minimizing tear-out and burn marks.
Whether you’re ripping a full sheet of plywood for cabinets or crosscutting 2×4 lumber for a workbench, this saw performs reliably for DIY projects and small contractor work.
Rip Capacity and Precise Fence System
Despite its compact size, the DWE7485 offers a rip capacity of up to 24-½ inches on the right side, enough for most garage and small shop projects. The rack-and-pinion fence system ensures smooth, accurate, and repeatable cuts without the need for constant recalibration.
Beginners will find it particularly easy to use, as even first-time users can achieve professional-level results with minimal setup.
Safety Features Built for DIY and Small Contractors
Safety is a priority with DeWalt. The DWE7485 comes with a tool-free blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls, protecting you from accidental kickbacks and debris. The push stick is included for narrow cuts, and the saw features restart protection, preventing accidental start-up after power interruptions.
These safety measures make it ideal for hobbyists, home workshops, and small contractors who prioritize security during everyday woodworking.
Portability and Foldable Stand
Weighing just 46 lbs, the DWE7485 is easy to move, lift, and carry between projects or job sites. Its solid roll-cage base provides stability during cuts while protecting the saw from bumps and knocks. Though it doesn’t have a wheeled stand, its compact footprint and light weight make storage and transport hassle-free, perfect for small workshops or garages with limited space.
Accessories and Optional Upgrades
The DWE7485 comes with essential accessories: 24-½-tooth carbide-tipped blade, miter gauge, push stick, riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and blade wrenches. While it does not support dado blades, optional upgrades such as a zero-clearance insert or a shop-vac adapter can enhance its usability for more precise or dust-free operations.
The rack-and-pinion fence allows easy alignment and adjustment for repeatable cuts, making accessory use more effective.
Performance: How the DeWalt DWE7485 Performs in Real Use
Cutting Power and Versatility
The DWE7485 punches above its size, offering strong cutting power and versatility. It handles plywood, MDF, softwoods, and hardwoods with minimal effort. Its high-speed motor allows long rips and crosscuts without slowing down, and with a sharp blade, you can achieve clean, smooth edges suitable for furniture, cabinetry, and home projects.
Accuracy and Ease of Use
Thanks to the rack-and-pinion fence and well-calibrated bevel adjustments, cuts are accurate up to 1/64 inch out of the box. The miter gauge performs adequately for standard angle cuts, though serious precision work may require upgrading to a higher-end gauge. Even beginners find it easy to maintain straight, repeatable cuts thanks to the intuitive fence and adjustment system.
Dust Collection
The saw includes a 2.5-inch dust port that captures a large portion of sawdust when connected to a shop vacuum. Without a vacuum, dust control is moderate but manageable. For best results and a cleaner workspace, we recommend using a vacuum attachment during prolonged cutting sessions.
Design and Build Quality
The DeWalt DWE7485 balances portability and durability. Its die-cast aluminum table provides a flat, stable cutting surface while keeping the saw lightweight. The roll-cage base protects the saw from bumps and allows easy transport. All controls and adjustments are ergonomically placed, making it comfortable to operate for extended periods.
The compact design also means it fits easily in garages, small workshops, or even mobile job sites.
DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw Performance Score Table
| Feature Area | Score (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| overall Performance | 88% |
| Power & Cutting Performance | 87% |
| Accuracy | 90% |
| Portability | 92% |
| Safety Features | 87% |
| Dust Collection | 78% |
| Value | 91% |
DeWalt DWE7485 vs Competitors: Where It Stands
The DeWalt DWE7485 is built for DIYers, hobbyists, and small contractors who want a compact, precise, and portable saw without spending too much. Compared to larger or more expensive saws, the DWE7485 offers a balance of performance, convenience, and affordability.
DeWalt DWE7485 vs SKIL TS6307-00
The DWE7485 is slightly lighter (~46 lbs vs 51 lbs), making it easier to move and store. Its rack-and-pinion fence provides smooth and precise adjustments, whereas the SKIL has slightly larger rip capacity. For tight spaces and small-scale workshops, DeWalt’s compact size is a major advantage.
Read our Detailed review of SKIL TS6307-00 Table Saw
DeWalt DWE7485 vs Bosch 4100-10
The Bosch 4100-10 features a gravity-rise wheeled stand and a soft-start motor, which helps reduce startup surge. However, its motor RPM (~3,650) is lower than the DeWalt DWE7485 (~5,800 RPM), so while it excels in jobsite mobility, it doesn’t match the DWE7485 in cutting speed for plywood or hardwood.
The DWE7485 remains smaller, lighter, and easier to carry, making it more practical for home workshops or occasional transport.
Read our Detailed review of Bosch 4100-00 Table Saw
DeWalt DWE7485 vs DeWalt DWE7491RS
The DWE7491RS offers larger rip capacity (32.5”) and professional-grade features but is heavier and less portable. The DWE7485 strikes a perfect balance for hobbyists, DIYers, and small contractors who need precision in a compact package.
Read our Detailed review of DeWalt DWE7491RS Table Saw
Who Should Buy the DeWalt DWE7485
The DeWalt DWE7485 is an excellent choice for DIYers and hobbyists who want professional-level precision in a compact saw. Its lightweight design and foldable roll-cage base make it perfect for small contractors who need a portable jobsite saw that is easy to transport.
Home workshop users with limited space will also appreciate its small footprint, while beginners can benefit from its intuitive setup, tool-free blade guard, and riving knife system that enhances safety during operation.
Overall, this saw delivers reliable performance without taking up too much room or requiring advanced expertise.
Who Should Skip It
This saw may not be suitable for woodworkers who frequently require rip capacities over 25 inches or shops that rely on dado blade compatibility for complex joinery. Users who prioritize soft-start motors or advanced dust collection systems might find the DWE7485 lacking. Likewise, professionals who need a full-size cabinet or hybrid saw for daily heavy-duty work may prefer a larger, more robust machine.
For these users, investing in a more powerful or full-featured table saw is a better option.
Pricing and Buying Tips
The DeWalt DWE7485 typically retails around $350–$400 at major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, making it a very affordable option for compact, portable table saws. Shoppers should look for bundle deals that include extra blades or zero-clearance inserts to expand the saw’s versatility.
Registering the 3-year limited warranty is highly recommended to protect against potential defects. Optional upgrades, such as a dust bag or dado throat plate, can further enhance the saw’s usability for more advanced projects.
Final Verdict
The DeWalt DWE7485 Table Saw offers a rare combination of power, precision, and portability in a compact 8-¼-inch package. Weighing just 46 lbs, it is easy to move between job sites or store in small workshops, yet stable enough to handle plywood, MDF, and hardwoods like oak or maple with ease. The rack-and-pinion fence system delivers repeatable, accurate cuts, while the tool-free blade guard and riving knife enhance safety during operation.
Although it lacks dado blade support and performs best with a shop vacuum for dust collection, these minor trade-offs are reasonable considering its size, price, and portability.
Backed by DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty, the DWE7485 is an ideal choice for DIYers, hobbyists, and small contractors seeking a reliable, compact, and precise table saw.
FAQs
What is the cutting capacity of the DeWalt DWE7485?
The DWE7485 comes with an 8-¼-inch blade, offering a rip capacity of up to 24-½ inches. It can handle most plywood, MDF, and hardwood sheets suitable for DIY projects, though the smaller blade limits deeper cuts compared to full-size 10-inch saws.
Can I use dado blades on the DeWalt DWE7485?
No, the DWE7485 does not support dado or stacked dado blades. If you frequently need dado cuts, you may need a larger table saw designed for that purpose.
How portable is the DeWalt DWE7485?
Weighing around 46 lbs, the saw is lightweight and easy to carry. Its compact design fits in small workshops or can be transported to job sites, making it ideal for DIYers and small contractors.
Does the saw have a dust collection system?
Yes, it has a 2.5-inch dust port that works best when connected to a shop vacuum. This helps keep your workspace clean, though it may not capture all fine dust on its own.
Is the DeWalt DWE7485 safe for beginners?
Absolutely. It features a tool-free blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls. Combined with its stable roll-cage base, it’s beginner-friendly while still delivering precise cuts for experienced users.
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