You’re shopping for the best miter saw your budget can afford. The choice has come down to two favorite tools from DEWALT and Hitachi. Which of these sliding compound miter saws is the best? Let’s take a look at them both to see.
DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw
As reviewers have pointed out, the DEWALT DWS779 is the same as the DWS780 saw without the XPS light that helps make accurate cuts. If you don’t need the cutline light, this saw is a solid performer.
What makes the DWS779 into a pro tool is a host of features targeted at contractors and craftspeople. For example, it has a 15amp motor that powers through tough hardwoods without a hiccup. It spins the 12-inch blade at a top speed of 3800rpm so your work gets done quickly and cleanly.
And speaking of clean, the built-in dust extraction system is one of the best on the market. DEWALT says it collects up to three-quarters of the debris created by the saw. Dust collection is one of the factors that might encourage you to get the DEWALT over the Hitachi saw below.
If you look at the back fence, you’ll see that it’s sturdy and tall. With the fence in place, you can cut up to 2×12 lumber at 45 degrees or vertically cut 2×16 pieces, too. Or you can slice through base molding up to 6.75-inches tall, or 7.5 inches when it’s nested against the fence. Finally, the fence slides out of the way to help you do bevel cuts.
While the DWS779 weighs 56 pounds, it’s very sturdy and built to work hard. For example, the miter detent plate is made of stainless steel. And the dual rails have linear ball bearings, so they work smoothly every time. As many owners have reported, this is a dependable, accurate, and powerful saw.
More features of the DEWALT DWS779 sliding compound miter saw:
- Covered by DEWALT’s 3-year limited warranty
- Comes with dust bag, blade wrench, carbide tooth blade, and vertical material clamp
Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker
What is the advantage of the Hitachi C12RSH2 saw? It has a built-in laser marker system to help you see the cutline ahead of time. The laser guidance system is easy to use, even for inexperienced users. Just turn it on, and you’ll see the blade’s path before you make a cut.
As the saw operates, it glides on its rail system. This slide is made especially compact so you don’t need clearance at the rear of the saw. You can place it on a workbench against the wall without a problem, making it handy for small workshops.
The fence system slides out of your way for bevel cuts, just like the one on the DEWALT DWS779. And with the fences in place, the saw can handle up to 7.5-inch tall crown molding at 90 degrees. The 15amp motor makes quick work out of cutting hardwoods and pine alike.
When you want to make miter cuts, the blade tilts up to 45 degrees left and 57 degrees right. It also bevels up to 45 degrees to both right or left so you don’t need to flip your material to make the cut. Choosing the right angle is fast and easy with the built-in positive stops.
Finally, you may notice there is a difference between the handle on the DEWALT saw and the Hitachi. The Hitachi has a pistol grip style handle with an elastomer coating for comfort and better control.
More features of the Hitachi C12RSH2 sliding compound miter saw:
- Covered by a 5-year limited warranty
- Comes with dust bag, box wrench for changing blades, 12” TCT saw blade, and vice assembly
Recommendation
It’s a tough choice between these two sliding compound miter saws. Both have powerful motors and both have large cutting capacities. Both come ready to use out of the box complete with blades.
If you want a dust extraction system and a broader miter and beveling range, choose the DEWALT DWS779. But if you prefer to have laser guidance for your cuts, get the Hitachi C12RSH2.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DWS779 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Hitachi C12RSH2 on Amazon.com!