Designed with portability in mind the DeWalt DW745 table saw is one of the lightest construction saws on the market today. In this review we put it through it’s paces to see how it stacked up to the competition.
Small can often mean under-powered but DeWalt has a reputation to live up to an with the success of it’s DW744X table saw. The good news is that they haven’t failed and although diminutive in size this saw can cut as well as, if not better, than its big brother.
But size is not the only thing that the DeWalt DW745 has going for it. One of its best features is an accurate fence system. Both the front and back ends of the fence are on a geared telescopic rail for extra accuracy and lock securely in place at the flick of a lever.
We found the fence pretty accurate out of the box and only a little adjustment was required to make it spot on.
But don’t get the impression that this is a cheap saw for home use. It has been designed for heavy duty use on constructions sites by professionals. Its size makes it ideal for taking it to job sites and home workshops where it will be stowed away after use and in shops that have limited space available.
Included with the saw are a riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, blade guard and a push stick. The push stick and blade removal tools can be bolted to the right side of the machine for easy access and to help stop you losing them.
One feature lacking in this saw is its ability to make dado cuts due to the short length of the arbor. If this is something that you often do then maybe consider the DW744X or use a router instead.
It should be noted that the motor on this model is not as fast as some of those from other manufacturers, such as Bosch, running slightly slower at 3850 rpm (not 4000-5000 rpm as a lot of others do) but that didn’t seem to affect it’s cutting performance in the least bit.
So let’s look at some of the feature that the DeWalt DW745 has to offer.
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Features
The original version of the DW745 had a 16 inch rip capacity, the newer model claims to be able cut at 20 inches maximum, if you need to work on larger planks of wood then its big brother the DW744 manages just over 24 inches. Because of this it is best to check that you’re purchasing the correct version of this model as some of the older 16 inch revisions are still available.
To keep the weight down DeWalt opted to integrate a steel roll cage, rather than a solid base. Not only is this a sturdy alternative but it makes carrying the saw easier.
Circular saws tend to make a bit of a mess unless you can hook them up to a decent vacuum system. With that in mind DeWalt added a standard 2 1/2 inch extraction pipe to hookup your shop-vac and eliminate dust. This worked well in tests. If you don’t have a Shop-Vac already then the DeWalt DCV581H is a good choice if you would like a portable vacuum that can be used in both corded or cordless mode.
Who is the DW745 table saw aimed at?
The professional contractor and home DIY enthusiast will most benefit from the DW745. This type of table saw is typically marketed to the construction site where a high degree of accuracy is not normally required.
Typical uses include cutting laminate flooring, door frames, MDF skirting, plinth and for fitting kitchens. If more accurate cuts are needed such as required for cabinet and furniture construction then a high quality stationary cabinet saw should be considered instead.
Cutting large sheets of plywood is not recommended without an extension table and some extra hands to help you. Typically a circular saw would be used to cut down large sheets to more manageable sizes first.
DW745 Specifications:
- Unloaded motor speed: 3850 rpm
- Current rating: 15 Amp motor
- Power rating: 2600 Watt output max.
- Unit weight: 45 Pounds (20.5 Kg)
- Cutting Depth: 3 1/8″ (77mm) at 90 degrees and 2 1/4″(57mm)at 45 degrees
- Rip capacity: (410mm right / 315mm left) depending on version
What’s Good
- It’s compact. Easy to travel with to the job site. Packs up well to fit in your pickup or van and stores away easily.
- It’s lightweight. Can be carried in one hand (if you are capable of lifting 45 lbs) if you are so inclined.
- Has a great fence. This models rack-and-pinion guide rail is very precise and easy to adjust with the hairline gauge. Ratcheted at both the front and rear. Easily locks in place once it’s been set..
- Powerful 15 Amp motor. The high torque motor cuts with ease.
What’s Bad
- May not have the depth of cut of some other saws
- No stops on the miter gauge
- Doesn’t take dado blades
- The blade that comes with the machine is not the highest quality so it would be wise to purchase a replacement.
Should I Buy a DW745 Online?
This table saw goes for around $300 online and normally comes with free shipping. In my research I’ve seen some sites trying to sell it for up to $600 but that seems a little excessive. You should shop around for the best deal but Amazon represent several different stores and had the best price at the time of writing this article.
Watch the DeWALT DW745 in Action: Easy Set Up
Check out the video below and see how easy it is to adjust all of the settings on the DeWALT DW745 tablesaw.
The Bottom Line
The DW745 is basically a smaller and more portable version of the acclaimed DeWalt DW744 table saw. As to be expected from DeWalt this is a high quality table saw that will stand you in good stead for many years. One of it’s best features is the accuracy of the fence, thanks to the precise rack and pinion drive that is connected to both ends of the rail.
If you’re looking to install cabinets or cut molding then you’ll have no problem making fast accurate cuts with this saw, only for jobs that require a very high precision will you need a cabinet saw.
This is one of the lightest table saws around making it possible to take the tools to the job site rather than the job to the tools which is what normally happens with standing saws. If you’re not one for carrying your equipment or may need to move it long distances then you can always attach it to a DeWalt folding table/trolley.
One of the best portable saws on the market in this price bracket and is highly recommended.
Other Points worth Mentioning:
To keep the weight down there are some plastic parts and moldings on this table saw, but nothing that will have a detrimental effect on it’s operation.
You’ll also need a stand (see our recommendations below) to put this little machine on but it does have adjustable feet if you need to use it on a worktop.
Some Commonly asked Questions:
There are a few question on this saw unit that crop up time and time again so here we’ll try to answer the most common ones.
Does it make dado cuts?
No. For dado cuts you’re better off with a dado router and stand.
Can it cut concrete slabs?
Not really the type of saw required for cutting concrete slabs, even with a diamond disc, as there is no water cooling. This is strictly made for woodworking.
What voltage does this saw run from?
There are actually two versions of the DW745 one runs off 110 volts a.c. for the American market and the other works on 220 volts a.c. for Europe. Make sure that you buy the correct voltage model otherwise you;ll find that it quickly burns out.
What sort of generator will I need?
If you’re looking to be truly portable and want a generator to accompany this table saw then you’ll need one that can provide at least 4500 Watts , which is the starting power requirements of the motor.
Can it cut full size plywood sheets?
The fence is easily removed if you want to cut larger pieces or plank, although you’ll loose the accuracy.
Above all, if you are not sure how to use this saw then when you first get it you should read the instructions.
Recommended Additions
There are a couple of things that match well with the DeWALT table saw if you don’t have them already.
Choosing a Suitable Stand:
When it comes to working with the DW745 you’re going to want to use it at a comfortable height so you;re going to need a table or stand to position it on. There are a couple of great options available. The DEWALT DW7450 Table Saw Stand is made specifically for this model of saw. It is a simple collapsible version, without wheels, and the DW745 screws directly on top.
If you’re looking for something a little more portable, that is with wheels, then the DEWALT DW7440RS Rolling Saw Stand could be more to your liking. If you need to regularly move your table saw long distances, light as the DW745 is, then this stand will certainly take the pressure off your arms.
Finding Replacement Blades:
The standard blade that comes with the unit will not last forever. Many buyers found that it was of poor quality and although adequate to get you started it was recommended to upgrade it with new blades. The DEWALT DW3106P5 10-Inch Saw Blade Combo Pack comes with two high quality blades. One is a 60-Tooth Crosscutting disc the other a 32-Tooth General Purpose disc.
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Our Verdict
The DeWALT DW745 is one of the best compact table saws on the market today. Although it's been around a few years it is still the go to tool for professionals who need a heavy duty saw that gets the job done with precision.
The only thing that lets it down is it's inability to use dado blades.
