Dewalt Table Saw Review – DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw

Framing wood without a mobile table saw can be a pain, so finding the right saw to move the day along is important. I began looking with this saw, just to see if it might be up to the task.

The DeWalt DWE7491RS is a standard-sized table saw, with a reputable brand name behind it. Judging it was a great place to start.

It’s a solid example of a table saw meant for job sites. So, let’s dive into the judgment, and we’ll see if it’s the right saw for your next jobsite.

What to Look for in a Jobsite Table Saw

Table saws are simple tools, but they’re not all used in the same situation.

A jobsite table saw needs the following qualities to truly hold up:

  • Wheels to move the saw easily
  • A solid stand
  • Enough cutting capacity for your usual lumber
  • User friendly
  • Robust safety features

The core function of a jobsite saw needs to be strong. They’re meant to work all day, so the whole tool needs to be robust in order to make the cut. There are a few budget options, but for the most part, a brand aimed at professionals will always serve you best.

The weight of the saw matters much more than a dedicated workshop saw. The motor, blades, and other steel functions make table saws a naturally heavy tool, but a lighter saw is much easier to transport around the jobsite.

So, you have the usual demands of a table saw, but mobility becomes very important. It’s doubly important for jobsites where the saw may need to be hauled up inclines or stairs. A jobsite table saw should be robust, lightweight, and have some way to be moved easily.

That said, a jobsite table saw isn’t the best choice for something that’s stationary and remains in the workshop. In that case, a larger, heavy-duty saw will serve you much better.

Presenting the DeWalt DWE7491RS

DeWalt is a professional brand, so there are a lot of expectations when you pick up one of their tools. The DWE7491RS is designed for contractors to move around job sites while remaining robust enough to power through any wood that comes its way.

Out of the box, you’ll get:

  • The DWE7491RS
  • 10” Carbide Blade
  • Rolling Stand
  • Push Stick
  • Miter Gauge
  • Rip Fence
  • 2 Blade Wrenches
  • Blade Guard
  • Manual

The accessories are enough for the saw to go into immediate use once the blade is attached, so you won’t need to purchase anything else for the usual tasks around a construction site.

This is a professional saw, with the corresponding cost, so it may not be suitable for a weekend warrior. It’s also a bit light compared to most workshop table saws, so you shouldn’t try to turn it into the heart of your workshop. It’s not that it’s a bad option for using in one place, it’s just that there are better options for a stationary saw.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Relatively lightweight
  • Comes ready to go
  • Rolling stand is easy to use and included
  • Powerful motor

Cons

  • Rather expensive
  • Dust tends to gather in the fence system
  • A bit high maintenance

Features and Benefits

Ready to look a bit closer? Let’s dig into the meat of the matter and I’ll show you how it performs.

At-a-Glance

  • Blade Size: 10”
  • Cutting Depth: 3 ⅛” @ 90°
  • Motor Power: 15A(~2.2 HP)
  • RPM: 4800 no load
  • Input Voltage:  110V
  • Footprint: 21-7/8″ X 26 – 3/8″
  • Weight: 90lbs

Blade Size and Cutting Capacity

Coming in with a 10” blade, this saw sits firmly in the middle of the pack. 10” is standard, and it’s enough for a lot of construction timber, able to cut 2x4s at a 45° angle, in addition to being able to cut a bit over 3” when approaching dead on.

The rip capacity, when the fence is used, comes out to 22” to the left of the blade and 32 ½” on the right side. There’s more than enough there to handle most common construction tasks.

Overall the capacity is what’s expected for a blade this size. The rip capacity is very good, making it a perfect choice for cutting down boards for most projects.

Be aware that this saw won’t be able to rip a 4×4 in a single pass. You may need something larger if you’re working with extra-large pieces of wood.

Power, Speed, and Torque

The 15A motor produces a lot of torque, making it a good option for hardwood and pressed lumber. Both of those can present obstacles to motors that lack torque.

The no-load RPM is a respectable 4800.

The end effect for the user is really simple: the saw cuts quickly and smoothly. That goes for hardwoods and other material which often takes extra time as well.

I’d rate the saw as far above average here. Speed and smooth cuts are both things that you’ll constantly need when you’re on-site, and the DWE7491RS delivers.

Precision

For a jobsite table saw, this one is exceptionally accurate. Many people have compared it to stationary saws when it comes to being able to make smooth, repeatable cuts.

The fence is able to stay true even when pressure is applied. It’s just a matter of making sure that it’s set properly with the index pins before you make the cut. After that, it’s smooth sailing.

There is one problem: the included miter gauge is subpar. Serious woodworkers may want to invest in another one to keep their cuts 100% on target when cutting angles but it seems to work well enough for rougher work.

Ease of Use

Table saws are usually easy to use, as long as the person is familiar with their functions. This one scores some points there, as it’s easy to set up and the stand almost assembles itself.

Once put together an experienced user isn’t going to run into any problems for the most part.

The only thing impinging on the ease of use is the unfortunate places it seems to gather dust. 

While it’s not a major issue, if you don’t take advantage of the vacuum port you may find that sawdust impedes using the fence. A brush and some attention to detail will fix the problem. Using the vacuum port is a great idea to avoid problems from buildup. 

The rip fence is intuitive to move and the table is able to handle most 4’x8’ pieces of wood. Extra-heavy boards may need additional support when being ripped, however.

Overall? It’s an easy-to-use saw. A beginner won’t take much time figuring it out, and a professional will be pleased with the little details.

Portability

Here’s the real test for a jobsite table saw.

The DWE7491RS comes with a wheeled frame, which puts the weight up to about 110lbs. The wheels are positioned to allow you to move the frame and saw like a hand truck. 110lbs sounds like a lot, but in that configuration, you’ll find moving it is almost effortless.

The wheels are robust enough to handle most small obstacles you’ll find around the jobsite as well. They’re not going to let you do serious off-roading, but you’ll be able to get the saw where you’re going in most cases.

The only problem is that you need to fold the legs of the frame in when you’re moving the saw. While you can make small jumps without collapsing the saw, it’s a lot of weight to move and it’s pretty awkward overall.

That’s common to most rolling stands, however, and isn’t a real mark against this saw. The lighter weight and simple-to-use stand make it a standout when you’re considering a saw that needs to be moved frequently throughout the day.

Extra Features

As a professional saw, you can expect the usual suspects with the saw.

The 2” vacuum port works very well. I’d suggest using it if you have a shop vacuum. At the very least it will keep dust out of the rack-and-pinion system used to adjust the fence.

It also features onboard storage for extra blades, your push sticks, riving knife, and other accessories you may need in the field. It also has room for you to store the cord while you’re moving the saw, keeping it out of the way and making transit safer.

It’s fairly standard in this area, but there’s nothing missing that most people find useful.

Warranty and Support

DeWalt has a great reputation in the field, and it’s not just because they make great tools.

The standard warranty on the saw is a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. Basically, if something breaks during normal use you can contact DeWalt and get it fixed. It’s not 100% coverage, but 3 years is a decent warranty.

DeWalt’s customer service seems to work as intended, so you can get them to honor the warranty if something happens.

The important thing is that you’ll be protected with such an expensive tool. DeWalt is a good option for protecting your investment in tools.

Alternative Picks

While it’s a good option, the DeWalt isn’t the be-all, end-all of jobsite table saws. The following are all good alternatives for different reasons. If none of my alternative picks are what you’re looking for take a look at my run down of what I believe are the best table saws on the market in 2023.

Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw – 10 Inch Jobsite Table Saw

For someone who wants to go super light on their table saw, this is a great option. It comes in at 58lbs before the stand is included. The stand itself is nice, but it’s not as compact as most others when it’s folded down.

This comes at the cost of smaller rip capacity. The stand also doesn’t feel as stable as the DeWalt, but it costs a bit less. That’s not a mark against the 4100-10, to be honest, it’s a professional saw that’s very field-capable.

  • Better for occasional use when professional quality is still needed
  • A better option for those who find the 110lbs of the DeWalt to be intimidating
  • A viable alternative overall, it’s aimed at the same professional users

If we were ranking these, the 4100 would be a good runner up. As it stands, you should check it out and compare it to the DWE7491RS! For more details take a look at my Bosch table saw review or click to link below.

Check Price on Amazon

Delta 36-6023 10 Inch Table Saw with 32.5 Inch Rip Capacity

The 36-6023 stands out as a cheaper, simple jobsite table saw. You’ll have to bear with it on some points, however, as the lower price also means a generally lower quality saw. That shouldn’t prove a problem for someone who knows to check the fence and angles to make sure they’re right.

The biggest issue is there’s often a bit of blade wobble. That’s acceptable for rough usage but means this isn’t a good saw for the would-be artisan. The truth here is simple, however: for the money, this is a good saw. It’s just not up to par with high-end professional options.

  • Better for the budget-conscious who won’t be using the saw daily
  • Another good choice for a lighter saw, coming in at 77lbs
  • Not ideal for precision cutting, especially without checking the fence and angles

The Delta 36-6023 isn’t bad, it’s just not up to par with other professional saws. If you only need occasional rough use, then you should get a closer look. For more details take a look at my Delta table saw review or click to link below.

Check Price on Amazon

SKILSAW SPT99-11 10″ Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw

Don’t confuse Skilsaw and Skil. The latter is a cheap, consumer-grade brand but the true Skilsaw brand still puts out some amazing hardware. This saw is part of that line, but be aware that it’s even pricier than the DeWalt we’ve been reviewing.

The saw operates off of a worm drive, giving it much higher torque than regular configurations. It also increases the weight, this may not be the best choice for rough terrain and long trips. Once aligned properly, however, it’s perfect for large cabinetmaker’s shops and other functions where the saw only needs to be moved on occasion.

  • Skilsaw is a professional quality brand, not the consumer-grade tools from Skil
  • Extra torque makes this saw particularly good for exotic hardwoods
  • Good saw for relatively stationary use, not the best option for an active jobsite

If you’re willing to pay a premium for some extra torque and precision, get a closer look! For more details take a look at my Skilsaw table saw review or click to link below.

Check Price on Amazon

Conclusion

Overall, the DeWalt DWE7491RS is a solid pick for a jobsite table saw. It’s powerful, precise, and durable while remaining easy to move despite how heavy it is. It’s a natural fit for framing jobs and other jobsites where mobility is required.

So, what are you waiting for? Click here to see if it’s right for you.

I'm a mechanical engineer by trade but my passions are woodworking, tools and DIY.

2 thoughts on “Dewalt Table Saw Review – DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw”

  1. Nathan,
    Thank you for all your reviews. They are very helpful as I am on a table saw search to replace my ancient Craftsman I inherited from my Dad 30 years ago. I’m a DIY guy but have learned a lot over the years and have become a fairly competent wood worker. I build speaker and guitar amplifier cabinets as well as do projects around the house. I have a small space to work in so I’m looking for a fairly compact, accurate saw. Would you have any suggestions that would be in the under $1000 range?
    Thank you,

    Reply
    • Hey Thomas,
      Thanks for your question. Inherited 30 years ago?! How long does that make the service life in total?

      Regarding a recommendation, I’ve actually just posted my round up reviews of what I believe are the best table saws on the marker in 2021 – http://www.tooltoaction.com/best-table-saw/. I assume making speaker and amplifier cabinets you’re looking for something with a pretty large ripping capacity? But you also mentioned you have fairly limited work space. For one of the best overall package size to ripping capacity ratios I’d take a look at the DEWALT DWE7485. It’s a compact table saw but comes with a ripping capacity of just under 25 inches. If you have a little more space and need a little more ripping capacity you could take a look at the SKILSAW SPT99-11. The package size is larger than the Dewalt but the ripping capacity is just over 30 inches. Plus it comes with a rolling stand so if you have the option to do so you can always roll it out into the yard if you need more space for some projects.

      Let me know if you found this useful.

      Thanks,
      Nathan

      Reply

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