Enterthedeals Refurbished DEWALT 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Introduction
This review covers the Refurbished DEWALT DWS779R 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Model DWS779R), a professional-style miter saw offered by DEWALT. The saw is a double-bevel, sliding compound miter saw designed for carpenters, finish carpentry, remodelers, and serious DIYers who need accurate miters, bevels and the ability to crosscut wider stock than a fixed-head 12″ saw. This refurbished listing is offered at a price of $398.99.
Overview
Manufacturer: DEWALT
Product category: 12″ Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (refurbished)
Intended use: Making precise crosscuts, compound cuts and bevels in trim, molding, framing lumber and other wood stock; suitable for finish carpentry, crown molding, baseboards, decking and general joinery where accurate miters and bevels are required.
Appearance, Materials & Design
The DWS779R retains DEWALT’s signature yellow-and-black aesthetic — professional and recognizable on job sites. Materials and assembly quality on DEWALT saws like the DWS779 typically emphasize durability: metal components for the base and fences, with reinforced castings on critical elements and durable plastic for guards and knobs.
Notable design elements include a sliding head that increases crosscut capacity over a non-sliding 12″ saw and a double-bevel mechanism that allows the head to tilt both left and right without flipping the workpiece. The saw’s machined base and fence support contribute to a stable, repeatable cut platform, and the precise miter system with positive detents helps with quick, reliable angle selection.
Key Features & Specifications
- Model: DEWALT DWS779R (refurbished)
- Power: 120V, 15 Amp motor
- Blade size: 12-inch (blade not always included with refurbished units—verify with seller)
- Double-bevel: Tilts left and right for compound cuts without flipping the workpiece
- Sliding compound design: Increases crosscut capacity compared to fixed-head 12″ saws
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support (improves alignment and repeatability)
- Miter angle range: Left 50°, Right 60°
- Positive miter detents: 10 preset detent positions for commonly used angles
- Refurbished condition: Function-tested unit — cosmetic condition may vary; check warranty/return policy
- Price shown on listing: $398.99
Using the Saw — Real-World Experience
Below I outline practical observations and scenarios to give prospective buyers a sense of how the DWS779R behaves in typical workshop and jobsite tasks. Because this is a refurbished unit, I also highlight the steps you should take when receiving the saw.
Setup & First Impressions
Out of the crate (or box) a refurbished DWS779R will usually require a basic setup: mounting to a stand or bench, installing and aligning the blade, and checking bevel and miter calibrations. The machined base and fence support make initial alignment straightforward, and the miter detents give reliable, quick indexing to common angles. Inspect the saw for loose fasteners, ensure the sliding action is smooth (no binding or excessive play), and verify the bevel stops and miter detents engage positively.
Crosscuts & General Carpentry
The sliding head expands usable crosscut width over non-sliding 12″ saws, making it possible to cut wider boards and sheet stock trim pieces. The 15A motor provides strong torque for smooth cuts in dimensional lumber and common finish-materials when using a quality blade. For rough framing or general crosscuts, the saw feels robust and consistent.
Finish Work — Molding & Crown
For finish carpentry and crown molding, the double-bevel function is a real time-saver: you can bevel both directions without reorienting the workpiece. The accurate miter detents are helpful when cutting 45° or 22.5° joints. Accuracy depends on blade quality and calibration — a fine-tooth finish blade and a quick verify with a square will deliver the repeatable tight joints expected for trim work.
Compound Cuts & Complex Angles
Compound cuts for stairs or complex trim use are manageable with the DWS779R. The combination of sliding capacity and double-bevel tilting makes the saw versatile. Take time to lock down fences and confirm angle settings before batch cutting parts; the built-in detents and machined fence help maintain consistency during repetitive cuts.
Dust Management & Cleanup
Dust control on miter saws is often a compromise; the DWS779R will collect a fair amount of sawdust, and typical jobsite dust bags are only so effective. Expect to use a shop vac or external dust collection for cleaner operation, especially when cutting MDF or for indoor work.
Portability & Jobsite Use
This is a 12″ sliding compound saw — heavier and bulkier than compact non-sliding units. It’s portable enough to move between jobs with a cart or truck, but not something you’d want to carry long distances by hand. The tradeoff is the improved cutting capacity and professional features.
Refurbished Unit Considerations
With a refurbished DWS779R, condition can vary: cosmetic scuffs and signs of prior use are common, but functional testing should ensure motor, bevel and miter mechanisms, and safety guards operate correctly. Ask the seller about the refurbishment process, parts replaced (if any), and warranty or return terms. When you receive the saw, verify electrical operation, spin the blade by hand (with power off) to check bearings, and confirm detent stops and bevel travel are accurate.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful 15A motor that handles most trim and framing materials smoothly.
- Sliding head increases crosscut capacity vs. fixed 12″ miter saws.
- Double-bevel capability saves time and improves workflow for compound cuts.
- Precise miter system and machined base/fence support contribute to repeatable, accurate cuts.
- Wide miter range (Left 50°, Right 60°) and 10 positive miter detents for common angles.
- Refurbished price (listed at $398.99) can be a good value compared with new pro saw prices.
Cons
- As a sliding compound saw it is bulkier and heavier than compact models — not ideal if you need frequent single-person portability.
- Refurbished units can vary in cosmetic condition and may have limited or seller-specific warranties; inspect and confirm return policy.
- Dust collection on miter saws in this class is usually mediocre; plan on external dust collection for cleaner jobsites or indoor use.
- Some modern conveniences (laser guides or advanced LED XPS systems) may not be present depending on the exact factory configuration or the refurb process — confirm included features before purchase.
- Blade and accessories may not be included with refurbished units; budget for a good-quality blade and clamps if needed.
Conclusion
The Refurbished DEWALT DWS779R 12″ Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a strong option for anyone who needs a capable, accurate miter saw for finish and general carpentry work without paying full price for new pro-grade equipment. Its 15A motor, sliding capacity, double-bevel functionality, and precise miter system make it versatile for trim, molding, decking, and framing tasks. The machined base/fence support and positive detents help deliver repeatable accuracy — a key requirement for finish work.
Buying a refurbished unit can be a good value at the listed price of $398.99, provided you confirm the seller’s refurbishment standards, warranty/return policy, and what accessories are included. If you prioritize maximum portability, or require state-of-the-art onboard alignment lasers or dust management straight out of the box, you may need to budget for additional accessories or consider a different model. For shop builders and jobsite carpenters who need a reliable, capable saw with a smaller investment, the DWS779R refurbished is worth serious consideration.
Recommendation: If you need a professional-grade 12″ sliding compound miter saw and are comfortable inspecting/refurbishment details, the DEWALT DWS779R refurbished can deliver excellent value and performance. Verify condition, included accessories, and warranty before purchase.
