DEWALT 12” Slide Miter DWS780 vs Bosch Glide Miter GCM12SD

 
Last week we did a hands-on with the new DEWALT 12” slide miter saw DWS780 ($599) and the whole time we were thinking how does this compare with the new Bosch 12” Glide Saw GCM12SD (previous post)? Apparently this was not an uncommon though as we received several more questions after posting some images on the twitter feed @coptool.


DEWALT 12” Slide Miter Saw DWS780
At first glance you might not even notice this saw is a newer version as it looks like a pretty typical yellow DEWALT miter saw however it does have some nice improvements that give this saw some advantages. At the $599 price point the saw is about the same as their previous model and the 15amp motor seems to be the very similar to what they had previously.

 

The most noticeable update to the saw is probably the XRP light system which was a $60-80 upgrade on the previous model. The XRP light is now 90% brighter than before and installed right into the saw with an on/off switch on top of the tool. If there is anything we have learned in the past 5 years with power tools, Laser Beams = BAD, LED lights = GOOD! Not only does the light provide obvious luminescence to view markings and such but it also creates a shadow of the blade on the material. This shadow is directly below blade and provides both outside cutting edges where the blade will actually go. It wonn’t need aligned ever and you never have to guess which side to make the cut on. Very slick.

Several steps were taken to ensure the saw stay true but if it should become misaligned we like how simple it is to make adjustments to the stops and different measures. When framing a house probably not a concern but if they want to earn the respect of the woodworking crowd accuracy is a must. The saw can also be used like a radial arm saw when blade height is set and slide used to move the saw across the material.

 

For max capacity the new DEWALT can do an impressive 6-3/4” vertical cut and make a 16” cut at 90 degrees if you remove the stops and build a 3” sacrificial work surface to do it. In testing it out it didn’t seem very practical but we are sure there are some applications this work be a handy feature. The saw also moves the fence in slightly to provide better support for small and delicate material.

 

The new DEWALT saw added these new features but also worked to make the whole unit lighter, more compact and easier to transport. On the jobsite when you plan to constantly break down and set up this is an important consideration. The saw not only has 2 pretty comfortable side base handles but also gets a single top handle and at 56lbs is heavy but still lift-able and balanced.

DEWALT vs BOSCH
The Bosch Glide Saw GCM12SD ($799, Ohio Power Tool) has been very popular but especially among the woodworking crowd looking for a high quality shop miter saw. Because there is no rail the saw can butt right up against the wall, with a large miter saw station (Woodworkers Journal) this potentially saves 10+ sq ft of shop floor space. The whole arm mechanism is completely sealed so and “glide” action is unbelievably smooth. From those who have been using it for almost a year now we have received only high praises and reports that accuracy has stay very true.

The Bosch saw however also packs on an additional 9lbs over the DEWALT and what seems to be a slightly larger overall size. Dust collection on both if fairly good when attached to a shop vac but as the Bosch tube is vertical and the DEWALT is pretty much horizontal, we would have to imagine the DEWALT would perform slightly better with just the bag attached. The Bosch upfront controls are more comfortable and easier to work with than the DEWALT pretty simplistic beveling controls in the back.

Overall
It’s a very tough call to make and unfortunately it would probably come down to your needs. We thing the Bosch would be the easy winner for a shop environment where that 12” of rear slide clearance is simply a deal killer. On the jobsite it is a much tougher call, but the $200 low price doesn’t hurt in any category. Certainly there are situations where the rear clearance could still be a big factor such as working inside on smaller new construction but not as big of a concern generally. The DEWALT is more portable and the XRP light while maybe not a big deal in a well lit shop environment could be very handy on many jobsites. As DEWALT leads the miter saw category with 1 of every 2 professional miter saws sold we are guessing this new model is going to do very well. A lot of small improvements make it an impressive saw. Read more in the DEWALT press release below.

TOWSON, Md.  – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new 12” Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS780), which has been designed to be precise and accurate enough for fine woodworking, yet durable enough for framing and deck building. The DWS780 is ideal for a variety of end users including cabinetmakers, trim carpenters, framers, installers and many other professional contractors who require a product that delivers the accuracy, capacity, durability, portability and ease-of-use that this saw offers.

“Our end users frequently tell us that they turn to DEWALT miter saws because they can rely on them to get the job done over a long service life and with consistently accurate results,” explained Rafe Bennett, product manager, DEWALT. “We’re proud to hold this leadership position within the miter saw category, and we’re confident that our new saw will not let contractors down.”For visibility and accuracy when cutting, the new 12” Sliding Compound Miter Saw features the XPSTM LED light and cut alignment system that casts a laser-like shadow on the work surface, showing users where the blade will come in contact with the material. Since it does not require recalibration over time or when changing blades, this alignment system can be more accurate and durable than traditional laser guides.

The saw’s dual bevel system includes the ability to bevel right and left from 0 to 49 degrees with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45 and 49 degrees in both directions, as well as a high visibility bevel scale. The saw also miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left and features an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops, allowing for fast and easy adjustments. A
cam lock miter button allows users to lock angles between detents for versatility on the jobsite.

The saw features a powerful 15 AMP motor that delivers 3,800 RPM. For convenience, the power cord is routed through the rail in the back, eliminating interference with the slide. Additionally, the saw offers an industry-leading combination of cut capacities, which includes 6-3/4 inch vertical capacity, 7-1/2 inch nested crown capacity, 13-7/8 inch horizontal capacity and exclusive back fence design that cuts up to a 2×16 at a 90 degree angle and 2×12 at a 45 degree angle. To simplify and maximize vertical cutting capacity, the unit includes a rail lock latch for holding the head away from the fence.

The new saw’s dust collection system collects over 75 percent of dust generated in the included bag. Additionally, to address two common user frustrations—portability and weight—the DWS780 has optimized its weight to just 56 pounds. It also incorporates ergonomic handgrips and folds to a compact package that makes transporting the unit easy. The saw’s precision-machined aluminum construction ensures there is no sacrifice in accuracy or durability.The Sliding Compound Miter Saw will be available at home centers and independent distributors beginning in September 2011 and it is expected to retail for approximately $599. The product will come with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee.

There are a number of new accessories that are compatible with the product, including a variety of miter saw stands such as the Heavy Duty Miter Saw Stand (DWX723), the Compact Miter Saw Stand (DWX724), the Heavy Duty Work Stand (DWX725) and the Heavy Duty Work Stand with Miter Saw Mounting Brackets (DWX725B).
       

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