DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch vs Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table
Both made our Best Table Saw for Small Shop 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 if you want rack and pinion fence locks parallel and stays put through long cuts. Choose the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand if you'd rather have cast aluminum table provides flat, accurate surface for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Table Saw for Small Shop 2026 list.
Winner overall: DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485
DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 vs Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Table Saw for Small Shop 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Table Saw for Small Shop 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Contractor |
| Brand | DEWALT | Makita |
| Key features | 15-amp motor with 24.5-inch rip capacity; Rack and pinion telescoping fence; 16-inch maximum rip right of blade | 15-amp motor with electronic current limiter; 32.5-inch rip capacity; Machined cast aluminum table top |
| Biggest strength | Rack and pinion fence locks parallel and stays put through long cuts | Cast aluminum table provides flat, accurate surface for precision work |
| Main trade-off | Dust collection port requires an adapter for standard shop vac hoses | Higher price than most compact saws |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 if…
- Rack and pinion fence locks parallel and stays put through long cuts
- 15-amp motor handles hardwood without bogging
- Site-pro modular guarding system is quicker to adjust than guarding on older DEWALT models
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand section.
#2 pick · Best Contractor
Choose the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand if…
- Cast aluminum table provides flat, accurate surface for precision work
- Electronic current limiter protects motor from overload
- Positive stops at 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees are accurate without adjustment
Prefer the alternative? See the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 section.
Pros and cons of each
DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485
Pros
- Rack and pinion fence locks parallel and stays put through long cuts
- 15-amp motor handles hardwood without bogging
- Site-pro modular guarding system is quicker to adjust than guarding on older DEWALT models
- Compact enough to transport to job sites but stable enough for shop use
Cons
- Dust collection port requires an adapter for standard shop vac hoses
- No dado stack capacity, blade arbor not long enough
Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand
Pros
- Cast aluminum table provides flat, accurate surface for precision work
- Electronic current limiter protects motor from overload
- Positive stops at 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees are accurate without adjustment
- Excellent build quality and long-term durability record
Cons
- Higher price than most compact saws
- Heavier than plastic-body competitors, harder to move solo
DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 vs Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand: common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 or the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand?
Choose the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 if you want rack and pinion fence locks parallel and stays put through long cuts. Choose the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand if you'd rather have cast aluminum table provides flat, accurate surface for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Table Saw for Small Shop 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 and the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand?
The DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 stands out because rack and pinion fence locks parallel and stays put through long cuts, while the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand stands out because cast aluminum table provides flat, accurate surface for precision work. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485's main caveat is that dust collection port requires an adapter for standard shop vac hoses, and the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand's is that higher price than most compact saws.
Is the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 worth it over the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand instead if dust collection port requires an adapter for standard shop vac hoses is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand instead of the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485?
The Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Stand suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw DWE7485 is best for buyers who want the best overall package.