DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Product Details

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ASIN: B00540JS7C
Item model number: DWS780

By : DEWALT
List Price : ~~$629.00~~
Price : $599.00
You Save : $30.00 (5%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The DEWALT DWS780 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw expertly walks the line between the rugged durability and fine precision that professionals need on the job site. From delicate woodworking to heavy-duty framing and deck building, the DWS780 provides the accuracy, capacity, and portability that cabinetmakers, trim carpenters, framers, installers, and contractors need.

DWS780 12-Inch DoubleBevel Sliding CompoundMiter Saw At A Glance:

Advanced dust collection system captures over 75 percent of dust generated—slide or chop
Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 3,800 RPM
Power cord is routed through the rail in the back, helping to eliminate interference with the slide
DWS780’s compact frame weighs just 56 pounds for portability
Backed by three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract, plus 90-day money-back guarantee

The DWS780 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw is not only durable enough to handle rugged materials, it also is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for fine and precision cutting (view larger).
It allows you to bevel from zero to 49 degrees with positive stops at 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, 45 degrees, and 49 degrees in both right and left directions (view larger).Precise Cutting Without RecalibrationThe DWS780 miter saw features extremely solid construction and the new XPS cross-cut alignment system that features an improved ultra-bright LED light, which casts a laser-like shadow on the work surface and shows the user precisely where the blade will come in contact with the material. This unique alignment system requires no recalibration over time or after changing blades, which makes it more accurate and durable than traditional laser guides.
Ultimate DurabilityThe DWS780 miter saw’s rugged guards; precision-machined castings, fences, and bevel system; and tough stainless steel miter detent plate are designed to withstand the constant rigors of the job site.
High-Capacity CuttingThe saw features a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers 3,800 RPM. For convenience, the power cord is routed through the rail in the back, eliminating interference with the slide. Additionally, the saw offers an industry-leading combination of cut capacities, which includes 6-3/4-inch vertical capacity, 7-1/2-inch nested crown capacity, 13-7/8-inch horizontal capacity, and exclusive back fence design that cuts up to a 2x16 at a 90-degree angle and 2x12 at a 45-degree angle. To simplify and maximize vertical cutting capacity, the unit includes a rail lock latch for holding the head away from the fence.
Hassle-Free OperationThe dual bevel system is easy to see and use in job site conditions thanks to its high-visibility scale and easy angle adjustment. Bevel from zero to 49 degrees with positive stops at 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, 45 degrees, and 49 degrees in both right and left directions. The saw also miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left and features an adjustable miter detent plate 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.
What's in the BoxOne DEWALT DWS780 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw, one carbide blade, one blade wrench, one dust bag, and one vertical material clamp.

DEWALT's DWS780 can tackle a variety of applications while still be compact and lightweight for easy transport (click each to enlarge).
From the Manufacturer
The DEWALT DWS780 12-inch sliding compound miter saw, has been designed to be precise and accurate enough for fine woodworking, yet durable enough for framing and deck building. The DWS780 is ideal for a variety of end users, including cabinet makers, trim carpenters, framers, installers, and many other professional contractors who require a product that delivers the accuracy, capacity, durability, portability, and ease-of-use that this saw offers. For visibility and accuracy when cutting, this saw features the XPS LED light and cut alignment system that casts a laser-like shadow on the work surface, showing users where the blade will come in contact with the material. Since it does not require recalibration over time or when changing blades, this alignment system can be more accurate and durable than traditional laser guides. The saw’s dual bevel system includes the ability to bevel right and left from 0 to 49 degrees with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees in both directions, as well as a high visibility bevel scale. The saw also miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left and features an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops, allowing for fast and easy adjustments. A cam lock miter button allows users to lock angles between detents for versatility on the jobsite. The saw features a powerful 15 amp motor that delivers 3,800 rpm. For convenience, the power cord is routed through the rail in the back, eliminating interference with the slide. Additionally, the saw offers an industry-leading combination of cut capacities, which includes 6-3/4 inch vertical capacity, 7-1/2 inch nested crown capacity, 13-7/8 inch horizontal capacity, and exclusive back fence design that cuts up to a 2 by 16 at a 90 degree angle and 2 by 12 at a 45 degree angle. To simplify and maximize vertical cutting capacity, the unit includes a rail lock latch for holding the head away from the fence.

Technical Details

Integrated XPS cross cut positioning system provides adjustment-free cut line indication
Powerful 15 amp, 3,800 rpm motor delivers extended power and durability
Exclusive Back Fence design cuts up to 2 by 16 dimensional lumber at 90-degrees, 2 by 12 at 45 degrees
Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops improves productivity, ensures accuracy
Super efficient dust collection system captures over 75-percent of dust generated

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Customer Reviews

I'm writing this review not from the perspective of a home contractor or professional, but rather a home handyman / hobbyist. I do not have a huge collection of tools, but previous to receiving this DeWalt DWS780, my "chop saw" of choice was a Dewalt DW703, a 10" compound miter saw, single bevel. That DW703 has since been replaced by the largely similar DW713. Both saws had a smaller blade, and only a single-bevel with no slide.
Likewise, the DWS780 is replacing the similar DW718. Looking at both miter saws online, they are hard to distinguish except for the addition of the new XPS cross cut positioning system that I will discuss in a minute.
The DWS780 is truly a versatile saw, and you can tell the second you get the box that it is solidly built and not like some of the cheaper off-brand tools you see today. This is the quality you expect from DeWalt, and the saw is ready to be used the second you take it out of the box. Despite having a 15-amp motor and a huge 12" blade, it is surprisingly quiet, well balanced, and actually reasonably portable. With 1 hand I was able to carry it down to my work room in the basement. I have confidence that I can store and transport this tool without needing to have a permanent bench for it.
Most homeowners do not need more than a 10" single bevel miter saw. If you are doing flooring, shoe moulding, or other simple tasks, a "chop saw" with a single bevel is all you need. If you are graduating to crown moulding you will appreciate the double-bevel. The saw features clear marks for all angles and bevels, with positive stops for the commonly used angles of 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49. When evaluating miter saws, the smoothness and quality of the angle setting is a clear differentiator between the no-name China brands and DeWalt. If you can't set a consistent angle and hold it while you cut, you will be disappointed with the results. The DWS780 makes this part a breeze. All parts are well machined and move smoothly with no hang-ups or catches.
There's no need to repeat all of the specifications for board size, but I will note that the sliding part of this allows you to cut much larger boards than a 12" saw by itself would allow. I could easily see cutting cabinet shelfs with ease using this tool. The slide is equally smooth and well machined. Running the saw, the blade and motor are surprisingly quiet and lack of vibration shows the device is well balanced.
The most innovative change is the XPS system, and it is quite a nice addition. The previous DWS718 used a laser guide for the saw. It can often be tough to tell where the saw will hit, and the laser would mark the wood to make it easier to position. The problem was that the laser needs to be properly calibrated. The XPS system uses a flood of LED light with a thin shadow that gets cast on the workpiece. The LED light has two nice effects. First, it lights the entire area so you can see what you are doing. Second, by using the shadow of the blade to create a line, it makes an accurate mark that needs no calibration.
If you have simple needs, get yourself a small 10" DeWalt. But if you start getting serious about home improvement, then you definitely cannot go wrong with the new DWS780 and XPS cross cut positioning system.

Ok a little background on who I am and what I do. I am not a weekend carpenter or a DYI'er. I am a finish carpenter by trade and do this everyday. It supports me and my family and is not just a hobby.
I bought this saw because I was tired of lugging around 2 saws. I was using the Hitachi C10FSH with the laser on a daily and then the Dewalt DW716 12" chop for crown mold that was 5 1/4" and over. I hate cutting crown mold on the flat of my Hitachi. It just over complicates the entire process. The crown stops and the Dewalt saw make installing large crown molding quiet simple IMO.
I owned the Dewalt 718 12" slide saw a few years ago which was absolutely by far the biggest hunk of crap I've ever owned. Square the saw both miter and bevel and it was money. Bevel the saw to 46 degrees right or left for 7 1/2 base and the miter would go out 1-2 degrees. Impossible to work with. Sold it to a framer.
I also tried the Festool Kapex. Love the Festool products and own 6 tools that I enjoy using. The Kapex was a different story. For $1300 the saw simply wasn't worth the cost. If it were in the $600 range I might, yes might, still be using it. This isn't a Kapex review so I will move on.
I've been using the 780 saw for about a week now and I have to say I am very impressed. I checked the saw out of the box and the bevel was dead on and the miter was off maybe 1/2 degree. Very impressive. The saw is around 50lbs. so it doesn't kill ya to carry in and out of a house on a daily.
PROs
1) This saw cuts straight, and square, unlike the 718.
2) They copied a function of the Kapex where the saw actually moves and locks slightly forward of the fence allowing you to cut 7 1/4 crown mold against the fence. Awesome feature.
3) Dust collection is much improved even though the little dust bag supplied is a joke. However, if you own the Festool vacuum it hooks right into the Dewalt and works well.
4) New system on the bevel eliminated all those detents on the old 718. Now you just pull out a little knob thingy and you can go left or right, up to 50 degrees, and then it will lock at 0 when you return it. Effortless really.
5) The XPS or whatever that light is called is pretty sweet. It takes a little getting used to because it actually shadows the teeth of the saw blade. You have to put the blade really close to the material in order to get an accurate line. I have found this function to be wonderful when cutting prefinished, dark cabinet crown. No guessing or dipping the blade.
6) The ability to cut 16" material is nice when you are doing closet shelving.
7) Saw goes 60 degrees right and 50 left. Nice when you are cutting skirtboards.
CONs
1) Dust bag hanging off the rear of the saw is pretty dumb. It just puts the saw even further from a wall if youre in a tight workspace.
2) The crown stops Dewalt offers doesn't work on this saw. I used my Festool hold down bolts and thumb turns to make them work. I bought 2) 40mm metric bolts and nuts and installed them with the threads sticking out of each side of the saw base. The stops slide over the bolts and the thumb turns tighten them down perfectly. I'm sure this could be accomplished with bolts and wingnuts just as easily.
3) This saw doesn't slide as easily with the blade plunged down into the fence table (down in cutting position) as it does when the saw is resting. I'm going to look at this a little closer when I have some free time. It's barely noticable but it's not normal.
Now if I could change 2 things on this saw I think it could be nearly the perfect cutting machine.
1) Take the motor with the soft start off my Hitachi and use it on the Dewalt.
2) Make the slide tubes the standard 1 3/8 (or whatever they are) instead of the smaller diameter. I think this would stiffen up the slide and make the saw even more accurate.
Overall I am very pleased with this saw and would recommend it to anyone that is serious about finish carpentry. I cant say this is the perfect saw but it does a lot of things really well. It's a very versatile saw that seems to be extremely accurate out of the box. Oh yeah, throw the blade away that comes with the saw...it's worthless. I replaced it with the 80t Chopmaster by Forrest. It's an awesome blade that cuts very clean and doesn't throw stuff from the fence.