When it comes to miter saws, DEWALT is a brand that stands out with its range of reliable, durable, and high-quality tools. The DEWALT DWS779 is no exception, and in this comprehensive review, we will explore its features, performance, and overall value in detail.
The DEWALT DWS779 is a 12-inch sliding compound miter saw designed for woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts looking for a powerful and accurate tool for various cutting tasks. It boasts a powerful 15-amp motor, a wide cutting capacity, and an array of features that make it a versatile and user-friendly option.
Key Features
Powerful Motor
The DWS779 is powered by a robust 15-amp motor that can deliver up to 3,800 RPM (no-load speed), ensuring smooth and efficient cutting performance.
Cutting Capacity
This miter saw offers an impressive cutting capacity, allowing users to cut up to 2x16-inch lumber at 90 degrees and 2x12-inch lumber at 45 degrees. The sliding feature extends the cutting range, making it ideal for wider workpieces.
Miter and Bevel Ranges
The DWS779 has a miter range of 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left, providing flexibility for various miter cuts. The bevel range is 0 to 47 degrees in both left and right directions, which is suitable for a wide array of applications.
Tall Sliding Fences
The saw features tall sliding fences that support crown molding up to 7.5 inches nested and base molding up to 6.75 inches vertically against the fence.
Dual Horizontal Steel Rails
The dual horizontal steel rails with linear ball bearings provide smooth, accurate, and compact sliding action, ensuring precision in every cut.
Back Fence Design
The back fence design enables users to cut up to 2x14-inch dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2x10-inch lumber at 45 degrees, further expanding the cutting capacity.
Performance
The DEWALT DWS779 consistently delivers powerful, precise, and smooth cutting performance. The 15-amp motor provides ample power for most cutting tasks, while the sliding action ensures accurate cuts on wider workpieces.
The saw's miter and bevel ranges offer excellent versatility for various cutting applications, and the tall sliding fences make it possible to work with larger pieces of molding. Additionally, the dual horizontal steel rails and linear ball bearings contribute to the saw's accurate and consistent cutting performance.
Ease of Use
The DWS779 is an easy-to-use tool, thanks to its intuitive design and user-friendly features. The miter and bevel adjustments are straightforward, with easy-to-read scales and detents at commonly used angles. The tall sliding fences and back fence design provide ample support for workpieces, ensuring stability during cutting.
The saw's compact design and built-in carrying handle make it relatively easy to transport and store. Additionally, the dust collection system, while not perfect, does a decent job of capturing and containing sawdust to help maintain a clean workspace.
Durability and Build Quality
DEWALT is known for producing durable, high-quality tools, and the DWS779 is no exception. The saw features a rugged construction with a solid cast aluminum base and high-quality components that ensure longevity and reliability.
The dual horizontal steel rails, linear ball bearings, and other components are designed to withstand regular use and provide consistent, accurate performance over time. The saw also comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which speaks to DEWALT's confidence in the product's durability.
Price and Value
The DEWALT DWS779 is priced competitively, offering a good balance between performance, durability, and value. While it may not be the most affordable miter saw on the market, its combination of features, build quality, and cutting capacity make it an excellent investment for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
It's worth noting that the DWS779 is often compared to its more expensive sibling, the DEWALT DWS780, which features an integrated XPS cut-line positioning system. While this feature is useful, the DWS779 offers similar performance and capabilities at a more attractive price point, making it a better value overall.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful 15-amp motor provides smooth, efficient cutting performance
- Wide cutting capacity suitable for various applications
- Miter and bevel ranges offer excellent versatility
- Tall sliding fences and back fence design support larger workpieces
- Dual horizontal steel rails ensure accuracy and precision
- Durable build quality backed by a 3-year limited warranty
- Competitive price and great overall value
Cons:
- Dust collection system could be more effective
- Lacks the XPS cut-line positioning system found in the DWS780
- Some users may find the saw to be on the heavier side
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DEWALT DWS779 is a reliable and powerful 12-inch sliding compound miter saw that offers excellent performance, durability, and value. Its wide cutting capacity, versatile miter and bevel ranges, and user-friendly features make it an attractive option for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
While the dust collection system could be improved and it lacks the XPS cut-line positioning system found in the more expensive DWS780, the DWS779 remains a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality miter saw at a competitive price point.
Whether you're a professional carpenter or a weekend warrior, the DEWALT DWS779 is a solid investment that is sure to meet and exceed your cutting needs.