Mine is just like the 744x.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW744X-...able+table+saw
I've had it for years and years, and that girl will go to work.
Doesn't move around when you're making a cut like the little portable saws, either. I can easily rip a sheet of plywood on it.
I'd not even consider a Porter Cable anything. Not if it was free. But that's just me.
They've never held up to work, but as a homeowner tool, I'm sure they'd be fine.
The biggie between the saw models is the size of the table. You need the biggest surface possible to rip. Those little saws are nice, but you'll need roller stands to work long or large materials.
The bigger saw, you won't.
On a compound miter saw, Lowe's always has one on sale where you get the stand free.
It's around 600 bucks, and it's heaven.
It's tough to calibrate, and doesn't help me much for cabinet miters, but it's perfectly good for everything else.
I think mine is the dws780. The free stand runs about $175, normally, and it's a hell of a deal on an awesome saw.
Good luck, brother.
And congratulations!!!
