Table saws, otherwise known as saw benches, are considered as essential tools in the woodworking industry. Whether you are a professional contractor, or a DIYer, having a table saw of your own can make things easier, and more convenient. Buying one is often considered as one of the most challenging, and often a highly critical thing that you have to go through.
Selecting a model that will fit your needs, preferences, and of course, the budget can be a daunting task if you do not know where to start. To help you out, we have prepared a review guide that will compare two of the most recognized brands of table saws today: Bosch and DeWalt. Both of these manufacturers have earned their own loyal group of followers, with each of them carrying their own advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s take a look at the features that each of these brands has to offer. Read through this guide and make a wise purchasing decision in the end.
Bosch Table Saw vs DeWalt Table Saw
| Â | Bosch Table Saw | DeWalt Table Saw |
| Founding Year | 1886 | 1924 |
| Price | Depends on the model | Depends on the model |
| Quality | same | same |
| Variety | Worksite Table Saw; Portable Table Saw | Bare Table Saw; Table Saw with Extra Features |
| Types of Table Saw | 3 Table Saw Models | 6 Table Saw Models |
Why Use the Bosch Table Saws and Who Are They For?
After checking the features of all models of Bosch table saws, we have concluded that these saws are ideal for those who are looking for real quality. Bosch is also one of the manufacturers that were able to come up with a portable option, designed for job site environment. If you want to go for a professional option, Bosch also offers advanced models, such as the GTS 10J table saw model.
The website of the manufacturer presents three models of table saws. The 4100-09 model features 10-inches table saw with Gravity-Rise wheeled stand. In terms of portability, this model can work seamlessly with its wheeled stand for easier job site mobility. It also features a single-action setup and a takedown. It also comes with a Smart Guard System, which is composed of a riving knife and an anti-kickback pawl which offers protection when a kickback happens.
The 4100-10 model is also a 10-inches worksite table saw that features a large cast aluminum top. This design feature offers increased workspace and material support with its 24-inches ripping capacity which is enough to cover all of the typical job site rip-cutting widths. It also uses a soft start circuitry, which helps in managing the intensity of the motor start-up, while also minimizing the possibility of accidentally tripping a circuit breaker.
If you are looking for a portable model, the GTS1031 model can provide you with ultimate portability. It makes a balanced one-handed carry handling possible, combined with its compact design. It also features a complete array of under-table storage of accessories. With its unique and durable all-steel base design, you can enjoy portability and ease of use.
Main Features
- 15 amp powerful motor
- Gravity Rise stand featured in models
- Arbor lock button
- Spacious cutting table surface
- Up to 1 year limited warranty
Pros
- Wheels are included in the design
- Usually comes with a big cutting table surface
- Handles larger workpieces
- Can be stored either upright or on the sides
- More flexibility
Cons
- Some issues with clogging because of the smaller port diameter of the dust collection system
Q&As
Bosch models are less portable compared to other models, but why do they say that it is still better in terms of portability?
While bigger in size, the Bosch table saw models come with wheels, and are very easy to set up. For models that feature the Gravity Rise stand, the model can be raised to a working position in a very quick movement.
What are some of the extra accessories that usually come with Bosch table saw models?
While some models come as a bare tool, some come with extra features, such as a battery kit, a saw stand, and others.
How does the dust collection system of the Bosch table saw models work?
These models are equipped with ports which may be connected to shop vacuum, thus collecting the dust easier.
Why Use the DeWalt Table Saws and Who Are They For?
Generally speaking, DeWalt has more varieties of table saws to offer. It seems that they also focus, not just on providing the bare tool itself, but also models that come with extra features and accessories. Therefore, if you are fond of this extra stuff, then no doubt that you will like any of the DeWalt tables saw models.
The listed models under the website of the manufacturer offer a variety of options to choose from. The best part is that some of them also comes with extra features. For example, the Flexvolt 60V Max Table Saw (DCS7485T1) also comes with 1 battery kit. You can also have this model, the DCS7485B as a bare tool model.
The DWE7480, on the other hand, is a 10-inches compact job site table saw that comes with a Site-Pro Modular Guarding System. In general, DeWalt models are lighter compared to other options, such as the ones offered by Bosch. Aside from the actual weight, its weight distribution is also designed nicely that it feels that it is less stressful and fatiguing to carry from one place to another.
Main Features
- 15 amp portable motor
- High torque motor
- With portable models
- Connected to a shop vacuum
- Telescoping fence rails
- Up to 3 years limited warranty
Pros
- Portable models available
- Extra accessories included in some models
- Easy to use, especially with its rack fence design
- Better safety setup
Cons
- Portable, but no wheels
Q&As
What improvements have been done on the safety features of the DeWalt table saw models?
Recent models have gone through a revamp in design and safety features, especially when it comes to the blade guard. The blade cavity provides greater clearance, thus making loosening and locking down the riving knife easier without hurting a knuckle.
How does the rip fence of the DeWalt models work?
The rip fence of DeWalt table saw models are easier to unlock, and can also be easily moved by hand, or by using a fine adjustment knob.
How portable are the portable models of DeWalt?
One model, the DeWalt DW745 weighs 45 pounds, and comes with a foldable stand.
Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the best table saw for your needs, there are a number of factors that definitely needs to be considered. After all, you cannot just purchase the very first thing that you see in a tool shop. Aside from actually learning the skills needed in order to cut wood accurately, woodworking also needs various types of tools that will suit the purpose you are aiming. Without any doubt, a table saw is something that can prove to be a good investment on your part, especially if you are a carpenter, woodworker, or even a hobbyist.
In this section, let us consider the different types of table saws.
Portable Table Saws
A suggested by its name, a portable table saw offers real convenience because it is easy to move around. They are generally smaller compared to the other types of table saws, and they are ideal for someone searching for something that is easy to stow away when not in use.
On top of that, there is no need to worry about the overall quality of your work because these table saws are still designed to perform the same work as with their heavier counterparts. The only difference is that they are not equipped with heavier, and much larger induction motors. A portable table saw is usually powered by a compact universal motor. This means that they can be less powerful, and somewhat noisier at the same time.
If you are a contractor who needs to move from one site to another, this is the perfect option for you. These portable table saws can easily be loaded into your vehicle, offloaded, and quickly set up even by a single person alone.
In terms of construction, these portable table saws are generally made out of aluminum, rather than cast iron, thus sacrificing portability and lightness. Sacrificing its weight also means that this table saw has the tendency to be less table. As such, you may have to anticipate more vibrations while using this model. Also, they may not be the best option if you are planning to complete some finishing carpentry work. If you need basic cuts in your small workshop, however, you definitely need a portable table saw at your job site.
Contractor Table Saws
In general, a contractor table saw can be viewed as an upgrade to the traditional benchtop table saw model. In terms of design, it features an open base that comes with a cast iron table, and with a motor that hangs from under its cast iron table. They are also lightweight, but heavier compared to a portable table saw models. The usual weight range is from 250 pounds to 350 pounds.
If you require mobility, a contractor table saw may turn out to be a better option for you. Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIYer who just loves woodworking, a contractor table saw may turn out to be the ideal choice for you. Since it is designed with a light-weight structure, it can be moved easily.
A contractor table saw is also ideal if you want to accomplish a deep cut. This is made possible by the fact that the arbor is driven through a single belt. This, in turn, reduces vibration, allowing you to use this table saw more comfortably. You can also achieve smoother cuts with this table saw.
These contractor table saws are perfect for those with smaller shops. Even though they may still leave a larger footprint compared to benchtop models, they offer better portability compared to cabinet table saws, which are generally much heavier and larger. They are also perfect as job site saws. They come with brushless motors which are generally quieter and powerful compared to universal motors.
Cabinet Table Saws
When talking about table saws, cabinet table saws are usually viewed at the pinnacle, which means that it is the king of all table saws. As a matter of fact, it can be considered as the main tool that any professional woodworker or DIYer should have.
By having one, you can easily cut even the hardest woods or the thickest of stocks quite easily. This is because these models usually come equipped with some real power of between 3 to 5 HP motors, allowing them to cut through even the hardest of woods.
These table saws got its name because of most of their working parts, including the arbor assembly, the trunnions, and the motor, are all concealed and enclosed, similar to that of a cabinet base, extending from the table, going down to the floor base. This cabinet style enclosed the motor, as well as other working parts, thus reducing the noise that is produced by the machine during operation.
These types of table saws are generally the heavier ones, typically weighing over six hundred pounds. Because of their size, they are also usually heavier and are made of cast iron. This type of saw comes with a smooth surface. Under the table, you can find a motor enclosed along with the cabinet.
If the task that you need to be done involves cutting of thick hardwood, having a cabinet table saw is a good option for you. These are the types of saw that are primarily designed for woodworking professionals. Despite its size and weight, it shows less vibration. If you have enough space at home to accomplish the more complex task, getting a cabinet table saw is a good choice.
One thing that you need to know about these types of saws, however, is that they can be somewhat expensive. On top of that, this type of saw table is quite huge, thus requiring a good amount of space.
Hybrid Table Saws
A hybrid table saw combines together the overall functionality offered by a contractor table saw, and the amazing convenience of a cabinet table saw. As suggested by its name, this table saw blends the features of the other table saw models. The base resembles that of a cabinet table saw, though it comes with more trunnions and arbor bearings. It also usually comes with an advanced system along with better gearing when compared to actual contractor saws.
Now, you have a clearer picture of the different types of table saws, making it easier for you to make a decision as to which type best fits your needs. With this in mind, it is recommended to sincerely ask yourself which features you are looking for in a particular table saw and start deciding from there.
When it comes to features, there are certain features that you may also want to learn about, including the following:
Amps
This refers to the actual power produced by the saw motor. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the amps are, the more cutting power you can expect.
Mobile Stands
These stands offer portability and support for your table saw. Some mobile stands are sold separately, while others are also included as an accessory to your package. This is common with the table saws from DeWalt.
Arbor or Shaft Locks
These features are designed to immobilize the blade and the shaft, thus making it a whole lot easier for you to change the blade.
Extendable Rip Fences
These fences can be folded or slid out in order to provide an expanded rip cutting capability as required.
Micro-adjust Rip Fences
These fences provide finer control over your workpieces.
Dust Chutes and Blowers
These form a part of the dust collection system, helping in moving the sawdust from the work area.
What We Look For When Comparing Bosch Table Saw vs DeWalt Table Saw
Company Reputation
As with any other products or equipment, knowing about the background of the manufacturer is very important. After all, industry experience speaks a lot about the quality of the products that the manufacturer creates. Experience-wise, we can say that Bosch has been in the industry longer than DeWalt. However, it does not mean that the length of time in service to the public is the sole factor that needs to be taken into consideration. While there is a significant amount of time in between the establishment of the two companies, the time has certainly allowed these two companies to grow, making them well known in the industry these days.
Price
Since the budget is no doubt one of the key factors that you would like to take into consideration when purchasing a table saw, considering the price of each model would help a lot. However, the actual price of each product differs depending on the model. A model with more features and extra accessories is expected to have a higher price, compared to a bare tool. One thing is sure, though, both Bosch and DeWalt fall into the same price category.
Overall Quality
The only way that we can gauge the quality of the product is through the reviews coming from actual customers who have tried their products. Again, depending on the specific model, the reviews are somewhat similar. It seems that each of these manufacturers has gained a significant number of followers which are loyal to their brands, and in turn, these customers stick to their favorite brand no matter what.
Variety
There are three current models under the Bosch brand: 4100-09 10-inches Worksite table saw with Gravity-Rise wheeled stand, 4100-10 10-inches Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand, and the GTS1031 10 inches Portable Jobsite Table Saw. On the other hand, there are 6 models under the DeWalt brand:
- the Flexvolt 60V Max Table Saw (1 Battery Kit),
- Flexvolt 60V Table Saw Bare,
- 10 inches Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System,
- 10 inches Job Site Table Saw with Scissor Stand,
- 10 inches Jobsite Table Saw with Rolling Stand, and
- the 10 inches Compact Job Site table saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System.
These are the information shown on the website of each manufacturer. However, there are still some other older models that are still available on Amazon.
The Final Cut
Selecting between Bosch and DeWalt table saws was quite challenging because of they somewhat similar in terms of price, features, and recognition. This means that everything goes down to your personal preferences. With this in mind, a good place to start is listing down your purpose of use of the table saw, and the features that you are looking for. This will help you make comparison easier, and even better.
One thing that we have discovered while looking at the different feedbacks and responses coming from actual users of these tools is that both Bosch and DeWalt brands have a steady pool of supporters. While these manufacturers enjoy praises coming from their customers, there are also some who has something negative to say about the product or the overall purchasing experience.
Overall, even though DeWalt is a well-respected brand in the power tools industry, we still have to give this round to the Bosch table saw models. It seems that a more people have been satisfied with the quality of the products under this name. It may also have something to do with the reputation of this brand in the industry, having served the public longer compared to the DeWalt products.
It does not mean, however, that DeWalt is a lesser brand of choice. The products under its name are also of high quality and are respected because of their performance.
