Hold on to your hats, folks! We’re about to plunge into the riveting realm of table saws, focusing on the powerhouse that is the DEWALT DWE7490X. I can practically hear the gears turning in your head, “Adam, another DEWALT product?” Absolutely, and for a darn good reason. DEWALT consistently delivers top-notch quality, and the DWE7490X is a shining example of their excellent craftsmanship.
Get Acquainted with the DEWALT DWE7490X
DEWALT DWE7490X Table Saw
- Rating: 4/5
- Manufacturer: DEWALT
- Model number: DWE7490X
- Power source: 120V
- Motor size: 15 Amp
- Weight: 58 lbs
DEWALT’s new line of portable job site table saws includes this gem, a 10″ version with a scissor stand. The DEWALT DWE7490X is an upgrade from the DWE7480, boasting a larger cut capacity, additional features, and a sturdy steel scissor stand.
You know the old adage, “A woodworker is only as good as their tools,” right? Well, with this table saw in your arsenal, you’re sure to take your woodworking skills to a whole new level.
Right, so lets get into this Dewalt DWE7490X Review and see why it’s so good!
Pros
- Extra storage space.
- Tool free adjustments thanks to the blade guade assembly
- Accurate miter gauge for cross cuts.
- High powered motor – 4,800 RPM.
- High cutting capacity.
- Quality blade guarding components.
- Rack, pinion fence system
- Large 32 1/2 inch ripping capacity
- Depth of cut at 45°: 2-1/4” bevel angle
- Depth of cut at 90°: 3-1/8”
- Max width of Dado: 13/16”
- Cutting Diameter: 10 Inches
- Warranty: 3 years, limited
- Arbor size – 5/8”
- 15-amp motor
- 2-1/2″ Dust Collection Port easily connects to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction
- 4800 RPM (revolutions per minute)
- On-Board Storage System provides easy access to the Blade Guard Assembly, fence, riving knife, miter gauge, wrenches, push stick, and cord wrap when not in use.
- Durable 24 tooth carbide blade
- Comes with a push stick and miter gauge
- Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
- Flip over ripping fence allows for narrow rip cuts
- Rolling stand designed for easy setup and breakdown with excellent stability
- Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- Patented material support can be used for narrow rip cuts.
Cons
- Quite heavy.
- Plastic clamps hold the blade bevel.
- The user manual isn’t the most friendly
Key Features of the DEWALT DWE7490X
In the realm of table saws, the DEWALT DWE7490X stands out for a reason. Let’s delve into what makes this tool a cut above the rest.
- Rack and Pinion Fence System – This feature isn’t just all talk. The rack and pinion telescoping fence rails ensure accurate fence adjustments are fast, smooth, and accurate. The rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate
Patented material support can be used for narrow rip cuts. - 15 Amp Motor – This table saw is powered by a 15.0 AMP high-torque motor, robust enough to cut through pressure-treated lumber and hardwoods. The power behind this saw is truly remarkable.
- Telescoping Fence Rails – These innovative rails retract to create a small, portable package and extend to rip full sheets of materials. It’s not just a saw; it’s a mobile workshop that’s as convenient as it comes.
- Onboard Storage – The DEWALT DWE7490X provides onboard storage for your fence, guard, riving knife, push stick, miter gauge, wrenches, and cord wrap. The ability to store these tools under the table ensures a clutter-free workspace. And we all know, a clean workspace is just more enjoyable to work in.
- Dust Collection Port – This 2-1/2″ Dust Collection Port can easily connect to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction. It means less time cleaning up and more time crafting.
- Rip Capacity – With a 3-1/8″ depth of cut at 90 degrees and 2-1/4″ at 45 degrees, this saw can handle a variety of materials and cuts. This rip capacity easily cuts down a sheet of plywood.
- No Load Speed – The DEWALT DWE7490X operates at a no-load speed of 4800 rpm.
- Weight – At 58 pounds, this tool may not be the lightest, but remember, it’s a powerful table saw. It’s built to deliver, not to be weightless.
- Dimensions – Measuring 26.5″ x 25.75″ x 13.875″, this table saw takes up minimal space. It fits comfortably in your workshop without cramping your style or your space.
- Table Size – A 21-7/8″ x 26 – 3/8″ table provides superior material support, ensuring safer and more precise cuts.
Power and Motor: The Heart of the Beast
Power
The DEWALT DWE7490X is a robust job site table saw teeming with practical features. Excelling in both framing and finish work applications, this powerhouse flawlessly rips through sheet stock, framing lumber, and hardwood trim. I’ve tested this saw on various materials, like 3/4″ cabinet-grade plywood, 2x framing lumber (KD and pressure-treated), and Pine and Maple 1x trim stock, I’ve cut pressure treated lumber. The results were impressive.
Motor
The DEWALT 10″ job site table saws feature a robust 15 amp motor, providing a speed boost up to 4,800 RPM, up from previous models. This increased blade speed seems to have enhanced the ripping quality somewhat. Overall, this saw has the muscle to handle any material I threw at it.
Performance – The DWE7490X shines in performance. The accuracy and overall performance of this saw are all down to the rack and pinion fence rails. The fence is a breeze to adjust and remains parallel to the blade. The unique fence design, which rides on rails at both the front and back of the saw, rules out any chance of fence drift. This saw also comes with a miter gauge for cross-cutting. While the gauge isn’t top-tier, it does the job.
Features – The DWE7490X comes packed with features you’d usually find on pricier shop table saws.
On/Off Switch – This saw features an easy-to-use on/off switch with a safety lever/cover. The safety cover needs to be lifted before turning on the saw while a bump pad makes it easy to turn off.
Flip Over Fence – This feature offers dual benefits. When ripping narrow pieces, the flip-over fence allows the user to make the cut without interfering with the blade guard. For ripping wide boards, the flip-over fence can be locked into a lower position to support the workpiece.
Accessory Storage – DEWALT has gone to great lengths to make accessory storage easy and convenient. Everything, including the blade guard, has a dedicated storage location, reducing the chances of misplacing them on the job site.
Cutting Capacity and Table Features: Size Does Matter
The DEWALT DWE7490X boasts a rip capacity of up to 28-1/2″ wide, second only to DEWALT’s other new saw, the DWE7491RS. This expanded capacity puts pressure on other manufacturers to follow suit. Stability, which isn’t an issue for this saw when supported by the scissor stand, will ultimately limit this capacity.
The Scissor Stand: A Mixed Bag
The DWE7490X table saw comes equipped with a steel scissor stand. In theory, a scissor stand is an excellent space-saving solution. Ideal for situations where storage space is limited, it folds up and can be stored with the saw in a smaller space than the heftier DWE7491RS with a roller stand. However, this scissor stand has its downsides.
Firstly, attaching the saw to the stand requires the installation of two carriage bolts through the stand into the saw’s frame. This process is not only time-consuming but also cumbersome, as you struggle to align the holes while feeling under the saw. A tool-free clamp would be a far superior and user-friendly method.
Secondly, the stability of this stand leaves something to be desired. The legs bear a concerning level of flexibility, and I found myself questioning their stability when handling larger sheet goods. While I didn’t experience any actual problems, the lack of confidence isn’t a feeling you want when operating a table saw.
Dust Collection System: Room for Improvement
The DWE7490X boasts two dust ports for dust collection. At the saw’s rear is a 2-1/2″ dust port that connects to the area just below the blade (a typical location on a table saw). When attached to a job site vacuum, it proves very effective, collecting about 80% of the dust depending on the material you’re cutting.
The saw also features a smaller 1-1/4″ dust port on top of the blade guard for collecting dust above the tabletop. Initially, this idea thrilled me, but it quickly revealed itself as more of a nuisance than a neat feature. The first issue I encountered was trying to outfit a “Y” and hose to tee off my main dust port and attach to the upper one (2-1/2″ to 1-1/4″ “Y’s” are not common). Then, if the smaller hose on top doesn’t fall to the side, it gets in the way of the wood you’re trying to cut. After discussing this with the product manager, it appears this feature evolved in Europe and found its way over here. I’ve essentially given up on the upper port and just use the lower one. It’s a cool idea, but it needs a serious redesign or an accessory to make hooking it up easier.
In Summary
The DEWALT DWE7490X 10″ Job Site Table Saw is an outstanding saw, boasting impressive power, quality fit and finish, and several excellent features. The rack and pinion fence system on DEWALT table saws is exceptional, despite the all-plastic connection clamps.
What prevents this saw from earning a higher rating is its sibling, the DWE7491RS, which offers a better stand and larger rip capacity. Nonetheless, the DWE7490X is a fantastic saw that should be high on your list if you’re in the market for a new job site saw.
