Ever wanted to make perfect cuts on wood for your projects? A miter saw can do just that! But when you look at Dewalt miter saws, it can feel overwhelming. Dewalt makes so many different models, each with its own special features. It’s tough to know which one is the best for your needs, whether you’re building a birdhouse or a deck.
Choosing the wrong miter saw can lead to frustrating mistakes and wasted time. You might end up with a saw that’s too big, too small, or doesn’t have the power you need. This post will help you understand the different Dewalt miter saws. We’ll break down what makes each one great so you can pick the perfect tool for your workshop.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about your choice. We’ll cover the key features to look for, compare popular models, and give you tips to get the most out of your new Dewalt miter saw. Let’s get started on finding the right saw to help you create amazing things!
Our Top 5 Dewalt Miter Saw Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT 20V MAX XR 10 in. Double Bevel Fixed Miter Saw (Tool Only) (DCS714B) | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dewalt Miter Saw Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779) is a powerful tool for any serious woodworker. It helps you make accurate cuts for all your projects. This saw is built to last and makes cutting wood easier.
What We Like:
- It has a stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops for exact angle settings.
- The precise miter system and machined base fence support ensure accurate cuts every time.
- A cam-lock miter handle with detent override lets you quickly set miter angles.
- Tall sliding fences can hold 6-3/4-inch base material vertically.
- It bevels from 0 to 48 degrees to the left and right.
- You can crosscut 2-inch x 14-inch lumber at 90 degrees and 2-inch x 10-inch lumber at 45 degrees.
- Dual horizontal steel rails with a special clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings make it accurate and durable.
- The dust collection system captures over 75% of the dust created during use.
- An oversized, easy-to-read bevel scale has positive stops for quick adjustments.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the initial setup can be a bit time-consuming.
- While generally robust, the plastic dust collection shroud could be more durable for heavy-duty use.
Overall, the DEWALT DWS779 miter saw is a top-notch tool that delivers precision and power. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone needing reliable and accurate cutting capabilities.
2. DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) is a powerful and versatile tool for any woodworker. It helps you make accurate cuts for all your projects. This saw is built to last and is easy to use.
What We Like:
- It has a stainless-steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops, which means you can set angles very accurately.
- The saw has a precise miter system and a sturdy machined base fence support for stable cuts.
- The tall sliding fence can hold 5-1/2-inch base material vertically, making it great for taller pieces.
- It can bevel from 0 to 48 degrees to the left and 0 to 3 degrees to the right, giving you lots of cutting options.
- You can cross-cut 2-inch x 8-inch lumber at 90 degrees and 2-inch x 6-inch lumber at 45 degrees.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great tool, it only bevels slightly to the right (0-3 degrees), which might limit some specific angled cuts.
- The tool height is 15 inches, which is a standard size but might be a bit tall for very tight workspaces.
Overall, the DEWALT DWS715 miter saw is a reliable workhorse that delivers excellent performance for a wide range of woodworking tasks. It’s a solid investment for anyone serious about woodworking.
3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR 10 in. Double Bevel Fixed Miter Saw (Tool Only) (DCS714B)
Rating: 9.1/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR 10 in. Double Bevel Fixed Miter Saw (Tool Only) (DCS714B) is a powerful and portable tool designed for serious DIYers and professionals. This saw offers impressive cutting power and a large capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Its cordless design provides freedom of movement on any job site, and features like efficient dust collection and accurate cut line indication enhance the user experience.
What We Like:
- It’s DEWALT’s most powerful 20V MAX* compact miter saw.
- You can make many cuts on a single charge, like up to 434 cuts in 3-1/4 in. MDF base molding.
- The bevel gear transmission helps save battery power for longer use.
- It works with all DEWALT 20V MAX* and FLEXVOLT batteries.
- It captures up to 97% of dust, keeping your workspace cleaner.
- It can cut large pieces, such as 6 in. horizontally or 5-1/4 in. baseboard vertically.
- The cutline blade positioning system shows you exactly where you’ll cut, so there’s no need for adjustments.
- It’s easy to carry thanks to a handle and its light weight of only 34 lbs.
- Bevel cuts at 22.5 or 33.9 degrees are quick to set up.
- Adjusting miter and bevel settings is simple with easy-to-use touchpoints.
- It’s ready for a Tool Connect tag to track its location and manage assets.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries and the Tool Connect tag are sold separately.
This miter saw offers a great blend of power, portability, and advanced features for precise cuts. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone needing a reliable and efficient cutting tool.
4. DEWALT Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw is a powerful tool for any woodworking project. Its 12-inch blade and compound cutting ability make it versatile for various tasks. This saw is built to handle tough jobs, offering precision and ease of use.
What We Like:
- The 1100 watt motor is strong for heavy-duty work.
- The integrated cutline system helps you see your cut line clearly.
- A powerful 15 amp, 3,800 rpm motor means it lasts a long time.
- It collects over 75% of the dust, keeping your workspace cleaner.
- Tall fences let you cut large molding pieces easily.
- The fence design allows cuts up to 2×14 lumber at 90 degrees.
- The adjustable miter plate has 10 stops for accurate cuts.
- It miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left for more options.
- The large bevel scale makes adjusting angles simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (35cm x 45cm x 25cm) might be a bit large for some small workshops.
- While powerful, the 1100-watt motor could be even stronger for the most demanding tasks.
This DEWALT miter saw is a top-notch tool for serious DIYers and professionals. It delivers excellent performance and accuracy for all your cutting needs.
5. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw (DCS361B) is a fantastic cordless tool for anyone who needs to make precise cuts. It’s designed for both professionals and DIYers who value accuracy and portability. This saw makes cutting wood much simpler and more efficient.
What We Like:
- The integrated cut line system makes it easy to see exactly where you’re cutting.
- It can handle large pieces of wood, like 3 5/8 inch nested crown and 3 1/2 inch base molding.
- The adjustable miter detent plate has 11 stops for quick and accurate angle settings.
- The large bevel scale helps you set your bevel angles easily and correctly.
- It’s lightweight at only 30 lbs, making it easy to carry and store.
- The cam lock miter handle lets you change angles quickly and precisely.
- The accurate miter system and strong fence support ensure your cuts are always precise and the saw lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a “tool only” product, you’ll need to buy a battery and charger separately if you don’t already have them.
- While portable, it might be a bit small for very large, heavy-duty jobs.
Overall, the DEWALT DCS361B is a powerful and accurate cordless miter saw. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking for reliable performance and ease of use in their woodworking projects.
Choosing the Right DEWALT Miter Saw: Your Ultimate Guide
A DEWALT miter saw is a powerful tool for any woodworker, from beginners to pros. It helps you make perfect angled cuts, which are essential for trim work, framing, and furniture building. But with so many models, how do you pick the best one for your needs?
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a DEWALT miter saw, keep these important features in mind:
- Blade Size: Miter saws come with different blade sizes (like 10-inch or 12-inch). Bigger blades can cut thicker or wider pieces of wood.
- Bevel and Miter Capacity: This tells you how far the saw can tilt (bevel) and pivot (miter) to make angled cuts. More capacity means you can make more complex cuts.
- Power (Amps): Higher amperage means more power, which helps the saw cut through tough materials easily.
- Dust Collection: A good dust collection system helps keep your workspace clean and your lungs clear.
- LED Cutline Indicator: This feature shines a light on your cut line, making it easier to see exactly where you’re cutting.
- Portability: If you move your saw around a lot, look for models with a lighter weight and a good handle.
2. Important Materials
DEWALT is known for using strong materials. Most of their miter saws feature:
- Durable Metal Construction: The main body and base are usually made of tough metal that can handle job site conditions.
- High-Quality Blades: The included blades are often made from hardened steel for long-lasting sharpness.
- Ergonomic Grips: Handles are designed for comfort and a secure hold, often with rubber for better grip.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a DEWALT miter saw great, while others might make it less ideal.
What Makes a DEWALT Miter Saw Great:
- Motor Power: A strong motor ensures smooth and efficient cuts.
- Accuracy and Precision: Well-calibrated fences and bevel/miter adjustments lead to precise cuts every time.
- Build Quality: Solid construction means the saw will last longer and perform reliably.
- User-Friendly Features: Easy-to-use controls and helpful features like LED lights improve the overall experience.
What Might Reduce Quality (or Your Experience):
- Underpowered Motor: A weak motor can bog down when cutting harder woods, leading to rough cuts.
- Inaccurate Adjustments: Flimsy or hard-to-adjust bevel and miter settings will make precise cuts difficult.
- Poor Dust Collection: If the dust port isn’t effective, you’ll have a messy workspace and breathing issues.
- Heavy Weight (for portability): If you need to move the saw often, a very heavy model can be a hassle.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
DEWALT miter saws are designed for a wide range of tasks:
- Home Improvement Projects: Installing trim, baseboards, crown molding, and building shelves are common uses.
- DIY Woodworking: Creating custom furniture, cutting parts for birdhouses, or building small projects are easily done.
- Professional Carpentry: For contractors, these saws are essential for framing, deck building, and precise finishing work.
Users often praise DEWALT for their reliability and the clean cuts their saws produce. The intuitive design makes them accessible for beginners, while the power and accuracy satisfy experienced users. Many find the LED cutline indicators a game-changer for precision work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most popular DEWALT miter saw?
A1: The DEWALT DWS780 is a very popular choice. It’s a 12-inch compound miter saw known for its power, accuracy, and advanced features.
Q2: Can a DEWALT miter saw cut metal?
A2: Standard miter saw blades are designed for wood. Cutting metal requires a specialized blade and often a different type of saw. Always check your saw’s manual before attempting to cut materials other than wood.
Q3: How do I set up my DEWALT miter saw?
A3: Most DEWALT miter saws come mostly assembled. You’ll typically need to attach the blade, set up any included dust collection bag, and ensure it’s on a stable surface or stand. Always read the user manual for specific setup instructions.
Q4: What size blade do I need?
A4: The most common sizes are 10-inch and 12-inch. A 10-inch saw is good for general DIY, while a 12-inch saw offers more capacity for larger projects.
Q5: How do I make an angled cut (miter cut)?
A5: You adjust the miter fence to the desired angle using the locking mechanism. Then, you position your wood against the fence and pull the blade down to make the cut.
Q6: What is a bevel cut?
A6: A bevel cut is when the blade tilts to the side, allowing you to cut an angle on the thickness of the wood, not just the width.
Q7: Do I need a dust bag or can I connect a vacuum?
A7: Most DEWALT miter saws come with a dust bag. You can also usually connect a shop vacuum to the dust port for more effective dust collection.
Q8: How do I maintain my DEWALT miter saw?
A8: Keep the blade clean and sharp. Brush away sawdust from the motor housing and moving parts. Lubricate moving parts as recommended in the manual.
Q9: Are DEWALT miter saws good for beginners?
A9: Yes, many DEWALT miter saws are designed with ease of use in mind. Features like clear markings and simple adjustments make them suitable for beginners.
Q10: What is the warranty on a DEWALT miter saw?
A10: DEWALT typically offers a limited warranty, often covering defects in materials and workmanship for a set period, usually three years. Check the product’s specific warranty information.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!