DWS709 Vs DWS779 Vs DWS780 – What Is The Best DeWALT Miter Saw?

For decades now, DeWalt remains the unbeaten competent manufacturer of power tools: and for good reason. And this is especially true when it comes to compound miter saws. Most, if not all their models in the marketplace are great for use. Both in industrial and domestic settings.

With that in mind, today, I decided to review some of the best compound miter saw models money can buy. If you are a first-timer in this realm, they may all look the same to you. But after close inspection (with my guidance of course), you will realize that they are pretty unique.

In addition to that, I had to keep certain features in mind. This was to ensure that at least one of the Compound Miter Saw in the review meets your construction needs and requirements.

The first feature all the tools had to meet is sufficient power. Why spend your hard-earned dollars in a power tool that cannot handle anything you throw at it? All the DeWalt models in this enumeration are equipped with reliable motors. You can rest assured that they will deliver the amount of power you may need to drive the blades at high speeds.

Another feature I had in mind while reviewing the products is precision. I understand that the appliance you choose should have a feature that ensures cutting accuracy. And it should do this on all materials and irregardless of the angle from which you are cutting.

To top it off, all the Compound miter saws also boasts ergonomic designs. This will come in handy especially if you are new to the appliances. An ergonomic design will allow you to hold the miter saw comfortably. It also improves the portability of the power tool.

I won’t waste any more of your time. So let us skip to the main section of the post and review and compare three of the best DeWalt compound miter saw models.

DEWALT DWS709 vs DWS779 vs DWS780 Comparison

SpecificationsDWS709DWS779DWS780

Model

Amps15 Amp15 Amp15 Amp

Voltage120V120V120V

Speed​3,800 rpm​3,800 rpm​3,800 rpm

Power SourceCordedCordedCorded

Blade Diameter12″12″12″

Lightn/an/aXPS light

45° Bevel cut capacity2″ x 10″2″ x 12″2″ x 14″

90° cross-cut capacity2″ x 10″2″ x 12″2″ x 14″

Dimensions30.8″ x 22.8″ x 19.5″32.77″ x 19.05″ x 20″32.77″ x 19.05″ x 20″

Weight​51 pounds​56 pounds​56 pounds

Warranty3 Years3 Years3 Years

DEWALT DWS709 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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As expected, DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS709) is a feature-packed compound miter saw. Thanks to the sliding system it retails with, it will also handle wide boards without a hassle.

In addition to that, I realized that DWS709 can handle multi-angle cutting. This will allow you to effortlessly cut even tough crown molding pieces.

Construction

DWS709 boasts a sturdy, yet lightweight frame. As you can see from the image above, the tool’s motor is placed above the backside of the blade. This is what will deliver the hard to beat vertical cutting. The DWS779 and DWS780 models have their motors at the same position.

Using DWS709, you can also cut up to 14” of wood at a 90 degrees angle. Better yet, DWS709 also sits on steel rails containing linear ball bearings. That is what ensures its cutting precision.

Cutting Power and Blade

DWS709 retails with a 15 amp high power electric motor. And it can easily deliver up to 3800 Rotations per Minute (RPM), thanks to the blade with 32 teeth. If you want a blade with more teeth, I urge you to go for the DWS780 model. Its blade boasts 60 teeth.

That said, you can still use DWS709’s blade to cut hardwood while at the same time maintaining a clean cut.

By itself, DWS709’s blade can also tilt up to 49 degrees to either right or left. Thanks to that addition, you can easily make bevel cuts. And do it without needing to flip the board you’re working on between cuts. This will, in turn, save you both effort and time in the long run.

What’s more? DWS709’s miter detent plate retails with 13 different positions. This is what will ensure optimal accuracy.

Additional features and safety

DWS709 retails with a material clamp, blade wrench, and a dust bag. I understand that the sliding system is secure. But I also urge you to use the knob to securely lock the miter. And to boost your confident in the appliance, DeWalt has backed the tool with a 3 year limited warranty. This also applies to all the other miter saws we’ll look at in this review.

Pros

• The motor is really powerful
• Retails with an ergonomic design
• The cuts are very accurate
• Lightweight in nature
• Very portable

Cons

• Does not retail with a laser guide
• The fence is faulty

Document: Dewalt DWS709 Instruction Manual

DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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This DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the 2^nd most famous miter saw in DeWalt’s product line. Right after the DWS780 model we will look at next.

Construction

From my experience with DEWALT DWS779, it does look bulkier. But on the other hand, it boasts several additional features that may come in handy. It is also on the larger side. But that is what allows it to cut up to 2×12” of wood at 45 degrees and 2×16” of wood at 90 degrees.

Cutting Power and Blade

DEWALT DWS779 retails with a 12” stainless steel blade. That should be sufficient for most applications. The only downside is that it does not deliver a smooth finish like its carbide counterpart.

Additional Features and Safety

DEWALT DWS779 retails with several, significant upgrades. For instance, just like DW709 and DW780, DW779 boasts a new dust vacuum system. This alone is guaranteed to get rid of approximately 75 percent of the residue produced by the tool.

In addition to that, DEWALT DWS779 allows you to enjoy the advantages of an integrated laser guidance system. Thanks to this, precise cutting has never been easier.

Pros

• Nicely priced
• Easy to maneuver
• You can easily change the blades
• Compatible with different blades
• Ideal for plastic, metal, and wood
• Boasts a double bevel sliding mechanism

Cons

• No LED guide included
• Some of its plastic parts feel flimsy

Document: Dewalt DWS779 Instruction Manual

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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DEWALT DWS780 is arguably by far the most famous model in DeWalt’s miter saws range. The only downside to it is that it retails at a very high price. But if you are willing to pay, then you can rest assured that the tool will meet and even exceed your needs and expectations.

Construction

As you can see from the image, DWS780’s construction is similar to that of the DWS779 model. That said, DW779 retails with a laser guidance system. DWS780, on the other hand, boasts the new XPS alignment system. We will talk about it in a second.

Are you also looking for a miter saw that can keep serving you for years? DWS780 has got you covered on that end as well. To ensure the tools durability, DeWalt designed it using the toughest metal plates that can endure anything you throw at them.

Cutting Power and Blade

DWS780 retails with a 15 amp motor. It is connected to a carbide steel blade and can deliver up to 3800 Rotations per Minute. In addition to that, unlike the stainless steel used on the DWS779 model, a carbide steel blade will leave smoother finishes. Top that off with sharp edges.

That’s not all. Just like the other models we looked at, DWS780 also boasts a large bevel scale. This is what makes bevel angle adjustments accurate and easy even for total beginners.

Additional features and safety

In addition to the renowned dust vacuum system, DWS780 also boasts an XPS crosscut alignment system. This addition uses a very sturdy LED indicator to cast shadows on the blade while you’re working on your wood. With that feature in your corner, the tool won’t need re-calibration and you can rest assured you’ll always deliver precise cuts on your material.

Pros

• Boasts several positive bevel adjustments
• Increased miter capacity
• Rugged workshop construction
• Boasts a unique black fence design
• Double bevel sliding mechanism
• Has the XPS crosscut positioning system

Cons

• The dust collector system could be better
• The blade won’t cut all the way to the fence while using the blade depth stop

Document: Dewalt DWS780 Instruction Manual

Conclusion

So, which DeWalt saw should one invest in? Well, the right answer to that question will depend on your work needs. If you want a power tool to carry out DIY projects, then pick the DWS709 model. It boasts more features that will come in handy for beginners.

That said, if you want a compound miter saw for professional jobs, I recommend the DWS780 model. You need a serious tool in your business if you want your clients to take you seriously.