Ideal for woodworkers who need high-precision tools, the DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a model that uses the unique XPS crosscut positioning system, which makes use of a light and shadow technique to create a perfect cut on your material.
Are you eyeing the DeWalt DWS780? To help you decide whether to buy it or not, I’ve gone over its specs, pros, and cons below.
DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
This dual-bevel miter saw combines precision cutting, adjustability, and durability all in one unit thanks to its hefty features. It will work well for typical dimensional lumber crosscuts.
Specifications
This miter saw has a 15-amp motor that can cut with speeds of up to 3,800 RPM, much like similar models from DeWalt. It spans 12 inches for its blade diameter and is 56 pounds in weight. Its miter capacity is 60 degrees (to the right) and 50 degrees (to the left), while its miter detent plate has a total of 10 positive stops.
As for the cutting capacity, at 45 degrees bevel, it can cut a 2×14 dimensional lumber (2×16 with back fence), while at 45 degrees miter, it can cut up to 4×8 for its maximum width and height. For cross-cut capacity, at 90 degrees, it can cut 2×14 (2×16 with back fence).
It has an arbor size of 5/8-inch or 1-inch for easy adaptability if you are looking for 12-inch miter saws that have such a feature. In terms of crown molding, it has a capacity of 13-3/4 inches (lying flat) and 7-1/2 inches (vertical capacity). On the other hand, its baseboard has a horizontal capacity of 16 inches and a vertical capacity of 6-3/4 inches.
Quality
A 3-year limited warranty and a 1-year free service are given by DeWalt, as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee. Included in the miter saw and 12-inch carbide blade set is the blade wrench for easy changing, the vertical material clamp for holding, and a dust bag for debris management.
Adding to its list of durability features is the stainless steel material used for the miter detent plate, as well as the linear ball bearings and the dual horizon steel rails. Its machined base fence support will also make it sturdy for long-term use. Aside from that, because it has a good dust collection system, it will preserve the miter saw’s inner workings against flying debris.
Usability
The XPS crosscut positioning system is the best usability feature from this double-bevel miter saw. It’s an LED guide system that uses a shadow technique that becomes the guiding line to make your cross-cut as perfectly as possible on your material. It doesn’t require a lot of difficult adjustments, making it easy to improve your productivity on the job site.
What’s more, it has a precise miter system and an easily-adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops for added accuracy. Because the bevel scale marks are large enough to read from afar, it will be simple to make precise measurements without compromising accuracy. I also like that it has a top handle that enables user comfort and portability at the same time.
Its cam-lock miter handle allows you to repetitively make your preferred miter angles on successive materials without having to re-adjust again and again, saving time and effort. Its innovative clamping mechanism, gearbox, and belt-drive design will also help to hold the material in place when positioned vertically.
Should You Buy the DeWalt DWS780 Miter Saw?
The DeWalt DWS780 is for you if you’re searching for a cutting guide for supreme accuracy. While the XPS system isn’t the same as a laser guide, instead it’s composed of a unique LED shadow projection mechanism, that will add incredible precision to your next cutting project. Since it has a cam miter lock, it allows for consistent results, which is ideal for job sites where you need to cut the same length again and again.
If you are still unsure about your decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the DeWalt DWS780
Let’s start with the good stuff.
The XPS cross-cut system ensures accuracy when cutting.
What this cross-cut system does is produce a shadow using an LED light, creating a sharp line that projects itself onto your material, making it easy for you to cut precisely. This is an alternative to traditional laser guides if you feel that such guides can be hazardous in the workplace.
What I like about the XPS cross-cut system is that it increases your work productivity. Without a cutting guide, it could take you hours of mistakes before you get the right measurement for your material.
It has a cam miter lock for consistent results.
The cam miter lack will work like a charm for those who want to use the same miter measurement again and again without repetitive adjustments. This will save serious time and effort, and increase productivity on the job site.
The vertical cutting capacity is larger than most 12-inch miter saws.
This one can cut up to 6-3/4 inches versus the usual 6-1/2-inch vertical capacity of most standard 12-inch miter saws on the market.
It has a top handle for portability and comfort.
While it is not every day that you need to move a miter saw from room to room, having a handle for portability and comfort when holding the tool is always a plus.
Cons of the DeWalt DWS780
Even though the DeWalt DWS780 is a great tool, there are a few cons worth noting as well.
Getting a shop vac adapter can be a challenge.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get the right shop vac adapter if you want to make full use of its dust extraction feature.
The sliding mechanism seems a little stiff at first.
If you owned other miter saws before, you might find this one slightly stiff when you first use it, but it will get better over time.
What Are the Alternatives to the DeWalt DWS780?
There are other picks I can suggest below (with similar specs) if the DeWalt DWS780 simply isn’t the miter saw that you were looking for:
I would suggest the DeWalt DWS716XPS, another dual-bevel unit that has an XPS system for hyper-accuracy. It has a 48-degree bevel capacity on left and right although its vertical capacity is only 6-1/2 inches, compared to that of the DeWalt DWS780 which is 6-3/4 inches. Nonetheless, it also has a 15-amp motor that runs up to 3,800 RPM.
Another similar miter saw is the DeWalt DWS709, which also has a 15-amp motor with 3,800 RPM of speed. It has a 5-1/2-inch crown molding capacity and a 4-1/2-inch vertical capacity while having an oversized bevel scale and 10 positive miter stops. In terms of weight, this one is only 51 pounds (due to the smaller vertical capacity) compared to the 56-pound weight of the DeWalt DWS780, so it is more advisable for room-to-room operations.
The predecessor of the DeWalt DWS780, which is the DeWalt DWS779 (read my review), is nearly similar in every aspect except that it doesn’t have the XPS cutline system. If you are not after this guiding feature then perhaps this model is for you. Both of them have a large cutting thickness of 6-3/4 inches on their vertical base support, which means they are both for large projects. Aside from that, both units have an arbor size of either 5/8 or 1 inch for easy adaptability.
Summary
To wrap it up, the DeWalt DWS780 is a miter saw worth getting if you are looking for a tool with flawless precision, its XPS crosscut positioning system, which is akin to a laser or LED guide, can’t be beat. Not only does it make the job easier and more convenient – but it also improves accuracy even if you are a beginner to miter saws.