A while back I had asked about, or entered into a discussion about table saws. Since getting my first ATF 55, guide rail and MFT 1080, I had gotten rid of my old Crapsman table saw and did not miss it. I have been getting into more complicated projects where I was beginning to realize I could use a table saw for some procedures. I was beginning to realize I was seeing Yellow on nearly every construction site and started comparing on internet. One of the features of attraction for me was the weight, or more to the point, lack thereof for the DW saws. RMW mentioned that he was quite happy with his little DW745. His apparent recommendation just about sold me and last week i finally decided to visit ToolNut. they did not have a 745, but did have 7480's in stock whereby Tom Brady loaded one onto the back of my pickup.
I spent some time yesterday unpacking and setting the saw up and ready for business. I did go to the directions to figure out where everything was mounted and how all the parts went together. After studying how to install and adjust the accessories, started checking all of the adjustments.
The fence was first. I placed it onto the saw and checked with my trusty Swanson Square. the fence was perfectly square. I lined it up to the miter slot. There was no need to even look for any adjustment screws. I removed the fence and reset it. Checked again. purfic.
I removed and reset the riving blade in the two different settings. Place the blade guard to top of riving knife and all that was good.
I removed the blade guard and started checking the blade for parallel and 90º. No need to adjust there either. Checked at 45º and no need to adjust there either. Even those little red tabs that you set to the marks were dead on the mark.
I have never run into such a problem where idid not have to adjust ANYTHING. [unsure] I cross cut a 2x4 and then ripped (the 2" way) The saw cut perfect altho some slight saw marks. Ah ha. My TS 55 does not leave any tooth marks. One problem i have is resawing with my bandsaw. I used to rip heavy materials part way on edge with my old table saw and turn over to cut part way from the other side. I would then run the pecs thru the bandsaw to join the two cuts. I took a piece of 2x6 and did that using the Dw saw and finishing with the Bandsaw. All of the cuts matched perfectly.
I ran some dadoes and rabbets and those came out spot on. I can do that sing my CMS router table or nibbling with my TS 55, but it is so much quicker with the DW.
All things considered, I am quite satisfied with the new toy. For ripping very thin pieces, i will stick with my track saw. For long pieces, ripping or cross cutting, the track saw is the way to go. i will not use the DW anywhere near as often as i use my TS 55, but for certain ops in certain situations, i expect that saw to save me some time.
I did jump a little when I first fired the saw up. That thing started with a screech and kept on screening thru most of the cuts. When cutting dados, it was quiet as the wood muffled much of the sound. For ripping the 2x's I was glad I have decent ear protection.
I got the "X" frame to set the saw on, but most of the time it is not in use, the saw is so compact, i can hide it away in almost any corner.
Tinker
I spent some time yesterday unpacking and setting the saw up and ready for business. I did go to the directions to figure out where everything was mounted and how all the parts went together. After studying how to install and adjust the accessories, started checking all of the adjustments.
The fence was first. I placed it onto the saw and checked with my trusty Swanson Square. the fence was perfectly square. I lined it up to the miter slot. There was no need to even look for any adjustment screws. I removed the fence and reset it. Checked again. purfic.
I removed and reset the riving blade in the two different settings. Place the blade guard to top of riving knife and all that was good.
I removed the blade guard and started checking the blade for parallel and 90º. No need to adjust there either. Checked at 45º and no need to adjust there either. Even those little red tabs that you set to the marks were dead on the mark.
I have never run into such a problem where idid not have to adjust ANYTHING. [unsure] I cross cut a 2x4 and then ripped (the 2" way) The saw cut perfect altho some slight saw marks. Ah ha. My TS 55 does not leave any tooth marks. One problem i have is resawing with my bandsaw. I used to rip heavy materials part way on edge with my old table saw and turn over to cut part way from the other side. I would then run the pecs thru the bandsaw to join the two cuts. I took a piece of 2x6 and did that using the Dw saw and finishing with the Bandsaw. All of the cuts matched perfectly.
I ran some dadoes and rabbets and those came out spot on. I can do that sing my CMS router table or nibbling with my TS 55, but it is so much quicker with the DW.
All things considered, I am quite satisfied with the new toy. For ripping very thin pieces, i will stick with my track saw. For long pieces, ripping or cross cutting, the track saw is the way to go. i will not use the DW anywhere near as often as i use my TS 55, but for certain ops in certain situations, i expect that saw to save me some time.
I did jump a little when I first fired the saw up. That thing started with a screech and kept on screening thru most of the cuts. When cutting dados, it was quiet as the wood muffled much of the sound. For ripping the 2x's I was glad I have decent ear protection.
I got the "X" frame to set the saw on, but most of the time it is not in use, the saw is so compact, i can hide it away in almost any corner.
Tinker
