Thread: Dewalt 7491xe or Makita 2704??

Is portability important to you? If not then you may want to consider the Carbatec 10" cabinet saw or the Sherwood 10" from Timbecon. The Sherwood is currently on sale.

https://www.carbatec.com.au/carbatec-tablesaw-250mm

https://www.timbecon.com.au/septembe...ontractors-saw

Worth noting that both machines require a 15A outlet.

Does anyone own the Sherwood model and has a review?


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We have the Sherwood unit at the local wood club. After 2 years of ownership, we have finally managed to get the fence to lock parallel to the blade fairly consistently. Note that this saw has sheet metal table top extensions and aren't easy to get and keep aligned. The mitre slots are different widths, one being a thou under size, and the other 19 thou over size. Not a problem if you are making your own inserts from HDPE or similar for a sled, but problematic if fitting proprietary mitre guides.
The saw has plenty of power and is not particularly noisy, and the dust extraction connection is at the bottom of a funnel shaped contraption in the base which works better than some other saws I have used.

Looking at the Carbatec unit, I note that it has cast iron side extensions, has facilities to fit a sliding cross cut table and a sturdier fence. You will need to factor in the price of a blade. This saw doesn't accept dado blades, whereas the Sherwood unit does.

If I were to choose between the two, I would look at the Carbatec unit very carefully, and the extra cost will soon be forgotten if you do not have the problems we have had in getting our Sherwood saw to eventually work. Ideally, compare both saws, paying particular attention to the fence locking mechanism and how wide they are, and look carefully at the far end of the fence and how it locks to the table. The fence on my saw is virtually the same as this, and works perfectly - https://www.carbatec.com.au/machiner...10hb-2-cartons

I haven't looked at the offerings from Hare & Forbes, might be worthwhile checking out their range.

Good luck with your research and eventual purchase. Spending a few extra dollars for a lifetime of use with a saw that you are happy with will be worthwhile.

Alan...

Ah yes, the Hare & Forbes is worth looking into

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W452

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W486

The ST-254 would probably be the easiest saw to live with.

Originally Posted by samo

Ah yes, the Hare & Forbes is worth looking into

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W452

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W486

The ST-254 would probably be the easiest saw to live with.

It would but how the hell would I get it into the shed at a lazy 190kg haha


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I have a Dewalt dw745 which is similar but a smaller table (?) and it’s great except for the noise, fence is rock solid and easy to adjust. Search for that model here as there’s a few threads about it. If you want or have the space for the big set up ie dust extraction etc go for the non portable models listed.

I've got the 7491 with the cart, love it. Very repeatable fence adjustment, plenty of power and light enough to be easily transportable. Will rip 32" and I haven't been able to bog it down ripping 2" hard maple. Only niggle is that the flip down fence has a slight projection at each end where the aluminum bar meets the plastic, easily filed flush. Tiny physical size of the motor is concerning but I haven't broken it yet.