When deciding which table saw to get, there are several factors that you need to consider – rip capacity, fence, dust collection ports, etc. Although many of the top-brand table saws come with the same features, the small things can make all the difference. There’s no one table saw that can meet all of the different needs of each buyer so it’s best to do a little bit of research before heading down to your hardware store and picking one up.
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In this article, we’re going to look at two table saws that have received quite a bit of positive attention: the DEWALT DWE7491RS and the SKIL 3410-02. Both of these table saws are designed for portability, aimed at professional contractors or DIY-ers, made to run for hours on end, and come with 10-inch carbide-tipped blades to get you started. Let’s take a closer look at the differentiating features between these two top-rated table saws.
Rip Capacity
DEWALT DWE7491RS
The rip capacity determines refers to the material size that can be used on the table saw and fence. The total rip capacity of the DWE7491RS is 32-1/2 inches! The extended rail allows for easy ripping of larger boards.
SKIL 3410-02
The SKIL 3410-02 is a little bit more limited in terms of rip capacity. With the cast aluminum table extended to its maximum length, the rip capacity increases from only 12 inches to 24-1/4 inches. It’s true that you only get to work with smaller boards due to the limited rip capacity, but this unit can help in completing small- and medium-sized projects with ease.
Conclusion
The DWE7491RS is the clear winner in regards to ripping capacity. The 32-1/2-inch rip capacity lets users tear down long and large pieces of boards without trouble. It might be overkill for many home DIY-ers but professional contractors would benefit from the large rip capacity.
Rip Fence
DEWALT DWE7491RS
The rip fence is one of the best features that come with this DEWALT table saw model. This unit uses the familiar rack-and-pinion design fence which allows for accurate movement and easy gliding. It’s by far one of the best rip fences for personal-use table saws.
SKIL 3410-02
The SKIL uses a basic clamping fence which we found rather difficult to accurately adjust. It’s not that it’s a bad rip fence, but it just doesn’t do as great a job as the rack-and-pinion system that the DEWALT has going on.
Conclusion
By far, the DWE7491RS is the preferable choice in terms of the integrated rip fence. The basic clamping style of the SKIL is pretty good but it doesn’t fare well against the easy gliding fence that’s featured on the DEWALT table saw.
Weight and Portability
DEWALT DWE7491RS
This kit includes a rolling stand for extra portability. With the stand, this unit weighs a total of 90 pounds which is quite reasonable. There may be difficulties loading and unloading the unit from your truck, but as soon as it hits the ground, the wheels take over.
SKIL 3410-02
Unlike the DEWALT, the included stand with the 3410-02 doesn’t include wheels so you’re stuck lifting the unit from place to place. The good thing is that it weighs only 67 pounds with the stand. The quick-release feature of the stand makes it an appealing choice for contractors who are visiting various job sites.
Conclusion
Both of these units are extremely portable. The rolling wheels and increased weight of the DEWALT can be matched by the non-rolling, lightweight SKIL. Concerning overall portability, it’s up to the user to decide which would be the better choice.
Dust Collection
DEWALT DWE7491RS
Like with almost every other tabletop or bench-top power tool produced by DEWALT, this table saw model features a 2-1/2-inch port for connecting your shop vacuum or collection bag. Dust buildup is a cinch to manage if you use the attachments correctly.
SKIL 3410-02
The SKIL doesn’t come with such a port so your workshop or job site will inevitably get messier the longer you use this table saw. It can be a strain to sweet dust and debris when it’s time to call it a day.
Conclusion
The clear winner is the DEWALT. The featured dust port makes cleaning a breeze, and your workspace will most likely be left almost as spotless as it was when you began working. We can’t say the same thing for the SKIL.
Construction Quality
DEWALT DWE7491RS
The DEWALT is constructed using both metal and plastic components that fit together perfectly. There haven’t been any issues regarding the build quality of the unit, so some have complained about receiving their DEWALTs in bad condition due to mishandling during shipping.
SKIL 3410-02
The SKIL also uses both metal and plastic components. However, there is a clear difference in terms of the quality of construction. The plastic handles for adjusting the miter and bevel angle feel like cheap plastic when handled. Some users have even complained about the plastic components snapping while transporting the table saw from place to place.
Conclusion
Once again, the DEWALT takes home the trophy. The DWE7491RS is the more durable choice of the two, despite being made from similar materials. If you end up getting the SKIL, you need to be a little bit more careful when turning the plastic handles.
- Your purchase includes one Dewalt table saw, 10inch 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter...
- Other Specs: Max rip to left of blade – 22inch | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2inch | Max width of...
- Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Included 10-inch Carbide Tip Blade
DEWALT DWE7491RS
By purchasing this table saw kit, you can one a free 10-inch 24-tooth carbide-tip blade. The first thing we noticed is that the blade, though great at cutting, does a pretty rough job at sawing through any type of wooden board. This isn’t too big of an issue since you can purchase 40- and 60-tooth DEWALT-produced blades that fit into this table saw.
SKIL 3410-02
The SKIL includes a 40-tooth carbide-tip blade which we found to perform much better and smoother compared to the DEWALT. Once again, you should purchase additional blades if you wish to produce even cleaner cuts.
Conclusion
When questioning the blade that comes with either kit, we prefer the SKIL’s 10-inch 40-tooth blade to the DEWALT’s. More teeth produced cleaner cuts, but at the end of the day, we like DEWALT-made blades better than most others on the market.
- 20-inch x 26-inch cast aluminum table extends to 20-inch x 32-inch for longer work pieces
- 3-1/2-Inch cut height capacity for cutting through 4x materials
- Heavy-duty steel stand for fast setup and easy transport. Bevel angle range:0° to 47°
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DEWALT DWE7491RS vs SKIL 3410-02: Bottom Line
As you can probably tell from our review, the DEWALT DWE7491RS table saw is by far the better choice of the two. The large rip capacity, rack-and-pinion rip fence, dust collection port, rolling wheels which enhance portability, and the quality of the build make it so much better than the SKIL 3410-02 table saw.
This isn’t to say that the SKIL doesn’t have its moments, but there are hardly any differentiating features in the SKIL that make it stand out compared to this DEWALT table saw model.
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