Check out the new Compact Table Saw from DeWalt!

Today I’m leaning in for a closer look at a table saw I’ve been using during my recent shop build. It’s a compact unit from DeWalt that soaks up a whopping 15 amps and offers a lot of grunt in a tight package. Overall I found this table saw to be compact and easy to move around the site, it has a well thought out fence, and t’s very affordable – it’s the DeWalt DW745S

My favorite feature on this saw is the fence. From the factory the width capacity is 12” to the left and 20” to the right of the blade. The positioning is controlled by a rack and pinion design with very coarse gearing and feels smooth in it’s action. Both front and back sides of the adjustable fence feature gear racks that ride along pinion gears connected to the adjusting knob. When you set the lock for the fence in the desired position, the over center locking handle assures the fence will not “walk” during a long rip cut.

When the fence is opened up all the way there is a large void between the fence and the deck of the table saw. Typically, this is the area where the workpiece will droop down below the plane of the table saw during the cut. DeWalt addressed this problem with a handy support system that folds away when it’s not needed and easily deploys when you’re ready. It’s a simple solution to a simple problem.

The positioning scale is in both metric and standard units and easy to read.  The red indicator on this saw was perfectly dialed into the fence position but can be easily adjusted if you happen to change over to a blade with a different kerf and need to adjust it’s position.

I used the miter gauge a number of times lately on the shop I’m building and….while I’m not crazy about, it does the job. It would have been an easy choice to make the miter slot a T-track rather than a square channel in my opinion but that’s really the only thing I found that worked against this unit.

This saw will not accept a dado stack. Although the motor sure feels like it could handle a dado stack the compact size of the saw does not allow for it. Accessing the arbor nut is surprisingly easy with the supplied wrenches that live on the side of the saw when they are not in use. DeWalt also built in a clever storage spot on the back side of the fence which makes it super easy to grab the push stick without taking your eyes of the workpiece.

Right outta the box the saw blade was at a perfect 90 when the bevel control was set to zero. The action on the bevel adjustment is as equally smooth compared to the rack and pinion of the fence. At 45 degrees the saw will cut through 2-1/4” material which is pretty good for most construction or hobby wood working. Again, when the bevel was set to 45 degrees, it too measured a perfect 45 when using a speed square.

DeWalt included an anti-kick back pawl which is optional for installation, a quick connect blade guard, and a riving knife. The blade guard was very easy to install and never really got in the way of pushing material through it. DeWalt included some simple storage for the blade guard on the side of the saw frame but for some reason did not offer a storage solution for the miter gage.

The dust collection duct is HUGE for such a compact saw. Let me tell you though, it really is effective even with out a DC connected. I had to make several rip cuts of OSB and the dust collection duct was really blowing that itchy saw dust like crazy out the back side of the saw frame. The port on the back measures 2-1/4” and will accept most standard DC plumbing. Fortunately there are simple wing nuts holding the access panel in place on the dust collection duct. If and when something gets hung up in there it will be a simple job the sort out.

The stand for the saw is made from simple square tubing and it held to the saw frame with some 6mm bolts and lock nuts. At 45 lbs the saw is not terribly heavy and lends itself well to portability at the minor expense of some stability.

If you consider using this saw in a shop setting it would be time well spent to build a proper stand for it to feature in and out feed. The frame of the saw features  only 2 adjustable feet on one side with rubber bumpers on the other. With that in mind, whatever deck you plan to build and align to your saw needs to be bang on plane with the deck of the saw.

The saw has a lot going for it. It would be ideal for a small shop, garage, or portable job site applications. Although my saw came from the factory very well dialed in, it’s still a good idea to check yours if you decide to move on one. I personally feel like $299.00 is a pretty decent sticker price for all that the saw has to offer. The 15 amp motor is a real horse, the rack and pinion fence feels ultra solid, and the compact size make it easy to store when not in use. 

Thanks for stopping in to learn more about this compact table saw. This review was provided in support of the ProSpective Campaign sponsored by The Home Depot. They supply the tool and I supply an opinion. If you are interested in purchasing one of these units, consider using this link or one from above. These are affiliate links and provide a small kick-back to the website which helps to keep the wheel turning. Regardless, I genuinely appreciate your support.

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