Ryobi RTS21G vs DeWalt DWE7485: Budget Portable Table Saws Compared
FriendsWithTools.io earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. We do not test these tools ourselves — all claims are sourced from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated user reviews, each linked inline. Prices and ratings were verified on April 2026 and may have changed.
A table saw is the centerpiece of any woodworking setup, but you don't need to spend $600+ to rip plywood and crosscut 2x lumber. The Ryobi RTS21G and DeWalt DWE7485 both accept 8-1/4 inch blades, fold into a compact footprint for transport, and cost under $350. The real difference is in the fence, which is the single most important part of a table saw after the blade.
Quick Verdict
The DeWalt DWE7485 is the better table saw. The rack-and-pinion fence is worth the $130 premium by itself because a table saw with a bad fence produces bad cuts no matter what blade you use. The Ryobi RTS21G is fine for occasional deck building where rip accuracy within 1/32 doesn't matter, but for any woodworking or trim carpentry, spend the extra money.
The rack-and-pinion fence stays parallel. Accurate rip cuts require a reliable fence, period.
10-inch blade cuts deeper, $130 cheaper, and rough framing tolerates 1/32 inch of fence drift.
6 lb lighter and more compact. Over a year of daily truck loading, that matters.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Ryobi RTS21G | DeWalt DWE7485 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Size | 10 in | 8-1/4 in |
| Rip Capacity | 25-1/2 in (right of blade) | 24-1/2 in (right of blade) |
| Depth of Cut (90 deg) | 3-1/8 in | 2-9/16 in |
| Motor | 15 Amp | 15 Amp |
| No-Load Speed | 5,000 RPM | 5,800 RPM |
| Weight | 54 lb | 48 lb |
| Fence Type | Steel sliding fence | Rack-and-pinion steel fence |
Ryobi RTS21G
Price: $199 (Home Depot)
Pros
- $199 is the cheapest full-function table saw from a major brand
- 25-1/2 inch rip capacity handles plywood crosscuts without a support table
- 10-inch blade cuts through 3-1/8 inches at 90, enough for 4x4 posts in two passes
Cons
- Fence alignment drifts after bumps and vibration, needs frequent checking
- Miter gauge slots have noticeable play, affecting crosscut accuracy
- Dust port position sends most chips past the collection point
DeWalt DWE7485
Price: $329 (Home Depot)
Pros
- Rack-and-pinion fence adjusts smoothly and locks parallel every time without fussing
- 48 lb is light enough for one person to carry from truck to jobsite
- 5,800 RPM compensates for the smaller blade with cleaner, faster cuts in hardwood
Cons
- 8-1/4 inch blade limits depth of cut to 2-9/16 inches, can't through-cut a 4x4
- $130 more than the Ryobi for a smaller blade
- 24-1/2 inch rip capacity is tight for ripping full plywood sheets without outfeed support
Best For
Woodworking and finish carpentry
DeWalt DWE7485
The rack-and-pinion fence stays parallel. Accurate rip cuts require a reliable fence, period.
Framing and rough rips
Ryobi RTS21G
10-inch blade cuts deeper, $130 cheaper, and rough framing tolerates 1/32 inch of fence drift.
Hauling to jobsites daily
DeWalt DWE7485
6 lb lighter and more compact. Over a year of daily truck loading, that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an 8-1/4 inch blade too small for a table saw?
For plywood, 2x lumber, and hardwood boards up to 2 inches thick, no. The 2-9/16 inch depth of cut handles everything except 4x4 posts and thick hardwood slabs. Most jobsite work never needs a deeper cut.
Why does the fence matter so much?
The fence determines whether your rip cuts are straight and parallel. A fence that drifts 1/64 inch over 24 inches will cause the board to bind against the blade, which can kick the workpiece back at you. Good fences lock parallel every time without adjustment.
Can I use a dado stack in either of these?
The DeWalt DWE7485 does not accept dado stacks. The Ryobi RTS21G technically accepts a dado set up to 13/16 inches wide, but the arbor length limits dado width. For serious dado work, you need a full-size contractor or cabinet saw.