DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Miter Saw

Robert Robillard

9 years ago

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review

Full disclosure. We have over 50 years of collective carpentry experience on the job and only use Dewalt miter saws. Other brands have come and gone but Dewalt has seemed to figure out how to provide state-of-the-art technology for fine and precision cutting in a durable job site, cost-effective package.

We recently had the opportunity to review the Dewalt DWS780 12-Inch Miter Saw on our job site, here is our thoughts:

First Impression

I have owned the DW708 and DW718. I loved the 708, and the had a love hate relationship with the 718. I was curious what I would think of the DWS780.

When I first saw the Dewalt DWS780 12-Inch Miter Saw I was happy that they decided to go back to their old bevel lock knob system. I have heard people critical of rear mounted bevel tightening systems, but this is quite easy to operate and better than having systems cluttering my cutting area it also keeps it at the rear of the saw and away from possible damage from dropped lumber.

Adjustments

The saw miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left, with 10 positive stops. A cam lock miter button allows the user to lock angles between detents. A miter detent override is also used to allow precise angle adjustment without falling into detents.

The bevel scale is easy to read, and has rotating into position bevel pawls, and 45 degree overrides. It allows you to bevel from zero to 49 degrees with positive stops at:

0 degrees
22.5 degrees
33.9 degrees
45 degrees
49 degrees in both right and left directions

We found the bevel adjustments to be very user friendly, again I’m loving the rear mounted knob!

Dust Collection

Dust collection on most miter saws suck, unless your using a vacuum. The DWS780 dust bag system has improved and seems to fill the bag, where as prior models did not. When combined with a vacuum attached the DWS780 works great t collecting the saw dust.

Integrated XPS cross cut positioning system

The Integrated XPS cross cut positioning system is basically an ultra-bright LED light that casts a “laser-like” shadow on the blade. The shadow is cast, on both sides of the blade, where the bade will contact and cut the material. This lighting system is unaffected by different blade widths, no calibration is needed, as it casts a shadow on the blade mounted on the saw. A switch on top of the saw turns this light on or off.

Fence and Blade Guard

I like the “real” fence on this tool as we tend to cut a lot of crown and need to roll it up or down depending on wall conditions. Cutting flat with the positive stop positions is not always an option.

Visibility through the blade guard and operation have always been well designed. I also like that Dewalt allows you to can move the kerf plates inward to prevent larger pieces of wood to fall into the blade kerf.

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