DeWalt has built a reputation as a provider of professional-grade power tools. The company offers multiple models in various power tools, including miter saws.
This review will compare the DWS779 vs. DWS780 features so that we can determine which miter saw is best and allow you to make the best investment with this specialty saw.
Presenting The DWS779 & DWS780
Similarities
- A 12-inch blade capacity.
- Uses a 15-amp electric motor.
- Built as a sliding compound design.
- Generates up to 3,800 RPMs.
- Comes with the same DeWalt coverage and service.
Differences
- DeWalt uses the advanced XPS cross-cutting system on the DWS780.
- The LED lights on the DWS780 are not included with the DWS779. An LED guide makes alignment fast and easy.
- The LED generates a shadow from the blade. This shadow cut line aids in aligning the wood for a cut.
- The DeWalt DWS779 comes at a lower price, as the DWS780 is the upgraded replacement.
DWS779 vs DWS780: Features review
15-amp electric motor
The DWS779 and DWS780 both use a 15-amp electric motor. It is powerful enough to drive the larger 12-inch blades at the proper RPMs. You will get up to 3,800 RPMs from either model under no-load conditions.
Users should not experience slowing under most conditions, but slower RPMs might be noticeable when cutting at maximum depth or cutting into very dense wood species.
Double-bevel sliding design
These miter saws are double-bevel designs. That allows the blade to tilt left and right. You do not need to flip the board over to make bevel cuts on each end.
It includes an extension arm that allows you to cut wider boards. When combined with the gaps designed in the fence, you can cut 2 x 14 lumber at 90 degrees. At 45-degree bevels, you can cut 2 x 12 timber.
A tiered gap is engineered into the back fence that allows you to operate the sliding saw at an angle to the left and right.
Fence support
The fence design on the DWS779 and DWS780 is the same. It is tall enough to support 7 1/2-inch crown molding and 6 3/4-inch base molding during a cut.
These fences can move out of the way during bevel cuts.
Alignments and adjustments
Both products use a machined base plate. It includes multiple detents set at 10 useful angles. You can miter 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left.
A cam lock system is used to hold the miter angle. DeWalt has made the scales oversized, so these are easier to read than those on my old miter saw.
The DWS780 has been upgraded using the XPS cross-cutting alignment system. This includes an LED light. It will increase your speed and help to eliminate errors.
The light system generates a shadow between the light and the blade. This shadow falls on the wood’s surface and follows the saw as you lower it. It helps with proper alignment with the cut line.
Dust collection
Miter saws create lots of debris. The port on both saws is located behind the blade. Its low angle allows it to grab chips and dust during the cut.
It’s shaped to funnel debris without clogging. This system removes up to 75 percent of the dust.
Price and coverage
The DWS780 is replacing the DWS779, making the DW779 cheaper.
Both saws are covered by a 90-day guarantee, one-year free service, and a three-year warranty.
What Do Others Think
I looked at a variety of sources to see what people had to say.
Almost everyone agrees that DeWalt’s miter saws make quality cuts straight from the box. Another positive feature is the larger capacity of these 12-inch saws.
A comment that I found more than once discussed how happy customers who bought one of these as a replacement or upgrade to their previous miter saw were.
Professionals express their approval of the overall durability and features these miter saws provide.
Alternatives To The DWS779 & DWS780
Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree...
OVERVIEW
This alternative offers the same power with a side-mounted lock for bevel adjustments. Bosch’s GCM12SD is an alternative worth looking into if for some reason you prefer to avoid DeWalt products.
Pros
- Clear blade guard
- Detent override
- Good hose adaptor
Cons
- Higher price
- Weighs more
Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
- Compact slide system with large cutting capacity
- Sliding sub-fence
- Laser marker
OVERVIEW
This miter saw includes a holding arm to secure lumber while cutting. Woodworkers looking for Hitachi’s efficient electric motors should search for this model branded now as Metabo HPT.
Pros
- Good miter degree selection
- Handle reduces vibrations
- Stronghold tilt lock
Cons
- Single finger trigger
- Less material support
SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw
- Laser cutline guide for fast and accurate cuts
- 9 positive stops for setting common miter angles
- Powerful 15 amp motor with 4,500 RPM
OVERVIEW
A more simple design with fewer features than either of the DeWalt products we’ve reviewed. SKIL’s 3821-01 is worth a second look if you lack the funds for a DeWalt.
Pros
- Lower price
- More compact
- Weighs less
Cons
- Lacks reach
- Single bevel
Who Should Buy A 12-Inch Miter Saw?
Is a miter saw right for you? If you use this commonly sourced wood for trimming, framing, or other woodworking projects, the miter saw would prove beneficial.
As I began my woodworking journey, I discovered how important it is to have the best miter saw for your DIY projects and renovations. Contractors and homeowners can benefit from this tool, too.
Why consider buying a good 12-inch miter saw? Cutting capacity.
Paying extra for a 12-inch model will purchase a miter saw that can continue to serve you as your hobby grows. The extra power and blade size will cut through thicker materials without having to make extra passes with the blade.
Who should avoid buying a 12-inch miter saw? Its 12-inch blade would not be a necessity for thinner material on projects such as small boxes or picture frames. A 10-inch miter saw is likely a better choice.
If your shop has limited room for only a couple of power tools, you might consider a circular saw or table saw. These tools allow you to make more cuts, including rip cuts and more joinery cuts.
Finally, why buy from DeWalt? This American company is known for its professional-grade tools, which are designed for heavy-duty work on construction sites. Its power-tools provide tight tolerances for accuracy, and the company has strong coverage as well as extensive service in North America.
Consider these things when looking at a 12-inch miter saw:
- You will pay more for this than a 10-inch design
- 12-inch saws have fewer blade options
- You get a larger capacity and reach with 12-inch blades
- A larger motor handles thick and dense wood better
Deciding Between The DWS779 vs DWS780
DeWalt’s DWS780 stands out as the better miter saw in the clash between the DWS779 VS. DWS780 miter saws.
The XPS cross-cutting provides better alignment. The LED speeds up workflow with fewer errors. Finally, the DWS779 is being discontinued. With that said. If you don’t need the XPS cutline and you want to save some money, go ahead and grab the DWS779 miter saw before it’s been discontinued.
