Dewalt DWS779 vs DWS780 Complete Comparison
Are you searching for the perfect miter saw to get the job done? The DeWalt DWS780 vs DWS779 showcases two very powerful and durable saws that homeowners and professionals can make the most of in the workshop.
The DWS780 is a more recent model that offers premium features and better precision. On the other hand, the DWS779 is an older model that relies on classic features and lacks accuracy. However, it is still reliable and gets the job done.
Below is a comprehensive review and comparison of both DeWalt DWS779 vs DWS780 to help you figure out which is the perfect fit for you in 2022.
Dewalt DWS779 vs DWS780 at a Glance
Both models have some similar and different features to offer. But to cut to the chase and deliver the short version, here is our suggestion when attempting to pick between either saw.
If money isn’t an issue, the DWS780 offers premium features, but if you’re on a budget or looking for a beginner tool, the DWS779 might be the best choice.
That said, here’s a complete breakdown, and we’ll start with the basics. Below is a mini-overview of their fundamental features.
DWS779 Product Details:
- High-quality Stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops to ensure superb accuracy with every cut.
- Variable speed allows the saw to either be a laser fast cutting machine or a extremely smooth , slow-cutting workhorse.
- Dual laser guides provide quick, accurate, and repeatable cuts on both sides of the blade path.
- Tall sliding fences provide maximum support for wide base material and easily clears out of the way for beveled or angled crosscuts.
DWS780 Product Details
- Incredibly powerful 15 amp belt-driven motor that generates up to 3800 RPM.
- Superbly crafted stainless steel detent plate with 10 positive stops for increased accuracy.
- Extended sliding fence supports up to 7-1/2" which is beneficial for large projects like; crown molding.
- Includes a high-quality DeWalt 12-inch blade so you're good-to-go right out of the box.
- Swiftly miter right at up to 60° and at 50° to the right, with the push of a button.
Dewalt DWS779 Overview
The Dewalt DWS779 779 is a miter saw with a double bevel sliding compound with a 12″ blade. This is big enough for most DIY projects because it’s bigger than the average miter saw. It’s on the heavy side, but it packs a powerful punch.
It has an easily adjustable cam lock miter handle which pairs well with the versatility of cutting angles to cut more quickly, saving valuable time. A 15 Amp motor rotates the 12″ blade at 3800 RPMs full load with its back fence design.
The inclusion of the cam lock miter button makes it easier to keep parts aligned to create the desired cut. The pivot allowed by the bevel sliding compound miter creates sharp cuts while moving backward and forward.
The double bevel sliding compound makes the versatility of this machine desirable. Both may feature the bevel sliding compound miter mechanism, but they work differently due to the size and weight of both saws.
Dewalt DWS779 Benefits
Similar to the Dewalt DWS780, it features an efficient dust collection system. The dust bag is rear-mounted to help collect around 75% of the dust created while working.
The dust collection system on this model is designed to be the most effective for keeping your workspace hazard-free.
The higher cost of this miter saw may be a turn-off for those interested in a more budget-friendly model, but it’s worth it when considering its larger size. This may not be the right miter saw for regular projects, but the 12-inch double bevel sliding saw comes in handy for more intricate uses.
This miter saw is dependable and well-built, making the mid-range price worth it for homeowners and professionals interested in more heavy-duty projects.
Pros
Cons
Dewalt DWS780 Overview
The Dewalt DWS780 is very similar to its counterpart but has extra features that make it the most expensive of the two power tools. This includes the Dewalt sliding compound miter with a hold-down material clamp, blade wrench, and positive stops at the most popular miter and bevel angles.
One of the biggest benefits is a larger capacity from the cutline blade positioning system. It’s centered on crown molding, vertical baseboards, and standard cross-cutting capabilities. It’s reader-supported, so it’s built to make large cuts in one pass of the blade.
The back fence is intended to cut 2×14 wood at either a 90-degree angle or a 45-degree angle, depending on the wood type and size.
Like the DWS779, the dust collection system is large and has a conveniently located dust port made from flexible materials. The dust chute allows for increased performance, but it’s recommended you use a shop vac rather than the provided dust bag to collect more than 75% of the dust created while working.
That may not sound like a lot, but a majority of the collection systems cannot collect more than that without an extra tool. The dust chute is also inconvenient and may annoy when using the bevel gauge.
One significant difference is the weight. At only 56 pounds, you can easily load it and unload it without feeling the pain in your back. You might be able to use it with one hand, but it comes with a handle for portability, especially so if you’re using either saw with a miter saw stand.
Dewalt DWS780 Benefits
The Dewalt DWS780 is one of the best miter saws. If you’re looking for one that has an impressive MFR guarantee and features like Dual-Bevel for precise bevel cuts, then this is one of the power tools you need in your lineup.
This miter saw is above a mid-range model, but it’s priced appropriately for the features that make it more impressive than the other saw.
To use it as a beginner miter saw, you can save money by opting for cheaper equipment to bring down the extra cost.
You can easily complete any DIY project, construction project, or other professional project requiring a saw with a high vertical capacity.
Pros
Cons
Comparing the DWS779 vs DWS780 miter saw
When choosing the right sliding compound miter saw for your projects, there are several important factors to consider.
Below are a few considerations to weigh before making a choice.
Price
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly miter saw, it’s recommended you choose the Dewalt DWS779 because it is a few hundred dollars cheaper than its counterpart.
Size
The DWS780 is the lightest of the two models by just under 20 pounds. This can make a big difference in your ability to maneuver the blade. This difference determines how long you can use an instrument comfortably.
The size of the blade is the same, coming out at 12″. The similar steel blade size and shape leave it up to the heaviness to determine which is best.
Cutting System
The Dewalt DWS780 is equipped with a bright LED light for increased accuracy. The LED light casts a shadow on the blade where you’re cutting, making it easier to see a clear line.
The Dewalt DWS780 has the upper hand in accuracy because the Dewalt DWS779 lacks the innovative use of LED light.
The cutting system of the Dewalt DWS779 relies on a laser-guided system for making cuts. Using a laser system can decrease accuracy when cutting because you have to focus on a faint laser carefully.
This can be a challenge when you have to concentrate on seeing through the dust and blocking out the loud noise around you. This traditional system is still considered reliable but may not be preferable for everyone.
Miter Detent Plate
The miter detent plate is another major point of difference between the two miter saws. The Dewalt DWS780 is not only designed with a stainless-steel detent plate that comes with a cam lock but also has a rail lock that allows you to cut vertically.
The Dewalt DWS779 features a double horizontal rail with a clamping system that pairs well with its linear ball bearings for precision cuts.
The miter detent plate feature is very different on each saw, with neither being better or worse than the other. Both of them allow for accurate cuts and should be chosen with this feature in mind based on preference for the cutting systems.
Cutting Capacity
The size of the saw blade influences the miter saw’s cutting capacity. Both the DWS779 miter saws and the DWS780 miter saws sport 12″ blades with 60 degrees to the right teeth per inch (TPI) and cut 2×14-dimensional at the same degree.
The only difference in the cutting capacity is that the Dewalt DWS780 has a higher vertical cutting capacity because of its belt drive and gearbox. This can be seen in its ability to cut at 45 degrees.
Wrap Up on Dewalt Miter Saws
When it comes to the DWS780 vs DWS779 miter saw discussion, deciding which is the best sliding compound miter saw is right for you comes down to preference.
The Dewalt DWS780 can create a more precise miter cut because the built-in LED light creates a more easy-to-follow shadow line on the blade while working. The DWS779 relies on a more traditional XPS light system. The laser for the XPS system can be a problem when there are a lot of distractions.
Both models come with a high-quality carbide blade that is similar in size and shape but has different cutting specifications for the thickness and angle of the cuts.
The DWS779 works well with a horizontal rail and clamping system with the addition of a linear ball bearing to make successful vertical cuts, while its competitor relies on a cam lock and rail lock. Both are different and accurate but are not necessarily better or worse than the other.
Both tools come with their own special features and drawbacks depending on what you’re looking for in your sliding compound miter saw. The biggest considerations are your budget and preferences.