I've got a bit of a conundrum with my Dewalt RS7491 table saw. I didn't realize until recently that the surface isn't flat enough to calibrate it properly. I bought the saw more than a year ago and did some light projects, but now I'm trying to take on more precise work that demands a perfectly level surface. After measuring and making a few test cuts, I discovered there are visible dips and humps—about 1/32 of an inch—on the surface when I checked with a Starrett ruler. It's super frustrating considering how much I paid for it and that I didn't catch this issue during the warranty period. I could use any tips or advice on how to fix this!
2 Answers
It sounds like you might be out of luck with jobsite saws like this one. They're designed for portability and rough cuts, not precision work. I get the frustration, especially since Dewalt equipment tends to be on the pricier side. But usually, these are not built for the fine woodworking you’re looking to do. Just a heads up, it's important to keep that in mind when investing in equipment!
Have you thought about taking your saw to a local machine shop? They could face the top for you, which might be better than trying to sand it down yourself. Or you could lap it, but honestly, for those kinds of dips, that could drive you crazy. Another option might be to replace the top entirely, though that would cost around a third of the price of the whole saw. When you loosened the bolts, did that help at all?
Yeah, I loosened the bolts but it didn't really help. The surface just seems warped from the casting. I’m thinking about getting it refaced at a machine shop—just need to see what that would cost for a 24x24 surface.
True, but it’s still a bummer. For over $700, you’d expect at least a minimum level of quality, right? If I'm spending that much, I want something that can handle more precise tasks without issues.