So, you’ve decided to upgrade your workshop and bring home the legendary precision and power of a DeWalt sliding compound miter saw. It’s a fantastic choice. But then you hit a familiar crossroads, a question that has puzzled woodworkers and carpenters for years: what is the real difference between the DeWalt DWS779 and the DeWalt DWS780? They look almost identical, boast similar specs, and both carry the trusted yellow and black branding. Yet, there’s a consistent price gap between them. This isn’t just a random pricing strategy; it’s a deliberate product segmentation by one of the most respected tool brands in the world.
Understanding the distinction between these two powerhouse tools is crucial before you invest your hard-earned money. Choosing the right one can elevate your projects from good to professional-grade, while choosing the wrong one might leave you with a case of buyer’s remorse or an unnecessary hole in your wallet. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your definitive resource. We will dissect every nut, bolt, feature, and specification of both saws. We’ll explore their shared DNA, uncover the critical differences, and provide real-world context to help you determine which model—the DWS779 or the DWS780—truly belongs in your shop. Forget the confusion and marketing jargon; we’re getting down to the bare wood and honest facts.
The Shared Foundation of DeWalt Power and Precision
Before we dive into what sets them apart, it’s essential to appreciate what makes them both exceptional. The DWS779 and DWS780 are built on the same core platform, sharing a foundation of engineering excellence that has made them bestsellers in the category. This isn’t a case of one being inherently “better” than the other in a general sense; rather, it’s about one having a specific, premium feature set for a specific type of user.
Both saws are 12-inch, 15-amp, single-bevel sliding compound miter saws. This mouthful of a description means they can handle large boards (sliding action), cut angles on the horizontal plane (miter), and bevel angles on the vertical plane (compound), but only to the left (single-bevel). They are powered by a brutally effective 15-amp motor that spins the blade at a no-load speed of 3,800 RPM, providing more than enough torque to slice through hardwoods, pressure-treated lumber, and even composite materials without breaking a sweat. The build quality is quintessential DeWalt: rugged, durable, and designed to withstand the abuses of a job site as well as the rigors of a dedicated home workshop.
The structural components are identical. They feature a sturdy, cast-iron base with integral rails that provide unwavering stability during cuts. The horizontal sliding mechanism is the renowned DeWalt rail design, which requires no rear clearance, allowing you to push the saw flush against a wall—a massive space-saving advantage over older saw designs. They share the same precise miter detent system with positive stops at all the most common angles (0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° left and right), and a cam-lock miter handle that delivers crisp, accurate miter angles every time you lock it in. From a pure cutting performance perspective, when equipped with the same high-quality blade, these two saws are twins. They will make identical cuts with identical power and accuracy.
The Headline Showdown: XPS Light vs. Shadow
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter, the single most significant difference that defines the choice between the DWS779 vs DWS780: the cutting guidance system. This is the feature that justifies the price difference and separates the two models. The DeWalt DWS780 comes equipped with the acclaimed XPS (Xtreme Precision Shadow) lighting system, while the DWS779 relies on a traditional adjustable laser guide.
The XPS system on the DWS780 is nothing short of a game-changer for many woodworkers. It works by using an LED light positioned above the blade to cast a perfect shadow of the blade teeth onto your workpiece. This creates a clear, highly visible line that shows you exactly where the blade will make contact. The advantages are profound. First, there is no need for calibration. Since the shadow is cast directly from the blade itself, it is always perfectly aligned—forever. Second, the shadow line is thick and bright, making it easily visible in various lighting conditions, even on bright job sites outdoors. It illuminates the cut line without the fuss of a faint red or green laser line that can be hard to see.
The DWS779, on the other hand, uses a more conventional dual-beam laser guide. This system projects a red laser line on both sides of the blade to indicate the cut path. While this is certainly a helpful feature and a step up from having no guide at all, it has inherent drawbacks. The most notable is the potential for the laser to fall out of alignment over time, thanks to vibrations from the saw or accidental bumps during transport. This requires the user to periodically adjust it using the provided calibration tools, which can be a tedious process. Furthermore, the thin laser line can be difficult to see in well-lit environments, and its visibility can diminish as the batteries in the module (typically AAA) lose their charge.
Diving Deeper into the XPS Advantage
To truly understand the value proposition of the DWS780 vs DWS779, we need to spend a little more time with the XPS system. It’s not just a light; it’s an integrated design philosophy. The LED used in the XPS system is incredibly bright and long-lasting, designed to outlive the saw itself. It’s powered directly from the saw’s motor, so there are no batteries to ever worry about replacing. You plug the saw in, and the light just works, every single time.
The nature of the shadow it casts is also superior for precision work. A laser provides a single, fine line. The XPS shadow shows you the kerf—the actual thickness of the cut. This allows you to place your workpiece with incredible accuracy, knowing precisely which side of the line the blade will remove material from. This is invaluable for making tight, joinery-grade cuts where a millimeter of error is the difference between a perfect fit and a gap that needs filling. For professionals who are making hundreds of cuts a day, the reduction in eye strain and the elimination of calibration downtime directly translates to increased productivity and fewer costly errors. It’s a feature that pays for itself over time on a busy job site.
For the hobbyist or serious DIYer, the benefit is in the sheer ease of use. There’s no setup, no fiddling, no squinting. You turn on the saw, and a bright, clear cut line is instantly visible on your material. It makes the intimidating process of precision cutting feel more accessible and far more reliable. This “set it and forget it” reliability is the core luxury that the DWS780 offers over its sibling. When conducting a DeWalt miter saw comparison, the XPS system is consistently the tipping point for those who choose the DWS780.
Performance and Power: A Dead Heat
If you skip over the lighting system, you will find that the performance metrics of the DWS779 and DWS780 are, for all intents and purposes, identical. They are both absolute workhorses designed to tackle the most demanding cutting tasks. The 15-amp motor is a beast, delivering consistent power that doesn’t bog down even when pushing through thick, dense stock. Whether you’re cutting a 2×12 piece of pine or a dense piece of oak, both saws respond with authority.
The cutting capacity is also exactly the same. They can crosscut a 2×16 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and a 2×12 at a 45-degree bevel. Their vertical cutting capacity is a massive 6-½ inches tall by 16 inches wide, thanks to the sliding feature. This capacity is what makes these saws so popular for trim carpenters and framers alike; they can handle everything from baseboards and crown molding to large header beams. The bevel capacity ranges from 0 to 48 degrees to the left, with positive stops at 0, 45, and 33.9 degrees (for cutting crown molding nested vertically against the fence).
The accuracy and feel of the controls are identical. The miter scale is clear and easy to read, and the detents provide a satisfying, solid “click” at each common angle. The bevel adjustment is smooth and locks down tightly to prevent any movement during a cut. The electric brake is another shared feature that enhances safety and productivity by bringing the blade to a stop within seconds of releasing the trigger, allowing you to retrieve your workpiece much faster. In any head-to-head cutting test, with the same operator and the same blade, no one would be able to tell the difference between the cut quality of the DWS779 vs DWS780.
Design and Build Quality: Twins from the Same Line
As we’ve established, the physical design and construction of these two miter saws are mirror images. DeWalt manufactures them on the same line with the same materials and the same rigorous quality control standards. The base, table, fence, arm, and motor housing are all constructed from the same high-strength materials. The weight is nearly identical, with the DWS780 coming in at just a fraction more due to the integrated XPS light housing, a difference that is negligible in practice.
The handle and trigger are ergonomically designed for comfort and control, reducing fatigue during extended use. The saws also share the same onboard clamping system. A handy flip-down clamp is included to secure your workpiece firmly against the fence, a critical safety and accuracy feature, especially for making bevel cuts or cutting smaller pieces of material. The dust collection system is another shared—and often critiqued—feature. Both saws include a port for connecting a 1-¼” shop vacuum hose. While it does capture a decent amount of dust, it’s far from perfect, and users of both models often find themselves adding after-market solutions or simply accepting that miter saws are inherently messy tools.
This identical build means that the durability and longevity expectations for both tools are the same. You are not getting a “cheaper” or less durable tool with the DWS779; you are simply getting a tool without the integrated premium lighting system. The bearings, gears, and internal components are all of the same quality. This is a crucial point for buyers who might be concerned that the lower price of the DWS779 indicates inferior build quality—it does not.
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Target Audience: Who is Each Saw For?
This is where the DeWalt DWS779 vs DWS780 decision becomes personal. It’s not about which saw is objectively better (the DWS780 has a superior feature), but about which saw is objectively better for you.
The DeWalt DWS780, with its brilliant XPS system, is the undisputed champion for professionals and serious enthusiasts. If your livelihood depends on speed, accuracy, and efficiency, the XPS light is a worthwhile investment. Trim carpenters installing thousands of dollars worth of crown molding, contractors building decks and framing walls, and woodworkers producing fine furniture cannot afford errors. The time saved by not calibrating a laser and the confidence gained from a perfectly clear cut line directly impact the bottom line and the quality of the finished product. For this user, the premium paid for the DWS780 is a business expense that pays daily dividends.
The DeWalt DWS779 is arguably the best value in the entire sliding compound miter saw market. It is the perfect saw for the avid DIYer, the weekend warrior, the homeowner who tackles serious projects, and even professionals on a tight budget. It delivers 98% of the performance of the DWS780 at a significantly lower price point. For someone who uses the saw a few times a month rather than a few times a day, the traditional laser guide is a perfectly adequate tool. It can be calibrated, and for shorter sessions, its visibility is less of an issue. The money saved by choosing the DWS779 can be invested in a phenomenal aftermarket blade, a high-quality stand, or other tools, dramatically improving the overall workshop experience.
The Aftermarket Solution: Converting a DWS779
An incredibly popular and often-discussed topic in online forums and woodworking communities is the idea of “converting” a DWS779 into a DWS780 by adding an aftermarket XPS light kit. This is a real thing! DeWalt actually sells the OEM XPS Light Kit (part number N374175) as an accessory, and it is designed to be retrofitted onto the DWS779 model.
This option completely changes the value equation of the DWS779 vs dws780 debate. The process involves removing the blade guard assembly and installing the new unit that incorporates the LED light and wiring. It requires some mechanical aptitude, but for many, it’s a straightforward 20-30 minute job. The total cost of a DWS779 plus the official DeWalt XPS kit often comes in lower than the retail price of a new DWS780, especially if you find the saw on sale. This path gives you the best of both worlds: you get the superior cutting tool at a lower entry price and can add the premium feature later, effectively building your own DWS780 for less money.
It’s important to note that this only applies to the light. There is no other difference to “upgrade.” This strategy has made the DWS779 a legendary “hack” or “secret” among savvy tool buyers. It turns the decision from a binary choice into a strategic purchase. You can start with the incredible value of the 779 and upgrade its one weakness down the road when your budget or needs demand it.
Key Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | DeWalt DWS779 | DeWalt DWS780 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Type | 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw | 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw |
| Motor | 15 Amp, 3,800 RPM | 15 Amp, 3,800 RPM |
| Cutting Guidance | Adjustable Dual-Beam Laser | Integrated XPS Shadow Light System |
| Vertical Cut | 6-½” (at 90°) | 6-½” (at 90°) |
| Horizontal Cut | 16″ (at 90°) | 16″ (at 90°) |
| Miter Range | 0° – 52° Left & Right | 0° – 52° Left & Right |
| Bevel Range | 0° – 48° Left | 0° – 48° Left |
| Dust Collection | 1-¼” Vacuum Port | 1-¼” Vacuum Port |
| Weight | 56 lbs | 67 lbs |
| Key Differentiator | Lower Cost, Laser Guide | Higher Cost, XPS Light System |
Final Verdict and Conclusion
The journey through the details of the DWS779 vs DWS780 reveals a story of intentional choice rather than a simple hierarchy. These are two exceptional tools from a top-tier manufacturer, and the “best” choice is entirely dependent on your individual needs, frequency of use, and budget.
The DeWalt DWS780 is the premium, ready-to-roll package. It is the ultimate expression of DeWalt’s innovation, offering the unparalleled convenience and accuracy of the XPS shadow light system right out of the box. It is the tool for the professional who values time as money and for the dedicated enthusiast who wants the best possible experience without any compromises or future modifications.
The DeWalt DWS779 is the king of value and arguably the smartest buy for the majority of users. It offers the exact same brutal cutting performance and rugged build quality as its more expensive sibling for hundreds of dollars less. Its one concession, the laser guide, is still a very useful feature for most people. Furthermore, its potential for a later upgrade with the official XPS kit makes it an incredibly flexible and future-proof investment.
In conclusion, you cannot make a bad choice between these two stellar miter saws. If your budget allows and you place a high value on effortless, top-tier cut line visibility, the DWS780 is worth every penny. If you want to get 95% of the way there for a significantly lower price and are comfortable with a standard laser or a potential DIY upgrade, the DWS779 is arguably the wisest purchase you can make in the category. Both tools will serve as a reliable, powerful, and accurate centerpiece of your workshop for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the actual difference between the DWS779 and DWS780?
The one and only significant difference is the cutting guidance system. The DeWalt DWS780 features the integrated XPS (Xtreme Precision Shadow) light system, which uses an LED to cast a perfect shadow of the blade onto the workpiece. The DeWalt DWS779 uses a traditional dual-beam laser guide that requires batteries and can fall out of alignment. All other aspects, including the motor, cutting capacity, build quality, and design, are identical.
Can you add an XPS light to the DWS779 later?
Yes, absolutely. This is a very popular option. DeWalt sells an official OEM XPS Light Kit (part number N374175) that is designed to be retrofitted onto the DWS779 model. The installation process is manageable for most DIYers and effectively converts your DWS779 into a saw with the same lighting capabilities as the DWS780, often for a lower total cost than buying a DWS780 outright.
Is the XPS light on the DWS780 really that much better than a laser?
For most users, especially professionals, the answer is a resounding yes. The XPS light requires zero calibration because the shadow is cast directly from the blade, guaranteeing permanent accuracy. It is also much brighter and easier to see in various lighting conditions compared to a thin laser line, which can be faint and requires battery power. The XPS shows the actual blade kerf, providing superior guidance for precision joinery work.
Which saw is better for a beginner woodworker?
The DeWalt DWS779 is often the recommended choice for beginners. Its lower entry price is a major advantage, allowing a new woodworker to invest the saved money into other essential tools, safety gear, or high-quality lumber. The laser guide, while not as advanced as the XPS system, is still a very helpful feature for learning how to align cuts properly. It provides tremendous capability without the premium cost.
Are these saws considered single or dual bevel?
Both the DWS779 and DWS780 are single-bevel miter saws. This means they can only tilt to the left to make bevel cuts. They cannot tilt to the right. If you require the ability to make compound cuts in both directions without flipping your workpiece, you would need to look at DeWalt’s dual-bevel models, such as the DWS782 or DHS790.
