Have you ever needed to make a perfectly straight cut on wood? Whether you’re building a birdhouse, framing a picture, or tackling a bigger home renovation project, precise cuts are super important. But when it comes to miter saws, especially those made by Dewalt, the choices can feel a little overwhelming. It’s tough to know which one will be the best tool for your specific needs and budget.
Picking the wrong miter saw can lead to frustration, wasted materials, and less-than-perfect results. You want a saw that’s reliable, easy to use, and gives you the accuracy you need for your projects. That’s where understanding the different Dewalt models comes in handy.
In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of Dewalt miter saws. We’ll break down what makes them great, look at some popular models, and help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for your workshop. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for and feel confident in choosing your next Dewalt miter saw. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Dewalt Miter Saws Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Miter Saw | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dewalt Miter Saws 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 woodworking project. It makes cutting wood accurate and easy. This saw is built for serious DIYers and professionals alike. It can handle big jobs with its 12-inch blade.
What We Like:
- It has a stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops. This helps you make quick and exact cuts.
- The precise miter system and machined base fence support ensure accuracy.
- The cam-lock miter handle with detent override lets you set angles fast.
- Tall sliding fences hold wood up to 6-3/4 inches tall.
- It bevels from 0 to 48 degrees in both directions.
- You can cut 2×14 lumber at 90 degrees and 2×10 lumber at 45 degrees.
- Dual steel rails with a special clamping system and ball bearings make it accurate and last longer.
- The dust collection system grabs over 75% of the dust.
- The big, easy-to-see bevel scale has positive stops for better control.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the dust collection is good, some users might want an even more efficient system for very fine dust.
This DEWALT miter saw delivers excellent performance and accuracy. It’s a reliable tool that will help you achieve professional results on your projects.
2. DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw
Rating: 9.5/10
The DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) is a powerful tool that helps you make accurate cuts for your woodworking projects. It’s built tough for a variety of jobs, from framing to trim work.
What We Like:
- The stainless-steel miter detent plate has 14 positive stops, so you can easily set it for common angles.
- It has a precise miter system and a machined base fence for extra stability and accuracy.
- The tall sliding fence can hold 5-1/2-inch base pieces straight up, making it easier to cut taller materials.
- It bevels from 0 to 48 degrees to the left and 0 to 3 degrees to the right, giving you flexibility for different cuts.
- You can crosscut 2-inch x 8-inch lumber at a 90-degree angle and 2-inch x 6-inch lumber at a 45-degree angle.
What Could Be Improved:
- This saw only has a single bevel capability, meaning it only cuts bevels in one direction (to the left).
- While it’s a great saw, some users might prefer a double bevel saw for more complex angled cuts.
Overall, the DEWALT DWS715 miter saw is a solid and reliable choice for woodworkers who need precision and power. It’s a great addition to any workshop for tackling a wide range of cutting tasks.
3. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw, Tool Only, Cordless (DCS361B) is a powerful and portable tool for any DIYer or professional. It’s designed to make your cutting tasks easier and more accurate. This saw is cordless, so you can use it anywhere without worrying about cords. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to carry around your workshop or job site.
What We Like:
- It has a special system that shows you exactly where to cut, so your cuts are more accurate.
- You can cut big pieces of wood, like crown molding and baseboards, with it.
- It has clear markings for different angles, making it simple to set up for precise cuts.
- The bevel scale is large and easy to read, so adjusting the angle is a breeze.
- It weighs only 30 pounds, which makes it easy to move and store.
- The handle locks in place quickly, helping you get the right angle fast.
- The saw has a strong design and a fence that is built to last, ensuring accuracy over time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s “Tool Only,” you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- Some users might prefer a larger blade for thicker materials.
This DEWALT miter saw offers great accuracy and portability. It’s a smart choice for anyone who needs a reliable cordless saw.
4. DEWALT Miter Saw
Rating: 8.5/10
The DEWALT DWS716XPS Miter Saw is a powerful 12-inch saw designed for precise cuts. It features a 15-amp motor and a double-bevel design, making it a versatile tool for any woodworking project. The XPS Cutline system ensures your cuts are always accurate.
What We Like:
- The stainless-steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops gives you very accurate and repeatable cuts.
- Tall sliding fences let you cut crown molding up to 6-5/8 inches and base molding up to 6-1/2 inches vertically.
- The double-bevel design lets the saw tilt 0 to 48 degrees left and right, with special stops at common angles like 0, 22.5, 33.9, and 45 degrees.
- It has a 0 to 50-degree miter capacity to the left and right.
- The cam lock miter handle with a detent override makes changing miter angles fast and easy.
- The built-in CUTLINE LED work light shines on your cut line without needing adjustments, improving accuracy and visibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the 15-amp motor might be more than some DIYers need for smaller jobs.
- The complexity of all the features might take some time to learn for beginners.
This DEWALT miter saw offers excellent precision and features for serious woodworkers. It’s a tool that will help you achieve professional results on your projects.
5. DEWALT Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
The DEWALT DWS780 12-inch Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw is a powerhouse tool for any serious woodworker. Its robust 1100 watt motor is built for tough jobs, and the integrated cutline system helps you make precise cuts every time. This saw easily handles large lumber, making it ideal for framing, trim work, and custom projects. It’s designed to make your woodworking tasks smoother and more accurate.
What We Like:
- The powerful 15 amp, 3,800 rpm motor handles demanding tasks with ease.
- The integrated cutline blade positioning system makes lining up cuts simple and accurate.
- Its super-efficient dust collection captures over 75% of dust, keeping your workspace cleaner.
- Tall sliding fences allow you to cut large molding pieces vertically.
- The fence design lets you cut big lumber like 2x14s at 90 degrees.
- The adjustable miter detent plate with 10 stops ensures quick and accurate angle settings.
- It miters 60 degrees right and 50 degrees left, giving you great versatility.
- The oversized bevel scale makes adjusting bevel angles very easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the 1100 watt motor might be overkill for very light-duty home projects.
- The saw’s dimensions (35cm x 45cm x 25cm) mean it takes up a good amount of space.
This DEWALT miter saw is a top-tier tool that delivers exceptional performance and accuracy. It’s a worthwhile investment for those who need a reliable and powerful saw for their projects.
Dewalt Miter Saws: Your Guide to Perfect Cuts
Choosing the right miter saw makes a big difference for any woodworking project. Dewalt offers many great options, from simple saws for beginners to powerful ones for pros. This guide will help you pick the best Dewalt miter saw for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop 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 through thicker wood.
- Bevel and Miter Capacity: This is how much the saw can tilt (bevel) and turn (miter). Higher degrees let you make more complex angled cuts. Look for saws that can bevel both ways.
- Power (Amps): More amps mean more power to cut through tough materials. For general use, 15 amps is usually enough.
- Speed (RPM): A higher RPM (revolutions per minute) means faster cutting. This is helpful for making many cuts quickly.
- Dust Collection: Good dust collection keeps your workspace cleaner and helps you see your cut line better.
- LED Cutline Indicator: Some saws have a light that shows exactly where the blade will cut. This makes your cuts more accurate.
- Portability: If you move your saw a lot, look for lighter models or ones with built-in carrying handles.
2. Important Materials
Dewalt uses strong materials to build their saws.
- Base and Table: These are usually made of sturdy aluminum. This makes the saw strong and keeps it from wobbling.
- Motor Housing: The motor is protected by tough plastic or metal. This keeps the motor safe.
- Blade: The blade is made of hardened steel with sharp teeth. The number of teeth on the blade affects how smooth your cut is.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what makes a Dewalt miter saw great or not so great:
Things That Make it Better:
- Solid Construction: A heavy-duty base and well-made parts mean the saw lasts longer and cuts more accurately.
- Smooth Operation: When the saw moves smoothly, it’s easier to make precise cuts.
- Good Dust Management: A saw that collects dust well keeps your work area clean and safe.
- Precise Angle Settings: Clear markings and easy-to-adjust angles help you make perfect cuts every time.
Things That Can Make it Worse:
- Wobbly Base: A base that shakes makes your cuts inaccurate.
- Stiff Moving Parts: If the bevel or miter adjustments are hard to move, it’s frustrating to use.
- Poor Dust Collection: Sawdust flying everywhere makes a mess and can be unhealthy.
- Inaccurate Angle Stops: If the saw doesn’t lock into common angles (like 45 or 90 degrees) correctly, your cuts will be off.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Dewalt miter saws are used by many people for different jobs.
- Homeowners: For DIY projects like building shelves, decks, or trim work, a 10-inch or 12-inch cordless or corded miter saw is perfect. They are easy to use and handle most home tasks.
- Woodworkers: For more serious woodworking, like making furniture or cabinets, a 12-inch sliding miter saw offers more power and wider cutting capacity. These saws can handle larger pieces of wood.
- Construction Workers: On job sites, portability and durability are key. Cordless miter saws are very popular because you don’t need to be near an outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best Dewalt miter saw for beginners?
A: For beginners, a 10-inch corded miter saw like the DWS715 is a great choice. It’s easy to use and has good features for most home projects.
Q: Are Dewalt cordless miter saws good?
A: Yes, Dewalt cordless miter saws are excellent. They offer great power and the freedom to work anywhere. The FLEXVOLT batteries are especially powerful.
Q: What is the difference between a 10-inch and a 12-inch miter saw?
A: A 12-inch saw can cut wider boards than a 10-inch saw. If you work with larger lumber, a 12-inch saw is better.
Q: What does “sliding” mean on a miter saw?
A: A sliding miter saw has rails that let the blade move forward and backward. This lets you cut much wider pieces of wood than a non-sliding saw.
Q: How do I keep my Dewalt miter saw accurate?
A: Keep the saw clean, especially the moving parts. Make sure the blade is sharp and the fence is square to the blade. Regularly check that the angle stops are set correctly.
Q: Can I cut metal with a Dewalt miter saw?
A: Standard miter saws are designed for wood. Cutting metal requires a special metal-cutting blade and often a different type of saw. Using the wrong blade can be dangerous.
Q: What is a bevel cut?
A: A bevel cut is an angled cut made when the blade tilts to the side. This is used for things like picture frames or trim molding.
Q: What is a miter cut?
A: A miter cut is an angled cut made when the saw head turns left or right. This is common for joining corners.
Q: How important is dust collection on a miter saw?
A: Dust collection is very important. It keeps your workspace clean, improves visibility of the cut line, and is better for your health.
Q: What warranty does Dewalt offer on their miter saws?
A: Dewalt typically offers a limited warranty on their miter saws, often covering defects in materials and workmanship for a set period, like 3 years.
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!