( 42 reviews )
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Posted: Aug 6 2009
As I am a professional carpenter for living for more than 20 years in Dallas, TX, until last week (7/31/09), I have used DW 708 for more than 10 years without any problems. That time I gave DW708 5 stars. It was the excellent 12" sliding compound saw. But last week housing of ball bearing of motor shaft was cut (worn-out), but it was still working good. Only cranky sound came out. I gave it to my worker and bought DW718. Today (8/05/09), I cut more than 100 pieces with DW718 to get familiar with this, not for the job. First of all, I don't understand why DeWalt changed from DW708 to DW718. This is not user friendly at all. I agree with other negative reviews mostly. This saw is nothing better than old model DW708 except tall fence. There is a fatal(very critical) flaw that when flat laying with miter cut is required, ex. casing and pencil mark is at the side of fence, not your side, it is very hard to match the line because blade is too high. It looks more than 1" space between board and blade. Unless you turn the board the other side (pencil mark side toward you) , you should make several cuts to get the line. It is very time consuming and big headache to professional carpenters. It looks very simple and easy, but to the professional carpenters working for living, it is not. Vertical with miter cutting is OK (not great). We can not draw a cutting line all the way on the board every time. I am wondering whether DeWalt took it a job site test before putting them in the market. Sliding is not smooth like old model and compound locks, table (smaller than DW708) and miter scale point (located at right side) are hard to use also. Since I have been a carpenter, I have never used other companies' miter saws. So I can't compare it to the other companies. Most of my tools are DeWalt. I always wear DeWalt cap during the job, too. If DeWalt would have improved DW708 little bit more, like a tall fence, It would be a great 12" sliding compound saw. A laser is one of new features. It looks not important at all to professional carpenters, because I can not rely on the line of laser due to its thickness. If they cut dimensional lumber (framing), laser would be very helpful, but cutting trim, cabinetry, fine wood working and stain grade jobs need to deal within 1/32nd (almost perfect joint). My suggestions to DeWalt for DW 718 are: 1. Blade at fence side needs to be lowered, at least same as DW708. This means blade needs to travel further back. So lower point of blade closes to the pencil mark. 2. Larger table ( Very hard and dangerous with short and wide board. We don't always cut long pieces. I think little more weight would not be a problem to most of carpenters.) 3. Locate miter scale point at left side or center because of mostly right hand. Very hard to see from the left side. I wish DeWalt would improve it better and trade-in. I once bought this and have to use it more than 10 years. I expected it a great saw. Thank you. Lee/First Carpentry, Dallas, TX
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Posted: Jul 27 2009
I have owned two DeWalt miter saws. The DW718 has the capabilities to be the best miter saw on the market. I like every aspect of this saw. The motor seems to run slower than my other DeWalt miter saw but it can cut anything you put its way. I like the LED light system for the extra $59. Well worth it. First thing i did was upgrade the blade. People complain about the blade, however any real woodworker would never use the blade a saw came with. I like Freud's blades personally. It is like buying a 4x4 and keeping the tires that came on the truck. For the $599 this saw is worth it. Why i gave it 4 stars and not 5? I emailed DeWalt today about this but i have been having an issue with my DW718. When i go to create a return for a piece of trim, for example: baseboards. The bevel of the saw seems to be off by just 1 degree. When i miter the 45 for the return the piece of wood grows from top to bottom. I tried adjusting the saws bevel by a degree and recut the piece. It came out perfect so i left the saw alone. Only problem now was the bevel was still off on the opposite side for a miter cut. But i know DeWalt will back there tool, and i am sure they will take care of this problem. Miter Saws start with DeWalt at number 1, then a lot of people tell me they like the Ridgid saw, but i have yet to try it, Bosch saw is alright. Makita and Hitachi are NOT my favorite tool brands. I had a Makita saw and it was the worst saw ever. Hitachi is fair. Whatever is left is not even worth looking at. Stick with DeWalt. Their Double Bevel Miter Saw is still my 5 star favorite. For the Money the Single Bevel Miter Saw is the best out there by far! Worst brand is Ryobi! Best Brand is DeWalt/Bosch. If you can not afford DeWalt, Ridgid seems to be ok. I have a few of there tools. People also complain about DeWalt being built in Mexico. I rather have a USA tool any day of the week, but anything is better than a tool made in China!
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Posted: May 21 2009
I needed another miter saw with a larger cutting capacity-slider. I was going in to buy the Makiata. Carefully studying several other sliders on display,I was more impressed with the Dewalt,especially the head play and more smoother action compared to the others. I do own and use a radial arm saw, an excellent machine if set up and used properly like any device. The slider is based on the radial arm in a portable package. The Dewalt was on sale, great price,so I purchased it with the lazer attachment. The lazer installed quickly,and adjustments were slow, one line beam,it should have been dual line,factory installed. It works so so, not sold on any saw lazers,just an indicaton to the cut line. I rarely use it. I'm use to lining up the blade,it gives me better accuracy. Out of the box the settings were very close, it needed finer tuning,fairly easy.I use the saw for homeowner work,and build furniture and cabinets as a hobby. The finish of the saw was excellent. It could use a larger table-its sufficient, but there goes the weight, a trade off. The blade is a poor cut for finishing work, it cuts quickly and clean for framing and pressure treated. Replaced,cut new stair treads and risers, the angles were a little different for each one, the saw was easily adjusted/locked to any angle and the fit was perfect. The saw is accurate, but again it must be tuned and used properly. It could use more power for thick oak. Very quiet compared to direct drives. I would buy this saw again and would recommened it. I give it a 4 due to the price, their all too high for the work they do, so so lazer-self installed/adjusted, and the blade it came with.
