Rockwell RK7240.1 Review

rockwellThe Rockwell RK7240.1 Shop Series Table Saw With Stand is manufactured and produced by a very reputable company. As you can read on our Rockwell Brand Information Page, this company has had a long history of manufacturing power tools for woodworkers and enthusiasts alike. With the RK7240.1, Rockwell delivers again in weight and mobility. The machine itself weighs around 35 pounds and is ideal for home use, jobsite use or even as a regular machine in the workshop. If one-handed transportation is of concern this portable Rockwell table saw delivers more than any other in the field. It has a powerful 13-amp motor and large table top built from all cast aluminum. This comes as a pleasant surprise since saws twice this cost are sometimes only plated metal.

It is also important to note that the RK7240.1 Shop series table saw comes with a large safety switch that greatly enhances the control and operation of the machine with contributes to a controlled safe working environment. In addition, the reinforced cast aluminum table top has been made specially to provide improved stability and precision. At first glance it appears that the Rockwell RK7240.1 table saw has it all: precision, stability and mobility. Also the inlcuded quick-release rip fence gives quick access to the full table (around 400 square inches of work space) for use with larger stock pieces and completed the package nicely.

When Rockwell performed their pre-production table saw review on the RK7240.1, it seems they remembered to consider job cleanup as well. The RK7240.1 has an integrated dust collection port that works flawlessly. Regular cleaning of the machine prevents dust buildup which can absorb lubrication on the machine and cause major failures. The design of this saw allows for full-tool cleaning with a simple connection of the vacuum hose.When shipping, the Rockwell RK7240.1 Shop Series table saw comes to 48.8 pounds but as mentioned above, the machine only weighs around 35 pounds which is one of the lightest weight portable table saws on the market. The majority of other saws weigh closer to 50 lbs, which makes the Rockwell RK7240.1 Table Saw feel like a feather to cart around.

In my research on other buyer’s feelings toward the Rockwell RK7240.1 table saw, I discovered just how strongly table saw reviewers agreed regarding the easy portability of the machine. And even with its light weight, the general consensus indicates that the 13 Amp motor delivers enough power to get the job done. This powerful motor cuts with precision and accuracy high-end machines. Luckily, the included stand is sturdy enough to raise the saw without sacrificing the stability or mobility of the unit. However, if you’re looking for a more stationary fitting, several consumers had success with building the unit into a solid frame. This enhances the base of the machine even more yet still allows them to pull it from its “dock” when a mobile table saw is required.rockwell 5

There are many small items that table saw reviews may point out with the Rockwell RK7240.1 table saw. Two of the most prominent issues include the rather flimsy blade height adjustment wheel and the lack of a zero clearance blade plate option. This second item resulted in a poor shimming of the plate since they are loose and not easy to reposition once you’ve removed the plate for a blade change. Despite these oversights, I find the Rockwell RK7240.1 to be quite suitable as a portable table saw. The design is mostly quality materials even if the adjustment wheel could use some improvement. I had an old saw that performs much worse than this model. Despite the depth adjustment, I was able to get the job accomplished and with more ease than the other dinosaur in my garage.

Also, I noticed in some comments that the fence was hard to keep square requiring that they check it out every time they began a new project. Again this is a minor issue since I routinely check the lineup of my fence before every job anyway. A quick adjustment may be required here or there but for the most part it seemed lined up for me, even after transporting it in the back of my truck. As for the included blade, here I agree with the bulk of consumer reviews. When purchasing the Rockwell RK7240.1 table Saw I ordered a carbide blade which I installed after only a few cuts with the stock blade. This was unfortunate but not unexpected since this is often true with the included blades from most manufacturers. Besides, with this expectation I had already ordered one and it took all of 60 seconds to install.

All of these minor issues have discouraged several readers from buying the RK7240.1, yet there many buyers who are quite pleased with their purchase. I think this mostly boils down to perspective. For the cost of this machine, I expected a deficiency here. Most of these are easily solved or looked past if you aren’t cutting with it every day. That being said I probably wouldn’t recommend this portable table saw to the high end contractor, but if you’re a hobbyist or occasional DIYer on a budget then this machine will certainly be a good fit. We’ve listed easy access to read through through the Rockwell RK7240.1 Table Saw Reviews yourself through the button below:

WHATS IN THE BOX

Rockwell RK7240.1 10-Inch Job Site Table Saw

Rectangular Table Saw Stand

10-inch included saw blade

Blade wrench

Push stick

Miter gauge

As for the warranty, the Rockwell RK7240.1 Shop Series 13 Amp 10-Inch Table Saw with Stand comes with a 2-year limited warranty. This goes beyond the 1yr basic standard and makes sure that you get at least two good solid years out of the machine at a bare minimum.
As far as value is concerned, the Rockwell RK7240.1 Shop Series 10-Inch Table Saw is a great fit for the entry level woodworker on a budget. And at around $150, you really can’t go wrong . At the most basic function of making precise cuts on wood, it will accomplish the task as well as any high end machine will do-although you won’t have the fancy gadgets or looks the other models may provide. Despite the no-frills attitude of this machine, $150 is a great price range in which to get a portable table saw. rockwell 4

With the Rockwell RK7240.1 Table Saw, you won’t use the machines onboard measurements. Instead you’ll wind up using he much more reliable method of manual measurements and that is preferrable in my book. The machine will become simply your cutting method which is it’s primary design anyway. And when it comes to cutting, the Rockwell RK7240.1 will keep going. Any decent Rockwell RK7240.1 Table Saw review will indicate that it not only runs all day, but that it leaves clean cuts as long as it’s aligned. She’ll get the job done and she’ll last doing it but it won’t be anything fancy. Like I said, this is the perfect portable table saw for beginners and occasional users, or those like me who prefer manual measurements and adjustment. Those in that category will find this to be money well spent.

 

 

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