DeWalt Compact Jobsite Table saw and 33 in. Folding Portable Workbench

This review was created as part of a paid affiliate program with the Home Depot.

This review was created as part of a paid affiliate program with the Home Depot.

My first order of business with this and every product review is a disclaimer: I am not a professional contractor. I am a farmer and a fine furniture maker. When it comes to construction and renovation projects, I’m a DIYer and weekend warrior. That said, I doubt many professional contractors will be reading my tool reviews. My goal in reviewing tools and products is to provide honest feedback based on my own use and experience with these tools to other regular folks like me- wanting to get their hands dirty, try new things, and get the best value for their hard earned dollars.

So let’s talk about the DeWalt Compact Jobsite Table Saw

The thing I love most about this saw is how compact and portable it is. I’m pretty pressed for space right now and my entire power tool workshop has to be completely portable and stackable, because I am storing it all in a single stall of my barn, and pulling it all out and using it on the driveway on sunny days. (That’s also where the 33” Folding Portable Workbench comes in, more on that below) Not necessarily ideal, but hey, it gets the job done, and I’m thankful I have gotten to continue working while I build my new shop.

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The rack and pinion telescoping fence rails on this saw make adjustments fast, smooth and accurate. As far as safety features go, this saw may be tiny, but it’s mighty. It comes with a detachable blade guard and riving knife, which also has a built in dust-port, of standard size, so a vacuum can be easily attached. One thing to be warned about though is that the blade guard is made of fairly brittle plastic, so if it gets knocked off the bench onto the concrete, it will be toast. Speaking of safety, I love the toggle paddle off switch, it’s super convenient to hit it with my knee or foot at the end of a cut and make for a far safer turn-off capability when needed. The miter and cut depth adjustments are smooth and easy, it’s not nearly as loud as I expected it to be, all in all, I’m pretty impressed with this saw, it’s got a lot of guts considering it’s size.

As a “traditional” woodworker, a lover of real wood workbenches, I initially turned up my nose at the idea of a plastic workbench, but due to the necessitated portability of my workshop as of late, these folding workbenches have become indispensable. They fold flat for easy storage, but when in use, there is a ton of versatility offered with clamping with trigger clamps and bench dogs. The metal legs support up to 1000 lbs and a large work surface that only takes 3 seconds to set up comes in very handy ALL. THE. TIME. From staging camera equipment while we are filming to potting plants in the garden to setting up tools and project components, these workbenches have been an awesome addition to my mobile shop.

Anne Briggs2 Comments