DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 Review

The DeWalt 12-inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is a highly capable and user-friendly saw, thanks to its impressive cutting power, capacity, and simple design features. It can efficiently tackle any miter-appropriate project and is an excellent option for professionals and DIY enthusiasts with ambitious project goals.

Ease of Use

Home improvement projects can involve learning new skills, multiple trips to the hardware store, and more time than you originally planned. Projects can take less time with tools that are efficient and easy to use. To evaluate the user experience provided by each product, we calibrated, cut, and changed the blade on each model to ensure we used every feature, like the blade depth lock. The DeWalt DWS780 proved to be one of the most user-friendly models in the review due to its easy adjustments, blade change process, and blade depth lock system.

The saw has an easy calibration process and is fully adjustable. Its miter adjustment system was a favorite within our test team because of its easy-to-use handle, override system, and ergonomics. Lift the handle and freely move to your desired miter angle without any intermittent stops. The tools offer ten positive stops up to 45 degrees on the left miter and 60 degrees on the right. The saw features a simple tri-claw knob to adjust the bevel and clear numerical markings. The bevel has nine positive stops up to 49 degrees on both sides.

This model features one of our favorite blade-changing systems. The blade change process is relatively quick, and the blade guard is securely out of your way.

The blade depth lock is an improved version of the classic two-screw system. It allows for faster cuts, including a depth stop lever and wing nut, to lift and lower without unscrewing or resetting the stop.

The DeWalt DWS780 employs a shadow cut line, which helps you line up your cuts faster and more accurately.

One notable disadvantage of this model is its heavy weight and large footprint. The saw weighs 61 lbs and 2 oz and measures 32 7/8 inches with the table extensions fully elongated. As a result, this model requires more storage space and can be challenging to move, making it ideal to be kept in a designated location.

Dust Collection

An efficient dust collection system is great for DIY aficionados working in confined spaces or professionals who cut trim or floorboards onsite. It dramatically reduces cleanup efforts and enhances workflow efficiency. To gauge this feature, we created a small enclosure to contain dust and made 100 cuts on a 2x4, utilizing a vacuum on the hose port during testing. We gathered and measured the residual dust around the saw. The DeWalt DWS780 provides middle-of-the-road performance that scatters a manageable amount of dust around.

Utilizing the saw with the supplied dust bag doesn't yield optimal results. The dust bag fell short of effectively capturing the byproduct of the sawing operation. This resulted in a considerable amount of sawdust scattering around the tool and workspace.

When a vacuum was initially connected for a more robust dust collection, it showed encouraging results, effectively capturing the sawdust for the initial cuts. However, the curtain designed to direct the dust flow experienced issues, getting suctioned in and disrupting the process, leading to a scatter of sawdust across the space. Particularly with high-powered vacuums, the curtain flaps tend to close off, reducing dust collection capabilities.

On the other hand, medium-powered vacuums showed considerable dust collection efficiency, leaving only 1.36 ounces of dust within the enclosure, which counts as one of the minimal recorded values.

Cut Capacity

The miter saw's cut capacity will dictate if it suits your project needs. We tested each saw to determine the largest pieces of lumber each saw could handle across the horizontal and vertical planes. The DeWalt DWS780 has one of the largest cut capacities within the review.

We conducted tests to evaluate the performance of the DeWalt DWS780 saw on both the vertical and horizontal planes of a board. The saw made a 90-degree cross-cut through a 2 x 12 board and a 45-degree miter cut through a 2 x 8 board across the horizontal plane. The saw made complete cross-cuts along the board's vertical plane through a 4x4 board.

Additionally, using a 45-degree angle, the saw completed a cut through the thickness of a 2x4 board and traveled 3-15/16 inches on a 4x4 board.

Cutting Power and Speed

Insufficient cutting power for the given material can lead to stalled saw blades and the potential to cause project delays or poor-quality cuts. Our evaluation procedures included slicing a two-inch aluminum angle bracket with the sharp point directed upwards. This setup provided a considerable trial for the saw as it had to cut through both sides. Additionally, the saw was tasked with attaining consecutive cuts on 4x4 beams. Furthermore, we used a tachometer to record each product's revolutions per minute (RPMs). Although these readings did not contribute to our final scoring, they enhanced our comprehensive understanding of each product's capacities. The DeWaltDWS780 has best-in-class power well suited for rigorous materials.

The DWS780 maintains 4050 RPMs and makes quick work of our test materials. It cut through the 4x4 in rapid succession with little to no effort. When cutting through our 2-inch aluminum, the saw cut through like a hot knife through butter.

Precision and Accuracy

A driving reason to own a miter saw is because of the variety and precision of the cuts the tool is capable of. In this metric, we assessed the accuracy of the miter, bevel, and cross-cut angles before and after testing. The DWS780 delivered perfect marks and the results one would expect from one of the top tool brands.

The meticulous build quality of this tool was evident from the outset. It was perfectly calibrated out of the box, with precise measurements across the square, miter, and bevel angles. The tight tolerances and machining quality ensured the saw remained aligned throughout the testing process. The fence was square to the table with no discernible gaps. The DeWalt saw is ideal for providing long-term accurate cutting, and the user should ensure precision through regular checks.

Should You Buy the DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780?

The DeWalt is one of the top-performing saws in this review. Its incredible power and cut capacity make it an excellent choice for professionals and homeowners with ample storage or shop spaces. However, if you have limited storage or shop space resources, you may want to consider a smaller unit.

What Other Miter Saws Should You Consider?

If you're searching for a smaller, lighter option without compromising power, look at the SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00. Despite weighing just 40 lb 4 oz, it performed exceptionally well in our test materials. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't require as much cutting capacity, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound PBT01B might be a suitable choice. It offers a compact, portable, and battery-powered solution.