DW7485 ep 1 - in depth review 2 years of use.

An in depth review and close look at the DW7485 including its fatal flaw.
Zero clearance slot: • Zero Clearance Slot fo...
DW7485 unboxing: • Dewalt DWE7485 unboxin...
The Cove Cut: • Surprising use of tabl...
Full Specification:
Table size [Metric] 485 x 485 mm
Blade Bore [Metric] 30 mm
No Load Speed (RPM) 5800
Product Weight [Metric] 22 Kg
Blade Diameter [Metric] 210 mm
Power Source Corded , Corded
No Load Speed (m/min) 580
Maximised for accuracy and capacity, this 210mm Table Saw includes on-board storage for the blade guard assembly, non-through cut riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, blade-change wrenches, mitre gauge, and push stick. The powerful 1850W, 5800 rpm motor allows users to complete a majority of applications. The rack & pinion fence allows for accurate, fast adjustments and provides the capacity to rip 8x4 sheet materials. 240V mains powered.
Additional Features
Fence system provides 622 mm of rip capacity in a portable design for cutting large sheet materials to size
Powerful 1850W motor for high performance in all applications
22kg unit weight and Optimized footprint make this the most portable saw in its class
Improved grip design providing greater application control and maximum comfort
Includes
(1) Full length fence
(1) Mitre fence
(1) Push stick

[@thewoodenduck]

The machine needs periodic cleaning, same as most other tools. The manual actually states that the height adjustment screws should be cleaned and greased if the raising/lowering mechanism is tight. I'm on 4+ years with the DW745 and no issues with it at all, just a regular blast of compressed air all over.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Have you lubricated with grease or a dry lubricant when servicing?

[@thewoodenduck]

@@CaptainofmyShed Initially used PTFE dry lube but it doesn't last long. White Lithium spray seems better, but the manual recommends general grease. The issue is the two bevel gears, they tend to bind with a build up of sawdust - toothbrush and compressed air sorts it quickly, but do it outside!

[@CaptainofmyShed]

@@thewoodenduck. What’s strange is that it’s only stiff on the rise and the gears are not Especially clogged up I’ll try regular grease again, nothing to loose I guess.

[@petemelbourne42]

I've got a different version of this saw and I get a lot less dust problems than you seem to have. I use a Record Power DX1000 extractor to pull the dust out. Not sure if mine is earlier or later, obvious differences are, different switch, my fence is stored upside down on the standard rail and the blade guard stores roughly where your fence does. No problems with it so far.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

@@petemelbourne42, is it the larger version? Possibly has a larger dust extraction port? I genuinely like this machine but it’s on its last legs. On the look out for a cabinet saw now. 😉

[@SeedFiddler-kp4eg]

Thank you for putting this together. Factual, fast paced, articulate, informational. I now have some facts to help make a decision. God bless, Miles

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joelegends6138]

I have a 7485. Had same problem with raising blade. You need to dry lubricate not only the threaded post that cranks, but also the guide bar on the other side of the motor as well. Keep that clean and lubed on a regular basis. I've had no problems since.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I no longer have the saw but this is useful to others. Thank you.

[@djmdog8754]

Ive had the dwe7492 for nearly 5 years and use it most weekends as a hobby woodworker making anything and everything from outdoor planters to furniture. I've run loads of hardwood, softwood and plywood through it and especially lots of oak and not had any issues with riser mechanism. I do try to give the machine a quick once over with the dust extraction hose at the end of each weekend to keep it kinda clean. It's been a great workhorse. Dust collection isn't too bad and it sounds like it's better than your machine. The blade guard dust collection has always been useless though.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Yeah in general terms i was very happy with the saw. A bit loud but handled most things a threw at it. Im sure a weekly clean out would have been a good idea but im lazy, that said, I did follow this video up with another showing how just a spot of lubricant (not grease) resolved the problem so still recommend this saw when people ask.

[@wooddogg8]

@@CaptainofmyShed Good to know, I've owned this saw just under six months. I've cleaned it on occasion but didn't particularly focus on the riser screw. I will now, and I'll definitely be looking up your follow up video. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!!!

[@colnelrandy]

Just ordered one but not home for a month as at sea. Looking forward to it

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Enjoy it. It’s a great machine!

[@clarkescustomcreations]

The fence clips on upside down under the table on the left side off the table saw the spot you put it is for the upper gaurd with secondary dust collection port so If you get a y for your vacuum you can use double dust collection

[@clarkescustomcreations]

Had to dig out my manual to check before I said anything 😅 but on page 11 under dust collection it says for best results use a Y adapter to connect both upper and lower dust collection ports because the upper collection port should stop a lot of the dust that is causing the raise an lower arm to malfunction from dropping into the saw

[@DadDoingStuff]

As I’m watching, my wife is across the room and says, “Is that Thor talking?” Yes honey, it’s Thor’s woodworking channel I’m watching. 😂😂

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Hahaha, well I do have a few hammers I guess! 🤣 that’s hilarious.

[@NKNeptune]

i saw a vid where they say to add blue painters tape to the mitre guage rail, to help with the fit. works pretty well.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Yeah it does work but it doesn’t last very long and can gunk up a bit.

[@NKNeptune]

@@CaptainofmyShed i not tested it in actual use yet. maybe a better tape would work better.

[@carterscustomrods]

I always put a thin piece of uhmw tape down the gauge on several places. On the rabbit edges (to keep gauge from moving side to side) and underneath it, I put a thicker piece of uhmw tape to cover the entire bottom I also put uhmw on the underside of the miter gauge as well. Lastly, remove the Tony knob that tightens and loosens fir adjusting the angle, and put a better knob on it.

[@rowey1992]

The blade rising issue has happened to me after cutting very sappy woods. You just need to clean off the threaded rod that rises the blade and spray with a silicon spray every now and again.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Yeah I did a follow up to this video where I found a decent lubricant which worked a treat.

[@siwood1981]

Well done videos, thought out with accurate information and very thorough. So Cheers and thank you! I have had the DWE7491 going on year 4 and yes minimal binding on the height adjustment lead screw but I think the key is to not let it go when you first notice and tend to it as part of regular maintenance and adjustments. My saw has been built-in into my workbench so a bit awkward to clean out but with access ports, i'm in the cavity of the under carriage almost daily with a shop vac and a bit of compressed air since my shop is in the basement of my house and dust control is paramount. One thing I would add and I wish I had done so when I first got the saw, is to add a " soft start " module where Dewalt has failed in design but more than likely with intent. It's easier on the bearings, brushes, armature and critical adjustments not get the immediate " jerk " start. I used a " Hitachi C10Rj " ( but there are several others ) I purchased on Amazon for about $10 CAD. Simple to install and the module/heat sink fits into the Dewalt switch box housing. Of course some will say " Warranty " , I say hog wash, I installed it with the same quick connects that were already in the switch box. A worthwhile upgrade. Adding a longer aluminum extrusion fence onto the existing also really ups the capabilities of this saw closer to a fixed cabinet saw plus gets rid of any "out of flat " areas on the existing thin aluminum fence extrusion...

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Glad you’re enjoying the Dewalt. I thought it was a great small workshop solution and if maintained as you say, can last a long time. Thanks for the comment.

[@timblack9612]

Same thing happened to me. DW7485 Type2. The aluminum stripped and the assembly no longer rises. Cust service wasnt familiar with the part that stripped, which is preposterous, and they gave me a local service to get it fixed. Warranty is for a year, it happened to me at 18 months too. Im afraid its rendered useless. I regularly blew out the dust and constantly brushed away bits to keep it clear. Its a terrible design flaw. They need a recall.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

It’s a shame this happens because it’s such a good saw otherwise.

[@natange1436]

The fence stores under the table, on the rail. That's slot you've got it in is for the blade guard.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I’m not so sure. On unpacking the fence was stored by the supplier, where I demonstrated and it fits perfectly.

[@DronedLove]

​@@CaptainofmyShedhe's right. It'll clip on the inside of the rail in the same way it clips above.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

@@DronedLove fair play. I don’t own that saw any more. It was a good product though!

[@carlospenagos1489]

I was about to buy the 120v because it was cheap but it has a bad rating, looking closely I realize that the 60v has a better rating although I don't know if it is the same.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Where are you based? This Saw is 240v in the UK.

[@carlospenagos1489]

@@CaptainofmyShed I am from Colombia. It says it was made in the United States. It says it was made in the estados unidos

[@CaptainofmyShed]

@. Yes but power supply in UK is 240v

[@angellas.1314]

That is about. Mine has 2 areas for dust extraction! Bought mine about 6 months ago in the USA.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

There is a second episode to this where I find a solution to the problem. It’s obvious to some but not me. I used a decent lube for hydraulic shocks.

[@martinspilovsky9071]

Thank you for the review and pointing of the issue with the raising system, thinking about this, isnt this a problem with other table saws ? I was considering GTS635, thinking this has some plastic, till the more expensive ones, the TS254M (not sure) and most definitively the Hikoki C10RJ has the same plastic mechanism. It comes maybe to cleaning

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I’d say the Dewalt is still a good choice. I did a second video to say I’d solved the problem. If you use a dry lubricant on the mechanism, the problem is instantly improved. I think if you do this every month or so, then this problem will be resolved.

[@martinspilovsky9071]

@@CaptainofmyShed sounds like, cleanup your tools after usage :), cheers I value people like you who do a longterm review, have a great day sir

[@MorenoArtStudio]

I wouldn’t store the fence there for transport. I thought that was for the blade protection plastic bit

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I usually store it there when doing cross cuts and it actually fits perfectly. That said I’d probably just attach it normally if I were transporting it.

[@styles2864]

The fence is stored clipped upside down underneath the table on the left hand pegs that you demonstrate at 3:28

[@Mikado38]

As others have said. Machinery needs maintenance and maintenance generally includes cleaning and then lubrication. I believe WD40 do a dry lube product.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Well that’s true, if delivered in a slightly condescending manner. If I’m dumb enough to not lubricate that specific part with the correct lubricant then I’m sure I’m not the only one and perhaps this video and in particular the second episode where I demonstrate the fix will be of use to some folks. Thanks for taking the time to comment though!

[@garrettgreenberg60]

WD40 is NOT a dry lube, its wet (oil based) and will accelerate gunk build up. Graphite and Silicone lubes are dry. Not expensive either.

[@adamcoe]

Just bought a 7485 this week so I'll keep an eye on the dust situation both inside and around that raising/lowering mechanism as you mention. What kind of dust extraction/vacuum were you using? I just have a smallish but decently powerful vacuum that I plan to hook up that will hopefully keep things in check.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Sorry for the slow reply. If you check out ep 2 I found a decent lube which seems to have solved the issue. I had been warned off wet or grease style lubricants and would deffo not use grease but a thinner liquid lube worked instantly and really well.

[@lesliemartin-od1dq]

Use a wax base lube, after a good cleaning and u will have less issues

[@annietempleton4664]

Thank you so much for this. I bought one as it had the best fence. My problem out of the box has been adjusting the riving knife which is 1m out and binds or stops the timber feeding through. Have you covered this in another video? I find the instructions on this very vague - they do not tell you what hex to use and I cannot loosen the bottom screws (34 in the the instructions) I have asked Dewalt but they just refer me to the manual.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Hmmm that’s tricky. I no longer have this saw but for me, a problem like this out of the box is worth returning if the solution is not easy to do yourself.

[@malachygillen4636]

Hello everyone I had this problem with my lumberjack table saw consultant jamming the threads all stripe and now scraped

[@captcory]

DW745 here 14 years old, up and down starting to bind...zero maintenance, I think I'll give it some love. I must have one of the early ones, maybe they made them better back in the day, lol.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Check out the calibration video. Problem sorted with some mountain bike shocks lube. Problem solved instantly!

[@MrGabexhun]

Problem description @10:13

[@Tim9460-o9t]

Same thing happened to my saw. It slowly got so stiff I couldn’t raise or lower it. In frustration I broke the handle trying to raise it. It’s a shame the rest of the saw is great.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

If you watch my second video on this saw, there is a fix, involving some hydraulic ram lubrication. Worked a treat! Hopefully you still have the saw!

[@Tim9460-o9t]

@@CaptainofmyShed I did and thank you. I’m going to buy a new one and keep it lubed this time. My old one had some other small issues.

[@Qhund]

@@CaptainofmyShed

[@pluckerpick]

Good review, I was thinking of buying because my scheppach table saw suffers from the same rise and fall issue. What would you choose now as a replacement ?

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Having found the lubricant I would stick with the Dewalt as for the money, I don’t think you can get better. Apparently WD40 do a dry lube spray which has the same ingredients and should work just as well. There is an episode after this one which shows me fixing that problem.

[@mastasy22]

One of the Amazon reviews I read stated: "You cannot use a thin blade or any other type of blade because the riving knife is too thick. And for beginner DIYers who want to try their hand at building furniture or other fun wood projects, you will quickly learn that you are not able to have the clean/precise cuts that you need which can be very frustrating. And unfortunately, you don’t find out until it’s time to switch out the blade and it’s too late to return to the store. You will not be able to find a tooth count higher than 40 for this blade, so again - extremely limiting." Can anyone confirm or deny, especially the part about no higher than 40 tooth count blade availability?

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I haven’t looked into different blades for this saw but I never felt that I needed anything more on this saw. For finer projects I would not cut to final dimension with any tablesaw. Better to cut close and finish with a plane. That said I’m not a professional so maybe someone has different/better advice.

[@lmellis9222]

The riving knife that comes with the saw is for standard thickness blades and is .087” thick. You’ll need a .063” riving knife for thin blades. When I purchased a thin blade, I also purchased the thin .063” riving knife, both from Amazon. Works great.

[@natange1436]

I've watched a number of reviews.. noticing differences from the US model.

[@carterscustomrods]

If Dewalt had half a brain at the top, they would add a little brush above and below the elevation rod that would clean out the threads as it turns... sort of like brushed used on bandsaw wheels.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Great idea. Simple and cheap too.

[@cfinemangmail]

Now *that* is a GREAT idea

[@number1pappy]

It's a shame there is no dado blade ability on this saw. For what I do, I don't need the extra depth of cut a 10-inch version had, but I do need a dado! The difference in price is more than double, unfortunately. I think the manufacturers know this and exploit it for their benefit 🤔.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I hear you. The Axminster 10” craft saw can be modded to accept a dado stack although not a full one. It’s not that much more expensive but not a site saw so if you need something portable then maybe not a good option.

[@MorenoArtStudio]

There are a couple of videos on KZbin on the dado and one guy in particular managed very well

[@richardeicholtz4868]

Thank you for that bit of information! That's definitely a deal breaker for me.

[@lmellis9222]

Freud makes a dado blade that fits perfectly but is not as thick as a standard dado blade. Look for the Freud SBOX8: 8" Box Joint Cutter Set.

[@carterscustomrods]

Luckily for new buyers, you don't have to worry about that because the tabletops are no longer flat, and the fences are all concave! RIP Dewalt. 😢

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Is this really true? Sad times if so. Is there a reason for this?

[@carterscustomrods]

Dewalt has just really cut a lot of corners since around 2017ish. All their tools (at least here in the US) have been cheapened. Sadly, they are more akin to their Craftsman brand. I've used Dewalt for 15 years. Planers, Table saws, and a plethora a their XR and 60v lines have turned my shop yellow over the years. But as time as went on, the newer tools I'd buy started to have some serious issues. Bearings, trigger switches, batteries, the 735 planer and 779 sliding miter saw have had many components removed, and motors burning out early. I gave up on their bigger corded tools and moved to other brands, but to be honest, it's like companies sell their "Wal-mart" quality tools to the US, because people still buy them. In my search for a small table saw, I figured I'd give Dewalt one more shot. And now on my 3 saw (buy, exchange, I'm giving up on yellow. They just can't make flat tools for their tables. And, as you pointed out, that soft die cast aluminum on the housing will be full of issues in the future. It's sad what manufacturers sell to us in the US. But, as long as people keep buying them, and praising them, then their profits will continue to climb, as their tools continue to decline. If we in the US had a 230v power system, I'd buy everything from Europe. Lol.

[@jablot5054]

​@@carterscustomrods bye from Europe,but it's the same Chinese crap.

[@dmc7324]

This is so dissapointing, I had a record cabinet saw withe same problem the winding handle just fell apart and I just got rid.Bought a bosch thinking it would be fine and it's exactly the same as this in fact it's unusable now. The thing is the rise and fall is crucial to get he most out of a table saw. It's outrageous that this can fail. I was going to go for the dewalt but I also glad I saw your video. The search continues..... this should not happen.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Don’t write it off yet. There is a solution I demonstrate in the next episode to this video. Find the right kind of llubrication and the problem is solved completely and easily.

[@rpaasse6453]

Same problem with the Metabo. Thats why i'm watching youre review and, schock, same problem. Now what to buy.......

[@CaptainofmyShed]

I fix the issue in this episode and as long as you haven’t lived with it too long you probably haven’t damaged the mechanism. It is still a really good saw for the money in my opinion. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaXUoaKJq9yfiac

[@jhenderson4078]

Just bought this saw in the states for $239 USD (190 GBP or 223 EUR). I had no idea that Europe paid such a premium for Dewalt.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

It’s probably the market on the whole rather than just Dewalt, all decent site saws from the big manufacturers are around that price. Such is life.

[@dangrimes5078]

Egad I'm in the states and I just bought one on Amazon and paid $100 more than you. I thought it was well worth what I paid.

[@dwightstorie1242]

Clean it for gods sake

[@georgeblank2648]

Just clean it out

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Problem solved in ep 2 of this video.

[@MikeyDonna]

Living in the US I don’t listen to channels that are in metric only.

[@CaptainofmyShed]

Ah OK. I feel like this is part of a much bigger conversation 😂