DEWALT DWE7485 Best Overall
- Motor
- 15 amp
- Weight
- 54 lb
- Blade Size
- 8-1/4 in.
- Rip Capacity
- 24.5 in.
24-1/2 inches of rip capacity is a lot to get from a saw that weighs 54 pounds. That is the balance the DEWALT DWE7485 strikes, and it is why it is the first saw we recommend for most home-shop work. It can rip a sheet of plywood down to a usable width without taking over the shop, and one person can move it. The 8-1/4-inch blade is the trade-off: this is a trim-and-sheet-goods saw more than a thick-hardwood saw.
The rack-and-pinion fence is the part we appreciate most. Small rip changes feel controlled, and the fence locks down without a fight. The 15-amp motor and 5,800-rpm speed give the compact blade more headroom than the size suggests. We also like the Site-Pro guard system for tool-free adjustments; it makes the safety gear less of a reason to leave the saw on the shelf.
The metal roll cage base adds jobsite toughness, though this saw is happiest on a stable bench. We kept it set up on a bench between cuts and found the footprint easy to live with. The onboard storage for the fence, miter gauge, and push stick is a small thing that keeps the accessories from wandering off.
The miter gauge is the weak accessory. It has enough play that we treat it as a starting point for rough crosscuts, not a precision tool. A crosscut sled is the better answer for furniture work, and that is true of most portable saws, not just this one.
What settles it is the balance. The smaller blade is not a compromise for trim, shelving, and cabinet parts; it is the reason the saw is easy to live with.
What We Like
- 24.5-inch rip capacity in a compact saw
- 54-pound body is easy to move
- Rack-and-pinion fence adjusts smoothly
Worth Noting
- No stand included
The DWE7485 is our default pick for home woodworkers who want a compact saw that can still rip sheet goods and move easily.
Check Latest Price