Miter saws by design are meant for quick setup and portability. Most can meet these basic requirements, so the real test is whether or not they can deliver clean, consistent cuts accurately and how difficult they are to handle. Two major brands of miters saws, Dewalt and Bosch, have excellent contenders on the market. Let’s take a closer look at the Dewalt DWS 780 and Bosch GCM12SD.
Dewalt DWS 780
The Dewalt DWS 780 is a corded 120 volt double bevel miter saw. It boasts an integrated XPS cross cut position system and an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate which make it easier and more accurate to use. A unique back fence design that cuts through lumber up to 2×16 at a 90 degree angle or 2×12 at a 15 degree angle. This 15 amp Dewalt has a 3,800 rpm motor and comes with a limited 3 year warranty.
Features
• XPS cross cut
• Adjustable detent plate
• Back Fence design
There’s no need to re-calibrate to get accurate cuts with the Dewalt DWS 780. While the previous generation had a laser guide to show where the blade would hit the wood, the DWS 780 uses an LED lit XPS cross-cut alignment system. This floods the area with LED light and creates a thin shadow which shows precisely where the blade will line up. This makes the Dewalt 780 a great fit for handy-men with fairly ambitious projects and who want precision with minimal effort.
Bosch GCM12SD
Bosch’s GCM12SD is a corded 150 volt, 15amp miter saw that handles wood and laminets. It has a 3,800 rpm motor and the bevel capacity ranges from 0 to 47 degrees left and right. The bevel has detented marks at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees for quick and easy settings. This Bosch has a 14 inch horizontal and a 6 ½ inch vertical capacity. It also comes with a 30 day money back guarantee and 1 year limited warranty.
Features
• Axial-glide system for precision
• Squarelock fence aligned at 90-degree
• Stainless steel miter scales
The Bosch GCM12SD has a compact axial-glide system that delivers smooth, controlled cuts, and an easily accessible button on the front of the saw controls the miter detent override which enables fine miter angle adjustment. Bevel adjustments are also easy since the bevel lock lever and range selector are both located on the front of the saw. The table on the other hand requires no adjustments, because Bosch’s trademark Squarelock fence is aligned at a 90 degree angel. The Bosch GCM12SD is also light weight (only 65 pounds) making it easy to maneuver, and since it doesn’t use a conventional rail setup, it takes up around 12 inches less space, making it the preferred choice for working in compact spaces.
Side by Side
Both the Dewalt and Bosch saws aim for easy use, but the Bosche GCM12SD focuses on control and visibility while the Dewalt DWS 780 emphasizes a ready to go set up with fool proof aim. If you have a sharp eye, the Dewalt’s LED assisted alignment system might be an unnecessary addition, but the longer warranty might be enough to lure you back if you don’t find yourself working in tight spaces often enough to need the Bosch.
Neither saw can keep the work space completely free of sawdust, but both do an admirable job of trying. The Dewalt captures 75% of dust with its advanced dust capture system while the Bosch boasts a combination dust chute and vacuum adapter. Both use a dust bag and risk choking on build up if not cleaned properly though.
The most frequent complaint on the Dewalt is the slide. Poor quality bearings result in the slide sticking when you lower the head. Bosch on the other hand has a loose glide and it cannot match Dewalt’s zero clearance when it comes to cut depth.
The majority of woodworkers and handymen agree that while both saws have their flaws, they are excellent overall for small to medium projects. Either saw would pay for itself with a few household projects and even general contractors find they do the job professionally and with minimal fuss.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DWS780 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Bosch GCM12SD on Amazon!