Why I Chose the DeWalt DWE7491RS Table Top
When I was shopping for a new table saw last year, I had specific requirements: it needed to be portable enough for jobsite work, powerful enough for hardwood ripping, and accurate enough for fine woodworking. The DeWalt DWE7491RS checked all these boxes at a price point that didn’t break the bank.
At around $600-650 depending on sales, the DWE7491RS sits in the sweet spot between budget contractor saws and premium cabinet saws. What sold me was the combination of an impressive 32-1/2″ rip capacity and the included rolling stand – features that many competitors charge extra for.
DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Specifications: Power Where It Counts
Let’s start with the heart of this machine: a 15-amp motor that achieves speeds of up to 4,800 RPM. This isn’t just marketing fluff – I’ve used this saw to rip through everything from pressure-treated lumber to thick hardwood slabs, and it never bogs down.
The cutting capacity is equally impressive. You get 3-1/8″ depth of cut at 90 degrees and 2-1/4″ at 45 degrees, which handles virtually any lumber you’ll encounter in typical construction or woodworking projects. The 21-7/8″ x 26-3/8″ table provides superior material support, making it feel much more stable than smaller jobsite saws I’ve used.
But the real standout feature is the rip capacity. With a 32 1/2-inch right-side rip capacity, there’s room to spare for those sheet goods. Combined with 24 inches of left-side rip capacity, it’s a generous table size.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup Of The Dewalt Table
The Dewalt table DWE7491RS arrives well-packaged with everything you need to get started. In the box, you’ll find the table saw, rolling stand, 10-inch 24-tooth carbide blade, miter gauge, rip fence, push stick, blade guard assembly, and two blade wrenches.
Assembly of the table top took me about 45 minutes, which is reasonable for a saw of this complexity. The instructions are clear, and most connections are intuitive. The rolling stand deserves special mention – it’s incredibly well-engineered and transforms this from a stationary tool into something truly portable.
Real-World Performance: 18 Months of Heavy Use
Power and Cutting Performance
The 15-amp motor delivers consistent power across a wide range of materials. I’ve used this saw for:
- Ripping 2×12 pressure-treated lumber for deck framing
- Cutting depth plywood and OSB for subflooring
- Precision cuts on hardwood for furniture projects
- Cutting composite decking materials
In every scenario, the DWE7491RS performed flawlessly. The blade speed remains consistent even under load, and I’ve never experienced the motor bogging down or stalling.
Fence System: Accurate and Reliable
The rack and pinion fence system is where this saw really shines. The Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System provides quick, smooth, and accurate adjustments. After 18 months of use, the fence still locks down perfectly parallel to the blade with no drift.
What I particularly appreciate is the fence’s ability to handle both wide rips and narrow cuts. The flip over ripping fence allows for narrow rip cuts, which is incredibly useful for trim work and small parts.
Rolling Stand: Game-Changer for Portability
The rolling stand is what sets the DWE7491RS apart from the competition. The Rolling Stand is designed for easy set up and breakdown, enhancing portability. I can have this saw set up and ready to cut in under two minutes, and breakdown is just as quick.
The stand provides excellent stability during operation. Even when making aggressive cuts, there’s no wobble or movement. The wheels are large enough to handle rough terrain, and the folding mechanism is robust enough to withstand repeated use.
What I Love About the DeWalt DWE7491RS
Exceptional Rip Capacity
The 32.5-inch rip capacity is genuinely useful, not just a marketing gimmick. I regularly cut full sheets of plywood without any issues, and the extended capacity means I can handle wide boards that would require multiple passes on smaller saws.
Dust Collection
The 2-1/2″ dust collection port easily connects to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction. When hooked up to my shop vacuum, it captures about 80% of the dust, making cleanup much easier and creating a healthier work environment.
Build Quality and Durability
After 18 months of regular use, this saw still feels tight and precise. The cast aluminum table has held up beautifully with no rust or corrosion, and all the adjustment mechanisms work as smoothly as day one.
Safety Features
The blade guard system is well-designed and doesn’t interfere with most cuts. The tool-free guarding component adjustments and fast, accurate fence adjustments make safety compliance quick and easy.
Areas for Improvement
Miter Gauge Accuracy
While functional, the included miter gauge isn’t the most precise I’ve used. It has some play in the slots, which can affect accuracy on crosscuts. I ended up purchasing an aftermarket miter gauge for more precise work.
Blade Guard Limitations
The blade guard, while effective for safety, can be cumbersome for certain cuts. It’s not as easy to remove and reinstall as some other systems I’ve used.
Weight and Portability
While the rolling stand makes it portable, this is still a heavy saw. The DWE7491RS measures around 48″ in height, 28″ in width, and 22″ in depth with the fence system fully inserted and the stand both attached and folded. It’s manageable for one person but easier with two.
DeWalt DWE7491RS vs. The Competition
vs. Bosch 4100XC-10
The Bosch offers slightly better portability with its gravity-rise stand, but the DeWalt has superior rip capacity and a more robust fence system. Power is comparable between the two.
vs. Ridgid R4520
The Ridgid is less expensive but doesn’t match the build quality or rip capacity of the DeWalt. The DeWalt’s fence system is significantly more accurate and durable.
vs. SawStop JSS-120A60
The SawStop offers superior safety features with its flesh-detection technology, but at nearly twice the price. For pure cutting performance, they’re comparable, but the SawStop’s safety features make it worth considering if budget allows.
Who Should Buy the DeWalt DWE7491RS?
This saw is ideal for:
- Contractors and framers who need a portable saw that can handle job site demands
- Serious DIYers who want professional-grade performance without a cabinet saw’s footprint
- Woodworkers with limited shop space who need something that folds away
- Anyone who regularly cuts sheet goods and needs the extra rip capacity
It might not be the best choice if you’re primarily doing fine woodworking and need the ultimate in precision, or if you’re on a tight budget and only need basic functionality.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
After 18 months, maintenance has been minimal. I keep the table waxed to prevent rust and ensure smooth material movement. The fence rails benefit from occasional lubrication, and I’ve replaced the blade once.
DeWalt’s customer service has been excellent. When I had a question about a replacement part, they were knowledgeable and helpful. The three-year warranty provides good peace of mind for a tool that sees regular use.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your DWE7491RS
- Upgrade the blade diameter immediately – The included 24-tooth blade is adequate but investing in a quality 40-tooth combination blade dramatically improves cut quality
- Consider an aftermarket miter gauge – The Incra V120 is a popular upgrade that significantly improves crosscut accuracy
- Use the dust collection – Hooking up a shop vacuum makes a huge difference in both cleanliness and visibility
- Calibrate the fence – Spend time getting the fence perfectly parallel to the blade for best results
Final Verdict: Is the DeWalt DWE7491RS Worth It?
After 18 months of ownership, I can confidently say the DeWalt DWE7491RS delivers exceptional value. It combines the portability needed for job site work with the power and precision required for serious woodworking projects.
The 32.5-inch rip capacity isn’t just a spec sheet number – it’s genuinely useful in real-world applications. The rolling stand transforms this from a stationary tool into something truly portable, and the build quality ensures it will last for years.
Yes, there are minor complaints about the miter gauge and blade guard, but these are easily addressed with aftermarket upgrades if needed. The core saw – motor, fence, and table – is rock solid.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
The DeWalt DWE7491RS loses half a star only due to the miter gauge accuracy issues. Everything else about this power tool exceeds expectations for the price point.
Accessories Worth Considering
- Forrest WWII 10″ 40-tooth combination blade
- Incra V120 miter gauge
- Rousseau 2745 table saw stand
- Delta 50-760 splitter