DeWalt DWS779 Miter Saw Review: A Real Powerhouse
Welcome to our in-depth review of the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a professional woodworker, the right miter saw can be a game-changer in your toolkit. It’s not just about making cuts; it’s about making them with precision, efficiency, and ease. The DeWalt DWS779 promises to offer all this and more. Through this review, we’ll explore its features, benefits, drawbacks, and how it stands up against its competitors. So, let’s dive in and see if this saw is the solution to your woodworking needs.
An Overview of the DeWalt DWS779 Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Embarking on a DIY journey or stepping up your woodworking game? The DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Miter Saw could be your new best friend. This beast slices through wood like butter, thanks to its 15 Amp motor powering a 12-inch blade at a hefty 3800 RPM. It’s not just about power; precision is its middle name. With its stainless steel miter detent plate and cam-lock miter handle, you can expect accuracy in every cut. Plus, it comes loaded with a blade, wrench, dust bag, and material clamp.
What makes it a cut above the rest?
- Dual-bevel capabilities, swinging 48 degrees both ways, say goodbye to flipping your workpiece.
- The saw’s 56-pound heft adds stability, crucial for handling hefty materials.
- Its compact size doesn’t hog your workspace, but it’s no lightweight in performance.
- Tall fences and adjustable depth stops offer versatility for a range of projects.
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor
- Precise cutting with adjustable miter and bevel
- Excellent cutting capacity
- Compact and sturdy design
- Three-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Dust collection could be more efficient
- Lacks a laser or LED guide light
- The included blade may not suit fine woodworking
- Slightly heavier, affecting portability
- Dust bag fills quickly, requiring frequent emptying
DeWalt Miter Saw Review: The Good Stuff
Robust 15 Amp Motor
As a DIY veteran, I know the frustration of a saw that bogs down mid-cut. That’s why the robust motor in this DeWalt miter saw is a game changer. The 15 Amp motor, delivering a whopping 3800 RPM, tackles dense materials effortlessly. Whether you’re cutting through oak or pine, it remains unflinchingly steady. This power isn’t just about speed; it translates to smooth, clean cuts every time, saving you from the nightmare of splintered ends.
Precision Cutting with Dual Bevel and Miter Adjustments
The dual-bevel design is a dream for anyone into detailed work. Picture framing, crown molding, or complex joinery? This saw’s got your back. It bevels 48 degrees in both directions, eliminating the need to flip your workpiece awkwardly. The miter adjustments are just as impressive, offering up to 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left. I’ve found these features invaluable for achieving perfect angles and tight joints, making complex projects more manageable and enjoyable.
Cutting Capacity: Tackling the Big Stuff
When it comes to cutting capacity, this saw is a beast. It effortlessly handles 2×14-inch timber at 90 degrees and 2×10 at 45 degrees. Its sliding feature expands its reach, allowing you to tackle wider boards that other saws simply can’t. This expanded capacity means you’re not just limited to small projects; you can confidently approach larger constructions like decks or furniture.
Compact Design: Big Performance in a Small Package
Despite its power, the DWS779 is surprisingly compact. Its 56-pound weight and 24.75 x 17 x 17-inch dimensions make it a solid, stable tool that doesn’t hog your workspace. I’ve found its size to be a perfect balance — large enough to handle big jobs but not so bulky that it’s a pain to move around or store.
Dust Collection: Keeping It Clean
Admittedly, the dust collection system isn’t perfect. It claims to capture 75% of cutting waste, but I’ve found it fills up quickly, especially during heavy use. However, it’s a feature I appreciate, as it does help in keeping the workspace cleaner and safer, reducing the amount of sawdust in the air.
Using this DeWalt saw feels like wielding a tool that’s been thoughtfully designed for both power and precision. Its features tackle the core challenges of woodworking, from ensuring clean, accurate cuts to handling larger materials, all in a package that’s user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned DIYers.
Navigating the Shortcomings of the DeWalt Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Dust Collection: Room for Improvement
While using this saw, the dust collection was a noticeable shortfall. It’s pitched to catch 75% of sawdust, but in reality, the bag fills up rather quickly, especially during intensive tasks. This means frequent pauses to empty it, which can be a tad frustrating during a long project. It’s not a deal-breaker, but for those who prioritize a clean workspace, this could be a downside.
Absence of a Laser Guide
Another hiccup is the lack of a laser or LED guide. As someone who values precision, I found myself missing this feature, especially when making intricate cuts. While the saw’s accuracy is commendable, a laser guide would enhance its user-friendliness, particularly for beginners who are still honing their skills.
Initial Blade Quality
The included 32-tooth blade is satisfactory for general construction, but it’s not the best for fine woodworking. I found myself swapping it out for a higher-tooth blade for more delicate projects. This isn’t uncommon in power tools, but it’s something to consider if you’re planning to use the saw for finer finishes right out of the box.
Weight and Portability
Weighing in at 56 pounds, this miter saw isn’t the most portable. It’s stable and sturdy, yes, but if you’re someone who needs to move your saw frequently, this might pose a challenge. It’s more suited for a permanent spot in a workshop rather than being a tool you lug around to various job sites.
While our DWS779 review shows the saw excels in power and precision, these few drawbacks are worth considering, depending on your specific needs and the nature of your projects.
Exploring Alternatives to the DeWalt Sliding Miter Saw
As a seasoned DIYer, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various miter saws. While the DeWalt model stands out, there are worthy alternatives to consider:
Bosch GCM12SD: This is a powerhouse with its patented glide system, which gives it a smooth cutting experience and saves space. Its 14-inch horizontal cut capacity is impressive, making it ideal for larger projects.
Makita LS1219L: Known for its precision and a laser guide feature, this saw is a favorite among those who need extra accuracy in their cuts. It’s lighter than the DeWalt, enhancing portability.
Metabo HPT C12RSH2: Offering similar features to the DeWalt, the Metabo HPT stands out with its zero clearance slide system, making it suitable for tighter spaces. It’s a bit more user-friendly for beginners.
Ryobi TSS102L: For those on a tighter budget, the Ryobi is a solid choice. It offers good performance for its price, though it might not match the DeWalt in terms of power and cutting capacity.
Each of these saws has its unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s cutting capacity, portability, precision, or budget.
Final Verdict
In the world of DIY and woodworking, a reliable miter saw is essential for precision cuts and efficient project completion. The DWS779 DeWalt excels in solving these needs with its robust 15 Amp motor and 3800 RPM blade speed, ensuring smooth, powerful cuts through various materials. Its dual-bevel design and expansive cutting capacity enable a wide range of applications, from framing to intricate molding work. The saw’s compact size and sturdy build also offer a balance between workspace efficiency and robust performance.
However, it may not be the best choice for those requiring high portability or who prioritize integrated laser guides for precision. Its dust collection system, though present, might fall short for users keen on maintaining a spotless work area.
For those in need of a powerful, precise, and versatile miter saw for home projects or professional use, the DeWalt DWS779 is undoubtedly a top contender. If you’re ready to take your woodworking to the next level with this reliable tool, click below to check it out.
