The DeWalt DW745 and DW745S share the same 15-amp motor, the same 10-inch blade, the same rack-and-pinion fence, and the same 3,850 RPM no-load speed. The only meaningful hardware difference is that the DW745S includes a folding stand. Whether that bundled stand is worth the price premium depends entirely on whether you already own a workbench or a stand. This comparison cuts through the near-identical spec sheets, flags what every buyer should know about these saws in 2026, and gives you a straight answer.
A note for 2026 buyers: Both the DW745 and DW745S have been discontinued by DeWalt. The DWE7485 is now DeWalt’s current compact jobsite table saw replacement. If you are shopping new, skip to the What About the DWE7485? section below. If you are buying used or have an existing unit, everything here applies directly.
Side-by-Side Specification Comparison
| Specification | DW745 | DW745S |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 15 amp / 1,850W input / 1,100W output | 15 amp / 1,850W input / 1,100W output |
| No-load speed | 3,850 RPM | 3,850 RPM |
| Blade diameter | 10 in (254 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) |
| Arbor size | 5/8 in (16 mm) | 5/8 in (16 mm) |
| Max depth of cut @ 90° | 3-1/8 in (79 mm) | 3-1/8 in (79 mm) |
| Max depth of cut @ 45° | 2-1/4 in (57 mm) | 2-1/4 in (57 mm) |
| Max rip capacity (right of blade) | 20 in (508 mm) | 20 in (508 mm) |
| Max rip capacity (left of blade) | 12 in (305 mm) | 12 in (305 mm) |
| Bevel range | 0–45° | 0–45° |
| Dust port diameter | 2-1/2 in (63 mm) | 2-1/2 in (63 mm) |
| Table dimensions | 22 in × 22 in (559 × 559 mm) | 22 in × 22 in (559 × 559 mm) |
| Unit weight (tool only) | ~45 lb (20 kg) | ~45 lb (20 kg) |
| Shipping weight (with packaging) | 54 lb (24.5 kg) | 73 lb (33 kg) — includes stand |
| Stand included | No | Yes — folding steel stand |
| Dado stack compatible | No | No |
| Riving knife included | Yes | Yes |
Source: DeWalt DW745 original instruction manual (ManualsLib) and Manualzz technical data sheet. Note: the 54 lb / 73 lb figures refer to shipping weight, which explains the apparent discrepancy with the 45 lb tool-only weight that appears on both product pages.
Overview of the DeWalt DW745
The DW745 is a compact, portable jobsite table saw built around a 15-amp motor producing 1,850 watts of input power (1,100 watts at the output shaft). It runs a 10-inch (254 mm) carbide-tipped 24-tooth blade on a 5/8-inch (16 mm) arbor, delivering a maximum depth of cut of 3-1/8 inches (79 mm) at 90° and 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) at 45°.
The tool-only weight is approximately 45 pounds (20 kg) — genuinely portable for a table saw. Multiple users in hands-on video reviews confirm this figure, with one reviewer noting he had used the same blade for seven years cutting poplar, oak, pine, cedar, and plywood with consistently clean results. The metal roll cage construction (rather than plastic) is the primary reason for that kind of longevity on a jobsite tool.
The Rack-and-Pinion Fence: Why It Matters
The defining advantage of the DW745 over similarly priced saws is the rack-and-pinion telescoping fence system. Unlike older T-square fences that lock only at the front rail and can drift at the rear when under pressure, the DW745’s fence is driven by gear teeth front and rear simultaneously. This means the fence moves an equal amount at both ends with every adjustment, keeping it perfectly parallel to the blade without requiring manual squaring. As one tradesperson reviewer put it: “unlike some old saws where it’s just connected at the front and when you push your timber through the blade can start wandering — it is ratcheted front and rear, so when we move the handle, it moves and nothing shifts.”
In practice, this means you can trust the on-board measurement scale. Multiple video reviewers confirmed that setting the fence to a stated width — say 12 inches (305 mm) — yields an actual 12-inch (305 mm) finished cut, which is not something you can say about all budget table saws.
Pros
- True rack-and-pinion fence — accurate, repeatable, doesn’t drift
- Genuine metal roll cage — survives jobsite conditions
- Lightweight at ~45 lb (20 kg) tool-only
- 20-inch (508 mm) rip capacity right of blade
- Fence installs on either side of the blade
- Adjustable rear levelling feet for uneven surfaces
- Riving knife travels with the blade — essential kickback protection
- On-board storage for push stick and wrenches
Cons
- No dado stack compatibility — the arbor and table insert gap do not accommodate a stacked dado set
- 3-1/8 inch (79 mm) max depth means you cannot rip a 2×4 or 4×4 vertically in a single pass — you need two passes
- 20-inch (508 mm) rip capacity is limiting for full sheet goods — most 4×8 plywood requires 24 inches (610 mm) to rip cleanly down the centre
- Stand sold separately (see DW745S below)
Overview of the DeWalt DW745S
The DW745S is mechanically identical to the DW745 in every measurable way. Same motor, same blade, same fence, same table, same cuts. The “S” in the model name stands for the included folding steel stand — that is the entire product difference.
The stand ships attached to the saw, which is why the shipping weight jumps to 73 pounds (33 kg) compared to 54 pounds (24.5 kg) for the DW745. Once separated and folded, the stand itself adds meaningful weight but improves stability significantly over placing the saw on a makeshift surface. The stand uses the same footprint as the DW7451/DW7450 aftermarket stand sold separately for the DW745.
Pros
- Complete package — no separate stand purchase required
- Folding stand provides a stable, purpose-built working height
- Adjustable feet keep the unit level on uneven ground
- Tool-free fence and guard adjustment
- All DW745 strengths carry over
Cons
- The bundled stand has attracted complaints in user forums about being small and lacking the stability of heavier aftermarket stands
- If you already own a workbench or a better stand, the S adds cost without benefit
- Combined shipping weight of 73 lb (33 kg) makes transport heavier
- Same dado stack limitation as the DW745
The One Decision That Separates These Two Saws
The DW745S costs more than the DW745. The stand sold separately for the DW745 — typically the DeWalt DW7451 or a compatible third-party folding stand — has historically cost between $50 and $80 USD. In most cases, buying the DW745 plus a stand separately works out to roughly the same price as the DW745S, or sometimes slightly more depending on the retailer and the stand quality.
Buy the DW745S if: you have no existing workbench or saw stand, you want a complete ready-to-work package with no extra purchases, and you’re comfortable with the bundled stand’s build quality.
Buy the DW745 (and add a stand separately) if: you already own a suitable stand or workbench, you want to choose a higher-quality or more stable stand than the bundled option, or you find the DW745 at a significantly lower price and the standalone stand more than covers the gap.
What the Manuals Reveal That Most Reviews Miss
Reading the DW745 original instructions manual (188 pages, available via ManualsLib) surfaces several important operational details that most comparison posts overlook:
Riving Knife Thickness and Blade Compatibility
The DW745 ships with a riving knife marked 2.2 mm (0.087 in) thick, designed for use only with blades that have a minimum kerf width of 2.4 mm (0.094 in) and a maximum body thickness of 1.75 mm (0.067 in). This matters when selecting a replacement blade. If you switch to a thin-kerf blade (typically 3/32 in / 2.4 mm kerf), the riving knife may be too thick and require replacement with the correct thin-kerf version. Using the wrong combination — a riving knife thicker than the blade’s kerf — creates friction and significantly increases kickback risk.
The Riving Knife Is Not the Same as a Splitter
The DW745 includes a true riving knife, not an older-style fixed splitter. The difference matters for safety. A riving knife travels up and down with the blade carriage, maintaining the same relationship to the blade tip regardless of depth-of-cut setting. An older fixed splitter stays at a fixed height, making it impossible to use for shallower cuts without removing it entirely. The DW745’s riving knife can be lowered flush with the table for non-through cuts (such as grooves), though in that position the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls must be removed as they cannot be used at that height. Both are tool-free operations, which is why safety compliance in daily use is realistic rather than theoretical.
Dado Stack: Why It Cannot Be Used
The DW745 manual explicitly states that rabbeting, slotting, and grooving operations are not permitted. The arbor is 5/8 inch (16 mm) in diameter, which is physically compatible with dado stack chippers — but the table insert opening is too narrow to accommodate the wider cut, and the exposed-arbor thread length is insufficient to stack multiple dado chippers plus an outer blade safely. This is not a workaround-able limitation; it is an engineering constraint. Woodworkers who need dado cuts on the DW745 use a router table, a dedicated dado plane, or a router freehand for those operations.
Extension Cord Guidance (from the Manual)
For a 15-amp saw, DeWalt recommends against extension cords longer than 50 feet (15 m). For runs up to 25 feet (7.6 m), a 14 AWG cord is acceptable; beyond that, use 12 AWG. Using an undersized or excessively long extension cord causes voltage drop under load, reducing motor performance and accelerating motor brush wear — a common source of premature failure in jobsite table saws.
The Riving Knife and Kickback: The Safety Feature No One Explains
Kickback is one of the leading causes of serious table saw injuries. It happens when a workpiece pinches against the back of the spinning blade — typically because the kerf closes around the blade as internal wood stresses release during a cut — and the blade tooth catches the wood, launching it back toward the operator at blade speed.
The riving knife prevents this by sitting directly behind the blade in the kerf, keeping the two halves of the cut material separated so they cannot pinch. As professional carpenter reviewers on sites like THISisCarpentry note, a riving knife is more important than the anti-kickback pawls in daily use. The pawls prevent a workpiece from being thrown backward once kickback has already started; the riving knife stops kickback from starting in the first place.
The DW745 was ahead of many comparably priced saws when it launched by including a full riving knife rather than the older fixed splitter that budget saws commonly used. That feature carries over unchanged to the DW745S.
Blade Upgrades: Getting More from Both Saws
Both saws ship with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade. This is a ripping blade — optimised for cutting with the wood grain (parallel to the length of the board), where fewer teeth and larger gullets clear material quickly. It will crosscut, but leaves a noticeably rougher surface.
For most woodworkers and serious DIYers, a second blade dramatically expands what these saws can do cleanly:
- 24-tooth FTG (Flat Top Grind): The stock blade. Fast, aggressive ripping in solid lumber. Leave this on when breaking down rough stock.
- 40-tooth ATB (Alternate Top Bevel): The most versatile single upgrade. Handles both ripping and crosscutting acceptably well, produces a cleaner surface finish, and is the blade many experienced woodworkers keep on their saw 80% of the time. Popular options include the Freud LU83 and the Diablo D1040X.
- 60–80-tooth ATB: For clean crosscuts in hardwood or plywood face veneers. Overkill for ripping but excellent for trim and fine joinery cuts.
One important compatibility note: any replacement blade must have a kerf width wider than the riving knife thickness (2.2 mm / 0.087 in) and a blade body thinner than the riving knife. If you fit a thin-kerf blade (common on underpowered saws to reduce motor strain), confirm the riving knife is the correct thin-kerf version before cutting — the standard knife will catch the blade body and create binding. The DW745 instruction manual on ManualsLib documents the correct knife specifications for each blade type.
What About the DWE7485? (The Current Replacement)
DeWalt replaced the DW745 line with the DWE7485, an 8-1/4-inch compact jobsite table saw. For buyers who encounter a DW745 or DW745S on the used market, this comparison is still directly relevant. For buyers shopping new, here is what changed:
| DW745 | DWE7485 | |
|---|---|---|
| Blade size | 10 in (254 mm) | 8-1/4 in (210 mm) |
| No-load speed | 3,850 RPM | 5,800 RPM |
| Max rip capacity | 20 in (508 mm) | 24-1/2 in (622 mm) |
| Dado compatible | No | No |
| Motor | 15A | 15A |
The smaller 8-1/4-inch blade addresses a regulatory shift (OSHA and similar bodies were tightening requirements around 10-inch blade exposure), but as Machine Atlas notes, the narrower blade actually delivers a larger rip capacity — 24-1/2 inches (622 mm) vs. 20 inches (508 mm) — closing the DW745’s most commonly cited limitation. The higher RPM produces somewhat smoother cuts in hardwood. The 10-inch blade ecosystem is vastly larger with more blade choices, but 8-1/4-inch blades are now widely available.
For woodworkers who built real furniture on their DW745 for years, the DWE7485 is effectively the same saw with an improved rip capacity. For those needing dado capability, neither saw helps — that requires moving up to a contractor or cabinet saw.
What Real Users Say: Insights from Video Reviews
Across four hands-on reviews of the DW745 (including unboxing, feature walkthroughs, and live cutting demonstrations), several consistent themes emerge:
- Blade longevity: One reviewer demonstrated clean cuts through poplar, oak, pine, cedar, and plywood using a seven-year-old stock blade, noting the quality of the original 24-tooth carbide inclusion. This is consistent with the manual’s note that carbide quality varies significantly by manufacturer.
- Fence praise: Multiple reviewers highlighted the rack-and-pinion fence as the standout feature, specifically contrasting it with older fences that wander at the rear under workpiece pressure. A tradesperson reviewer confirmed 100 mm fence measurements held accurate against a direct blade measurement.
- Riving knife clarity: The DW745-XE (Australian/European version reviewed in video 3) comes with a metric-spec riving knife (2.3 mm) consistent with 250 mm blades, which aligns with the European manual’s technical data showing a blade body thickness of 2.0 mm and riving knife of 2.3 mm.
- Depth limitation noted: One reviewer noted the 3-1/8 inch (79 mm) maximum depth as a genuine limitation, requiring two passes to rip a 2×4 or 4×4 vertically.
- Guard usability: Multiple reviewers confirmed the modular SitePro guard system comes on and off without tools, which they cited as the reason they actually use it — unlike guards on older saws that required tool removal and were typically left off.
Key Features Explained
Rip Capacity: 20 Inches (508 mm) Right, 12 Inches (305 mm) Left
The right-of-blade rip capacity of 20 inches (508 mm) handles most dimensional lumber and smaller sheet goods comfortably. The limitation shows up with full 4×8 sheets of plywood: to rip a 48-inch (1,220 mm) sheet down the centre, you need at least 24 inches (610 mm) of clearance to the right of the blade. The DW745 cannot do this in one pass without the sheet hanging unsupported off the far side — manageable with an outfeed table or roller support, but awkward. This is the single most common complaint about the DW745 in long-term owner forums.
The SitePro Modular Guard System
The blade guard assembly on the DW745 combines three components: the clear polycarbonate guard (which rises as the workpiece passes under it), the anti-kickback pawls (spring-loaded fingers that bite into the wood and prevent it from moving backward), and the riving knife. All three remove and reinstall without tools using a single pin-and-clip mechanism. In practice this means the guard comes off in under ten seconds for non-through cuts or bevel operations that require more visibility, and back on just as fast. The speed of tool-free removal is the reason professional reviewers recommend leaving the guard in place for standard through-cuts rather than removing it “for convenience.”
Dust Collection
The 2-1/2-inch (63 mm) dust port at the rear accepts standard shop vacuum hoses. The internal metal shroud channels dust from above the blade, down through the table, and out the rear port. Multiple reviewers confirm this works well for keeping the immediate work area clear, though at high feed rates in hardwood some dust escapes around the blade guard. An angled dust deflector accessory is available third-party if dust management is critical.
Bevel Adjustment (0–45°)
The bevel is adjusted via a rotating wheel at the front of the saw, with a pointer referencing a marked scale. The lock lever secures the angle. Per the manual, the bevel lock lever and adjustment wheel are calibrated at the factory, but the scale is adjustable if the pointer drifts out of alignment with true 45°. Both video and manual sources confirm the adjustment mechanism is straightforward — loosen the reference pointer’s fixing screw, align to a known 45° reference, retighten.
Similarities
- Identical motor, blade size, arbor, and speed specifications
- Same rack-and-pinion telescoping fence system
- Both partially assembled out of the box — minimal setup time
- Both ship with: 10-inch 24T carbide blade, miter gauge, push stick, blade guard assembly, riving knife, and blade-change wrenches stored on-board
- Both use the same SitePro modular guard with tool-free removal
- 2-1/2-inch (63 mm) dust port on both
- Neither accepts a dado stack
- Both carry the same DeWalt 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee (terms as shipped; verify current terms at time of purchase)
Differences
| Feature | DW745 | DW745S |
|---|---|---|
| Folding stand included | No — purchase separately | Yes |
| Shipping weight | 54 lb (24.5 kg) | 73 lb (33 kg) |
| Price (at discontinuation) | Lower — approx. $329–$369 USD | Higher — approx. $379–$429 USD |
Note: Retail prices varied by retailer and time of purchase. These figures reflect the approximate range during active production. For current used-market pricing, check completed eBay listings for your region.
What About Dado Cuts? A Practical Workaround
The DW745’s inability to run a dado stack is an engineering constraint, not an oversight. The arbor thread length is too short to safely stack multiple dado chippers, and the factory throat plate opening is too narrow to accommodate the wider kerf. For woodworkers who need dadoes, housed grooves, or rabbets, three practical routes exist:
- Router table: A handheld router in a benchtop table handles dadoes, grooves, and rabbets cleanly. For occasional dado work on a shop with a DW745 as the primary saw, this is the most common solution.
- Router freehand with fence: For stopped dadoes and housings, a plunge router guided by a straightedge is accurate and fast.
- Upgrade to a contractor saw: The DeWalt DWE7491RS accepts a full dado stack and has a 32-1/2 inch (826 mm) rip capacity, at the cost of significantly more weight and price.
Final Verdict
For most buyers: if you do not already own a workbench or stand, the DW745S is the smarter purchase — you get a complete, ready-to-use setup without an additional purchase, and the price premium is typically modest. If you already have a stable work surface, buy the DW745 and save the difference, or put that money toward a better aftermarket stand.
For buyers shopping in 2026: neither saw is in production, so you are buying used or new-old-stock. The DWE7485 is the direct replacement and addresses the DW745’s biggest limitation (rip capacity) while keeping everything that made the DW745 excellent. If you can find a DW745 or DW745S in good condition at the right used price — particularly with the original blade guard, riving knife, and fence in working order — they remain excellent, durable saws. Just factor in parts availability for the blade guard assembly (DeWalt part 5140034-41) before committing.
The fence system remains best-in-class for portable table saws at this size and price point. A seven-year-old DW745 running its original blade through hardwood without burning or drifting is not a coincidence — it is the rack-and-pinion system doing exactly what it was designed to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DeWalt DW745 discontinued?
Yes. Both the DW745 and DW745S have been discontinued by DeWalt. The current replacement is the DWE7485, which uses an 8-1/4-inch blade and offers a 24-1/2-inch (622 mm) rip capacity — addressing the main limitation of the older model.
What does the “S” stand for in DW745S?
The S stands for the included folding stand. The two saws are otherwise identical in specifications.
Can the DW745 or DW745S cut a dado?
No. Neither saw accepts a dado stack. The arbor thread length and throat plate opening are too limited. See the router-based workarounds above.
What stand fits the DW745 if bought separately?
The DeWalt DW7451 is the factory-matched folding stand for the DW745. Third-party folding stands that accommodate 21-3/4 inch (552 mm) width also fit.
What extension cord should I use with the DW745?
Per the DeWalt instruction manual: maximum 50 feet (15 m), 12 AWG for runs between 25–50 feet (7.6–15 m), and 14 AWG for runs up to 25 feet (7.6 m). Never use a cord longer than 50 feet (15 m) with a 15-amp saw — voltage drop under load causes premature motor wear.
What replacement blade should I buy for the DW745?
The stock 24-tooth blade is a ripping blade. For a versatile upgrade, a 40-tooth ATB combination blade (such as the Freud LU83 or Diablo D1040X) handles both ripping and crosscutting cleanly. Ensure any replacement blade has a kerf wider than 2.2 mm (0.087 in) — the riving knife thickness — or switch to the correct thin-kerf riving knife if using a thin-kerf blade.