Portable table saws earn their keep when you need solid cutting power without giving up half the shop. DeWalt’s DW745 and DWE7480 are two saws we’ve used in small shops, garages, and jobsite setups. At first glance, they look almost identical. Once you start ripping boards on them, the differences become apparent. Here’s what stands out to us after working with both.
What the DW745 Brings to the Bench
The DW745 became popular for a reason. It is compact, lightweight, and simple, making it a good everyday tool for small spaces or mobile work.
Power and Cut Feel
It runs a 15-amp motor with a 10-inch blade. The blade speed is lower than that of the DWE7480, and you can feel that when pushing dense hardwood. For typical shop cuts, trim boards, and plywood, the saw handles itself well. You notice it slows slightly on thick hardwood, but not enough to ruin the cut.
Fence and Stability
The fence is accurate once you square it. It holds position well and stays parallel if you take your time setting it up. We like that the table feels stable for its size, though you may want an outfeed support if you work with long boards.
Portability
If you move tools around often, the DW745 is easy to lift, carry, and store. It fits the “grab and go” category better than many saws in its class.
Best Use Cases
• Small workshops
• Hobby builds
• Trim carpentry
• Light furniture work
• Tight workspaces where portability matters
In our experience, the DW745 is a reliable choice for everyday woodworking tasks that require clean, predictable cuts.
What the DWE7480 Improves
At a distance, the DWE7480 looks like the DW745. Up close, it becomes clear that it’s a step up in cutting power and work capacity.
Faster Blade Speed and Smoother Cuts
The blade spins noticeably faster. You can feel the difference as soon as you put hardwood against the fence. The saw maintains speed more effectively on maple, oak, and other dense boards. Cuts feel smoother and require less force.
Larger Rip Capacity
One of the most valuable upgrades is the wider rip capacity. You get enough room to handle wider boards and smaller sheet goods without awkward repositioning. For anyone who breaks down plywood or builds cabinets, that extra space is helpful.
Build and Fence Feel
The fence and table feel more refined. There is a firmer glide when adjusting the fence, and the saw holds alignment well during repeated cuts. It feels more at home on heavier projects.
Best Use Cases
• Cabinet building
• Furniture parts in hardwood
• Repeated cuts where accuracy matters
• Small shops that still need big-saw capability
That said, if you are on a tighter budget and don’t often cut wide panels, the DW745 may still be enough for your workflow.
DW745 vs DWE7480: What Actually Matters in a Shop
- Cutting Power
Both run on the same motor size, but the DWE7480's higher blade speed gives it a stronger, cleaner cut, especially in harder woods.
- Rip Capacity
The DWE7480 wins here. If you cut larger boards, the difference is noticeable. The DW745 works fine for smaller projects, but the limited rip capacity shows up quickly on furniture builds.
- Accuracy and Ease of Use
Both fences are accurate when set correctly. The DWE7480 feels smoother and more confident under repeatable cuts.
- Portability
DW745 is the lighter saw. If you carry your tools between jobs or move them around often, this can be a deciding factor.
- Price and Value
DW745 is usually the more affordable, practical choice. The DWE7480 costs more but gives real performance upgrades.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
|
Feature |
DW745 |
DWE7480 |
|
Motor |
15 amp |
15 amp |
|
Blade Speed |
Slower |
Faster |
|
Rip Capacity |
Smaller |
Larger |
|
Cutting Strength |
Good |
Better |
|
Fence Feel |
Solid once calibrated |
Smoother and more precise |
|
Portability |
Lighter and smaller |
Slightly larger but still portable |
|
Best For |
Hobby work and small shops |
Heavier cuts and furniture builds |
Final Thought
If your shop is tight and you need a dependable saw that handles everyday cuts without taking up space, the DW745 is a great fit. It is simple, portable, and cuts cleanly enough for most projects.
If you work with hardwood, cut larger pieces, or want a saw that feels smoother and more capable under pressure, the DWE7480 is the more satisfying tool. You get extra rip room, better blade speed, and a sturdier cut feel.
Both saws have earned their reputation. The best pick depends on whether you value portability or upgraded cutting performance.
If you like to understand how wood reacts under different cutting conditions, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory offers detailed research.
You may also like to read about:
