DEWALT DW705S 12-Inch Heavy-Duty Compound Miter saw
by DEWALT

List Price: $573.00
Category: Tools
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Product Details

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Description of DEWALT DW705S 12-Inch Heavy-Duty Compound Miter saw

What impressed us the most was the weight and balance of this saw: the blade lowers easily into the cut, bevels are easy to set, and the miter gauge swivels smoothly. The saw's nine positive miter stops (detents) let you lock into the common angles quickly, but you can still dial in a 1/2 degree off the detent without the gauge dropping back into the stop. The detent plate is made of sturdy stainless steel, too, so it's hard to imagine it developing any slop even after years of use. The gauges are easily accessible and easy to read (what's more frustrating than having to lean around the saw to set on angle?). The saw miters up to 48 degrees on both sides and bevels left to 45.

Unlike some of their competitors, DeWalt mounted their saw with a burly blade guard that retracts smoothly and doesn't interfere with your line of sight. DeWalt's D-handle design favors right-handers, although the trigger's wide enough to use fairly easily with your left hand when cutting left-side miters. The saw doesn't have a safety switch--which, frankly, is fine by us, since some safety switches can be downright dangerous--but it's something to consider if you're doing residential or remodeling work where children might stumble across your tools. --Jon Groebner

Tools and Hardware Reviews of DEWALT DW705S 12-Inch Heavy-Duty Compound Miter saw

Customer Review: Dewalt: The Choice of Champions!
Summary: 5 Stars

I have to admit from the start that I do not own this saw. I have experienced firsthand, however, the opinions of a multitude of contractors and do-it-yourselfers that I sold this saw to in the three years that I worked as the tool salesman for a building center. Let me make it clear that I am no longer working there since I relocated for grad school, and so have nothing to gain by writing my opinion of this tool. I have also had the opportunity to use one on occasion.

The first quality of this saw that I heard about often is the trueness and consistency of its cuts. There are precision stops set in the adjustments for angle cutting. Loosen a bolt with a rubber handle attached, lift up a locking switch, turn the blade and motor to where you want it, let the switch lock into its place, and tighten the bolt, and you have the perfect angle for precision cutting. Joints fit perfectly and squares and other angles come out looking flawless every time. The power switch is on the handle, and can be activated without changing position to make the cut. When the switch is deactivated, the electric brake stops the blade almost instantly. It has the best blade guard I have ever seen. It stays out of the way, works smoothly, and lifts out of the way of the cut very near to the platform. It would take an honest effort to be injured by this saw.

Another strength of this saw is its strength. Dewalt has a very strong warranty on all of its products. I occasionally saw a drill or grinder come in on a warranty claim, usually due to misuse by the owner but accommodated anyway. I never once saw one of these saws come in in need of repair out of the hundred or so that I saw go out the doors. Ninety percent of the builders our company served use this saw and swear by it. To me there is no better tribute than that.

I also learned that the best blade for this saw is the Dewalt blade. It is very strong and cuts wood like butter. The most important thing about it is that, even under side pressure, it remains flat for perfect cuts. I had several customers try another, less expensive brand of blade in their Dewalt, and they all found that, especially in angle cuts, the blade sometimes bent a little and gave a slightly curved cut. Changing blades is quite easy with the blade lock and blade wrench that is included.

The 12" blade makes 45 degree cuts in wider wood possible. The compound miter feature allows angled and mitered cuts at the same time, to create more complex joints and make anyone's work look like that of a seasoned craftsman.

The motor is very tough. I once observed a finish worker cutting five-quarter thick (about an inch) by eight-inch wide solid oak like it was jello. The motor seemed to be showing no strain at all.

All in all, I have to recommend this saw to anyone who is serious about wood working projects from framing to cabinetry. It produces accurate and clean results.

The only con I can think of for this tool is the cost. (...) If you are a framer, it's a bargain. If you are looking to just build a fence or deck, it's a bit spendy, but well worth it due to its quality.

Miter Saws

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