Concord Carpenter

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Miter Saw

By Robert Robillard on Tool Reviews

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Large Cut Capacity

The DWS780 easily cuts a 2×6 on edge with its 6-3/4-inch vertical capacity.   This saw will cut a 7-1/2-inch nested crown, 13-7/8-inch horizontal capacity, and the back fence design cuts a 2×16 at a 90-degree angle and 2×12 at a 45-degree angle.  An on board rail lock-latch holds the head away from the fence if desired.

The Dewalt DWS780 12-Inch Miter Saw has the ability to cut through material all the way to the fence without the blade in the lowest head position unlike my 718. When the blade is cutting low in the plate of the tool, the teeth are at a steep angle to work the surface and I often get wood grain tear out.   The DWS780 allows you to can keep the blade up with the teeth at a low angle and still complete your cut.  This is a detail most folks don’t even notice but if your working with expensive trim or wood you’ll appreciate it.

Sliding Rails

I’ve seen some negative comments that this saw slide rails have some drag.  We did not experience this issue and have not seen it on prior saws.  This may be because everyday before we pack up our tools, we use a blower to remove  dirt, dust and debris off the saw.  An occasional coating of silicone to the rails helps as well.

Features

• Integrated XPS cross cut positioning system
• 15 Amp, 3,800 rpm motor
• Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2″ nested and base molding up to 6-3/4″ vertically against the fence
• Back Fence Design cuts up to 2×16 dimensional lumber at 90° and 2×12 at 45°
• Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops
• Miters 60° to the right and 50° to the left providing increased capacity
• Over sized bevel scale
• Weight:  56 lbs.
• Cam lock miter handle with detent override
• Dual horizontal steel rails with innovative clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings
• Blade Diameter 12″
• Amps 15Amps
• No Load Speed 3,800rpm
• Arbor Size 5/8″ or 1″
• Vertical Capacity\: Baseboard Against Fence 6-3/4″
• Vertical Capacity\: Crown Molding Vertically Nested 7-1/2″
• Horizontal Capacity\: Baseboard Lying Flat 16″
• Horizontal Capacity\: Crown Molding Lying Flat 13-3/4″
• 45° Bevel Cut Capacity (dimensional lumber) 2×14 (2×16 with back fence)
• 90° Cross-Cut Capacity (dimensional lumber) 2×14 (2×16 with back fence)”
• 90° Cross-Cut Capacity (Max Width) 16″
• 45° Miter Cut Capacity (Max Height) 2×12
• 45° Miter Cut Capacity (Max Width) 2×12

Improvements

I would love to see a larger rail lock knob so I can torque this down more securely and easier so the saw head doesn’t slide back and forth while I’m driving.  Currently the saw head slides during transport or when moving the saw around.

Overall Impression

I like the overall function of the DWS780, it’s a nice cutting saw and is completely user friendly.

The 780 has improved or done away with some of the things that I didn’t like about the 718. Although I have used the 718 since 2009 daily with good results I think I’ll be enjoying this new saw more!

This being my 3rd DeWALT, 12 inch sliding compound miter saw I like it.  I have used these miter saws on high end custom residences for the past 16 years, we use them in rain, snow, and they continue to provide precise cuts and durable duty to general job site abuse (throw it in the van and dump tools and lumber on top).

Overall the DWS780 is a well thought out, well engineered, durable, and not over complicated. The DeWALT 12 sliding compound miter saws have been and will continue to be in my work trailer for years to come

 How Much and Where To Buy?

The Dewalt DWS780 12-Inch Miter Saw sells for $598.00 online here: DEWALT-DWS780-12-Inch-Sliding-Compound