Updated 3/10/2023
If you are looking for a 12-inch sliding dual bevel saw, you might be asking, “What is the difference between the DeWalt DWS779 and DWS780? They’re made from the same company, after all. “
Today, we are going to be looking at both models so you can have the information you need to make the best choice.
If you need to know more about DeWalt DWS779 vs. DWS780, keep on reading.
We will give you all the information you need to know the difference between these two miter saws so you can get the best saw for your project.
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Information About Bevel Saws
Maybe you found this article because you’re not sure whether or not a bevel saw is what you need for your project.
Well, no worries there. You came to the right place! Join us today as we talk about bevel saws and the types of projects that they are most commonly used for.
What Is A Bevel Saw?
A sliding bevel saw actual combines features from two different saws. It combines chop saws and radial arm saws.
The result is a tool that has more capabilities than a chop saw and is much more easily transportable than the now-outdated radial arm saw.
The two combined allow you to keep the stock in place and then move the saw. This allows you to do miters, bevels, and cuts on all of your projects.
Who Uses Bevel Saws?
Contractors in trim molding love this saw for its flexibility. It is also a popular choice for those who own their home or make a living from flipping and designing houses.
These demographics often have to do cuts outside of simple vertical 90-degree cuts. These saws shine in these types of jobs.
What Kind of Projects Need A Bevel Saw?
If you are installing large, detailed crown molding, this saw can give you the precise bevels you need to make it look professional.
As I’m sure you already know, these materials are very expensive. So it’s important to have a tool that can get the job done right the first time.
DeWalt DWS779 vs. DWS780 Review
Now that you know a bit more about bevel saws and what types of projects they are great for, let’s talk more about these two saws and which one we recommend.
What is the Difference Between DeWalt DWS779 and DWS780?
These saws are almost identical at first glance; indeed, the manuals themselves are almost exactly the same. However, there is one key difference between them that you’ll want to consider.
The DWS780 includes the DeWalt Cutline LED Worklight. This work light is a very effective alternative to laser-cut-marking.
As the DWS779 does not include the Cutline LED feature, it is quite a bit cheaper than the newer DWS780 model and a much better saw for the money.
In my opinion, for such a slight differentiation, the price gap between the DWS779 and the DWS780 is nothing to sneeze at.
However, some customers might like that feature and be willing to pay a premium for it.
When you compare the instruction manuals for both tools, they are identical, aside from the instructions for using the work light.
DeWalt Cutline Marker
The cutline marker on the DeWalt 780 is an alternative to common laser markers. The difference is that an LED projects a shadow where the blade will cut, as opposed to an actual laser.
It is rumored to work better than lasers (which I do know can be surprisingly easy to offset in the middle of a project at times), so I can see why a little extra precision would be worth it for many people.
Cutting Capacity
These machines have the same cutting capacity as they are pretty much identical saws, even if they have different methods of projecting cutlines.
Here are the cutting capacities for both the DWS779 and the DWS780:
● 50-degrees miter left
● 60-degrees miter right
● 49-degrees bevel left and right
Included Accessories
These two machines include the same accessories in their package. Both saws include a blade, a blade wrench, a DW7053 dust bag, and a clamp for the materials you want to cut.
DeWalt DWS779 Overview
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree – 48degree left and right
Here are some basic points about the DeWalt DWS779 for your reference:
- Less expensive than the DWS780
- Does not include a cut-marking system
- A little bit heavier than the DWS780
- Sliding compound cord miter saw with 12-Inch Carbide Blade
- One Blade Wrench
- Back Fence Design
- Cuts up to 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2×12 at 45 degrees
- Does not come with LED (sold separately) or laser cutting guide
- Dust collection system captures that captures over 75% of dust
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 24.75″ L
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Maximum Cutting Thickness: 6.75 inch
- 5 Amps
- 12″ Blade diameter
- 5/8″ or 1″ Arbor size
- 3800 RPM motor
Has the DWS779 Been Discontinued?
Yes. DeWalt ceased production of the DWS779 in late 2019 and replaced it with the DWS780 model, an updated version of the 779 with extra features like the DeWalt LED Cutline.
However, plenty of retailers still carry them at discount prices. You can even find good ones on Amazon. For this reason, it is still a great saw to look for and purchase due to the lower price.
It is important to note that the DWS779 does not include the XPS light that helps you find the Cutline on the workpiece you are working on.
The XPS cutline is admittedly a pretty cool feature. Instead of using a laser, which isn’t always the most accurate, it projects a shadow of the blade right onto your piece, so you know that the Cutline is going to be perfectly on point every time.
It’s a pretty innovative idea if you think about it. However, many users don’t believe that the DWS780 is worth the extra price.
If you are conflicted about whether you would like that extra feature, don’t worry! There is an alternative option.
The XPS Cutline Kit is actually available straight from the DEWALT website. It can be easily installed onto your DWS779.
Because this is the only difference in functionality between the two, it can be straightforward to get the saw with all the features you want at a significantly reduced price from the DWS780.
There is usually about a $200 difference between the DWS779 and the DWS780, which is why the former comes so highly recommended.
The DWS779 has a 14 Amp corded motor, which is going to give you plenty of power for all of your thickest pieces of material. It also runs at 3,800 RPM.
It can achieve smooth cuts to the most intricate of crown moldings and help you get the first cut right on all of your precision projects.
We recommend using a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade and cutting slower to ensure the best cut.
A material clamp comes with this saw, which is excellent at preventing the material you are working with from creeping around while making your cut.
DeWalt DWS780 Review
Now that we’ve gone over key features of the DWS779, here’s some basic information about the DeWalt DWS780 for your reference!
- Cutline LED Marking System included
- A bit lighter than the DWS779
- More expensive than the DWS779
- New precise miter system
- Handle design for added portability
- Back fence design
- Cuts up to 2X14 dimensional lumber at 90-degrees, 2×12 at 45-degrees
- Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops
- Innovative gearbox
- Improved belt drive design that increases vertical cutting capacity
- Dust collection system captures over 75% of dust generated
- Integrated XPS cross-cut positioning system provides adjustment-free cut line indication
- Does not come with a stand
- Dimensions: 21.46 x 17.72 x 17.13 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Maximum Cutting Thickness: 90 degrees Cross Cut Capacity (Max Width) 14 inch (16 inches w/ special setup). 45° Miter Cut Capacity (Max Width) 4×8
- 15 Amps
- 3,800 RPM motor
What Customers Think
DeWalt has an excellent overall reputation for quality. So it’s really no surprise to me that customers that have purchased either of these models are incredibly happy with their purchase.
Customers claim that the DWS780 gives them incredible accuracy from the first time they use it, with no adjustments needed.
This is great news for new miter saw users who may not know how to check for accuracy, much less how to adjust the saw the correct way if necessary.
However, we always recommend checking the accuracy of any new saw before every use.
Materials are too expensive to make costly errors because you didn’t have the presence of mind to check the accuracy beforehand.
The marking gauge on both models of this saw is very visible. Customers also claim that they are much more durable than the ones on other brands of miter saws.
The marking gauges include positive detents for the most common cutting angles. This greatly improves the efficiency and simplicity of setting up your cut.
My guys also love the double bevel. They love that they can leave the stock stationary while they move the saw. When you are able to do that, it improves your accuracy.
You also won’t have to constantly readjust the clamp on the stock, which will save a ton of time when making complex cuts for things like crown molding.
Both of these DEWALT models saws have great power. The belt-driven motor is a 15A. This gives you enough power to cut through even the toughest of woods, even with knots.
This will really come in handy if you want to buy a saw that works well on all different types of jobs, no matter what the jobs might be.
However, there are some features and qualities of these saws that customers aren’t the most satisfied with.
The dust collection of both of these models of saws is not as effective as the dust collection mechanisms on other brands of saws.
However, dust collection isn’t necessarily the most important feature of a miter saw, as dust can always be collected after the fact with a good broom or shop vac.
Be sure you remember always to wear proper protective gear when they do this type of work.
There are also some reports of fences being warped by the saw, which could be a big concern.
If you buy either model of DEWALT saw, make sure to check the base and the fences and ensure they are square before you start on any project.
Wrapping it Up
We recommend trying to buy a DWS779 if you can.
We are recommending this saw over the DWS780 mainly because of the price difference. The Cutline isn’t a big enough improvement to justify the increased price of the DWS780 model.
For that reason, if you can find a DWS779, it’s going to be worth it.
If you can find a DWS780 that is on sale or there’s a special promotion that makes it less expensive than the DWS779, you should absolutely go for the DWS780 instead.
The LED Cutline is definitely a cool feature, so it isn’t bad if the price is right.
That’s all I’ve got for today! I hope I was able to successfully answer the question of what is the difference between the DeWalt DWS779 and DWS780.
See you all in the next one…but until then, keep on cuttin’!
