DEWALT DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review

Updated 3/8/2023

If you have some experience in power tools, you’re probably familiar with the reputable name DEWALT.

The creations of this company have helped many people in the construction and woodworking field with their reliability and top-notch performance.

One of DEWALT’s most popular power tools is the DWS780 compound miter saw. With thousands of positive reviews on the internet, we became curious about this mighty beast. 

As a result, we’ve put together this DEWALT DWS780 review to help you learn more about its great features, downsides, and more.

So, let’s dive in!

DEWALT DWS780 Miter Saw Overview

The DWS 780 is one of the highest-ranking miter saws created by DEWALT. It has the same sturdiness, excellent performance, and must-have features as the previous model, the DEWALT DWS779.

There are only two differences between the two miter saws: the type of lighting system included and the price. 

See, the DWS779 comes with a rather traditional laser guide system. On the other hand, the 780 is equipped with an advanced XPS system, ensuring more cutting precision.

By default, the price of the DWS780 is a bit higher than that of the DEWALT DWS779.

Now, are you ready to discuss every fantastic feature of the DWS780 in more depth?

DEWALT DWS780 Features

A lot of factors have helped this power tool earn its position as one of the best options on the market.

Here’s everything you should know about the DWS780 miter saw!

Immense Power

Without a doubt, the first thing to look for when shopping for a miter saw is its power, which directly impacts performance.

With the DWS 780, you’ll have a 15-amp, 3,800 RPM motor at your disposal to give you that push you’ve been looking for.

This huge power means your work should be done in a breeze, even with thick pieces of wood.

As a result, you’ll start worrying less about deadlines, thanks to a tool that can help you deliver your projects on time.

Cut Depth

Another cool feature the DEWALT DWS780 offers is increased cut depth, which is very helpful in many projects.

All you’ll have to do here is remove the back fence for more cutting freedom.

This way, you could save plenty of time and energy that you would’ve otherwise spent cutting large pieces of wood on a chop saw.

To be more precise, the DEWALT DWS780 can cut 2×16-inch lumber at 90 degrees. When in the 45-degree position, the power tool can handle up to 2 by 12-inch lumber.

Accurate XPS Cross-Cut Positioning System

As we’ve already mentioned, the XPS technology that has been added to the DWS 780 is a welcome improvement to enhance the accuracy of the cut.

Unlike the DEWALT DWS779, which uses a laser positioning system, the DWS 780 has a small LED light that shines above the cutting blade.

As you lower the edge, the light throws a shadow over the material exactly where the cut will be.

This feature works on all types of blades and cuts. However, certain bevel-cut angles may require you to tilt your head a little to see more clearly.

Better yet, the XPS system works outdoors as efficiently as indoors.

The LED XPS light doesn’t fade out in the sunlight, which we can’t say the same for when it comes to a laser system.

Right and Left Angled Cuts

This feature can speed up your workflow a great deal, which, again, should keep you from having anxiety over deadlines.

The DWS780’s double bevel cut works to the right and the left, which could be helpful when cutting crown molding.

Here, you can cut at several degrees to achieve desired results according to the project you’re working on.

It can do a 60-degree miter cut to the right and a 50-degree cut to the left.

Also, the bevel cuts can reach up to 49 degrees in both directions, with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees.

Even better, when the saw is situated at an angle of 60 degrees, it becomes much more compact, allowing you to store it more easily.

Dust Collection System

The DEWALT DWS780 has a simple yet much-appreciated dust collection system. It’s mainly a dust chute that connects to a dust bag.

However, you could take its performance further by attaching a vacuum hose to the port.

This ensures better dust collection and can save much effort later if you want to clean your workshop.

Design and Appearance

Not many people pay attention to the design of their power tools as long as they work efficiently.

Still, it hurts no one to own a good-looking piece of equipment, which is another thing to admire about the DWS780.

The power tool comes with impressive attention to detail, starting from its premium-looking build to its appealing colors.

The machine is easy to tell apart from other products by other brands with its distinctive yellow and black coloring. 

Even though the DWS 780 is relatively heavy, some users think it’s light in spite of its powerful performance.

No matter your perspective on this subject, you’ll probably agree that weight isn’t a big deal when you have such a reliable power tool.

DEWALT DWS780 Safety Features

As with any power tool, learning all there is to know about safety features is essential for a low-risk work environment. The DWS 780 has a lot to offer in this regard.

First off, the saw blade is surrounded by a vast automatic cover. The only part of the blade that’s exposed is the area that would cut through the wood.

This feature and the safety gear you’ll be wearing should give you maximum protection.

It’s also extremely easy to change the blade on this saw!

Additionally, the LED XPS light provides increased safety when using your miter saw. This feature allows you to work in dimly lit areas and minimize errors due to poor visibility, eliminating the need to bend or strain your eyes.

Last but not least, the saw sits on a large, heavy stand that’s not easy to move. This ensures that the saw won’t move an inch even when cutting big timbers.

This innovative miter saw stand ensures it stays securely mounted on a flat surface and won’t slide around.

DEWALT DWS780 Spare Parts and Maintenance

Even the most excellent power tools will require maintenance at one point or another to keep them in perfect shape. Miter saw stands, dust collection bags, spare parts, you name it.

It’s essential that you invest in a machine that has dealers all over the country so that you can minimize the time and effort needed to find what you’re looking for.

Luckily, DEWALT has dealers everywhere in the US, where you can be sure to find spare parts for any of their compound miter saw models.

Drawbacks of the DEWALT DWS780 Miter Saw

Nothing comes without a downside or two. So, to give you the complete picture, we’ll talk about the aspects of the DWS780 that some users thought needed improvement.

Let’s start by saying that the dust collection system isn’t the most reliable out there.

According to the manufacturer, it should collect up to 75% of the dust generated during cutting.

However, people who used this machine didn’t notice such performance.

Quite the opposite, users ended up with a clogged dust tube regularly, which led to the formation of dust clouds around them.

Also, some didn’t appreciate that it’s on the bulky side, which may be unfit for smaller workshops. However, we don’t think this is a downside since a machine must be big enough to handle heavy-duty work.

Plus, despite being marketed as a lightweight and portable DEWALT miter saw, the 56-pound DEWALT DWS780 is heavy.

What Makes the DEWALT DWS780 Unique?

Now that you know better what the DWS 780 can bring to your table, you can probably understand why it’s so popular.

However, its reliable features aren’t the only reason people like it. 

In this section, we’ll address two major points that have earned this machine its good reputation.

Value for the Money

You may wonder if the DEWALT DWS780 is worth a hefty price tag. Rest assured, it offers unparalleled value for the money!

But, in fact, its sturdy performance, durable build, and impressive features are all worth it.

Plus, the way it works, this machine can increase your workflow and keep you from using other cutting tools before it.

This way, you could easily take it to your construction site or workshop without lugging other saws around.

Versatility

Another thing that makes the DWS780 extra special is its incredible power and speed. It can replace other machines to save you time and give you better results.

This makes it the perfect choice for heavy-duty construction. Besides that, the DWS780 is equally capable of the delicate and precise cutting needed for DIY projects and woodworking jobs.

Thus, it doesn’t matter what and where you intend to use this beast. It has many features that make it compatible with countless materials and projects.

Our friends recently said it was great for roofing work, mainly because the DWS780 handled the roofing tiles like it was nothing.

It doesn’t get better than the DEWALT DWS780, one of the best compound saws out there!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Verdict

The DEWALT DWS780 is one of the sturdiest and most reliable miter saws that you can come across. Backed by its manufacturer’s phenomenal reputation, it’s no wonder it offers unparalleled performance.

We like that it’s versatile, mighty, and capable of cutting through thick pieces of wood. Specially made for heavy-duty use, it can accompany you on the most challenging of construction sites. 

At the same time, the miter saw can give you precise cuts for smaller and simpler projects. Who could ask for more?

Sure, at such excellent quality, this machine is naturally on the expensive end. Still, it has an admirable value for the price that we can’t ignore.

Now that you’ve checked out our DEWALT DWS780 review, we hope you have the entire perspective of this reliable tool’s features, drawbacks, and everything in between! 

So, are you prepared to give it a shot?