DeWalt Compound Miter Saw Models Compared (2022 Recall Check)

DeWalt’s current compound miter saw lineup is smaller than most roundups claim – the DWS780 (with XPS light), the base DWS779, and the cordless FlexVolt DHS790/DCS781 cover nearly every buyer. Before buying or using any of these, check the date code: DWS779, DWS780, and DHS790 units made April 2019 through April 2022 were recalled after the rear guard could shatter and expose the blade. This guide compares the real current models and walks through the recall check.

Which DeWalt Compound Miter Saw Should You Buy

Model	Type	Key Feature	Best For
DWS779	Corded, 12″, double-bevel sliding, 15-amp	3,800 RPM motor, no LED light system	Budget-focused buyers who don’t need the light guide
DWS780	Corded, 12″, double-bevel sliding, 15-amp	XPS LED shadow-line cut positioning	Most buyers – the light system makes precise layout easier
DHS790 / DCS781	Cordless FlexVolt, 12″, double-bevel sliding	Runs on 60V FlexVolt battery, no cord needed	Job sites and shops without a convenient outlet
DW715	Corded, 12″, single-bevel, non-sliding	Lighter and more portable, older design	Basic crosscuts on a budget – largely replaced by newer models, often only found used now

For most home shops, the DWS780 is the practical pick: it’s mechanically the same saw as the DWS779 with the added XPS light system, which projects a shadow line showing exactly where the blade will cut before you pull the trigger – genuinely useful for lining up crown molding and picture-frame miters without a separate laser attachment.

Check the 2019-2022 Recall Before You Buy or Use One

DeWalt recalled roughly 1.2 million miter saws in August 2022 – models DWS779, DWS780, and DHS790 (including carton codes DHS790AB and DHS790AT2) manufactured between April 2019 and April 2022. The plastic rear guard assembly on these units can break or shatter if struck, exposing the spinning blade and creating a real laceration risk.

• Check the date code printed on the saw’s nameplate or housing – if it falls between April 2019 and April 2022, stop using the saw until it’s repaired
• DeWalt offers a free repair kit and installation video through its official recall page – contact DeWalt support at 800-990-6421 to request one
• If you’re buying used (garage sale, online marketplace, auction), always ask for the date code before you buy, and factor a repair-kit wait into your decision
• New units currently sold by major retailers reflect the corrected guard design, but it costs nothing to double-check the date code at the store before you leave

Features Worth Comparing

Dust collection matters more than most buyers expect indoors – DeWalt’s onboard dust bags typically capture a majority of chips and fine dust, but connecting a shop vacuum to the saw’s dust port instead of relying on the bag alone catches noticeably more, especially the fine dust that a cloth bag lets through – see miter saw dust collection setups for a closer comparison across brands.

Bevel type is the biggest functional difference in this lineup: double-bevel saws (DWS779, DWS780, DHS790) tilt both left and right, so crown molding and compound angles on opposite-facing walls don’t require flipping the workpiece. The single-bevel DW715 only tilts one direction, which means flipping boards end-for-end for mirror-image cuts – slower, and a common source of measurement mistakes for less experienced users.

Sliding rails extend the crosscut capacity well beyond the blade’s own diameter – DeWalt’s sliding compound saws in this lineup handle base molding up to about 6-3/4 inches vertically against the fence and crown molding nested up to about 7-1/2 inches, capacities a non-sliding saw like the DW715 can’t match on wide boards.

Maintenance Tips

• Brush out dust and debris from the base and pivot points regularly – buildup here is what makes bevel and miter adjustments feel stiff over time
• Replace the blade when cuts start tearing out rather than slicing cleanly – a dull blade also increases kickback risk, not just cut quality (parts and blade sourcing works the same way as on other corded miter saws – see miter saw replacement parts for what to check first)
• Check the rear guard (especially on an older DWS779/DWS780/DHS790) for cracks or looseness at every use, independent of the recall check above
• Keep moving parts lightly lubricated per the owner’s manual – over-oiling attracts dust that then works its way into the pivot and rail mechanisms

Frequently Asked Questions

Was my DeWalt miter saw recalled?

If it’s a DWS779, DWS780, or DHS790 (including DHS790AB or DHS790AT2) with a date code between April 2019 and April 2022, yes. Check the nameplate and contact DeWalt at 800-990-6421 for a free repair kit.

What is a compound miter saw used for?

A compound miter saw makes angled crosscuts by pivoting the blade horizontally (miter) and, on double-bevel models, tilting it vertically in either direction (bevel) – used for crown molding, picture frames, and other angled trim work.

What’s the difference between the DWS779 and DWS780?

They’re mechanically the same 12-inch double-bevel sliding saw. The DWS780 adds DeWalt’s XPS LED shadow-line system, which projects the blade’s cut line onto the workpiece before you cut.

Can a DeWalt compound miter saw cut metal?

Only with a blade specifically rated for the metal you’re cutting (thin aluminum or similar) – never use a wood blade on metal. Follow the saw’s manual and wear eye and hearing protection regardless.

Is the cordless DHS790 as powerful as the corded DWS780?

It’s close for most trim and framing work, but a 60V FlexVolt battery has a run-time and torque ceiling a corded saw doesn’t. For all-day, high-volume cutting, the corded DWS780 has no battery to manage.

The DWS780 covers most buyers who want a corded double-bevel sliding saw with the XPS light system; go cordless with the DHS790/DCS781 if you need to work away from an outlet. Whichever one you own or buy used, check the date code against the 2019-2022 recall window first – it costs nothing and DeWalt’s repair kit is free.