When you’re in the market for a new miter saw, it’s pretty easy to get confused by their similarities. Two models that are often confused are the DWS780 and DWS779. Unfortunately, you cannot afford to waste money on the lesser of the two.
So, in this review, I’ll personally compare the Dewalt DWS779 and DWS780 miter saws to help me decide which one is the better fit for my needs.
DWS779 or DWS780?
Features of DWS779 and DWS780
Size and Weight
In my experience, the size of a tool plays a significant role in how effectively you can handle it when working with different materials. Moreover, the weight of the tool directly impacts how long you can comfortably operate it without fatigue. Beyond considering the overall tool size, it’s essential to pay attention to the differences in carbide blade size as well.
Thankfully, there isn’t much of a difference regarding the blade sizes of DWS miter saw. They’re both twelve inches blade. Some other tools within the industry offer smaller or even larger blade sizes to suit different purposes. But, the Dewalt DWS779 vs. DWS780’s 12 inches model is just right to meet a wide variety of needs.
Both machines are made of stainless steel and aluminum with 3800 rpm motors. However, a major difference between these two saws comes in their weight. DWS779 weighs just around 70 pounds, which can be pretty heavy duty. It could become a burden while using it to work.
This puts the DWS779 model at a disadvantage against the Dewalt DWS780 model. The latter only weighs 56 pounds, which is about the same weight as a small bale of hay. While that isn’t exactly portable, other sliding miter saws can weigh as low as 28 pounds.
If I had to choose between lugging around a 70-pound tool and a 56-pound one, I’d likely opt for the 56-pound one. Those 14 pounds can make a significant difference in convenience, speaking from experience.
DWS779 and DWS780: Cutting System
When you’re making your own miter saw woodworking projects, you want your cut to be as accurate as possible. Unfortunately, you cannot exactly achieve the pinpoint accuracy cut you need by drawing a line on the wood with a pencil.
You will need a cutting alignment system for your woodworking projects to be more sophisticated. Before the XPS light / XPS system with its LED light, companies started adding laser light beams to their miter saws to deliver that sophistication level.
One such company is Dewalt, and they delivered that laser guide system with the Dewalt DWS779. While it handle works fairly well, it is hard to deny the obvious drawbacks of this cutting system compared to the XPS system, a crosscut alignment system with its LED light.
One important thing I’ve noticed is that laser light beams seem to work much better at night compared to an XPS system. When I use the Dewalt DWS779 in a brightly lit area, I’ve observed that the laser beam’s cut line can get somewhat lost amid the surrounding LED light.
With all the noise and dust flying around, your senses could become too overwhelmed even properly to track the faint laser light beam for accuracy. Compared to the XPS system, in the end, you might get roughly cut wood.
Apart from this, the laser diode isn’t directly tied to the cutting blade wrench. So, you might be off by as much as one-eighth of an inch when you cut, unlike in an XPS system.
In my experience, I’ve found that none of those issues present much of a problem with the 780 models. This model employs an exceptionally bright XPS light/XPS system, casting a shadow line as you cut.
It utilizes a contrasting dark versus bright LED light to provide an adjustment-free guide cutline, making the whole process significantly smoother and more precise.
Comparing the difference between Dewalt DWS779 vs. DWS780 and their cutting systems, 780 takes the lead with its XPS light/bright LED light and adjustment free cutline blade positioning system.
Miter Detent Plate
A miter detent plate is a key component of a table miter saw. It is a mechanical device that securely locks the machine’s movement in the desired left or right position until the user releases it. The primary purpose of the miter detent plate is to provide stability and precision, allowing you to easily make clean, high-quality, and accurate angle cuts.
The 780 comes fully equipped in this area as it also includes a carbide blade, wrench, dust bag, a dust collection system, and material clamp that comes with a 3 year limited warranty.
It has a cam lock that comes in a durable stainless steel miter detent plate. The two miter saws also come with a rail lock. It helps you to make vertical cutting more precise and easy.
The interesting thing about the product’s cam lock miter handle saw mechanism is that it has a cam lock miter button that is easy to use. This makes the handle significantly easier, the adjustment of angles left or right whenever you need to do so.
The Dewalt DWS779, on the other hand, has a double horizontal rail. This mechanism boasts an excellent clamping system. The most impressive thing about it is its linear ball bearings and 10 positive stops. They make the DWS779 miter saw cuts very accurately and efficiently.
Now, these two systems are wildly different in comparison to each other. However, their differences do not exactly make them inferior to the other.
They work in different ways, but they still help to guarantee accurate angles while cutting as they both have 10 positive stops at 0, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, 45 degrees, and 49 degrees. In this segment of both DWS models, none trumps the other.
Cutting Capacity of DWS779 and DWS780
The cutting capacity of a table miter saw is partly dependent on the size of the miter saw blades. For example, a 10-inch blade can spin very quickly because it is generally lighter and faster in speed than its larger counterparts.
But, it wouldn’t necessarily be able to match the capacity of larger blades where your miter saw cuts sheet metals. While it might be sharp, it would hardly get the job done on the job site.
12 inches of blade diameter is generally more capable than smaller counterparts. 780’s exclusive back fence design cuts up to 2 X 14 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees. And 779’s back fence cuts up to 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2 x 12 at 45 degrees.
Alongside the carbide blade size, the teeth per inch (TPI) are also essential in measuring cutting capacity. With the help of the dual bevel system, both miter capacity of 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left.
Its tall sliding fence supports, excellent back fence design, and the dented plate with cam lock ensure the effortless production of accurate and precise cuts design.
However, whether you’re looking at the blade size or the TPI, there is no difference in comparison between the Dewalt DWS779 vs. DWS780. They both have a 12-inch blade diameter and 60 degrees to the right TPIs, making this segment another tie.
(Want know the difference between the cutting capacity of a miter saw and table saw? You can check our comparison of miter saw and table saw here.)
Safety and Security
I want to emphasize the critical importance of prioritizing safety when working with electric tools. This point is worth highlighting due to the significant potential for serious accidents to occur on a job site.
(Speaking of safety, are aware of the Dewalt miter saw recall? If not, check the important points here!)
Luckily, neither the Dewalt 780 or 779 models ignore safety precautions or accident factors[1]. DWS model can both be fastened properly to your sliding compound miter saw stand. That way, you’re at a much lower risk of hurting yourself while making smooth dual bevel cuts.
Also, both of the products has miter saw stand and come with blade guards. Blade guards are transparent plastic covers for the two saws blade. As you can imagine, its primary function is to shield the rotating disk blade. You are supposed to keep the saw blade guard on whether you’re using it or not.
The guard helps to keep direct accidents from happening while cutting. But, beyond that, it also helps to keep particles from flying across the room.
The transparent designed to provide to helps you to attain proper control over the cutting process. It also allows for comfortable visibility. Since these two products have a similar safety mechanisms, they tie here too.
(To know your rights as a miter saw operator, you can check our page on the miter saw injuries legal and civil rights here.)
DWS779 and DWS780 Power
From my perspective, one of the standout features of a 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw is its capacity.
It is directly proportionate to the tool’s overall performance. The power of a 12″ double bevel sliding compound saw is largely dependent on the engine’s components and capabilities.
(For other high-powered miter saw models, you can check our review of Tacklife PMS03A here. Read next!)
On that note, Dewalt miter saw models DWS780 and DWS779 are pretty much similar in terms of power supply. They both have blades and motor that can rotate at an impressive speed of 3,800 RPM (revolutions per minute).
These motors are 15 amps motors. The power the 15 amp motors provide to the Dewalt miter saws enables both of them to cut at a practically similar level of effectiveness. that have nested crown molding capabilities of 7.75 inches tall and a vertical capacity of 6.75 inches
(Miters saws are not to be confused with chop saw, so read our chop saw vs miter saw comparison here.)
DWS779 and DWS780: Extra Features
When it comes to design, the weight of the DWS780 miter saws contrasts notably with the DWS779 model, much like the variations I see with other models such as the 15-amp Hitachi C10FCG. However, in terms of general design, these two products there is almost no difference, manufacturers decided to go for uniformity.
Both tools are made out of aluminum and stainless steel. These materials help to ensure that the products are as durable as you need them to be. Apart from the functionality of the stainless steel miter saws, its aesthetics are largely the same.
Generally, the areas of application on both tools are different. But, the same Dewalt yellow and black still surround both products. Finally, they both have useful carry handle which helps to ease transportation from one location to another.
Aside from that, both have a material clamp and a dust bag which has the best dust collection system that collects up to 75% of dust generated and an oversized bevel scale for better accuracy.
Price and Warranty
Generally, the best miter saws aren’t exactly the cheapest things you can get on the market. They often come at a high cost. However, rest assured in 3 years can get a refund or replacement exists because of the value of the work they’ll be doing.
In terms of price, Dewalt DWS780 vs DWS779 are slightly different from each other. The DWS779 is somewhat more wallet-friendly, being a few hundred dollars cheaper than the DWS780. If you’re aiming to find a machine that performs well without breaking the bank, the DWS779 might be your best bet.
Beyond the pricing, however, they share similarities in their 3 year warranty. At no extra cost, Dewalt offers a 3 year limited warranty. Although, the price still puts DWS779 ahead of DWS780.
FAQ
Does the Dewalt dws779 have a laser?
Yes, the Dewalt DWS779 has a laser. It is a traditional laser guide system that assists with cutting by providing an accuracy guide.
However, the laser isn’t the best for cutting accurately. It could be too faint to see in bright areas. It could also be a few centimeters off, leading to inaccurate cut line.
Overall Winner: Dewalt DWS780
At the outset of my comparison between the DWS780 and DWS779 miter saws, it seemed that both models were strikingly similar. But after a thorough evaluation, I came to recognize that the DWS780 has the edge over the DWS779, making it my top choice for a miter saw.
The first reason is that it can do everything that the DWS779 can do but none of the similarities put DWS779 ahead of DWS780. The Dewalt DWS780 weighs significantly less than its counterpart and it has a much more efficient cutting system which boosts its overall performance to another level.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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