A saw can make all the difference between an amateur job and a clean, precise finish that no one can complain about.
A good saw will give you not only precise cuts but will also raise the accuracy and the safety value of your business.
A miter saw is a must-have tool for not only the professionals on the job, but also for creative hobbyists looking to fix up their newest venture.
Miter saws have the best features to combat the problems faced by woodworkers on the daily, and therefore are one of the most mulled over decisions in the shop.
Leave your worries behind as this review will talk about these saws, compare, and after that, you will inevitably end up with the right option that perfectly suits your needs.
Dewalt is a trusted name and one of the biggest names in the tool market these days.
For hundreds of years now, this brand has managed to remain on top making increased sales of its products.
If you are planning to purchase a Dewalt tool, particularly miter saws, you might get into confusion as there are three compound sliding miter saws to choose from-the DW709, DWS 779, and DWS 780.
Now you might be thinking which one should you buy? There is a 3-year warranty period applying to all models.
As for the basic, all of these miter saws DW709, DWS 779, and DWS 780 have the same blade diameter, which measures about 12 inches providing 3,800 rpm.
All of these saws have stainless steel miter dent plates. However, there are also substantial differences.
It is for this reason that this review was written. To help you decide which among the three miter saws can suit your exact requirements.
Table of Contents
The Dewalt DWS779 Review
The Dewalt DWS779 is a reliable sliding compound miter saw designed for precision and coming at a competitive price.
The DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding compound Miter saw features a powerful 15 amps, 3, 800 RPM motor that delivers extended power and durability.
The lack of a few important features makes it more suitable for the amateur woodworker than for the pro;
nonetheless, I found it to be a dependable tool that withstands high-volume applications, and that can handle large pieces of stock.
But it still comes with a super-efficient dust collection system that captures over 75 percent of dust generated.
This miter saw also offers an exclusive back fence design which cuts up to 2×16 dimensional lumber at 90° and 2×12 at 45°.
Powerful and fast, this machine can slice through wood easily, and with the right blade, it can even handle alternative materials.
The Dewalt DWS780 Review
The Dewalt DWS780 is nothing but the DWS779’s upgraded version and shares many features with its brother.
However, some extra features make this tool more suitable for the pro than for the amateur.
The DWS780 12-inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw has a 15 Amp motor and integrated XPS cross cut positioning system for adjustment-free accurate cut line indication.
Tall sliding fences support 7-1/2″ of nested crown and 6-3/4″ of base molding vertically. Exclusive Back Fence Design cuts up to 2×16 dimensional lumber at 90°.
Increased miter capacity of 60° (Right) and 50° (Left) features durable stainless steel miter detent plate with cam lock for repeatable accuracy with easy adjustments.
One of the things that make the difference between the two units is the DWS780’s construction that employs rugged materials like iron and stainless steel that handle hard materials in industrial environments.
Built with durability in mind, this machine withstands high-volume demands and heavy-duty workshop tasks.
Similarities Between DWS779 Vs DWS780 Both Models
Both these miter saws are ideal to use in busy work areas, you can easily fasten the tool saw firmly to the work table. This way it will be more secure and safe to use. - The two saw miters have a 15 AMP power motor. Additionally, the blades can rotate and speed up to 3800 per minute (RPM). The blade diameter measures 12-inches for both saws.
- The DWS779 and DWS780 have a dual bevel, a miter that can be adjusted and the angles are similar too. Additionally, they have the same length, width, and size.
- These tool saws are user-friendly as they have a 3-year limited warranty. In case the tool saws become faulty you can easily return them within the stipulated 3 years and get a refund or replacement.
- The dust removal mechanism is the same. They all have a dust bag, which has the best dust collection capacity. It collects all the dust and residues.
- The DWS779 and DWS780 are both made by a well-known brand, the DeWalt. As a result, these two miter saws are made with high-quality material which is sturdy and durable.
- Both these miter saws are fully equipped with additional features such as blade wrench, carbide blade, and a material clamp.
- The power supply for both miter saws is corded -electric.
- The miter saws can cut the same size of stock. Their maximum capacity is also similar.
- Both miter saws have the capability to handle heavy woodworking projects. They can cut even the toughest wood. There are ideal for beginners and professionals.
- Back fence design in these two-drop saws enables cutting 2×16 dimensions at 90 degrees and 2×12 at 45 degrees.
- Another similarity is the Double Bevel Sliding Compound feature. A drop saw, which is double bevel, is capable of making compound cuts in two directions i.e. left and right. This means you do not have to flip the piece your cutting but use the pivot arm to flip the saw.
Difference Between Dws779 And Dws780
The major differences between the two models involve
- Cutting system guide
- Price range
- System safety
- Lights
- Miter detent plate
Cutting System Guide
XPS system is a recent technology, which uses bright LED light which shines along the blade length.
The LED light makes the drop saw to cast a shadow that moves as the blade is in motion. This shadow provides a perfect clear-cut line that can be followed easily.
You should choose a saw with XPS system over the traditional laser-guided one because this technology ensures your cuts are more precise and aligned perfectly.
This is one of the major difference between these two saws. Dws 779 uses a traditional laserguided system, which has some drawbacks even though it is reliable.
However, this XPS system also has its drawbacks.
Because the shadow created relies on the LED light, this system may not function well in a place with a lot of light especially outside in broad daylight but when used in house settings, the system will work perfectly.
Dws780 miter saw model, uses a more advanced XPS system, which is used for positioning when crosscutting to get a free precise and accurate cut line.
Price Range
There is a huge price difference between these two. Dws780 is costly compared with dws779 with a difference of 200 USD. Not everyone can take this big difference lightly.
One of the great challenges of using any miter saw is making an accurate cut.
Without a good guiding system, it can really be hard to get the alignment correct unless you are a professional carpenter or an experienced do it yourself type of person.
XPS system helps to reduce the time you waste on maintaining correct alignment however if you think you can maintain correct alignment using laser guide, you can purchase dws779 which is cheaper.
The price difference is because of the XPS system. I think Dws780 is a modern version of dws779, which uses a more traditional laser guide cutting.
Despite the price difference, I would buy dws780, which is a perfect miter saw for someone who is amateur.
System Security
The Dewalt 780 is safer than 779 models because it has a transparent blade guard which controls the cutting.
Even though the 780 model is not the safest miter saw in the market, it is the best in our today comparison.
When buying a miter saw, think of safety features first.
You should always keep blade guard in perfect condition because it protects you from accidental injuries, which can be severe or even fatal.
Despite of all the provisions made by the company, you should wear a safety guide for personal protection.
Lights
Apparently many users prefer the LED light as compared to the lasers.
This is because the DWS780 LED light is always properly positioned as compared to the DWS779 whose laser systems always get knocked out of position when cutting.
The DWS780 model is fully equipped with the bright cutting LED light alongside the blade.
Whereas the DWS779 has an XPS light. Moreover, the LED light can easily project a shadow line of the blade’s teeth over the cutting materials.
This will aid you a great deal to make better precise cuts.
The DWS779 also has a cut-line blade positioning system that you can easily adjust to enable you to have a free-cutting line indicator.
Weight
Another difference is that the DWS779 is heavier, weighing about 67 pounds whereas the DWS780 is lighter in weight.
It weighs 56 pounds only, which makes it easier to carry and move around as compared to the DWS779 miter saw
Miter Detent Plate
The miter detent plate parameters are also one of the major difference between these two, the DWS780 saw miter has a stainless steel with a cam lock whereas, on the other hand, the DWS779 has a stainless steel lever cam with 10 positive stops.
Furthermore, the DWS779 has a double horizontal rail with an innovative clamping device. You will have a more precise and accurate cutting result because of the linear ball bearing.
However, the DWS780 has a rail lock which improves the vertical cutting results and to lock the angles for angle adjustment it has a cam lock miter button.
Safety Guide
The dual bevel miter saw is a powerful mechanical tool which, if not used properly and safely can cause a lot of serious injuries.
Here are some protective measures to protect you from such injuries and help you to do your work safely:
- At all times, you must be wearing the protective gear so that the quotient of risk can be minimized.
- The safety gear involves protective glasses, a pair of work shoes, working gloves, work uniform, and in this specific case, a mask to protect from the dust entering your lings via the nose.
- Like every tool, be sure you read the user manual and the safety manual thoroughly and understand it completely.
- Use the right type of saw for the job.
- While making any sort of observation or adjustment, please make sure that you turn off the miter saw so that you can safely analyze the work piece and get better results.
Which Blades Is Great: Dws779 Or Dws780?
Another vital component of any miter saw is the blade. Both feature a stainless steel miter plate with 12inch blades.
These two blades are quite similar, and there is very little separating them. Nevertheless, the dws780 does come with an additional carbide blade.
Due to its composition, the carbide blade is more abrasion resistant and can withstand higher temperatures.
The inclusion of the carbide blade gives the 780 an edge over its predecessor.
Carbide blades do not require regular maintenance due to their durability and toughness.
Which One Is Lighter/Heavier
When it comes to the weight, the older 779 is heavier weighing around 67 pounds. On the other hand, the 780 weighs about 56 pounds.
Meaning both saws are not the most lightweight. However, if you were to choose the newer version is lighter.
Cutting Capacity
So how well do these two saws cut? For marketing purposes, some retail stores make it seem as though the two saws have differing cutting capacities.
But the truth is both are the same and are capable of 6.75inch depth cuts. When it comes to crosscuts, they are capable of 2×16 inch crosscuts at 90 degrees.
This is achievable thanks to the inclusion of a dedicated back fence. Also, the two saws are capable of 2×12-inch bevel cuts at 45 degrees.
Dewalt DWS779 VS DWS780 Power And Portability
Both miter saws can be used to cut plywood, plastic, and metals; however, with Dewalt DWS779, you can adjust the speed by which you need the blades to turn according to your needs.
Dewalt DWS780 is one of the best 12-inch sliding compound miter saws on the market. It is durable and sturdy thanks to its 120 volts and 15 amperes motor that provides 3.800 rpm.
Moreover, the saw itself of Dewalt DW780 is also durable thanks to its stainless steel castings that allow it to last for a long time and withstand possible harsh conditions of any job site.
These specifications ensure that it can keep working for a whole day without stopping.
The motor of Dewalt DWS779 is of 25 amperes, and it can make 3900 revolutions per turn.
Its maximum cutting thickness is 6.75 inches. Its ease of use, precision, and portability make it suitable for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Like Dewalt DWS779, it is suitable for professionals and DIYs.
Dust And Cleaning
Dewalt DWS779 comes with a dust collection system that enables it to collect up to 75% of the produced dust.
This ensures that you do not inhale dusty air, provides you with a clear atmosphere, and saves you the time you would spend cleaning after you finish your task.
Moreover, you can easily clean it by wiping a cloth dipped in any cleaning solution available around you.
Similarly, Dewalt DWS780 comes with a dust collection system that can soak up to 75% of the produced dust.
Dewalt DWS779 Vs DWS780 Features
The blade of Dewalt DWS779 can tilt in both directions, so you will not need to adjust things, and you will get precise cuts with next to zero effort.
Moreover, it enables you to cut up to 2×12 and 2×16 pieces of wood at 45 degrees and 90 degrees, respectively, thanks to its back fence design.
It also has easy adjustment because its miter can tilt to 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left.
Its tall sliding fence supports, the excellent back fence design, and the dented plate with cam lock ensure the effortless production of accurate and precise cuts.
This system makes it shed laser light on the exact place of contact between the blade and material you will cut.
Note, though, that this laser depends on brightness, so if you are in a place that has strong lights, you may not see the laser.
Like Dewalt DWS779, this one also has a perfect back fence design that cuts up to 2×16 pieces of lumber at 90 degrees, and 2×12 at 45 degrees.
Already impressed? Wait for more! It also enables you to bevel starting from zero until you reach 45 degrees, and you can stop at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees in both directions.
Also, it as high accuracy and provides you with better visibility due to its cutline blade positioning system that provides it with an adjustment-free cut line indication.
Dewalt DWS780 helps you adjust free cuts effortlessly, thanks to its amazing revolutionary XPS crosscut positioning system that comes with ultra-bright LED light.
My Verdict
Each model comes with pros and cons, and choosing one over another is often a matter of preference.
Both machines are compatible with several types of stands, and both models can be mounted on the bench. The DW780, on the other hand, is more suitable for a professional.
It is powered by the same motor and spins at the same speed but has a laser guide and a more versatile bevel function that guarantees precision and versatility for heavy-duty, high-volume jobs.
If it were me, I’d choose the DWS779 for amateur and light-duty work.
With capabilities similar to the DWS780, this machine may not have a laser guide and could be a little less precise, but it comes at an attractive price point that won’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get 16″ crosscuts. Do you have to remove the fences?
With fences seems it will only go 13.5″? Yes, you remove the fences to get cuts that will go as deep as 16 inches. The guidelines for how to remove the fences are present as a set of instructions in the manual.
What is the height of the cutting deck from the table?
The height of the cutting deck from the table is around 2-1/2-3 inches from table to the actual flat surface of where the blade meets the deck
Is this model part of DeWalt’s Built-in USA program?
Yes, the model features under Dewalt’s built-in the USA program
Can XPS be added, i know Dewalt makes a kit to add it to some saws, but this model was not listed?
The model can be altered to fit the XPS light atop for better accuracy; however, after watching the process, it looks like the end result requires too many modifications to boot. You would be better off with the 780 itself if the laser light is not of your taste.
Can XPS be added, I know Dewalt makes a kit to add it to some saws, but this model was not listed?
The model can be altered to fit the XPS light atop for better accuracy; however, after watching the process, it looks like the end result requires too many modifications to boot. You would be better off with the 780 itself if the laser light is not of your taste.
What is the height of the cutting deck from the table?
The height of the cutting deck from the table is around 2-1/2-3 inches from table to the actual flat surface of where the blade meets the deck
How do you install crown molding stops on a Dewalt 716 miter box?
The crown molding stops for the DeWalt 716 miter box come complete with two wingnut type bolts. These bolts and stops fit agency on both sides of the fence. Or, one wingnut bolt and stop on each side of the table base
What vacuum adapter fits DWS780 miter saw?
The vacuum adapter is a strange size, and the only possible solution that we came across was to use a rubber hose with two clamps. However, Dewalt does offer vacuum solutions that act as attachments on their site