The DeWalt DW745 and Makita MLT100 are both compact table saws, but they are not built around the same idea. The DeWalt DW745 is the better choice if you want a lighter, more portable jobsite saw with a strong rack-and-pinion fence system. The Makita MLT100 is the better choice if you want a larger table surface, deeper cutting capacity, table extensions, soft start, and an electric brake.
The simple answer is this: choose the DeWalt DW745 for portability, fence adjustment, and site work. Choose the Makita MLT100 if table size, cut depth, and workshop support matter more than weight.
This comparison uses manufacturer specifications, instruction manuals, owner-review patterns, and video review findings rather than only repeating the headline specs. The goal is to help you decide which saw fits your work, not just which one looks better on paper.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | DeWalt DW745 | It weighs about 22 kg, while the Makita MLT100 is usually listed around 34.1 kg to 38 kg depending on market version. |
| Fence adjustment | DeWalt DW745 | The rack-and-pinion fence is the DW745’s biggest practical advantage. |
| Cut depth | Makita MLT100 | The Makita cuts deeper at 90° and 45°. |
| Table support | Makita MLT100 | Its table extensions give it more material support for larger boards. |
| Safety features | Makita MLT100 | Soft start and electric brake are useful advantages where fitted. |
| Best for site work | DeWalt DW745 | It is smaller, lighter, and easier to move in and out of a vehicle. |
| Best for a fixed home workshop | Makita MLT100 | The larger table and deeper cut capacity are more useful when the saw does not need to move often. |
DeWalt DW745 vs Makita MLT100 Specifications
| Specification | DeWalt DW745 | Makita MLT100 / MLT100N |
|---|---|---|
| Blade diameter | 250 mm | 255 mm to 260 mm depending on market version |
| Blade bore / arbor | 30 mm | Varies by region; commonly 25.4 mm or 30 mm depending on version |
| Power input | Commonly listed as 1,850 W in UK/EU versions | 1,500 W |
| No-load speed | 3,800 rpm to 3,850 rpm depending on version | 4,300 rpm |
| Max cut depth at 90° | 77 mm | 91 mm to 93 mm depending on version |
| Max cut depth at 45° | 57 mm | 63 mm to 64 mm depending on version |
| Right rip capacity | 610 mm on UK/DeWalt-listed versions | Varies by version and table extension setup |
| Left rip capacity | 315 mm | Varies by version |
| Table size | 630 mm x 570 mm | About 726 mm x 984 mm on MLT100N listings |
| Weight | 22 kg | About 34.1 kg to 38 kg depending on market version |
| Fence type | Rack-and-pinion telescoping fence | Conventional rip fence with table extensions |
| Soft start | No, on most DW745 versions | Yes, on many MLT100/MLT100N versions |
| Electric brake | Not usually listed as a key feature | Yes, on many MLT100 listings |
| Dust port | Dust shroud and dust collection port | Dust extraction port; performance depends heavily on extractor setup |
Important note: both saws have regional variants. Always check the exact model number on the rating plate and manual. The DW745-GB, DW745-QS, DW745-XE, MLT100, and MLT100N can differ by voltage, arbor size, included accessories, safety features, and availability.
Best Choice by Buyer Type
Choose the DeWalt DW745 if:
- You need to carry the saw between jobs.
- You want a compact table saw for trim, shelving, framing, flooring, and general site work.
- You value a fence that adjusts quickly and stays parallel more easily.
- You work in a small garage or van-based setup.
- You would rather support long stock with external stands than carry a heavier table saw.
Choose the Makita MLT100 if:
- You want a larger table surface for sheet goods and wider boards.
- You need deeper cutting capacity than the DeWalt offers.
- You mostly keep the saw in one workshop.
- You like having soft start and an electric brake.
- You are prepared to check and tune the fence before relying on it for accurate ripping.
DeWalt DW745 Overview
The DeWalt DW745 is a compact jobsite table saw built around portability and fast setup. Its most important feature is not the motor or blade size; it is the rack-and-pinion fence. On small table saws, fence adjustment is often the difference between a saw that feels precise and one that constantly needs checking.
The DW745 weighs about 22 kg, which makes it much easier to move than the Makita MLT100. It also has a steel roll cage, onboard accessory storage, a 250 mm blade, and a compact table footprint. That combination makes it popular with site carpenters, DIY renovators, and small-shop users who need a capable saw without committing floor space to a cabinet saw.
The trade-off is support area. The DeWalt table is smaller, and although the right rip capacity is strong for its size, the saw needs infeed and outfeed support when cutting long boards or sheet material. It is portable, not magic. If you put a full sheet on it without support, the saw will feel small very quickly.
Makita MLT100 Overview
The Makita MLT100N and related MLT100 versions are larger, heavier table saws with more emphasis on table support and cutting capacity. Makita lists the MLT100N with a 1,500 W motor, 4,300 rpm no-load speed, 91 mm cutting depth at 90°, and 63 mm cutting depth at 45°.
The Makita’s biggest advantage is its table system. It has side and rear extension support, making it more comfortable for larger boards than the DeWalt. It also has soft start and an electric brake on many versions, which improves control when the machine starts and stops.
The main weakness is the fence. Several owner videos and workshop discussions focus on the MLT100 fence as the part most likely to need tuning, replacement, or upgrading. That does not make the saw useless, but it changes the buying decision. The Makita is better as a workshop saw for users willing to set it up carefully. It is less attractive if you want quick, repeatable fence settings straight out of the box.
Manual and PDF Findings
For a versus comparison, the manuals matter because they reveal what the saws are actually designed to do, not just what a retailer says in a product description.
- The DeWalt DW745 instruction manual confirms the saw includes a dust shroud and dust collection port, and it gives setup and safety instructions for ripping, bevel cuts, crosscuts, and miter work.
- The Makita MLT100 instruction manual stresses correct blade selection, proper riving knife setup, and use of recommended accessories. It also warns against improper accessories such as abrasive cut-off wheels.
- Makita’s manual language highlights an important point often missed in quick comparisons: the riving knife must suit the blade kerf and blade body thickness. That matters if you change from the stock blade to a thin-kerf blade.
This is not just legal wording. On table saws, the blade, riving knife, fence, and material support work as a system. A powerful motor cannot compensate for a poorly aligned fence or the wrong riving-knife/blade pairing.
Video Review Findings
Video reviews are useful here because they show how the saws behave in real use: setup, fence movement, storage, dust, and the small annoyances that do not appear in spec sheets.
DeWalt DW745 videos reviewed
- “Should you Buy this Table Saw?” — a longer-term owner review that focuses on everyday use after living with the DW745.
- “Dewalt DW745 Table Saw and Stand Home Review” — useful for seeing the saw in a garage/project environment rather than a showroom.
- Toolstop’s DeWalt DW745 compact jobsite table saw video — useful for seeing portability, fence movement, and compact storage.
The recurring DeWalt takeaway from these videos is that the DW745’s appeal is practical rather than flashy. Reviewers focus on portability, the compact body, and the ease of fence adjustment. The fence system is the reason many users forgive the smaller table.
Makita MLT100 videos reviewed
- “Should you buy Makita MLT100?” — a critical review that calls out the fence, miter gauge, sliding table, and physical design.
- “Makita MLT100 Table Saw Rip Fence Upgrade” — useful because owners usually upgrade fences only when the original fence limits accuracy or confidence.
- “Makita MLT100 Table Saw First Look Review” — useful for understanding market-version differences and the table-extension layout.
The recurring Makita takeaway is more mixed. Users like the capacity and table area, but the fence receives much more criticism than the DeWalt fence. That is the biggest practical difference between the two saws: the Makita has more table, but the DeWalt has the more confidence-inspiring fence system.
Rip Capacity and Table Support
Rip capacity is often misunderstood. The DeWalt DW745 is commonly listed with 610 mm right rip capacity and 315 mm left rip capacity. That does not mean it is the better sheet-goods saw. It means the fence can move far enough right for a wide rip, but the physical table is still compact.
The Makita MLT100 gives you more table support through side and rear extensions. That makes a difference when cutting wider boards, panels, and heavier stock. However, if the fence is not parallel to the blade, extra support will not save the cut. Capacity and accuracy are separate issues.
Practical view: for long narrow boards, the DeWalt is easier to trust because of the fence. For larger panels and broad workpieces, the Makita gives more support, but you should verify the fence measurement before making critical cuts.
Cutting Depth
The Makita MLT100 wins on cutting depth. Makita lists the MLT100N at 91 mm at 90° and 63 mm at 45°. Some MLT100 listings show up to 93 mm at 90° and 64 mm at 45°, depending on blade size and market version.
The DeWalt DW745 is usually listed at 77 mm at 90° and 57 mm at 45°. That is enough for most common boards, trim work, framing timber, and sheet goods. It is not as strong if you regularly cut thicker stock.
Winner for cut depth: Makita MLT100.
Fence Accuracy and Adjustment
This is the most important category in the comparison. A table saw fence must lock parallel to the blade. If it toes inward toward the back of the blade, it can pinch the workpiece and increase kickback risk. If it drifts outward, it can leave inaccurate cuts and burning.
The DeWalt DW745 uses a rack-and-pinion fence system. This allows both ends of the fence to move in a controlled way when you adjust it. That is why users often describe the DW745 as easy to set and repeat.
The Makita MLT100 has a more conventional fence system. It can work, but owner videos and upgrade projects show that some users are unhappy with its stiffness, alignment, or locking confidence. This is the main reason not to buy the Makita blindly.
Winner for fence confidence: DeWalt DW745.
Motor, RPM, and Real Cutting Performance
The DeWalt DW745 is commonly listed with a higher power input in UK/EU versions, while the Makita MLT100 is commonly listed at 1,500 W. The Makita spins faster at 4,300 rpm, while the DeWalt is usually around 3,800 rpm to 3,850 rpm depending on version.
RPM alone does not tell you which saw cuts better. Blade quality, feed rate, material thickness, fence alignment, and motor torque all matter. A sharp thin-kerf blade on a properly aligned saw will often outperform a dull stock blade on a more powerful machine.
For most DIY and site work, both saws have enough power for softwood, plywood, MDF, OSB, and common boards. The Makita’s deeper cut capacity gives it more headroom in thicker material, but the DeWalt’s fence system makes repeat ripping easier.
Safety Features
Both saws require the same basic safety habits: use the riving knife, keep the guard fitted when the cut allows it, use a push stick, support long stock, stand out of the kickback line, and never force material through a misaligned fence.
The Makita has an advantage where soft start and electric brake are fitted. Soft start reduces the sudden jolt when the saw powers up. An electric brake reduces blade coast-down time after the cut, which is useful in a busy workshop or jobsite.
The DeWalt’s advantage is control. A fence that adjusts predictably is also a safety benefit because it reduces the chance of pinching, binding, and awkward feed pressure.
Safety verdict: Makita has better listed electronic safety features; DeWalt has the more confidence-inspiring fence system.
Dust Collection
The DeWalt DW745 manual refers to a dust shroud and dust collection port. Makita also provides dust extraction capability. In practice, neither saw should be expected to collect dust perfectly without a proper extractor, clean hose route, and good blade guard setup.
Compact table saws throw dust in more than one direction. The lower port helps, but dust above the table still escapes unless the blade guard and extraction setup are doing their job. If you work indoors, budget for dust extraction rather than treating it as an optional accessory.
Dust collection verdict: neither saw is a dust-free solution. The better setup is the saw connected to a proper dust extractor, with the guard used whenever the cut allows.
Portability and Storage
The DeWalt DW745 is much easier to move. At about 22 kg, it is still not featherweight, but one person can realistically lift it onto a bench or stand. The compact frame and onboard storage make it easier to pack away.
The Makita MLT100 is heavier and bulkier. At about 34.1 kg to 38 kg depending on version, it is more of a workshop or semi-stationary saw. You can move it, but you will not want to carry it in and out every day unless you have a good stand or wheels.
Winner for portability: DeWalt DW745.
Availability and Model Status
One issue older comparisons often miss is availability. Some DeWalt DW745 versions are now shown as discontinued on official DeWalt pages, depending on country. The DW745 is still widely discussed and available in used or refurbished markets, but buyers should check local stock carefully.
The Makita MLT100 and MLT100N are still listed by several Makita regional sites, but availability also varies by country. Before buying either saw, check whether you are buying a current new unit, old stock, a used saw, or a regional variant with different specifications.
If the DeWalt DW745 is unavailable new in your market, compare the current DeWalt DWE7485 or DWE7491 as alternatives. If the Makita MLT100 is unavailable, compare the current Makita table saw range in your region before buying a used unit at an inflated price.
Known Weaknesses
DeWalt DW745 weaknesses
- Smaller table surface than the Makita.
- Less cutting depth than the Makita.
- Some versions are discontinued or hard to find new.
- Needs external support for long boards and sheet goods.
- Stock blade may not be ideal for fine finish cuts.
Makita MLT100 weaknesses
- Heavier and less portable.
- Fence receives more owner criticism.
- May need careful setup before accurate ripping.
- Bulkier footprint in a small garage or van.
- Regional versions differ, so specs can be confusing.
Which One Is Better for Beginners?
The DeWalt DW745 is usually the better beginner saw because the fence is easier to understand and adjust. Beginners should not be fighting a table saw fence. They should be learning safe feed pressure, blade height, push-stick use, and how to support the workpiece.
The Makita MLT100 can still work for beginners, but only if the user checks the fence alignment and understands that a larger table does not automatically mean more accurate cuts. If you buy the Makita, spend time setting it up before making important cuts.
Which One Is Better for Furniture and Cabinet Work?
Neither saw is a cabinet saw, so expectations matter. For accurate furniture work, the blade, fence setup, crosscut sled, outfeed support, and measuring process matter as much as the saw body.
The DeWalt’s fence makes repeated rip cuts easier. The Makita’s larger table gives more support. For furniture parts, the better saw is the one you can tune and support properly. If buying only one, the DeWalt is easier to recommend for repeatable ripping, while the Makita is more attractive if you often cut thicker timber or larger panels.
Which One Is Better for Site Carpentry?
The DeWalt DW745 is the better site saw. It is lighter, more compact, and quicker to set up. The rack-and-pinion fence is useful when you need to move between cuts without wasting time checking both ends of the fence repeatedly.
The Makita MLT100 is less convenient on site because of its size and weight. It makes more sense where the saw can stay set up for longer periods.
Which One Is Better for a Small Workshop?
This depends on how you define “small.” If your workshop is small because floor space is limited, choose the DeWalt. It is easier to store and move.
If your workshop is small but the saw will stay in one place, the Makita becomes more tempting. Its larger table surface and deeper cut capacity are useful if you can dedicate space to it.
Upgrade Advice
Best upgrades for the DeWalt DW745
- A better blade suited to your material: ripping blade, fine-finish blade, or plywood blade.
- Outfeed support or a compact roller stand.
- A crosscut sled for repeatable square cuts.
- A proper dust extractor connection.
- Zero-clearance insert if compatible with your version and cutting style.
Best upgrades for the Makita MLT100
- Fence calibration or aftermarket fence improvement.
- Crosscut sled or improved miter guide setup.
- Outfeed support for long boards.
- High-quality blade matched to the material.
- Dust extraction improvement.
If you buy the Makita, put fence setup first. If you buy the DeWalt, put material support first.
Final Verdict
The DeWalt DW745 is the better choice for most people comparing these two saws. Its rack-and-pinion fence, lower weight, compact frame, and jobsite-friendly design make it easier to live with. It is especially strong for DIY renovators, trim carpenters, small-shop users, and anyone who needs to move the saw often.
The Makita MLT100 is still worth considering if you want a larger table, deeper cutting capacity, soft start, and an electric brake. It is better suited to a workshop than a mobile jobsite. The caution is the fence: check it, tune it, and do not assume it is accurate just because the saw has more table area.
Bottom line: buy the DeWalt DW745 if portability and fence confidence matter most. Buy the Makita MLT100 if you need more table support and deeper cutting capacity, and you are willing to spend time dialing in the fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DeWalt DW745 discontinued?
Some official DeWalt regional pages list DW745 variants as discontinued. Availability depends on country and seller. Check whether you are buying a current unit, old stock, refurbished stock, or a used saw.
Is the Makita MLT100 still available?
Makita still lists MLT100 or MLT100N versions in some regions, but availability varies by country. Always check the exact model number and local Makita product page.
Which saw has the better fence?
The DeWalt DW745 has the better fence system for most users. Its rack-and-pinion adjustment is faster and more confidence-inspiring than the Makita’s conventional fence.
Which saw cuts deeper?
The Makita MLT100 cuts deeper. It is commonly listed around 91 mm to 93 mm at 90°, while the DeWalt DW745 is listed around 77 mm at 90°.
Which saw is easier to carry?
The DeWalt DW745 is easier to carry. It weighs about 22 kg, while the Makita MLT100 is usually listed around 34.1 kg to 38 kg depending on region.
Can these saws be used for cabinet work?
Yes, but with limits. For cabinet work, you need a good blade, accurate fence setup, crosscut support, and careful measurement. Neither saw replaces a full cabinet saw, but both can produce accurate work when properly set up.
Which one should I buy used?
Buy the used saw that is complete, undamaged, and easy to verify. Check the fence, arbor, blade height adjustment, bevel adjustment, guard, riving knife, motor sound, switch, cable, and included accessories. A cheap used saw with a missing guard or damaged fence is not a bargain.
Thank you for the post. Very helpfull for me to take a decission.. Regards from Spain.
You’re welcome, my friend.