Dewalt vs Bosch Compact Table Saw Comparison

Dewalt DW745 vs. Bosch GTS1031 10″

The folks at Dewalt and Bosch recently sent me their compact jobsite saws to go head to head with on the job site.  I’ve been using these two saws now for several weeks and the Dewalt vs. Bosch Compact Table Saw Comparison debate continues.

Which one should you choose?

One post regarding these two saws on face book elicited fifty responses from folks who feel strongly on both sides of the fence.   But what  ran true in most of the comments is that folks want durability, reliability, light weight and a good solid, easily adjusted, reliable rip fence.  Here is the tale to the tape:

Dewalt vs Bosch Compact Table Saw Comparison Features:

Dewalt DW745:

Table Top Dimensions:  

• Depth 22.5 inches                                                 
• Width 23    inches 
• Height 13   inches                    

 Motor, Power and Weight:

• 15 amp motor                                                          
• 3,850 rpm                                                                 
• 45 pounds                 

Misc Features:

• Cord wrap easy to use                                          
• Thin blade insert, snaps in place                     
• 6-foot power cord                                                
• Imperial and metric rip scale                          
• Sells online for $ 370.00                                                                                                             

Bosch GTS1031:

Table Top Dimensions:  

• Depth 22.5 inches
• Width 22.5 inches
• Height 13 inches

Motor, Power and Weight:

• 15 amp motor
• 5,000 rpm
• 52 pounds

Misc Features:

• Cord wrap tight and awkward
• Thick blade insert, locks in
• 7’-8” power cord
• Imperial rip scale
• Sells online for $ 370.00

Case, Fence and Blade Capacity:

Dewalt:

The Dewalt DW745 has a rack and pinion fence rails which we found made fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate. A telescoping fence system retracts to create a small, portable package. We loved the rack and pinion fence design and felt it superior to the Bosch fence system. The saw is capable of a16-inch of material rip.

A metal roll cage protects this saws motor, assists in carrying the tool and provides a sturdy set up and protective cover. The 10-inch saw blade can be adjusted 0 – 45 degrees for bevel applications. This saw features a maximum cut depth of 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees. The saw table surface is coated to reduce friction for improved cut quality across the board.

Bosch:

The Bosch GTS1031 has what they call a Squarelock Rip Fence that is engineered for maximum accuracy. The fence glides along the rail at a fingers touch and lock into place with a lever. The rip fence was not our favorite and we found ourselves continually checking the front and back of the fence for accuracy.

A few times during use if the lumber we were cutting hit the fence it knocked the fence out of whack and we had to go back to square one on the measurement setting. This saw is capable or an 18-inch material rips.

A well designed durable all-steel lightweight base frame allows this saw to be carried from different hand position including one handed. The best part – it be stored on its side for transport or storage. The 10-inch saw blade can be adjusted -2 – 47 degrees for bevel applications. This saw has a maximum cut of 3-1/8 inch at 90 degrees.

Portability:

Dewalt:

The Dewalt DW745 weighs 45 pounds and is seven pounds lighter than the Bosch – a huge plus! Molded handles on the table top allow this light saw to be easily carried around. While is possible to carry this saw one handed the rip fence gets in the way a bit.

It has on-board storage for its push stick; anti-kick back and blade guard components but comes up short when compared to the Bosch. The blade guard sits in a cradle and easily falls out when the saw is moved or stored on its side.

There is also no place to store the rip fence except to keep it mounted on the saw. 

On a compact saw storage would be much easier if the rip fence were securely stored under the saw allowing items to be stacked on top of the saw for storage or transport.

Note – the side bracket for the blade guard is useless and I removed it so the tool stored better.  A 2-1/2-inch dust collection port on this saw allows you to connect the saw to a Shop-Vac for dust extraction.

Bosch:

The Bosch GTS1031 weighs 52 pounds and is heavier than the Dewalt saw.   A well placed and balanced handle allows this saw to be carried with one-hand. The saws compact and tubular bar frame permit many hand holds which equate to an easily transported saw no matter which way you grab it.

It has a complete on-tool storage system worked out. All of the components securely clip into the und

 

erside of the tool for storage and transport.    A 2-1/2-inch dust collection port on this saw allows you to connect the saw to a Shop-Vac for dust extraction.

Note:  the blade adjustment knob is lower than the Dewalt and when the tool is placed on a workbench or the ground there is a higher tendency to scrape your knuckles.  Not an issue with the saw in the stand.

Using the Saws:

In retrospect we should have evaluated these saws with their respective stands.   A few months after I wrote this review I got the chance to test both saw stands.  Read my review below:

Bosch vs. Dewalt Portable Jobsite Saw Stand Comparison

Both saws are quality and deserving of your attention.   When using the saws they are comparable in cutting although the Bosch seems a bit more powerful.  When ripping 2×6 stock it did not bog down and cut consistently and smoothly.

I have nothing to offer you scientifically other than my opinion on this observation.

When placed side by side everyone on the jobsite preferred to use the Dewalt and only gave the fence as the reason.  I too have to agree it’s fast,smooth and accurate.

I feel that although the Bosch is heavier it is better suited for a compact, portable saw. It far surpasses Dewalt with under table, secure on board storage which allows items to be stacked on it for storage.   It also stores on its side nicely. 

All of these factors are important is space is a commodity in your truck, trailer or car.

Which saw won the Dewalt vs Bosch Compact Table Saw Comparison?   

They both did – it comes down to a matter of preference.

Storage space is not as much a concern for me as it is for my guys or other folks.  If I had to choose I’d buy the Dewalt only because I love the fence and the lighter weight is super important to me.

My Advice for Improvement:

Dewalt should figure out a better on board storage system to include their rip fence and Bosch should start using the rack and pinion fence system.   Both companies should offer a longer cord – a challenge for storage – I know.

Warranty:

The DEWALT DW745 has warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Where to Buy?

The  DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw with 16-Inch Max Rip Capacity can be purchased online here:      DEWALT-DW745-10-Inch-Job-Site-Saw

The Bosch GTS1031 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw can be purchased online here:  Bosch-GTS1031-10-Inch-Portable-Jobsite-Saw