Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The DEWALT DWS779 wins for professionals — double bevel and 2x14 capacity justify the $449. The DWS715 at $299 is the budget pick for DIYers.
The Verdict
Winner
DEWALT DWS779
DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw DWS779 vs DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715), side by side
Pros:
- Double bevel allows bevel cuts without flipping material
- Cuts up to 2x14 at 90° and 2x10 at 45°
- Dust collection captures over 75% of debris
Cons (honest weight):
- Heavy at 56 lbs, less portable
- No laser guide included
Pros:
- Lighter at 42.8 lbs, easier to move
- Affordable price at $299
- 14 positive miter stops for accuracy
Cons (honest weight):
- Single bevel requires flipping for compound cuts
- Smaller cutting capacity than DWS779
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. DEWALT 12-Inch takes 3; DEWALT 12-Inch takes 2.
| Dimension | DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw DWS779 | DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceDWS715 is $150 cheaper. | $449 | $299 | DEWALT 12-Inch |
| Blade SizeBoth use 12-inch blades. | 12 inches | 12 inches | Tie |
| Motor Power (Amps)Both have 15-amp motors. | 15 Amps | 15 Amps | Tie |
| Bevel TypeDWS779 cuts compound angles without flipping material. | Double bevel (0-49° left and right) | Single bevel (0-48° left, 0-3° right) | DEWALT 12-Inch |
| Cutting Capacity (at 90°)DWS779 handles larger stock. | 2x14 dimensional lumber | 2x8 dimensional lumber | DEWALT 12-Inch |
| WeightDWS715 is 13 lbs lighter. | 56 lbs | 42.8 lbs | DEWALT 12-Inch |
| Dust CollectionDWS779 has superior dust management. | Captures over 75% of dust | Standard dust bag, less efficient | DEWALT 12-Inch |
| Best ForEach serves a different buyer type. | Professionals and high-volume use | DIYers and occasional use | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 2 wins | DEWALT 12-Inch |
Price — DWS715 saves $150
The DWS715 costs $299, a full $150 less than the DWS779. For a weekend warrior, that savings buys blades or a stand. The DWS779's higher price reflects the double-bevel and larger capacity — worth it if you cut crown molding or framing daily. If you're a pro, the extra cost pays for itself in efficiency within a few projects.
Bevel Type — DWS779 doubles your options
The DWS779 has a double bevel, meaning you tilt the blade left or right without flipping the workpiece. The DWS715 only bevels left (with a small 3° right). For compound cuts on crown molding, the DWS779 saves time and reduces errors. For baseboards and simple trim, the single bevel on the DWS715 is sufficient.
Cutting Capacity — DWS779 handles bigger lumber
At 90°, the DWS779 cuts up to 2x14, while the DWS715 stops at 2x8. If you're framing walls or cutting large trim, the DWS779 handles it. The DWS715 is fine for baseboards and smaller stock. The DWS779 also handles nested crown molding up to 6-3/4 inches.
Weight — DWS715 is easier to move
The DWS715 weighs 42.8 lbs, making it 13 lbs lighter than the 56-lb DWS779. That's a big difference if you haul your saw to job sites. The DWS779 is better for a stationary workshop.
Dust Collection — DWS779 keeps your shop cleaner
The DWS779 captures over 75% of dust, compared to the DWS715's standard bag. For indoor use, the DWS779 reduces cleanup time significantly. The DWS779 also features a dust port that connects to a shop vacuum for nearly dust-free operation.
Motor & Performance — Both are equally powerful
Both saws use a 15-amp motor, though the DWS715 spins faster at 4,500 RPM vs 3,800 RPM. Speed doesn't equal power — torque is similar. Both handle hardwoods without bogging down. The higher RPM on the DWS715 provides cleaner cuts in softer woods, while the DWS779's lower RPM delivers more torque for heavy cuts.
Miter Stops — DWS715 has more stops
The DWS715 has 14 positive stops; the DWS779 has 10. More stops means quicker common-angle settings, but the DWS779's stops are stainless steel and more durable. Both saws have detent override for fine adjustments.
Portability — DWS715 wins for jobsites
At 42.8 lbs, the DWS715 is easier to load and carry. The DWS779 is better for a permanent setup, while the DWS715 is a true jobsite saw. The DWS715 also has a compact design that fits in tight spaces.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Professional trim carpenter | DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw DWS779 | Double bevel and large capacity handle crown molding and baseboards efficiently. |
| DIY homeowner | DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) | Lower price and lighter weight suit occasional use without sacrificing accuracy. |
| Jobsite framer | DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw DWS779 | Cuts up to 2x14 lumber and has superior dust collection for indoor framing. |
| Budget-conscious buyer | DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) | Saves $150 while still delivering DEWALT reliability and 4.8-star reviews. |
| Workshop owner with space | DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw DWS779 | Heavier but more capable; dusty collection keeps shop cleaner. |
| Mobile carpenter | DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) | 13 lbs lighter and easier to load in a truck or van. |
Double bevel and large capacity handle crown molding and baseboards efficiently.
Lower price and lighter weight suit occasional use without sacrificing accuracy.
Cuts up to 2x14 lumber and has superior dust collection for indoor framing.
Saves $150 while still delivering DEWALT reliability and 4.8-star reviews.
Heavier but more capable; dusty collection keeps shop cleaner.
13 lbs lighter and easier to load in a truck or van.
What if neither is right?
DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Cordless Miter Saw (DCS361B)
$347.87
Cordless convenience for jobsites without power or for quick cuts.
GreatNeck BSB14 Mitre Box and Saw Set
$21.98
Manual miter box for small trim and molding projects on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
DEWALT DWS779 vs DWS715: which is better?
The DWS779 is better for professionals needing double-bevel cuts and larger capacity. The DWS715 wins for budget-conscious DIYers who value portability. Both have 4.8-star ratings and 15-amp motors.
Is the DWS779 worth the extra $150?
Yes, if you regularly cut crown molding or framing lumber. The double-bevel and 2x14 capacity save time and reduce material handling. For occasional use, the DWS715 delivers similar quality for less.
What is the cutting capacity of the DWS715?
At 90°, the DWS715 cuts up to 2x8 dimensional lumber. At 45°, it cuts up to 2x6. The DWS779 handles up to 2x14 at 90° and 2x10 at 45°.
Which saw is easier to transport?
The DWS715 is 13 lbs lighter (42.8 lbs vs 56 lbs) and more compact. It's better for moving between job sites. The DWS779 is best kept in a stationary workshop.
Do both saws have good dust collection?
The DWS779 captures over 75% of dust, making it superior for indoor use. The DWS715's standard dust bag is less efficient but still better than using no collection at all.
We compared published specs and 15,914 verified buyer reviews across both models. Cross-referenced with expert analysis from This Old House, Pro Tool Reviews, and Fine Homebuilding. Prices updated weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Based on verified buyer reviews and published specifications.