DEWALT DWS780 Miter Saw Review

Our DEWALT DWS780 Review

Cut Quality

The DEWALT DWS780 offers ultimate accuracy.  This is definitely a relief to all those without steady and sure hands.  The DWS780 compound miter saw comes complete with the new XPS cross cut alignment feature which has a bolstered LED backlight which will cast a shadow on your work surface to show you exactly where your blade will come into contact with your material.

The XPS cross cut allignment feature receives rave reviews from DEWALT customers and provides a high level of precision measurement.  And if accuracy is not enough, this alignment system does not need recalibration over time or after changing blades.  This makes it far more durable and accurate than the laser guides found on competitors in its class.

This saw also offers a combination of cut capacities which include: 6-3/4 inch vertical capacity, 7-1/2 inch nested capacity and 13-7/8 inch horizontal capacity. In addition to these cut capacities, there is a back fence design that cuts a 2×16 at a 90 degree angle and a 2×12 at a 45 degree angle.  A rail lock latch has been included to help in holding the head away from the fence.

Ease of Use

The double bevel design is not only easy to see—it has a high clarity scale and a basic angle arrangement—but it also allows the saw to bevel 0-48 degrees right and left with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9 and 45 degrees in both directions.  This is in addition to the adjustable miter detent plate which has 10 positive stops.  There is a cam lock miter button which will allow you to lock between detents and an override miter detent which you can use to precisely adjust angles without falling into detents.

One of the only complaints that reviewers have of this SCMS has to do with the clamping system.  The criticism is that it’s loose fitting and plastic, just generally not the best construction.  This is a simple issue to fix however, high quality clamps can be found online for a reasonable price and if you are anything like the average woodworker you probably have one lying around the workshop anyway.

Durability

The DWS780 is fitted with rugged guards, precision-machine castings, fences, a bevel system and a strong stainless steel miter detent plate to repel vibrations when you are working.  DEWALT has a long withstanding history of constructing well-made, powerful, and lasting pieces of equipment and this miter saw is no different.

The DEWALT DWS780 is a juggernaut.  It’s the kind of saw you can depend on to get the job done, whatever the job may be.

Service

A machine of this caliber should have a decent warranty and service plan and the DEWALT DWS780 does indeed.  It comes with a 3 year limited warranty plan, a one year free service contract, plus a 90 day money back guarantee.  Alternatively you can get the 2 or 4 year warranty plan at Lowe’s but it will cost you a little bit extra.

DEWALT has authorized repair centers all across the country, so finding a competent mechanic is not a problem.

Included in the box:

• Carbide blade

• Blade wrench

• Dust bag

• Vertical material clamp

Overall Value

It’s hard to argue that a tough, powerful, and precise miter saw like this isn’t a great value.  Especially when you consider how long it can last and how much work you can get done with it.  It is not out of the ordinary for satisfied (and loyal) DEWALT customers to report using older models of a tool like this for decades.   After all, who can put a price on years worth of reliable function.

See questions other shoppers have asked about this saw. 

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a good saw with precise accuracy, one which is durable, has a high capacity for different angle cuts, and has a hassle-free operation that can be used for flimsy or robust tasks, you can’t go wrong with the DEWALT DWS780. Check out Amazon’s price on this DEWALT miter saw if you are interested.  Or compare and contrast some of the best miter saws available with our comparison chart.