What's inside
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DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 in. Compact Portable JobsiteOne Size22.75 x 22.75 x 13 Inches54 poundsCheck on Amazon
The short answer
The DeWalt DWE7485 is the easier saw to carry and load into a vehicle. It weighs about 54 pounds, has a compact footprint, and is designed to be moved without a separate stand. The Milwaukee 2736-21HD is a heavier, cordless saw—roughly 55 pounds for the bare tool, with the battery adding more weight—but its folding wheeled stand changes how that weight feels over a longer walk.
For stairs, lifting into a car, or carrying through a house, choose the DeWalt. For rolling across a jobsite and working where there is no convenient outlet, Milwaukee’s stand and battery platform may be worth the extra bulk and cost. Neither is effortless to transport, and neither should be judged by weight alone.
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Transport numbers that matter
The DWE7485 is a corded 8-1/4-inch table saw. Its listed weight is approximately 54 pounds, and the saw measures about 22 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 13 inches high. It has a carrying handle and can be lifted as one compact unit. A stand is optional, not part of the basic saw.
The 2736-21HD is Milwaukee’s cordless 8-1/4-inch table saw kit. The saw itself is in a similar weight class, but the kit includes a high-output battery and a folding stand with wheels. That makes it substantially bulkier to store than the bare DeWalt, even when the stand folds. On a level surface, it can be rolled instead of carried; at a curb, up stairs, or into a vehicle, you still have to lift it.
Exact package weight depends on battery and included accessories. Check the current listing before buying if you have a strict lifting limit or need to meet a vehicle’s storage dimensions.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | DeWalt DWE7485 | Milwaukee 2736-21HD |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Corded, 120V | Cordless, battery-powered |
| Blade size | 8-1/4 inches | 8-1/4 inches |
| Approximate saw weight | About 54 lb | About 55 lb bare; battery adds weight |
| Included mobility setup | Carry handle; stand typically separate | Folding wheeled stand in the 21HD kit |
| Best transport scenario | Frequent lifting and compact vehicle storage | Rolling over reasonably smooth jobsite ground |
| Main trade-off | Requires an extension cord and outlet | Higher kit bulk and dependence on charged batteries |
Carrying and loading: DeWalt’s advantage
When you have to pick the saw up, the DeWalt’s simpler package is the advantage. There is no stand to fold or wheels to manage, and its handle gives you a defined grip. At 54 pounds, however, it is not a light one-handed carry for most people. Carry it close to your body, keep the blade lowered, and use two people for awkward lifts or repeated trips.
Its size helps when loading into a hatchback or fitting it onto a shelf, but measure the opening rather than assuming the saw will slide in. A stand bought separately can improve working height, but it adds another item to carry and store. If the saw is often moved between sites, that extra stand can erase some of the DeWalt’s portability advantage.
For buyers who need a dedicated wheeled base, a portable table saw stand is worth comparing before purchasing. Make sure it is compatible with the saw and that its folded dimensions fit your vehicle.
Rolling on site: Milwaukee’s advantage, with limits
The Milwaukee kit is easier to move across a garage, driveway, or fairly smooth construction floor because its stand has wheels. Instead of carrying the saw’s full weight for every trip, you can tip and roll the assembly. That is a real benefit when moving between work areas, especially if you work alone.
Wheels do not make the unit easy to take everywhere. Loose gravel, mud, uneven thresholds, and narrow stairs can turn a convenient roll into a heavy lift. The folded stand also takes up more storage space than the DeWalt saw alone. Before buying, check that you can lift the folded assembly into your truck or van without straining. If you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries, the cordless setup is more attractive; if not, account for the cost and weight of the battery kit.
Power and work setup affect portability
Portability is not just the trip from the shop to the truck. The DeWalt needs a suitable outlet and cord at the cut location. A long extension cord can create a trip hazard, and an undersized or damaged cord can contribute to poor performance. For stationary shop use or sites with reliable power, that is usually a manageable trade-off.
The Milwaukee avoids the cord, which is useful for punch-list work and framing sites without convenient power. The trade-off is battery runtime: repeated ripping of thick stock can use charge quickly, so bring a spare charged battery for a full day’s work. Neither saw’s 8-1/4-inch blade is intended for the same depth of cut as a conventional 10-inch jobsite saw; check the rated cutting capacity for the material you plan to handle.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the DWE7485 if your main question is “Which saw is easier to lift and fit in my vehicle?” It is the more straightforward pick for a workshop, a small van, or occasional transport where you can carry the saw directly. The cheaper option is perfectly reasonable when you have outlets available and do not need a rolling stand.
Choose the Milwaukee 2736-21HD if you will regularly roll the saw around a jobsite, value cordless operation, and already have compatible batteries or are willing to pay for the kit. Its mobility advantage is strongest on smooth ground—not on stairs or during vehicle loading. For either saw, use a proper stand or stable work surface, secure the saw during transport, and do not lift it by the fence or other removable parts.
If neither included setup fits your routine, compare compact table saws by assembled weight, folded dimensions, and how you will move them—not just by the advertised bare-tool figure.
FAQ
Which one should you buy?
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