Looking for a powerful miter saw that can handle all your woodworking needs? I recently got my hands on the DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, and I’m excited to share my thoughts.
This saw is a beast! Its 15-amp motor packs a punch, spinning the blade at 3800 RPM. I was amazed at how smoothly it cut through thick lumber.
The sliding feature is a game-changer, letting me tackle wider boards with ease.
I love the miter detent plate with its 10 positive stops. It makes setting common angles a breeze.
The tall sliding fences are great for crown molding and big pieces of lumber. I’ve cut 2x14s at 90 degrees and 2x10s at 45 degrees without any issues.
The dust collection system works well, catching most of the sawdust. It’s not perfect, but it keeps my workspace much cleaner than my old saw.
The bevel scale is easy to read, and the positive stops are helpful for quick setups.
Overview of the DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779)
I recently got my hands on this DEWALT miter saw and I’m impressed. It’s a beast of a tool that makes quick work of cutting tasks. The 15 amp motor packs a punch, effortlessly cutting through tough materials. I found it handles big lumber with ease – I cut through 2x14s at 90 degrees no problem.
The fence system is great for supporting tall crown molding. I like the cam lock miter handle for setting angles fast. The dust collection works pretty well too, catching most of the sawdust.
One small gripe – the stock blade is just okay. I swapped it out for a better one. Also, there’s no laser guide, which some folks might miss. But for the price, this saw delivers pro-level performance. It’s solid, accurate, and a joy to use in my workshop.
Robust Motor and Speed
I was blown away by the power of this saw. The 15-amp motor really packs a punch, effortlessly cutting through tough materials.
I cranked it up to its top speed of 3800 RPM and was amazed at how smooth and precise the cuts were. Even when I pushed it hard, the motor didn’t bog down or struggle.
It’s great for big projects where you need to make lots of cuts quickly. The saw starts up fast and maintains a steady speed, which helps me work more efficiently.
While it’s not the quietest saw I’ve used, the power and performance make up for it. I feel confident tackling any job with this beast of a motor.
Cutting Precision and Capacity
I was blown away by how precise this DEWALT miter saw cuts. The 12-inch blade slices through wood like butter, leaving clean edges every time.
I’ve used it on both small trim pieces and wider boards with great results. The sliding feature really comes in handy for wider cuts – I can easily handle boards up to 16 inches wide.
The miter adjustments are smooth and lock in securely, so my angles are always spot-on. I appreciate the large capacity, which lets me tackle bigger projects without constantly repositioning material.
While it’s not the lightest saw out there, the cutting power and accuracy make it worth it for me.
Durability and Build Quality
I’ve put this saw through its paces, and I’m impressed with how sturdy it feels. The metal base gives it a solid foundation, and I don’t notice any wobbling when I’m making cuts.
The rails are made of steel, which adds to its durability. I’ve used it for a few projects now, and it still looks and works like new. The blade guard is tough and does its job well.
One thing I really like is how well-made the miter detent plate is – it’s stainless steel and feels like it’ll last a long time. The fences are tall and strong, which is great for bigger pieces.
While it’s a bit heavy at 56 pounds, that weight adds to its stability. I think this saw will hold up well to regular use in my workshop.
Efficient Dust Collection
I was really impressed with how clean my workspace stayed while using this DeWalt miter saw. The dust collection system did a great job capturing sawdust and debris.
I’d estimate it caught over 75% of the dust generated during cuts. This meant less time cleaning up afterwards and a clearer view of my work area.
The efficient dust collection made a big difference compared to other saws I’ve used. It’s not perfect – some fine particles still escaped – but it’s much better than most.
For me, this feature alone made the saw worth considering. Less mess means I can focus more on my projects and less on cleanup.
Ease of Use and Versatility
Setting up and using this saw is a breeze. I found it simple to adjust the angles and make precise cuts right away.
The clear markings on the base help me line up my cuts quickly. It’s great for both big and small projects.
I’ve used it to cut everything from tiny trim pieces to large boards. The sliding feature lets me handle wider boards with ease.
One small issue is the dust collection could be better, but it’s not a deal-breaker. Overall, this saw makes my woodworking tasks much easier and faster. Whether I’m building furniture or doing home repairs, it’s up to the task.
I appreciate how it switches between different cutting angles smoothly, saving me time on complex projects.
Pros and Cons
After using this DEWALT miter saw for a while, I’ve got to say it’s a game-changer in my workshop. Let me break down what I loved and what could be better.
Pros
- The cutting power is impressive. I easily sliced through 2×14 lumber at 90 degrees.
- Accuracy is top-notch. The miter detent plate has 10 stops, making quick work of common angles.
- It’s built to last. The steel rails and sturdy base give me confidence it’ll hold up for years.
- Dust collection works great. It catches most of the sawdust, keeping my workspace cleaner.
- The tall sliding fences are super handy for bigger pieces.
Cons
- It’s pretty heavy. Moving it around can be a workout.
- The stock blade is okay, but I’d suggest upgrading for finer cuts.
- There’s no laser guide, which some folks might miss.
- It takes up a fair bit of space. Not ideal if you’re tight on room.
- The bevel stops are only on the left side.
I found the DEWALT to be a solid choice overall. It handles big jobs with ease and precision. While it has a few quirks, they’re not deal-breakers for me. If you’ve got the space and need a powerful saw, this one’s worth considering.
Customer Reviews
I’ve been using this DeWalt miter saw for a while now, and I’m really impressed. Most buyers seem to love it too.
The saw gets high marks for power, precision, and ease of use. Many say it’s great for both rough carpentry and fine woodworking.
People praise how smooth and accurate the cuts are. The clear markings make it simple to set up. A few users mention it’s ready to go right out of the box.
There are a few minor gripes. Some say the included blade is better for rough work and suggest upgrading for finer cuts. A couple folks had issues with calibration out of the box.
Overall though, users are very happy. They like the build quality and find it a great value. I agree – this saw has made my projects so much easier.
Maintenance and Support
I’ve found keeping this saw in top shape is pretty easy. Cleaning it after each use helps a lot.
I just blow off the sawdust with compressed air and wipe down the surfaces. The blade stays sharp for a long time, but when it gets dull, swapping it out is simple.
I like that Dewalt offers good customer support if I ever have questions. They have helpful online resources and phone support.
The saw seems built to last, but it’s nice knowing help is there if I need it. Overall, taking care of this Dewalt is straightforward and doesn’t eat up much time.
Conclusion
I’m really impressed with the DWS779. It’s a powerhouse that’s made my woodworking projects so much easier.
The cuts are clean and precise, which is a huge plus for my finish work. I love how easy it is to use – the markings are clear, and setup is a breeze.
While it didn’t come with a laser guide, I’ve gotten used to lining up cuts with the blade itself. The saw is built to last, and I can see it being a faithful workshop companion for years to come.
If you’re in the market for a reliable miter saw, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a look. It’s been a game-changer for my projects, and I think you’ll be just as happy with it as I am.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been using the DWS779 for a while now, and I’ve got to say, it’s become my go-to tool for all sorts of projects. Let me share some of the most common questions I’ve heard about this saw and other DEWALT models.
What are the main differences between the DEWALT DWS779 and the DWS780?
The DWS779 and DWS780 are pretty similar, but there’s one big difference: the LED light. The DWS780 has a built-in LED cutline system, which the DWS779 doesn’t have.
I find I can still make accurate cuts without it, but some folks really like that extra feature. Both saws have the same power and cutting capacity, so it really comes down to whether you want that light or not.
How does the DEWALT DW716 compare to other models in terms of precision and capacity?
While I love my DWS779, the DW716 is a solid choice too. It’s a bit smaller at 12 inches, but it still offers great precision.
The DW716 has a decent cutting capacity, though not as large as the DWS779. I’d say it’s a great option if you need something a bit more compact but still want DEWALT quality.
What improvements does the 12-inch sliding compound miter saw offer over traditional models?
The sliding feature is a game-changer. It lets me cut wider boards than a regular miter saw. The 12-inch blade also means I can tackle bigger jobs.
I’ve found the cuts are smoother too, thanks to the dual rail system. It’s just more versatile all around.
Can the DEWALT compound miter saw handle larger, more complex projects effectively?
Absolutely! I’ve used my DWS779 for some pretty big projects. The sliding feature lets me cut boards up to 2×14 inches at 90 degrees.
It’s got the power to handle hardwoods too. I’ve made some custom furniture pieces that I couldn’t have done with a smaller saw.
What safety features are included with the DEWALT compound miter saws?
Safety is a big deal with these saws. The DWS779 has a transparent blade guard that lets me see the blade while keeping my fingers safe.
There’s also a blade brake that stops the blade quickly when I release the trigger. The fence is tall and sturdy, which helps keep the wood in place during cuts.
How have users rated the DEWALT compound miter saws in terms of durability and performance?
From what I’ve seen and experienced, people love these saws. The DWS779 has great reviews online. Users praise its accuracy and power. I’ve had mine for a while now, and it’s still going strong.
The dust collection could be better, but that’s a small gripe for such a solid tool.
