In this article, I’ll be comparing the DEWALT DWE7491RS vs. Bosch 4100XC-10 table saws.
Both saws are manufactured by well-known and respected brands, and I’ll be looking at their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll identify which saw offers the best value for money and highlight the different mission profiles suitable for each.
I must make a disclaimer here: I like both of these brands. I owned a DeWalt for many years, and many of my power tools are Bosch. This article is a bit like asking a parent to choose which of their children is their favorite. However, each will be better for one application than the other, and it’s those differences we’ll be exploring today.
Come with me for the next few minutes, and we’ll dig into the specifications behind these two table saws and give you reliable data upon which to base your buying decisions.
DEWALT DWE7491RS vs Bosch 4100XC-10
DeWalt DWE7491RS
Bosch 4100XC-10
There’s not a huge price difference between these table saws, but if budget is your main driver, then the DeWalt DWE7491RS Table Saw is your choice. It is a bit cheaper, and it’s a good, honest, bare-bones saw, particularly for newcomers to woodwork. It also has a couple of nice features the Bosch lacks.
However, the Bosch 4100XC-10 Table Saw offers a couple more bells and whistles for the extra price that you won’t get on the DeWalt. Depending on your specific use, these may more than justify the extra few dollars.
Key Features Compared
Both of these saws are aimed at the job site and advanced home user category. Both have decent 2.4 horsepower motors, which, when coupled with the 10-inch blade, give you all the grunt you need for general cutting and ripping work.
We won’t spend time on the similarities of these saws; instead, let’s take a look at the eight differences and whether they might matter to you when deciding on a purchase.
Blade RPM
While the DeWalt has a higher blade rpm than the Bosch, does it really make a difference? For an in-depth look at this subject, refer to this article. However, for a quick answer, the speed range for a cutting tooth when general woodcutting is approximately 130 to 170 feet per second. The 4,800 rpm of the DeWalt blade gives you a cutting speed of just over 200 feet per second, while the 3,650 of the Bosch gives you 159 feet per second.
The DeWalt sits just above the range, while the Bosch sits smack in the middle. Does it matter? Not hugely, although given the two models have the same horsepower engine, the DeWalt might be said to have the edge. Personally, it wouldn’t affect my buying decision.
Winner: Tie
DEWALT DWE7491RS has a slightly higher blade RPM, but it’s not something that should affect your buying decision.
Fence Width Rip Capacity
The DeWalt has a rip capacity of 32-½ inches compared to the Bosch, which can extend to 30 inches. Most of us have a need to rip an 8’ x 4’ sheet in half at one stage or another, so if the rip-fence goes past 24 inches then that’s good. Anything else is a bonus.
However, if you regularly rip sheets for paneling up a house, every inch counts. In this comparison, DeWalt wins with that extra 2-½ inch capacity.
Winner: Dewalt
DEWALT DWE7491RS wins with a 32-½-inch rip capacity compared to the 30-inch capacity of Bosch.
Bevel Capacity
The DeWalt does not explicitly state the full bevel capacity of their saw, although they do mention not to take the blade beyond 45 degrees with the blade guard attached. The Bosch specifications cite a capacity from -2 degrees to +47 degrees. When cutting bevels, extending a degree or two beyond 45 degrees is useful to ensure an exact fit if creating miters.
With the leeway offered by the Bosch, I’m giving it the edge in this comparison.
Winner: Bosch
Bosch 4100XC-10 wins with bevel capacity ranging from -2 to 47 degrees.
Blade Brake
A blade brake on a table saw is a nice feature. When you have repetitive cuts requiring adjustments to settings, that time you wait for the blade to stop adds to a lot of lost time by the end of the day. A blade brake rapidly stops the blade, allowing you to get on with what you’re doing.
The Bosch has this function while the DeWalt does not, so Bosch wins this one hands down.
Winner: Bosch
Bosch 4100XC-10 has the blade brake function, while the DEWALT does not.
Soft Start Motor
What’s the benefit of the soft starter on an electric motor? When a motor starts, it draws 4 to 7 times the current it uses when normally operating while trying to spin up to cutting speed. This substantial current inrush causes high torque and added wear to the motor. The soft starter on the Bosch increases the current slowly, reducing torque on the motor, in addition to any current fluctuations for others using your power circuit.
The inclusion of this feature by Bosch increases motor life by reducing wear and tear on the windings within the motor. Such an inclusion is a great initiative, and with DeWalt not providing this function, Bosch is the winner.