Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Dewalt). This thread is read-only.
Was just in HD and they have a dws709 (12 in 15 amp sliding) for $259 and a dws779 for $399. I’m seeing mixed reviews on the 709. Does anyone have experience with either?
The 709 is designed as a budget level 12″ SCMS. It has a lower cross cut capacity(12×16 for the 780, 12×14 for the 709), lower crown capacity (7 1/2 vs 5 1/2), no XPS lighting, and is 16 lbs lighter (more aluminum / plastic in the construction). The deck is smaller on the 709 as well.
I don’t think that the 709 is a bad saw at all, but you have to remember what it’s good at. All 12″ SCMS are not equal. The lower priced models (i.e. the 709) are not going to be as good at cutting big stock as the higher end models. If you can live with cutting 2x10s and 5 1/2″ of crown clearance, the 709 looks to be a very nice saw, just don’t expect it to beat out or really even have the same features / capacity as the 780. I think a lot of the bad reviews are more related to unrealistic expectations than a bad product.
All that having been said, the 779 seems to be new – I’ve never seen that one before but the specs seem to make it look like the 780 without the XPS system. I couldn’t find any reviews so if that’s important, you may want to hold off on that one.
I went ahead and picked up the 709. Figured it would be better than the skil saw I had. The skil didn’t slide but at least it had a laser that was pretty accurate, but It’ll do until I get enough saved up for a nicer model.
With a little practice, you can get pretty good at sighting the cutline without a laser. Miter and bevel cuts are tougher, but you’ll be a better carpenter for the experience.
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